"radiation shielding fire bricks"

Client: Bristol City Council Consultants: Chapman Taylor Architects & Arup Design Main Contractor: Bouygues UK Specialist Contractor: Optimum Dry Wall Systems Main Products Used: Emshield DFR-2 SystemOn the site of the former ambulance station adjacent to Castle Park, the largest urban green space in Bristol, this development is designed to provide 375 new homes, with a mixture of build-to-rent and affordable housing units. This comprises a new 26-storey tower, which will be the tallest building in Bristol, together with a 10-storey block, plus a third central building connecting the two, and providing a business centre and leisure facilities for the residents, as well as direct access to the park. The architects designed wide structural expansion joints to accommodate the anticipated levels of movement between the different building structures, as well as in and between the main reinforced concrete floor slabs and the structural frame of the building. They also wanted to reduce any noise transmission through the joints and to ensure that the designated levels of fire protection were maintained, which meant that the joints had to be treated to provide 2-hours fire resistance. To meet all these demands, the answer was a single solution using Emshield DFR-2 (horizontal floor joints) / WFR-2 (for vertical wall joints) systems. These produce a watertight joint, that can accommodate high movement up to 100% (+/- 50%), greatly reduce sound transmission (STC 62; OITC 52), and which are CE Marked to EN-1366-4 for up to 4 hrs fire resistance. 

The development, designed by architect Allies & Morrison, features six mixed-use blocks, including the UK’s tallest residential brick tower. The articulation of the brickwork and terracotta penthouses creates a unique character while referencing the site’s context and industrial heritage.Phase one, featuring two mansion blocks facing onto South Lambeth Road and affordable duplex maisonettes along Wyvill Road, required our Welded Masonry Support, B.O.S.S. A1 (Brick on Soffit System), and Brick Slip Lintels. Our B.O.S.S. A1, which bolts directly to our Welded Masonry Support, helped deliver speed of construction for the large development and, ultimately, the architect’s vision of stepped window heads, adding visual depth to the façade.Phase two consisted of three additional blocks, for which we designed and manufactured our Welded Masonry Support, B.O.S.S., and striking Brick Slip Arches.The corbelled crown details on Block F feature at its highest level and were achieved using our B.O.S.S. A1 fire-rated system.Block E, home to Wyvil Primary School, features a series of our Brick Slip Arches, which play a significant role in the final façade while complementing the original Victorian building.We were chosen as the supply partner for each block in phases one and two due to our reputation and ability to supply high-quality masonry support and brick slip products to large-scale, complex developments.

This development of 104 apartments was built on behalf of the Metropolitan Housing Trust by Guildmore on an infill site at Barrington Road, Brixton, which forms part of the Loughborough Estate.The project was designed to meet Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes and has been tested to meet BS8414 part 2 Fire Performance of External Cladding Systems.FastClad Brick Slip Rainscreen Cladding System was used on the tower elements at the end of the main block, the balconies, as well as the third and fourth floors of the main building.FastClad was chosen for it’s weight, ease of installation, fire properties, as well being indistinguishable from the areas of traditionally laid masonry

THE PROJECTThe Waterside Park project features multiple banks of a fire rated mailboxes that comply with the BS 476 Part 22 offering a one hour integrity rating that will ‘contain and form a break to a fire’.The bank of mailboxes are recessed into a wall and integrated with a finishing surround frame providing a high quality edging to the products, hiding any gaps between brick and mailbox and ensuring a high quality finish.The mailboxes feature an inward sprung flap, which is a standard feature across the fire rated mailbox range. An intumescent strip is placed on the internal side of the mail flap, which expands when the temperature increases and ensures that the flap is kept closed – stopping the oxygen flow into the mailbox and reducing the risk of fire spreading through the mailbox.Each mailbox used in this project has been fitted with a unique identification numbering vinyl with a black colouring to easily show the users (both residents and postal operatives) where each mailbox is situated.

Nestled at the heart of the University of Warwick campus, Scarman House is a 210-bed hotel accommodation and conference facility. This versatile establishment provides not only comfortable lodgings but also top-notch conference facilities, well-equipped meeting rooms, and enticing on-site dining options.In the summer of 2023, the hotel underwent a three-floor refurbishment project. Towelrads, in collaboration with the architect firm Baker Hicks, was instrumental in identifying optimal heating solutions for both Electric Towel Rails and Radiators. The client’s vision was to maintain a modern yet contemporary aesthetic in the individual rooms.We take pride in crafting a bespoke solution by designing, specifying, and supplying our Pisa Chrome Electrical Towel Rails for the bathrooms. These towel rails are equipped with Smart Thermostatic Elements, enabling occupants to have complete control over time and temperature settings, ensuring a comfortable stay.For the radiators, we selected a range of Vertical and Horizontal Windsor Column Radiators. This option added a touch of modernity blended with a hint of retro charm to the rooms, all while delivering exceptionally high heat outputs.Throughout this project, the collaborative partnership proved essential in navigating and meeting the challenging project timelines, ensuring its successful and timely completion.

Lee’s Custom Woodwork Ltd has used MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME to repair the window surrounds and a swimming pool roof lantern of a residential property in South Shields, Tyne and Wear.

The East London Hotel is positioned in the heart of Bethnal Green, London. Since 2015, this vibrant area has experienced an urban renaissance, and consequently architect Maith Design wanted a facade that represented modenism but also complimented some the neighbourhoods more traditional post war architecture. Completed in 2018, the A2 Licata Therm Fire Safe facade was finished with an extruded staffordshire blue facing brick (3mm Acrylic Slip).

Working with Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) we were able to provide a solution for the bricks and ceramic cladding for this Weston Homes development in Greenwich.The site was formerly a Telegraph Works where the first transatlantic telegraph cable was built and where transatlantic submarine cables were still built until 1975.The bespoke colours of the A1 fire rated cladding were developed by our partners Agrob Buchtal to the Architects' specification.

A place to meet and great, socialise and eat. An expanding brand of modern eateries are enjoying the versatility of Technowood’s ability to adjust with this changing restaurant environment.An existing client since 2009 has enjoyed the qualities of TechnoWood cladding; for many of the chain restaurant facilities that it has in its portfolio.The client did say “a friend of mine laughed the other day when he said – you should have used Technowood instead of that solid wood.” He said this to the MD of Technowood… they then both laughed.The goal of the designer in charge of the group has created a serene social destination for local visitors. Our design motto being ‘’Design a Vision, Make an Impression, Create an Experience’’The Café element features 2 floors with the usable space spread over 827 square metres; the terrace flows from inside to out thus creating this multi-use space for all weathers.Vertical pilasters in varying forms, all designed and fabricated off site by technood to facilitate a rapid installation where labour is reduced. Cladding in the main is a simple click to install system. The click system is a rapid installation for a cladding facard; the backing track is fixed to the substrate and the cladding simply clicking over the backing track in literally seconds.The colour has lasted well since it’s installation in 2013; the client has had the cladding re-varnished and the project looks like new and ready for the next 10 years or so.Further informationFor further information please get in touch 01494 773344 office@technowood.uk You’re more than welcome to visit our showroom at The Sky House Design Centre  We are open Monday – Friday and Saturday’s by appointment. If you’re an Architect or Designer we would be delighted to visit your office and present our CPD and provide a full set of samples.

Built by Wates Group for developer MARK and designed by London-based architect SPPARC, Borough Yards’ features a number of transformed and re-purposed railway arches, viaducts and warehouses along with five new buildings, that weave their way from Borough Market to Clink Street. This new shopping and dining district also includes a cinema, art gallery and two new office buildings.IG Masonry Support worked with brickwork contractor Lesterose, designing and supplying a number of complex prefabricated brickwork elements including Welded Masonry Support (WMS), Brick Slip Masonry Support and its renowned B.O.S.S.+ (Brick on Soffit System).ChallengeIn this landmark conservation area, the brickwork for the new buildings needed to compliment the existing brickwork on the repurposed viaducts and warehouses but also present their own unique character.To meet these challenging design requirements, IG Masonry Support manufactured and supplied a range of prefabricated components that met both the wider considerations around planning in this conservation area and at the same time all fire and building regulations.As part of the complex design for building 4, the architect and design team required a bespoke ‘floating’ brick feature presenting a jagged design. The utilisation of IG Masonry Support’s brick slips helped achieve the distinctive angled soffit design, offering a flawless and historic aesthetic in a modern, easy-to-install solution.The distinctive spearheads featuring on building 2 were a separate hurdle but thanks to IG Masonry Support’s close collaboration with the contractors and the architect, it enabled an accurate and sufficient design. Installed over 4 level points of the building, these innovative spearheads, never seen before, were manufactured with glass reinforced concrete, and hand-laid brickwork in-between.Customisable to the architect’s design wishes, the Brick Slip Systems and Masonry Support are prefabricated units manufactured offsite and delivered complete with bricks mechanically-fixed and bonded to them.Due to the type of being brick being used on buildings 2, 3 and 4 being a weaker composition, this necessitated pre-pointing the brick slips in dry, controlled conditions in order to create a high quality, finished surface.SolutionThe bespoke elements for building 4 pushed the boundaries of IG Masonry Support and its products but through technical collaboration the jagged design features were achieved with angled soffits, ensuring a solution that met the architect’s specific requirements.IG Masonry Support exceeded expectations with its Welded Masonry Support system and versatile B.O.S.S.+ (Brick on Soffit System), creating a seamless match with the surrounding brickwork.Able to accommodate loads of up to and exceeding 14kN/m, IG’s Welded Masonry Support (WMS) is a rigid masonry support system comprising a stainless-steel angle support shelf with fixed brackets. It is fabricated to engineers’ specifications on a project basis and offers two planes of adjustability onsite. Offering ease-of-installation, the system can be supplied in a variety of configurations depending on the project’s requirements. At Borough Yards, the WMS was designed, manufactured and supplied by the IG Masonry Support team and installed across building 2 and 4 in order to support the application of the B.O.S.S. system.The B.O.S.S.+ is a lightweight prefabricated system that is faster to install than traditional hanging brick systems. Installed to a pre-fitted Masonry Support System, B.O.S.S.+ allows increased adjustability along three axes. Produced offsite, B.O.S.S. offers 90% time saving onsite and negates the need for mechanical lifting. B.O.S.S.+ also removes the need for brick-cutting onsite, resulting in a quality system that is checked before it arrives onsite. This BBA-certified unit is an ‘A’ Fire Rated, BBA certified and mechanically-fixed unit, suitable for use on residential buildings over 18m above ground level and complies with the Building Regulations 2010* Approved Document B: Fire Safety.Not only is the system versatile, it offers ease-of-installation and enables time-savings onsite. The bespoke solution offers a 70% weight-saving against an equivalent concrete product, negating the need for mechanical handling and onsite labour. These were significant benefits on this mixed-used development in particular.An integral part of the street scene and conservation area, these stunning new buildings sit side-by-side with the historic viaducts and warehouses. The presence of IG Masonry Support’s systems and the company’s technical prowess has ensured this landmark Southwark development is thoughtfully planned, well-built and a sought-after attraction in South London.

The Burton Borough School development is a brand new sports hall for Burton Borough School in Newport, Telford. As this building will be used primarily by schoolchildren, it was especially important that it was built using a durable solution which can stand up not only against weather conditions, but is fully non-combustible.Ash & Lacy worked through Kynaston Contract Services with Pave Aways Building Contractors and TACP Architects to deliver for Telford & Wrekin Council a MechSlip façade employing Ibstock’s Himley Ebony Black brick. Developed in conjunction with Ibstock Kevington, MechSlip is a lightweight, mechanically fixed system that offers significant advantages including reduced installation times and associated costs, as well as being classified A1 (non-combustible) to EN 13501-1 fire testing standards by Exova Warringtonfire.This project shows some of the design versatility of MechSlip as well, with the projecting header pattern on the building’s front elevation being achieved by alternating between half bricks and full bricks to create a memorable impression which manipulates shadow well. MechSlip allows specifiers and architects to create distinctive façades thanks to the flexibility of different sizes of brick slips and choice of multiple colours and textures.As well as offering the reassurance provided by a mechanically-fixed design, MechSlip has been rigorously tested to the Centre for Window & Cladding Technology (CWCT) standards, for wind resistance, water tightness and impact resistance. The result is that it eliminates the weather dependency of traditional building methods without compromising on the choice of brick finish.

Client: Battersea Power Station Development Company Consultants: WilkinsonEyre Architects, Turner and Townsend, Buro Happold, PurcellMain Contractor: MaceSpecialist Fire Contractor: Roseville Projects LtdMain Products Used: Emshield DFR2 for Floor JointsLeading Architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who was also responsible for Britain’s red telephone boxes, designed the iconic Battersea Power Station on the banks of the River Thames back in 1929 and elevated what was a functional building to an Art Deco masterpiece. For its new incarnation, the lead architects Wilkinson Eyre and their partners, approached the redevelopment with homage to its history, by retaining and enhancing its place in the London Skyline, and adding 21st-century sustainability and sensibility for its new functional life as a great place to live, work and play, in the heart of the city. The new building structures were designed with 20 to 50mm wide structural expansion joints between floor slabs to accommodate the high levels of thermal movement anticipated, as well as the vibrations from traffic and other loadings. This required the joints to allow +/- 10mm movement, effectively +/- 20 to 50%, meaning a total joint movement capability of 40 to 100%, plus the joints also had to prevent noise transmission and provide a minimum of 2-hours fire resistance. These stringent demands are why the consultants selected the Emshield DFR-2 System, as it could easily meet all these requirements. In fact Emshield DFR-2 can accommodate more than 100% joint movement capability and is now uniquely CE Marked to EN-1366-4, confirming fire resistance for up to 4 hours, the effective maximum test level.

Client: Canary Wharf Group Consultant: Adamson Associates Architects Main Contractor: Kilnbridge Construction Ltd Main Products Used: Emseal DFR-2 SystemsWood Wharf Development is certified as a BREEAM Outstanding rated, sustainable mixed-use development that covers a 23-acre site. It consists of 6 individually designed building structures that provide 2 million square feet of curated workspaces and offices, more than 3,500 new residential homes and 500,000 square feet of retail space. The site is being developed as a new 5G and Wi-Fi-6 enabled, London District to include more than 9 acres of interconnected riverside leisure space with boardwalks, squares, and parks to create an oasis of urban green space. The new multistory building structures were designed with 50mm wide structural expansion joints between floor slabs to accommodate the high levels of thermal movement anticipated, as well as the vibrations from traffic and other loadings. These joints also had to minimise any noise transmission through the floors and provide a minimum of 2-hours fire resistance, which is a key reason the consultants selected the Emshield DFR-2 System as it could easily meet all these stringent requirements. In fact the innovative Emshield DFR-2 System can accommodate more than 100% joint movement capability and is CE Marked to EN-1366-4 for up to 4 hrs fire resistance. This unique Emseal solution also has the advantages of not requiring any potentially damaging mechanical fixings into the structure, as it is easily bonded into the joint, with access only required from above. 

Client: Tottenham Hotspur Football Club Design: Populous Main Contractor: Mace Main Products Used: Emshield DFR2 and Emseal Security Seal SSW2Tottenham Hotspur Football Club has moved into its new home which also has a partnership with the American NFL that will see at least two major American football games played at the stadium each season. This was made possible by the innovation of a retractable natural grass pitch, which will be used for Spurs home fixtures and an artificial multi-use surface underneath for the NFL matches, plus concerts and other events. With a seating capacity of 62,000, the Tottenham stadium is designed to ensure that the spectators are closer to the pitch than at any other comparable ground in the UK. It also includes the UK’s largest single tier stand, which will hold up to 17,000 fans in the Spurs home-end. As is typical for modern stadium design, there was a critical requirement for wide and high movement joint sealing systems in several important areas. These included joints in the plant service areas and walkways over prestige VIP and hospitality suites that also had to provide fire resistance, plus the important and often difficult heads-of-doors joints. These requirements were all safely and securely met using Emseal DFR-2 and Emseal SecuritySeal SSW2 respectively

Contour recently completed an extensive project for a care home in Southern England, entailing the surveying, supplying, manufacturing, and installation of 47 LST radiator covers and 100 meters of pipe boxing. The new installations not only brought the care home up to safer surface heating standards but also ensured accessibility for cleaning and maintenance, crucial for infection control.Prior to the upgrade, the care home faced various challenges, including poor access for cleaning and maintenance, exposed pipework posing a burn risk, and aesthetically displeasing rusty covers. Dust build-up, a known health hazard, was a significant concern due to its potential to cause respiratory issues and spread infections among vulnerable residents.Contour addressed these challenges by installing DeepClean LST radiator guards with patented quick-release hinged doors for easy cleaning. These guards also featured BioCote® protection to combat bacteria and open-ended shoulders to minimise dust traps. Additionally, pipe boxing was fitted to conceal exposed pipework, reducing the risk of scalding.The results were transformative, providing the care home with a safer heating solution while significantly reducing infection risks and dust-related issues. With improved access for cleaning and maintenance, the care home can now better manage infection rates and maintain a hygienic environment for its residents. Moreover, the disposal of previous radiators was carried out responsibly, ensuring a complete and sustainable upgrade process.

We have over 250 different cast iron grilles available on our website in either bare metal or painted black. But don't let that put you off specifying cast iron because our website features products that are ready to be dispatched. Actually we can supply them in any colour you or your client requires. If it has a RAL number then we can do it. There's a charge and a week or so extra to bare in mind but if you're looking to make a statement or just to blend then get in touch...

application area: commercialuse type: extraction of cooking gases from kitchenproject scope: line brick extraction shaft to prevent grease build-upadded value: 25-year guarantee on liner, minimal downtime, easily fitted due to flexible materialBackgroundThis Hospital in Portsmouth has a busy commercial kitchen supplying restaurants and residents. Increasing reports of fumes from the greased-up brick extraction ducts have been a concern.A survey of the riser and plantroom was carried out to determine the most suitable solution. VentilFle-25 RKV for kitchen extracts was the preferred option due to the reduced access to the 30-meter brick riser.Statement of workThe shaft had been in use without a kitchen extract liner for the extraction of kitchen gases. This was a concern due to grease build-up, which can result in unpleasant odours within the building.VentilFlex-25 kitchen extract lining system was the chosen alternative lining method, with its jointless design, excellent heat resistance and fire rating, and crucially, an installation method that only required access at the top and the bottom of the riser.

Goodluck Hope sits in an enviable position on the banks of the river Thames, directly opposite the 02 Arena. This flagship project from the Irish developer, Ballymore, is a prime example of stunning contemporary design with an industrial edge. Using a mix of blue and green façades, interiors feature bright, colour palettes interspersed with splashes of polished brass in both the kitchens and bathrooms.Towelrads have worked with the M&E subcontractor, Borough Engineering, on every phase of the waterside development and supplied Multicolumn radiators, along with chrome and white towel rails, to the private and shared units. This unique island development features an eclectic mix of contemporary buildings including suites, 1,2-, and 3-bedroom apartments, lofts and townhouses. With so many different plot types, most sizes throughout the project have been made to order with vertical and low-level radiators supplied, some up to 1.6m long.

This is an installation of the BBA Approved Metalseal metal roof coating system from Liquasil Ltd. The project is in North Shields and involved removing the delaminating factory finish, treating the cut edge corrosion and then coating the whole roof in Metalseal 20, in Goosewing Grey.

Siberian Larch was supplied for this project in four different half lap profiles, utilising standard widths of timber to retain the value from the timber, and reduce waste – whilst the different widths board create an interesting image over the vast areas of timber cladding. NORclad Grade B was supplied, offering a fair spread of knots, along with the distinctive grain of the species which can be seen across the images.

With several stops marked out on the future Crossrail route, new-builds on the rise, and an impressive range of ‘Outstanding’ schools, this culturally diverse borough of Ealing is becoming more popular than ever. To meet this popularity new-build property is on the rise however there is strict guidance on design of new buildings. Licata Building Systems in partnership with Build-Therm Services Limited were commissioned to specify and supply the façade systems for The Vale apartments. A prestigious block on Connell Crescent, The Vale was subject to planning guidance that insisted the block remained in-keeping with the more traditional neighboring blocks. The system installed is Licata FireSafe Brick slips. Using a 7mm extruded brick slip the system is one of the lighest systems available on the market. Coupled with class A2 fire performance and a U-value of 0.039W/mK, the apartments not only met all NHBC and local planning design criteria but provides the occupant a safe and energy efficient environment.

The Ecclesiastical cast iron floor grille isn't used exclusively in churches, cathedrals or abbeys. We've supplied these beautiful Scottish made gratings to a number of religious buildings across the country that's for sure but their main use is in "ordinary" period properties and listed buildings. Buildings with large heating pipes sunk into the floor with suspended walkways. Places like Stansted and Rotherfield Hall or National Trust, Mount Stewart Property in County Down and Halls in Melton Mowbray and Stoke on Trent. To make a real feature or for a sympathetic restoration why not take a look ...

The hospitality industry has been hit hard by the pandemic as visitors, for obvious reasons, have been conspicuous by their absence. Hotel Savoy in Luleå took advantage of the situation by completely renovating the hotel’s restaurant with new surfaces, design and furnishings.The old brick wall in the interior of the restaurant had taken its toll. In order to find a new material that would fit in, they looked for a wooden panel that could also contribute to a better atmosphere in the form of an acoustic absorbing solution. But finding such a product that would also meet the fire requirements of the premises was not the easiest thing to do.We at Gustafs received the request at the same time as we were working on the development of our new product, Lamellow+. In short, the Lamellow panels delivered to the Hotel Savoy in Luleå became a pilot project for the product. The panels installed in the restaurant are made of American Oak wood veneer with a grey gypsum core and Wool grey acoustic felt – a combination that feels natural and minimises the contrasts in the product. The panel was also approved by the fire engineers working on the project, thanks to the natural fire protection provided by the reinforced fibreboard.

Improving the thermal fabric performance and replicating the existing lookThe primary aim of the project was to improve the thermal fabric performance of the block and also to replicate the existing look. To achieve this, the client’s key requirements were two-fold. Firstly, to match the original external style as closely as possible in both colour and texture to satisfy the local authority’s requirements. The second key criteria was to ensure that all the systems used on the project were fully approved regarding fire performance, to meet the current regulations for buildings over the height of 18 meters in England. Delivering a robust, safe and aesthetic system solution to meet the project requirementsWe specified a combination of K Systems M VBriQ and K Systems M VBriQ+ to ensure we met the aesthetic planning requirements and comply with building regulations for resistance to fire in high-rise buildings. Our system incorporate mineral wool insulation which has an outstanding A1 non-combustible fire rating, which improves the thermal comfort and reduces heating costs for residents, whilst supporting Bristol City Council to meet their carbon emission targets.Our VBriQ acrylic brick slip finish was specified due to its lightweight characteristics and wide range of colours. Our Acrylic slips have a high UV resistance which will ensure the building maintains its appearance over time. Our VBriQ+ clay brick slip finish was specified for the ground floor and surrounding garage areas because of its robust and durable characteristics.Meeting the project deadlines and minimising disruptionsWe worked in collaboration with our approved installer Rateavon Ltd to ensure there was minimum disruption to the residents of Gaywood House. Our Technical team carried out regular site inspections to ensure the systems were installed to the highest standard with timely responses to technical detailing requests.

Zoo Animal Enclosure Heating SolutionIn partnership with HEVAC Services Ltd of Kings Langley, Powrmatic was approached to develop a heating solution for the White Rhino’s House at Whipsnade Zoo, which saw the installation of an overhead gas-fired (LPG) continuous radiant heating system, as the previous electric heating system inside their indoor habitat was not efficient enough and heat was escaping through the timber structureProject BackgroundThe White Rhino house at Whipsnade Zoo is the home to a herd (also known as a “crash”) of seven southern white rhinos, Sizzle being the only male – the six females are; Mikumi, Bertha, Tuli, Jaseera, Fahari, and Nandi. Sizzle and Tuli are the parents of the latest baby rhino Nandi born in August 2021.The heating inside their indoor habitat at Whipsnade was not efficient enough. Localised electric heaters were spread around the large space to create coverage, but the heat was escaping through the timber structure. It was decided to upgrade the structure by foam insulation to the internals of the asbestos roof and to provide a new continuous gas-fired overhead radiant heating system providing blanket heat coverage to the complete floor area of the house.  Project SolutionHEVAC Services Ltd of Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, who undertake servicing of HVAC equipment at Whipsnade Zoo on behalf of Pareto FM for the end client ZSL (Zoological Society of London), approached Powrmatic to develop a heating solution for the rhino’s house. The brief was to provide an overhead gas-fired (LPG) radiant heating system to blanket cover the complete floor area of the rhino house, but also design it so that it could be zone controlled, should one of the herd have a need to be in an area of a higher or lower temperature.The LPG propane tanks for the heating system needed to be sunk into the earth at the edge of the rhino house to avoid having to remove any trees, thus maintaining the conservation ethos of ZSL. For a structure such as the rhino house, being the size of a large sports hall, a Powrmatic SRP-PCV+ continuous gas-fired radiant tube system comprising; 4 x 73kW burners was the proposed solution, arranged in 4 temperature zones, with the new MC400/C controller and just the one flue discharge to atmosphere.Project ResultThe installation of the new PCV+ continuous overhead radiant heating system was skilfully undertaken by HEVAC Services Ltd, with the contract programme being driven by the daily habits of the rhino herd! Whether they wanted to be in their house or out on the field. Thus, the logistics of undertaking the heating installation were unique compared to working in a standard commercial/industrial environment.The White Rhinos now have a refurbished home and a heating system that delivers radiant heat in exactly the same way that we (and the rhinos) receive energy in the form of heat from the sun. Radiant heating systems efficiently radiate infrared radiation, which is the transfer of energy in waveform from a hot surface to a relatively cooler surface without heating the medium between. Thus, the rhinos can bask under the radiant heat, whether indoors or outside under the sun.The ZSL Whipsnade Zoo White Rhino Enclosure now benefits from a highly energy-efficient Powrmatic SRP-PCV+ system, listed on the Carbon Trust Energy Technology List (ETL), endorsing the Seasonal Space Heating Energy Efficiency of; 92.1%, and thus delivering low; energy usage, fuel bills and carbon emissions minimising their impact on the environment.

A combination of external wall insulation and resin brick slips from Sto has helped create a thermally-efficient and visually striking appearance for a £7.8m residential refurbishment project in London. Located on the Stockwell Park estate, Tyler House now benefits from the use of Sto resin brick slips which have been installed as the final façade finish, onto the company’s StoTherm Mineral K external wall insulation system. The Tyler House building is organised around a central courtyard, and houses 48 flats with one, two, three or four bedrooms. “The buildings underwent a significant amount of refurbishment in order to improve the living conditions of the residents, and providing effective thermal insulation was a key element in that process,” explains Richard Watson of project architects Rock Townsend. “The Sto solution allowed us to provide that insulation. We also wanted to add 13 additional flats and the Sto brick slips gave us the opportunity to create a dramatic new appearance for the existing parts of the building which would contrast with the rooftop extension.” The Sto materials were installed by Sto applicator Regency Plastering of Dartford. “The residents remained in their homes throughout, and there were no problems in installing the external insulation and brick slips whilst they were there,” explains Regency’s Paul Brown. The BBA-certified StoTherm Mineral K insulation system is ideal for refurbishment projects such as Tyler House. Its external installation means that insulation performance can be substantially upgraded without the loss of any living space inside the premises. Comprising mineral-fibre boards which deliver high thermal performance and unrivalled fire protection, the system also incorporates reinforcing layers to provide additional impact resistance. For this project the insulation was installed using StoLevell Uni adhesive and supplementary fixings to create a strong and reliable bond with the substrate. Designed specifically for use with Sto’s external wall insulation systems and StoRend systems, the Sto mineral brick slips used on Tyler House are manufactured from a rugged and durable synthetic render, and combine a realistic simulated brick appearance with reliable, weatherproof properties. They can be used to match the appearance of surrounding buildings without compromising on thermal insulation, or as in this case, to create dramatic and individual facades. For Tyler House they were specified in a white brick slip colour which contrasts with the new, rooftop extension. 

When the refurbishment programme for an office block close to London’s Euston station was hit by an unexpected snag, the main contractors found an effective solution to keep the project on track.Brick-effect interior walls give office new lease of lifeThe building at 24-32 Stephenson Way was built in 1993 from reinforced concrete and last renovated in 2016. Construction firm Bryen & Langley was appointed as main contractor for the project, refurbishing the building’s second, third and fourth floors and adding a 5th floor. With the client seeking an exposed brick finish, old plaster had been removed from the internal walls, exposing a rough, uneven surface underneath. This meant a layer of plasterboard had to be added before the chosen finish could be applied.The cost of traditional brick slips made them an unappealing option so the client team sought an alternative. The company was impressed by the realistic brick finish of weberwall brick, a brick slip alternative from Saint-Gobain Weber, and specified it for the internal walls on all three floors. To complement the existing colour scheme, they chose 830m2 of weberwall brick in Antique Red Multi with pointing mortar in Buff. It was combined with exposed pipework at ceiling level to create a contemporary industrial look.“Our client was very keen for the offices to have on-trend exposed brick walls so I was happy to learn that weberwall brick could be used successfully on internal walls to create the appearance of traditional bricks.”Kyle Wall of Bryen & Langley is pleased with the results: “Our client was very keen for the offices to have on-trend exposed brick walls so I was happy to learn that weberwall brick could be used successfully on internal walls to create the appearance of traditional bricks.”Experienced applicator Complete Rendering Systems (CRS) was tasked with applying the product. Whether for external or internal use, weberwall brick is more than three times faster to apply than traditional brick slips and remarkably lightweight. (One sheet of 20 bricks weighs the same as one house brick).All the walls were prepared by the main contractor to create a sound, even surface to ensure the application of the weberwall brick went without a hitch.Bradley Halls, director of CRS, said: “I’ve used weberwall brick on external walls many times before and customers have always been really pleased with the high-quality outcome. Once plasterboard had been applied to the substrate, the weberwall brick went on quickly and provided the client with the brick finish they wanted.”“I’ve used weberwall brick on external walls many times before and customers have always been really pleased with the high-quality outcome"

Manchester Airport is an international airport at Ringway, Manchester, England, 7.5 nautical miles south-west of Manchester city centre. In 2019, it was the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom in terms of passenger numbers and the busiest of those not serving London. Working alongside architects Pascall+Watson and subcontractor The Invicta Group, Promat has played a key role in the £1bn Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP), which will see the airport significantly grow and modernise throughout the early 2020s.

Specialist commercial refurbishment company Saracen Interiors delivers four floors of stunning Grade A office accommodation in the heart of Watford’s Met Quarter. Early discussion with Forza regarding project floor plans and elevations enabled the Forza team to prepare veneer layons that fully utilised the potential of the species distinctive decorative features and then create panel layout drawings in order that product delivered to site was clearly sequentially numbered for installation. Incorporated in the project joinery component package for Forza were items such as skirting and lift surrounds in addition to mirror frames and IPS panels for “Boutique” style washrooms.

FIREFLY™ Phoenix has been employed at the iconic RAF Manston History Museum, located near Ramsgate in Kent, during the refurbishment of a single storey structure

Scope of work: 776m2 Brick Faced GRC Grade 18P intricate brick work achieved with Brick Faced GRC

Housing corporation De Veste is always looking for the perfect home for their customers. In doing so, one of their main focuses is on the sustainability of homes and also creating awareness in the field of energy consumption, therefore the look and feel of their office mus also radiate this vision. That is why they have opted for sustainable Marmoleum Concrete throughout their canteen, lounge and offices. Using it alongside Flotex Vision Floral ensures the homely feeling of the housing co operation.

The ChallengeLocated in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, Foundry Gardens is a development of two to five-bedroomed housing. It was important that this relatively low-density scheme fit the traditional vernacular of the area.The SolutionChelsea Smoked Red brick was chosen and used alongside white boarding and tile. The white boarding element has been used to emphasis corner and key buildings, detailing porches and canopies.Chelsea Smoked Red brick is a red, stock thrown, wire cut brick by Ecostock, the most sustainable stock brick available in the UK. It is a high quality facing brick with recycled content. The range carries BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification.The BenefitsThe choice of brick helps the development to seamlessly fuse the traditional with the contemporary.The project won the Large House Builder category at the Brick Development Association’s annual Brick Awards 2018.

The stunning state-of-the-art, multi-level, Better New Addington Leisure & Community Centre, designed by GT3 Architects for the London Borough of Croydon features buff brick cladding with 3D- textured detailing thanks to external cladding supplier Aquarian Cladding Systems.The project was part of the Southern Construction Framework and followed a string of work carried out by Willmott Dixon for the Borough. It was also home to the building contractor’s first Building Lives Academy, aimed at upskilling young people in the area and providing them with an opportunity to join the construction industry.Originally, another brick cladding system was specified for use, however due to the complexity of the stepped window frame detailing, the additional cladding support rail cost, the time it would take to install, and a lack of product warranty from the supplier, an alternative cladding system was sought to meet the programme and budget.To resolve the challenge, Aquarian and specialist cladding contractor Express Dry Lining, part of Aquarian’s Approved Installer Network, worked closely together to achieve an acceptable finish to match the specified material, which suited the local vernacular thus meeting the aesthetic, programme, and commercial requirements.Peter Head, Director of Express Dry Lining said: “The design and installation support of Aquarian helped us ensure that all stakeholders were supported throughout the process of material selection, buildability, component production and assembly to achieve a photogenic building free of defects which will last. This is one of those projects to be proud of for a very long time.” In addition, the solution had to be a cladding system that used brick slips which could also be produced as standard bricks to build landscaping planters and achieve a seamless ‘hit-and-miss’ brick feature in the façade. As an innovative, panelised, insulating brick cladding system, which has been successfully tested to BS8414 on five separate occasions and has an EN13501 fire rating of B, s1, d0, Gebrik was perfect, with Aquarian supplying 1126m2 to the project.To achieve the 3D features in accordance with the architect’s design brief, eighteen different panel and corner components were produced, 25% of which were bespoke and therefore project-specific.The expertise of Express Dry Lining in the setting out of the substrate ensured the 60mm thick ‘brick wallpaper’ is consistent across the entire façade with perp joint alignment across both the stretcher and stack bond panels. And their attention to detail in ensuring the system was cleaned down after pointing ensured the façade was completed on time and to everyone’s satisfaction. The finished project was completed six weeks ahead of the revised programme with Gebrik significantly contributing to the speed of construction and reduction in programme, leading to significant cost benefits elsewhere. The London Borough of Croydon is delighted with the quality of the completed building, with Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure, and sport, quoted as saying, “This is a stunning new centre with first-class facilities for everyone in New Addington to enjoy and be proud of.” Peter Head concluded by saying, “It is unlikely any other brick cladding solution could have been used as cost-effectively and efficiently as Gebrik to create a façade of such high quality.”

Formica Group is a leading provider of branded, designed surfacing solutions for commercial and residential customers worldwide. When its North Shields factory had some serious issues with an existing corridor flooring, the company turned to a local flooring supplier to suggest a suitable solution, which ultimately saw Formica Group specifying 300m2 of Attraction® fast track vinyl floor tiles from international flooring specialist Gerflor.

Beautiful, spectacular curved glass designs made with evguard®. Luxury Apartments Complex - The Unique Tower - High UV ExposureQuito, EcuadorMixed-use 24-story residential tower in Quito, Ecuador by architect Carlos Zapata. It is located on the northern edge of La Carolina Park and is one of the city’s tallest buildings with the communal pool and lounge area, as well as a series of vertical gardens. The new tower was made to embrace the striking views of the Andes mountains and volcanoes and the surrounding valleys and the busy streets of Quito. The project was designed to be a visually porous structure. This is Zapata’s first project with Quito developer Uribe Schwarzkopf. https://www.dezeen.com/2020/11/24/unique-carlos-zapata-unique-uribe-schwarzkopf/The building features a facade made with glass and aluminum panels, a sculptural envelope that folds to optimise light and privacy within the apartments.The tower was also made to generate the smallest possible impact when it comes to the use of non-renewable resources, such as electrical energy saving, use of potable water, collecting and reusing rainwater, water treatment, and irrigation systems.Amdeksa S.G./Ecuador contributed to its unique design with the spectacular laminated glass design with evguard® UV-380 and evguard® MPE .Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a part of the solar radiation spectrum, with the wavelength falling between 100 and 400 nm. Since UV radiation has pros and cons based on the field of application, laminated safety glasses at different applications need different UV cut-off to fulfill the requirements. In addition to the evguard® laminating film, Folienwerk Wolfen GmbH also offers evguard® laminating film UV-380 with increased UV cut off to provide higher protection against UV radiation.evguard® laminating film UV-380 is most suitable to minimize the amount of natural UV light to pass through. Even though the standard evguard® laminating film is certified for EN 12543-4, evguard® laminating film UV-380 would be the best choice for some special applications such as to protect the UV sensitive inlays within the glass laminate from discoloration or fading.Photo: Luxury appartments Complex in Quito by Amdeksa S.G. & MM4GLASSFor more information on the project please contact:Amdeksa S.G.Edison Chavez+593 99 832 1083edisonchavez123@yahoo.comContact MM4GLASS for #evguard® in the territories of Central America (except Mexico), South America and Caribbean Islands.Moreno MagonMM4GLASS - Machine Market for Glass +55 11 9 8579 6439moreno.magon@mm4glass.comwww.MM4GLASS.comContact GlassParts for #evguard® in UK & IrelandTony Mallick +44 7392 458390tony@glassparts.co.ukwww.glassparts.co.uk