"wall ties"

CUPACLAD 101 Logic was specified as part of the construction of a new Aldi store in Truro, Cornwall. The natural slate cladding product was chosen for an aesthetic that was entirely in-keeping with the surrounding Cornish town, as well as its impressive fire-resistant properties. Aldi tasked construction consultancy company Kendall Kingscott with designing and overseeing the creation of a new store in Garras Wharf, Truro. Kendall Kingscott became aware of CUPA PIZARRAS and its products after the slate provider presented a CPD to the team in their Bristol office. Keen to utilise the company’s natural slate products, Kendall Kingscott contacted its Technical Sales Manager for the South West, Stuart Black. “The team at Kendall Kingscott wanted to use natural slate for two reasons,” said Stuart. “Firstly, hanging slate cladding is very popular in the local area so specifying this material would allow the store to blend in with some of the surrounding buildings. Secondly, natural slate scores highly when it comes to fire resistance.” Consequently, Stuart recommended CUPACLAD Logic 101, which utilises natural slate. At 7.65mm thick, it is a robust slate product and is ideal for locations that regularly experience high winds and heavy rain. Furthermore, natural slate is classed as A1 non-combustible in accordance with the European standard EN 13501-1 – the highest possible fire rating.  Once the 150m2 of natural slate was delivered to site – it was installed by Spectrum Building Envelope & Facades. As is required for CUPACLAD Logic 101, the slates were fixed horizontally using self-drilling screws that have been specially designed to optimise installation. Post-application the screws are invisible, to ensure they do not detract from the natural slate’s appealing aesthetic.  Architect James Stanfield from Kendall Kingscott commented: “CUPA PIZARRAS worked closely with our design team to produce a bespoke solution that provides a sharp and contemporary public facing façade. “The slate provides texture and uniformity to the building frontage, which ties it into the local context. We were very pleased with the finish provided by CUPACLAD Logic 101 and how CUPA PIZARRAS helped to deliver the project and fulfil the brief.”  What’s more, thanks to its natural resistance and durability, slate does not lose its colour over time and it continues to perform. As such, it is maintenance free and guaranteed to last up to 100 years. 

South Queensferry School received an express service from Yeoman Shield to complete staircase wall refurbishment works during the February half term holiday period.With the requirement to protect 3 staircases and stairwells, Yeoman Shield were able to facilitate the supply and installation of 375 metres of FalmouthEx wall protection panels to suit the 4-day window allowed for the work to be carried out.Fitted to 1250 mm high along these areas, in 3 different colours to identify different departments, Yeoman Shield experienced installers were able to accommodate faultlessly the rake angle of the staircase walls, as well as removing and then reinstalling the original handrail when the panelling had been completed.South Queens Ferry School’s Business Manager commented “Yeoman Shield’s team of installers made an excellent, professional job of the wall protection project and we are very pleased with the results.”The implementation of wall protection to school interiors prevents impact damage caused by the movement of pupils, staff, bags and equipment. Stopping scratching and marking will result in reduced maintenance and redecoration costs in the future whilst serving to extend the lifecycle of interior walls.The easy to clean, inherently hygienic properties of the rigid PVCu wall panels ensures a high standard is maintained around the school enhancing the interior design and the welfare of pupils and staff.For more information on how Yeoman Shield can help schools reduce costs on re-painting and repair costs go to www.yeomanshield.com or call 0113 279 5854.

Castell High School in Flintshire supplies co-education to 1300+ students promoting strong levels of well-being.The original school building was established in 1958 and as the student intake grew extensions were built in 1974 and 1992 to accommodate.2021 saw the latest extension, Y Celtec building, completed. Problems soon became apparent with the walls within the new area being clean and damage free.The school’s Site supervisor, Paul Muncey explained “Keeping the white painted walls clean was becoming a nightmare for our cleaning team and within 12 months of the building coming into use the walls along the corridors required repainting.”Business Manager Emma Manning had come across Yeoman Shield wall protection solutions in a previous position and got in touch with regards to protecting the new building’s wall before the impact damage became too great.Yeoman Shield directly employed fixing operatives installed Mid-Grey FalmouthEx, 2500 x 1250 mm wall protection panels along the corridor walls.The panels once in place not only protect from damage but are easy to clean down and will prove over the years to reduce repair and maintenance costs. They also look good sustaining a bright, clean, and welcoming environment for staff and pupils at all times.Paul Muncey concluded, “I was very pleased with the quality of work provided by the Yeoman Shield installers who showed consideration to the environment that they were working in.”

"The quality of the teaching walls is excellent, they are very robust. The teachers are really impressed with the functionality, the storage and what they can do with the teaching walls and overall it’s thumbs ups. The reaction of the teachers and pupils was one of ‘it’s really well designed, the colour scheme is really good, it matches the room, the storage is much more that you would think against just one wall of the classroom. We definitely want to use the Boyco range again." - Hasib Hikmat, Business Manager, Olga Primary School

Work has begun on the workers’ accommodation campus at Hinkley Point C and BioClad is supplying and installing its antimicrobial internal wall lining for the units to provide a fully hygienic environment for those working on the project. The campuses will have a total of approximately 1,500 en-suite rooms, all featuring BioClad antimicrobial internal wall linings. BioClad wall lining is a cost-effective alternative to tiling and offers superior hygiene through it’s silver-ion technology which kills microbes by 99%.

In January 2008, the Devon Partnership NHS Foundation Trust approved plans for a major redevelopment of the Langdon Hospital site based in Dawlish. RCM were appointed by the NHS to provide the Renderflex building board – a high performance cellulose fibre cement render carrier board and Y-Wall – a calcium silicate board on the inner leaf of the wall construction. The client specified robust walls in all areas, especially within the patient wards, which made RCM’s boards ideal for the project.

As one of the pioneers of remote working solutions, Citrix recently chose to reconfigure their offices, taking on an additional space at the Cambridge Science Park. Aiming to create an environment that would facilitate engagement, creativity and productivity, moveable wall specialists, Style worked closely with architect, Gensler, and contractor, Area Sq, to offer intensely flexible workspace.Delivering exceptional acoustic ratings of 55dB and 52dB respectively, Style installed two Dorma Hüppe Variflex solid moveable walls and a single Variflex glass moveable wall, allowing Citrix staff to section off a meeting area from the main hall and then further sub-divide the space as required. Contributing to the vibrant new décor, all walls feature black RAL 9005 profiles and dry wipe magnetic boards to encourage brainstorming. Cambridge Science Park has been home to the UK Citrix Research and Development team for over a decade. Having occupied approx. 30,000 sq ft of space on the first floor, Citrix was keen to refurbish their existing workplace as well as expand operations by taking over additional space on the ground floor.Reflecting the Citrix vision and culture, the new layout and design maximises the potential of the space, allowing staff to establish new ways of collaborating.When all three walls are in place, three smaller meeting rooms are created. Alternatively, a combination of one large and one small meeting room can be formed, or just one very large space using just the glass moveable wall. The entire space can also be opened-up into one large open plan area. “This is an excellent example of how a combination of glass and solid moveable walls can create really adaptable office space,” said Steve Williams, sales director for Style Midlands.“Thanks to the inclusion of three pass doors, access is simplified and also allows the glass wall to be left in place for extended periods if desired, creating a more permanent space. “However, due to the semi-automatic operation of these operable walls, they can be opened up extremely quickly so that the entire space can be reconfigured for different vents throughout the day.” 

DG Timber Solutions, specialist designers and manufacturers of timber frame construction were awarded the contract to build the structure’s wall panels in the factory and install on-site, with the objective of achieving an overall wall U-value of 0.20W/m²K.

A faceted on plan curtain wall completed in AluK’s SL52 system is the centrepiece of the two storey community hub known as The Curve in the Bryn Gaer Place housing development. AluK’s technical team worked closely with their commercial fabrication partners Vellacine to design the curtain walling for the project in Newport, which also required an external canopy to be attached to the system. The challenge was to deliver the faceted on plan design in a practical and cost effective way. This was achieved utilising AluK’s SL52 curtain walling system with a variable gasket solution and a single mullion to ensure that the glazing complemented the external façade design. AluK’s SL52 flexible, capped curtain walling system met the aesthetic, thermal, wind and water performance requirements set down by the north Wales based architects Ainsley Gommon. 

Architect: Barber Casanovas RufflesInstaller: S J EasternProduct: Gustafs Acoustic Panel System700m2 of Gustafs Panel System in Natural Oak veneer with PD8 and PH10 perforations were installed to the walls of the central atrium as well as the walls and ceilings of the 150 seat auditorium at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) Technical Hub at the Genome Campus in Cambridge.The £17m, 5000sqm building is a collaborative research and training base for up to 225 staff from 85 research companies covering fields including bioinformatics and molecular data as well as pharmaceutical and agricultural studies.In addition to the acoustic panel system, LSA supplied over 500m2 of 44mm deep linear ribs in Natural Oak veneer were installed to the walls of the central atrium as well as the walls and ceilings of the auditorium.

After successfully completing living walls at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Ashford, we were approached to design and implement a similar scheme for McArthurGlen’s newest outlet on the outskirts of Paris.This development exemplifies McArthurGlen’s commitment to sustainability. The scheme was built according to ‘Excellent’ High Environmental Quality (HQE) standards and includes 20,000 square metres of green roofs, 1,000 square metres of living walls and 120 electric parking spaces.The architect, Arte Charpentier wanted to create a ‘rich and welcoming experience’ for visitors and the living walls contribute to that vision. At the heart of the development lies a central ellipse, adorned with two gracefully curved stretches of Biotecture’s living cladding, each spanning an impressive 90 metres in length and standing at a height of 11 metres. Two more expansive sections of living wall frame the east entrance.The living walls are a visually striking architectural feature and help to cultivate a serene shopping environment. In addition to their aesthetic contributions, the plants will play a vital role in improving air quality and promoting biodiversity within the outlet.

Timber frame specialist Seven Oaks Modular Ltd was awarded the contract to construct wall panels in their factory for this development, followed by delivery and installation on-site with the need to ensure the client met the target U-value of 0.19W/m²K for the wall.

TJX Europe’s landmark new headquarters in the centre of Watford demonstrates how Biotecture’s living walls can transform urban landscapes and create an architectural feature to stunning effect. Standing at 12 storeys high, it is one of the tallest buildings in Watford and features over 620 square metres of living wall, positioned internally and externally both at ground level and with multiple elevations, including a seventh-floor roof terrace. The living wall was installed nearly a year ahead of the the project handover and will contribute to the target BREEAM 'Excellent' rating.

Over 2,000m2 of Tata Steel’s insulated roof and wall panels were used in the construction of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the development. Around 1,000m2 of Trisomet® 120mm panels in Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® pre-finished steel in Goosewing Grey were used on the roof and nearly 1,100m2 of Trisomet® 80mm and Trimapanel® micro-rib 90mm panels in Colorcoat Prisma® in Ephyra were used on the wall elevations. The wall elevations were finished off with Anthracite soffits.

We have collaborated with the “Smile for Africa” Foundation to transform a classroom wall into a writable wall with ESCREO whiteboard paint for the first time in Africa. The charity foundation is a wonderful initiative for a better life filled with smiles for children from different regions of Africa. Thanks to them, children can now feel the special magic that whiteboard paint can bring to them. Daniel Delibashev, founder of the Foundation, shares that they were used to improvised chalkboard walls, i.e. black-painted concrete, which were not as hygienic as one can imagine. However, children now write on a white writable wall with markers which attracts their attention and concentration better and contributes to better learning. Daniel shares that both children and teachers are very excited to see and use a different method than traditional blackboards. It is an “archaic” method which is widely used in Africa and is quite inconvenient because over time the boards start turning white and it is difficult to distinguish what is written on them.  Other issues that whiteboard paint now solves include the often need for the chalkboard walls to be repainted, which used to create a lot of difficulties and additional costs. It has proven to be quite uncomfortable, because the dust used to stick to the hands and clothes of the children and to enter the eyes, damaging their vision. Both students and teachers now want to replace all the blackboards with walls painted with whiteboard paint, because the convenience and joy they bring are indisputable.

Altro wall solutions support fight against COVID-19ChallengeNew Jersey’s Holy Name Medical Centre was at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19, coping with an alarmingly high rate of new COVID case admissions. It became clear that for Holy Name Medical Centre to continue providing its patients with crucial life-saving care, their existing Intensive Care Unit (ICU) space would need to undergo an essential update.Approach“Our ICU was built in the 1960s and was in need of an upgrade,” stated Melissa Candela, Holy Name Medical Centre’s Manager of Design and Construction. “Our experience at the epicentre of New Jersey’s outbreak triggered an action plan to transition the outdated space to a unit with the highest technology, safety, and design standards, in addition to strong functionality.” The design of the unit needed to prioritise interiors that could endure frequent cleaning and disinfecting routines while helping to create a design-oriented space with a patient focus.SolutionHoly Name Medical Centre selected Altro Whiterock White and the decorative Altro Whiterock wall designs throughout the ICU to create a high design, hygienic space for patient treatment. Altro Whiterock is a hygienic walls system, providing smooth impact-resistant surfaces and leaving dirt and bacteria nowhere to hide. This is especially practical in the case of Holy Name Medical Centre’s ICU, where thorough cleaning is vital in promoting the safety of patients and staff alike. Altro Whiterock wall designs can be used alongside Altro Whiterock White to create a less clinical feel in patient areas.Altro Whiterock wall designs give elegance to interior walls while providing the durability you expect from an Altro Whiterock wall sheet.

The school opened in September 2016. As part of the build, Julian James, Managing Director at Julian James Cladding Ltd., recommended the Altro Fortis wall protection system. Doors and plaster board walls can easily be damaged, be it scrapes and knocks as people pass, or more serious dents and holes caused by wheeled traffic. Altro Fortis Titanium has been specifically designed to protect these surfaces. Altro Fortis Titanium is dense, impervious and resistant to bumps. It features a lightly textured surface, which camouflages scuffs, keeping the wall area looking better for longer.

Delta products were used at ground level on a semi-detached property in Hertfordshire that suffered from severe flooding. After the flood at the Grade II listed property in Long Marston, restoration experts DJ Hutchings of Towcester was called in, and – in turn – they called upon the services of Peter Cox . Work includes the full strip-out of all wall finishes and the solid floor on the ground floor. Mass underpinning took place to all the external walls. Included in the materials supplied by Delta is the MS500 system applied to all ground floor walls and MS20 on the floors.

The project will provide a new world-class facility for Scotland. The 12,500-capacity arena along with conference and exhibition spaces will host major events and music concerts. The developers were looking for an easy to install edge protection system that would absorb and protect against impact damage on external corners of walls. The Genesis EAS edge protection profiles are easily applied with the self adhesive backing and are suitable for retro fitting to provide a decroative and clean finish as well as covering existing damage to walls so that the wall covering doesn’t have to be replaced.

The conversion of a centuries-old house in Soglio presented an interesting challenge to the interior designer and the joiner. The end result is a residential house where the old building fabric and modern comforts complement one another perfectly. The interior designer and the joiner worked closely together to develop the interior. A sliding partition wall separates the bathroom from the bedroom. HAWA Junior 80 Z hardware makes sure it slides smoothly and quietly. Although sliding partition walls are rather atypical for the building type and its era, they are perfect for a house with confined spaces and slanting walls.

Highcliffe School in Dorset originally requested a visit from Style’s service and repair team, to offer advice regarding a moveable wall that was no longer functioning. Having carried out extensive inspection and testing, Style’s technicians concluded that it was beyond repair and that the best solution would be to install a new, Stylefold 120 modern folding wall system. A key benefit of the Stylefold system is its ease of operation, offering maximum flexibility for the school to use the wall on a day-to-day basis to divide the main hall from the canteen service desk and newly installed chiller.

THE PROJECTIntroducing the Bradwell Street project that features numerous individual COM 1 mailboxes that are wall mounted underneath an entrance porch to the homes of residents.The COM 1 mailbox is a versatile and popular solution that lends itself to being both used as a single product, or in a bank of multiple mailboxes popular in multi-occupancy residences.The COM 1 used in this project meets the requirements set out in the Secured by Design Homes 2016 guide by using a mail aperture restrictor. The mailbox features numbered engraving to allow for easy identification by personnel delivery mail and a custom colour specified to meet project branding guidelines.The COM 1 mailbox can be wall mounted (as in this project), wall recessed or freestanding – available for both internal and external use.PROJECT DETAILSProject Type: Private Accommodation Product: COM 1 MailboxInstallation: Wall MountedAccessories: Engraving

Cannon Park Shopping Centre in Coventry has undergone a significant transformation. Led by MPR, the redevelopment project includes refurbishment of the existing shopping centre, construction of a new 780-bed student residence, and the addition of a new 400-space multi-storey car park. Biotecture was brought on board to incorporate living walls into the development.In 2021, Biotecture installed a 690 square metre green wall on the multi-storey car park as part of the project’s first phase. We then continued to collaborate with the project’s architects, Urban Innovations, and landscape architects, Parkhood, on phase 2; 9 living walls on the student accommodation phase. The vertical greening was an important part of the scheme, helping to help soften the development, improve air quality, contribute to biodiversity net gain.The living walls are integrated into the building fabric. We worked closely with the design team to ensure that the living walls not only aligned with the desired aesthetics but also met the technical requirements.We used our BioPanel system which uses Grodan® as the growing medium. Grodan is dimensionally stable, chemically inert, and water retentive resulting in healthier and longer-lasting plants.

York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust commissioned artistic wall protection from manufacturer Intastop Ltd after its MRI waiting area at York Hospital was suffering damage from the backs of chairs scuffing the perimeter walls leaving unsightly and unhygienic levels of damage.

Rush Green Primary School, LondonClient: London Borough of Barking & DagenhamProduct: The Coniston Wall Mounted CanopySize: 16.3m x 2.2mFrame Colour: Hipca WhiteInstallation Date: June 2023Brief Having worked with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham before on a number of projects, they contacted us again regarding their most recent project at Rush Green Primary School. The school which is located in Dagenham were having works completed which included a single storey extension, internal alterations, and refurbishment. As part of the works, they required a wall mounted canopy in their quad courtyard area to provide shade and shelter all year round.Proposal As requested, we provided an estimate for a Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy with a length of 16.3 metres and a projection of 2.2 metres. Because the Coniston is mounted to a wall, it requires a suitable wall to fix to; the building at Rush Green Primary School was a block construction which was covered with render, which is one of the many ideal wall constructions for the Coniston’s requirements. In the case where a wall may not have a suitable construction for a wall mounted canopy, we can supply the Coniston as a free-standing canopy with rear posts. Alternatively, we also have a number of free standing canopies that are similar in appearance to the Coniston which are the Grange Free Standing Canopy and for those with lower budgets, the Grange Junior Free Standing Canopy.Solution Upon comparing our canopy quotation to two other companies, an order was placed for our Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy in May 2023.At the pre-site stage, there was a number of points to be discussed outside of the usual specifics which were:Foundations: Unless otherwise stated, foundations are included in all our canopy quotations. The flooring in at Rush Green Primary School featured raised decking, so we needed to investigate the area underneath the decking to check it was suitable for our foundations and they were.Access and Obstructions: The quad area features a pond which could have made an obstruction however, it was agreed that the pond would be covered over with strong boards so we could work over it.The canopy was installed at the start of June 2023 as scheduled with no problems along the way.If you have a similar project in mind, contact us today to request a free estimate or discuss a bespoke canopy with us.

OverviewPowrmatic Wall Opensky natural and smoke ventilators were specified to help to protect Pepperl + Fuchs’ new HQ and logistics centre in Singapore.Project BackgroundWall Opensky natural and smoke ventilators for Pepperl + Fuchs, a global manufacturer of process automation specialising in the manufacture of sensors. One area of the company’s new Singapore facility is a high bay warehouse that required an automatic natural and smoke ventilation system to meet fire safety regulations.Project SolutionWall Opensky natural and smoke ventilators were specified to help to protect Pepperl + Fuchs’ new HQ and logistics centre in Singapore. Powrmatic Partners INNIVATE, therefore, proposed a solution using low-level inlet ventilators on two walls with exhaust ventilators at a high level on the same walls. In all, 36 Powrmatic Opensky ventilators have been supplied for the project – 18 on each wall divided into nine at the low level and nine at the high level.Project ResultAll of the smoke ventilators are fitted with 24 V DC actuators and grouped to operate simultaneously in the event of the fire alarm system being activated. Each Opensky ventilator is fully insulated and finished in a polyester powder coating in a complementary colour to that of the surrounding cladding. INNIVATE provided a ‘one-stop’ supply and installation solution from the early stages of the project through to final testing and commissioning, ensuring that the installation meets the requirements of both Pepperl + Fuchs and the Singapore Civil Defence Force.Paul Paffett, Innivate Director added “Our partnership with Powrmatic is going from strength to strength and this project just highlights how we are working together providing our clients with natural and smoke ventilation systems. The Powrmatic Wall Opensky was selected due to its performance and value, as well as its high level of reliability”.

A 150yr old stone built cottage had developed structural faults. The archway entrance was failing due to inadequate support causing distortion of the arch pier, the front door to jam and masonry cracking in the archway walls. HD BowTies were installed through the front elevation stonework and the first two floor joists to provide lateral restraint. HeliBars were bonded into the mortar beds to create masonry beams which assisted in distributing the loads above the arch. Crack stitching was undertaken to repair and stabilise the archway wall which was also secured to the internal cross wall with grouted CemTies.

Wolvercote Primary School, Oxfordshire, first contracted Style to install a folding wall in a classroom in 2015. This proved so useful that when the need arose again, the teaching staff insisted on the same product. Working with architect SixPC and contractor Wensley Group, Style’s team recommended the same Stylefold 120 folding wall but, with an endfold configuration rather than centrefold arrangement, giving added space when the wall is not in use. Boasting an impressive 46dB Rw acoustic rating, the partition enables the school to run adjacent classes either side, or quickly open the room up into one large space.

Style is delighted to announce the opening of its brand new London showroom, showcasing the very latest in moveable wall systems. Conveniently located a short walk from Old Street Tube Station, anyone can request to visit to discuss projects and spend time with one of Style’s partitioning specialists. As well as seeing an impressive range of movable wall solutions in operation, visitors can also experience fully automated operable walls, the very latest acoustic integrity, a range of finishes and designs, and get up to speed with current technical specifications. It’s also a great venue for advice and inspiration!

The upmarket development was built on a sloping site which required an attractive retaining wall.A large retaining wall was required but space was limited. The retaining wall needed to incorporate corners, curves and steps, as well as supporting an elevated car park above it.The existing site conditions were far from ideal and required significant remediation works.Peter Leonard, Quantity Surveyor at Carpenterbuild Ltd commented: “Having no prior awareness of alternative retention methods, we were going to use a Gabion Basket system. We had previous experience using Gabions on other schemes.”

Calm and non-clinical environment for busy ICUChallengeHospital environments are created to heal; yet supporting both physical and mental health needs in clinical environments can be challenging. The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Harrogate District Hospital required a refurbishment to its walls and wanted a non-clinical design, but with hygienic properties. Approach The unit had different areas with different functions – it needed to have hygienic, clean, wipe down walls which were also robust and could withstand bumps and scuffs. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the refurbishment needed to be completed quickly with minimum downtime to ICU. The team also wanted the unit to have a non-clinical feel. Solution Altro Whiterock White, Altro Whiterock Chameleon, and Altro Whiterock Digiclad (Custom) were selected for the walls in the ICU. The hospital’s paediatric unit had Altro hygienic wall sheets installed previously and knew they were robust and trusted products. The ICU staff and project design team took time to select artwork of cherry blossom branches that would be cheerful yet calming for patients, as well as inspiring and uplifting for hardworking staff. The images were printed to create the Altro Whiterock Digiclad (Custom) wall sheets.

The ChallengeA rapid build retaining wall solution was required to cut down the construction programme.House builders are experiencing extraordinary pressure to meet targets despite the shortage of materials and skilled labour. Contractors are faced with incredibly tight construction programmes which are difficult to deliver on.This challenge is prevalent throughout GB and Ireland, and the case is no different on Bushby Fields Housing Development in Leicestershire. Contractor P Hughes explored every opportunity to claw back on their construction programme, without compromising quality, sustainability, health or safety on the Bloor Homes site.When considering retaining wall options, P Hughes first considered traditional masonry walling. But as skilled brick layers are in short supply and masonry walls are slow to build, they were open to alternatives.The SolutionSecura Grand was selected as it is readily available, quick to install and doesn’t require skilled labour.Tobermore is proud to have supplied their Secura Grand Segmental Retaining Wall System to the Bushby Fields Housing Development. Secura Grand is used in the attractive colour Slate to prevent sloping site issues as well as creating a more efficient use of land. Secura offered a cost-effective mortar-free solution which promised a fast and easy installation process.

The Creative Centre at York St John University represents an evolutionary step in educational architecture, mirroring the institution’s commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and community engagement.By integrating cutting-edge sustainable technologies and materials, the centre not only minimizes its environmental impact but also serves as an inspiring example of how modern design can contribute to the well-being of both the planet and its inhabitants.The facility’s versatile spaces encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students and faculty to explore new frontiers in arts and education. This architectural gem not only enhances the university’s landscape but also strengthens its ties with the local community, inviting public participation in a range of cultural and educational events.As a symbol of York St John University’s forward-thinking ethos, the Creative Centre is poised to shape the future of creative education, making it a cornerstone of both the university and the wider society.Three main concepts formed the foundation of the design approach. First, it is a genuinely sustainable building, both in operational and embodied carbon terms, with a substantial timber frame and simple climate control. Second, the main atrium space unites all the building elements together, reflecting the latest thinking in higher education to create ‘third spaces’ for cross-disciplinary collaboration.Finally, the Centre makes the most of its proximity to York Minster connecting the University to the heritage of the surrounding city. Throughout the atrium, recital hall and critical listening room, views to the Minster are carefully framed, reinforcing this picturesque view across the stunning historic site.Low embodied carbon materials, such as glulam and CLT and SIPS were used for the construction of the Centre, as part of a ‘fabric-first’ approach using Passivhaus principles to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.Working alongside environmental design consultant Atelier Ten, the project’s eco credentials were achieved by using triple-glazing, making the building air tight, providing simple operation systems – such as openable windows – and a mixed mode ventilation system with both mechanical and natural ventilation in teaching rooms.The building is extremely functional and flexible, for example the 2,000m2 of teaching space are column-free internally with modular servicing to allow easy re-configuration in the future should the university’s requirements change. The 180 capacity auditorium was designed with SSV Theatre Consultants to facilitate teaching as well as performances, with a level access technical level. And the building connects to the natural environment through its use of natural materials and integration with a campus wide landscape masterplan.

STEPOC helps keep station developments ‘On-Track’ with quick and easy system installation. STEPOC, the precast concrete block retaining wall system from Ibstock, has been specified and installed to provide a fast and efficient walling solution on two railway station upgrades being undertaken in South Wales

Eden at New Bailey, aka A3 Salford located in Salford, Manchester is Europe's largest living wall. The living wall wrapped on all elevations across the façade was designed, supplied and installed by Viritopia.The living wall is designed with modular plants with an ivy veil with a mix of trailing and climbing plants, almost acting as a camouflage to the building as a whole. The species of ivy has been carefully selected for its hardiness and seasonal appearance. This living wall will absorb and filter the pollution and carbon in the atmosphere, enhance biodiversity, attenuate rainwater, reduce noise and provide biophilic benefits for the health and wellbeing of the users.This 3,900m2 green façade has a 20,000 litre self-sufficient rainwater harvesting tank, helps control the urban heat island, and took around 10 months to install. Eden is also increasing the BNG by 174% with this project, with over 16 tonnes of soil and 33 different plant species and 350,000 plants in total helping it along the way.

Providing an aesthetically impressive divide that is also intensely practical, Style has installed a DORMA Moveo operable wall system in the boardroom of major fund advisor, Dimensional. With 55dB acoustics this semi-automatic moveable wall offers exceptional privacy when closed, allowing concurrent meetings to run either side, completely undisturbed. Perfectly complimenting the interior décor of this prestigious office, the panels have a chic fabric finish with a sophisticated dark timber skirting. As DORMA’s exclusive UK partner, Style is able to offer the very best choice of moveable wall systems from a global, market leading manufacturer.