"foamglas®"

Chatham Waters is a large development of 199 luxury apartments in Kent, with far-reaching views over the historic Chatham Docks. Each of the 199 homes features its own large balcony space with Euroclass A1 fire-rated aluminium decking and porcelain paving used interchangeably throughout the scheme to provide zoning and interest.Systems UsedBalcaSmart® Aluminium decking system with boards in RAL 7036 (Platinum Grey) passes beautifully into Quadro porcelain in the shade ‘Argento’. Selected for their low-height build-up, TerraSmart® Pedestal and BalcaSmart® Aluminium decking systems utilise very similar low-height non-combustible RP-FR and RD-FR pedestals, which work together to achieve a seamless transition between zones. DetailThe contrasting external flooring is mirrored in the intermittent placement of the brass screening throughout the buildings in the scheme, providing a distinctive and luxurious appearance.

ChallengeThe boundary between adjoining properties has always been assumed to be an area of neutral heat loss. However, research undertaken by Leeds Metropolitan University, MIMA (the Mineral Wool Insulation Manufacturers’ Trade Association), BRE (Building Research Establishment) and Knauf Insulation has revealed that a significant amount of heat is actually lost through uninsulated cavity party walls.It is estimated that there are 7.4million existing party walls that have been built with a cavity across the UK.Although these walls provide fire and acoustic separation to meet the requirements of relevant building regulations, the thermal performance of a party wall had not previously been considered.Knauf Insulation has provided solid evidence that its Supafil® Party Wall glass mineral wool blowing insulation is a reliable way of eliminating party wall bypass and so City West Housing Trust, a Salford based housing association, has installed the product as part of a pilot scheme to a number of its properties.Working alongside Bridgewater Surveyors and others, City West wanted to improve the energy efficiency of their tenants' properties and are continually looking for other ways to reduce energy costs and consumption. Knowing that by insulating the cavity party walls of properties could lower energy bills for their tenants they embarked on the trial project – with the aim of a possible roll out across other areas in the North West.After approaching Knauf Insulation for advice, City West and Bridgewater Surveyors settled on a reliable solution: Knauf Insulation’s Supafil® Party Wall insulation.SolutionSupafil® Party Wall prevents heat loss through party separating cavity walls by fully filling the cavity. Supafil® Party Wall is an in-situ formed unbonded, non-combustible glass mineral wool. Knauf Insulation have now completed an extensive research programme to develop a proven methodology for installation into existing homes to add to the product’s use in new build applications.As well as being an excellent thermal insulant, Supafil® Party Wall insulation also has good sound absorption characteristics which help to ensure that when a party wall is upgraded, it complies with the requirements of Approved Document Part E of the Building Regulations - which is designed to protect occupants from noise in adjoining rooms or buildings.As part of the Salford project, houses were tested before and after the installation took place. The reduction in the heat loss was equivalent to an improvement in the effective U-value of the party wall of at least 0.5 W/m2K. This shows there is a significant beneficial impact for tenants in fully filling cavity party walls with Supafil® Party Wall Insulation.Supafil® Party Wall insulation fitted into City West’s obligation to maintain a greener environment as the product conserves energy and reduces the emissions of the major greenhouse gas, CO2. The energy and CO2 emission saved by the product in use vastly outweighs those generated in its manufacture. Supafil® Party Wall has a generic BRE Green Guide Rating of A+ and has zero Ozone Depletion Potential and zero Global Warming Potential.When completed, the trials will measure the extent of customers’ energy bill savings – estimated to be up to £90 a year – as well as the amount of carbon emissions that could be reduced."We are committed to ensuring our properties are as energy efficient as possible and along with Supafil® Party Wall insulation we have installed cavity and loft insulation to our portfolio of properties."Gary Vaughan – Head of Sustainability & Supply Chain, City West

Ashwood House is a development of Manhattan-style apartments in the desirable Surrey commuter town, Camberley. Situated in a converted 1960s office block, developer Berkeley Homes Southern Ltd needed to ensure the 116 luxury flats were as energy efficient as possible.This was a particular concern for the properties situated above the first floor car park, which has open walls to allow adequate ventilation of exhaust fumes. As a result, the specification stipulated a U-value of 0.25 W/m²K.Chris Body, Business Development Director at RPN Ltd, the specialist sub-contractor at Ashwood House said: “We approached several insulation manufacturers to discuss the different options available. Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard met the brief in terms of thermal and fire performance. It can be used on uneven substrates and looks fantastic – all of which were key priorities for Berkeley Homes.”Aesthetic appealHow the insulation looked was an important part of the brief as Berkeley Homes wanted a solution that would be aesthetically pleasing. Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard features a black glass veil facing, so no additional finishing was required. This meant that RPN Ltd has been able to install the slabs perpendicular to the ring beam to create a quilted effect across the ceiling.A high-performance solutionThe other specification factors were thermal performance and fire safety. Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team undertook U-value calculations to determine that 130mm Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard would be required. It is manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool, has a thermal conductivity of just 0.034 W/mK and is designed to insulate structural soffits in applications such as open sided car parks.It is non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, so will not contribute to the development or spread of a fire should it occur. Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard also has excellent sound absorption characteristics so will help to ensure that residents are not disturbed by the noise of cars parking beneath their flats.Better for installersThe insulation was supplied by distributors CCF Ltd who delivered it to the site in line with the schedule of works. It was then installed by RPN’s specialist team.Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard is easier to install correctly than other insulants. The product recipe makes each slab rigid, which ensures the insulation maintains continuous contact with the substrate, preventing gaps that can reduce thermal, fire and acoustic performance.Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable, and is less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs, and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort. This means they are kinder to the installers who use them too.A safe solutionUltimately, using Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard means the Ashwood House car park ceiling not only looks aesthetically pleasing, but it helps to meet the increasing demand for non-combustible insulation in car parks too.

Bobrick DuraLineSeries® Compact Laminate partitions are central to the first all-gender school restroom in Washington State.

Formica® Laminate was chosen for hospital project thanks to the vast array of solid colours within the door collection.

Landmark is a 180,000 sq ft prime office development located in Manchester’s premier business district. Partially built off-site, it has been designed to achieve the highest sustainability standards – a BREEAM rating of ‘excellent’ and an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A so the thermal performance of its insulation was hugely important.Building regulations in England and Wales ban the use of combustible materials on all buildings over 18m. With 14 floors and a roof height of 27m, the architect, Squire and Partners, specified non-combustible insulation with Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification.With this in mind, external wall sub-contractor FK Group consulted the Knauf Insulation Technical Support Team for advice about which insulation to use. The team conducted 3D U-value calculations and determined that Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab in thicknesses of 50mm, 100mm and 150mm would achieve the desired U-value.Rocksilk® RainScreen SlabRocksilk® RainScreen Slab is manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool and has a thermal conductivity of 0.034W/mK. It is BBA certified for use over 18m and has the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, meaning it met the required specification for fire safety.FK Group also sought advice about what to do if the Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was exposed to rainwater during installation. There is a common misconception that the thermal performance of Mineral Wool will be permanently compromised if it gets wet, but this simply isn’t the case. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has been developed for external applications – its fibre matrix promotes water run-off, and it contains moisture-repellent additives in the binder. This ensures it can withstand higher levels of exposure to moisture during installation. Knauf Insulation also provided advice on the storage of insulation on site to protect the insulation from prolonged exposure to rainwater prior to use.Offsite constructionLandmark was built using an offsite construction method. Decorative concrete rainscreen panels were manufactured by Techrete in Hull. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was fitted offsite before the entire panel was transported to Manchester and craned into position on the concrete frame.The Knauf Insulation Specification Team provided further support by carrying out visits to both the Techrete manufacturing facility and the construction site to check the insulation was being installed correctly.SustainabilityAs well as its thermal and fire performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab offers considerable sustainability credentials. It is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. ECOSE® Technology is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binder, so it is more environmentally-friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort. This is beneficial when insulation is being installed offsite in an enclosed industrial environment.Enhancing the St Peter’s Square heritageMurray Levinson partner at Squire and Partners said “Landmark is an important project for Squire & Partners, representing our first completed new build project in Manchester. When we were approached to design Landmark, we recognised an opportunity to extend the cluster of prime office buildings of the adjacent St Peter’s Square southwards. Our design concept aligned itself with the new developments, whilst creating a building which enhanced its specific site heritage and context.“A priority for both ourselves and the client was to create a building with exceptional sustainability and wellbeing credentials, and we are proud to have achieved BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings,” added Levinson.Thanks to its thermal performance, fire safety and environmental credentials, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab will contribute to Landmark achieving the world's foremost environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings. All of which means this will truly be a landmark building both visually and in terms of sustainability.For further information about how our insulation can contribute to BREEAM, see below.https://www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/all-downloads?search=BREEAM

ACME Architects’ multi award winning £165million Victoria Gate is a vibrant new shopping destination in Leeds city centre, offering well over 1million square feet of premium retail and leisure floor space. Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic seamless acoustic ceiling and wall system was specified for the project to help create the desired look whilst helping deliver ambient acoustic comfort.was specified for the project to help create the desired look whilst helping deliver ambient acoustic comfort.

Trespa® Meteon® Modernizes 1920s Chicago High SchoolConstructed in 1926, West Chicago High School has seen many renovations over the years. Specialising in Pre-K and K-12 education, DLA Architects developed a plan for future expansion over 20 years ago during the building’s last renovation and saw it through in 2020. The team was tasked to create more flexible space for the school to better align with its current and future needs, all while preserving the historical architecture of the building.

Aperio® brings security and energy efficiency to Aberdeen student accommodation. The University of Aberdeen is one of Scotland’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions. As part of a £10 million refurbishment programme, the university sought a modern security solution for its refit of accommodation blocks at the Hillhead Student Village. Two accommodation blocks at the Hillhead Student Village, were equipped with Aperio® wireless online cylinders and security locks as part of the access control system... Click on the link below to read more.

It was designed and produced by Lindner in Germany. Thus, the dome with the adjoining flat ceiling was divided into different sections and executed as a metal ceiling. In addition, there are artistic ornaments made of Lincrete and LED lights that bathe the hall in a pleasant light. Furthermore, Lindner was commissioned with the project planning and delivery of the floor system: the FLOOR and more® arena hollow floor system impresses with high load-bearing capacity and quick installation.Completed Works:CeilingsMetal CeilingsFloorsCalcium sulphate panels - FLOOR and more® arena LuminairesDownlights

AG was delighted to continue our partnership with Braidwater Homes at one of the house builder’s most prestigious private housing development, Castlehill, located just off the Ballygowan Road in Belfast.Braidwater Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Ryan Boyle said:“AG’s paving and walling products which are aesthetically pleasing, tie in totally with Braidwater’s ‘living the dream’ aspirations. For the Castlehill development we had a number of requirements, which included ensuring that the landscaping tied in with the modern feel of this high-end development.” To this end, we utilised AG’s Vertica® and Diamond® retaining walls, where appropriate, together with AG’s River Stone 3’s set pavers in contrasting tones.”AG’s Regional Sales Manager, Barry Scott commented:“We have a really good relationship with the Braidwater Group and are currently involved in a number of their sites across Northern Ireland. The Castlehill contract was an important one for us and we have worked hard to ensure we live up to their high standards. As part of our commitment to Braidwater I personally make visits to their sites to ensure their team always have the products they need. Our personal service supported by speed and ease of delivery is something they appreciate. They also like the fact that by utilising our Anchor® Diamond® mortarless/pin-less segmental retaining wall system their team can work on in wet weather with no breaks in construction.”

Escapade Silverstone is a unique new commercial development sat right on the edge of the iconic Silverstone circuit.This prestigious project is comprised of 60 residences, a club house and car storage.The development is due to be completed in 2024, ready for next year’s Grand Prix.It will operate as short-stay accommodation for both the major calendar events and for the rest of the year when people are out on the track testing cars, etc. Escapade guests will be able to enjoy all that Silverstone has to offer.Axter were involved right from the outset. There were lots of complexities with the project, due to the nature of the design and the architect’s intentions, so we were able to recommend different solutions for different sections of the roof.Our video case study shows the progress so far. It's such an exciting project to be a part of and it was great to see the finishing touches being made to the waterproofing works by Embassy Site Services.Wilotekt®-Plus has been used on the new clubhouse and our Ecoflex® system has been specifically chosen for the residencies.It’s been a pleasure to work with Escapade, HG Construction and Embassy Site Services on this project and we can’t wait to revisit the site next year to check out the finished development. Stay tuned for our next video.Systems in useWilotekt®-PlusEcoflex®

Danish manufactured Troldtekt panels are commonly specified throughout the UK and Europe to improve the interior acoustic environment. Two recent Danish projects are the transformation of an old building into a car dealer’s offices for Karvil Biler, while the other is an extension of Randers Architects’ own headquarters into a mix of offices and exclusive residential units. Both projects use Troldtekt® line with its perfectly symmetrical vertical lines to balance walls and ceilings with great aesthetics, conveying warmth and providing a modern look coupled with high performance sound absorption.For the Architects’ washrooms, Troldtekt® line was chosen to add visual vibrancy to the rooms. It also exhibits different appearances depending on the angle from which the wall surfaces are viewed. The edges have been milled where the panels meet the ceiling, around electrical sockets and switches and also at floor level where bamboo skirting has been integrated. All have been elegantly cut to ensure a neat finish and fine detailing.In the car dealers, Troldtekt® line was selected in order to enhance and benefit the whole indoor climate. “We wanted to create a coherent look. The milled grooves have a visually calming effect and contrast well with the new raw concrete floor,” the project manager explained. Troldtekt® line forms nine acoustic solutions that make up the “design solutions” range which combines the best ideals of form and function. Founded on the Cradle to Cradle design concept, 100% Troldtekt’s natural wood wool panels are manufactured in a new state-of-the-art production facility. With a variety of different surfaces and colours, they can be supplied in the FSC® 100% category (FSC®C115450) contributing to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED rating. In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, the panels offer high durability and low cost life cycle performance, as well as inherent sustainability. They are also a natural, breathable material which can absorb and release moisture, which is why they have been awarded an Allergy Friendly Product Award by Allergy UK. Samples, case studies and technical information are easily sourced from tel 01978 664255 or visit www.troldtekt.co.uk

Taraflex® Sport M Evolution and GTI Max - Fast Track Vinyl Flooring installed at John Smith's Stadium.

Thermopine® cladding coated in SiOO:X Mid Grey was specified to transform a former fishmarket into a modern and sustainable community space.

SOYO Leeds is a £300 million mixed use scheme that creates a new neighbourhood adjacent to the city’s cultural quarter.Designed by DLG Architects for Caddick Construction and Moda Living, SOYO Leeds will comprise residential and student accommodation, a hotel, restaurants, bars and offices. And at the heart of this new cultural centre is 10,000m2 of Knauf Insulation Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab.During the construction of the scheme’s 515 hotel-style rental apartments, rainscreen contractor Axis Envelope Solutions needed to source suitable, compliant insulation. So, it consulted Knauf Insulation, the UK’s only manufacturer of Glass and Rock Mineral Wool insulation, about which solutions would meet the required thermal and fire performance specification.Knauf Insulation’s Specification Team reviewed the architect’s drawings which included a build-up featuring a steel top hat. The company’s Technical Support Team then undertook 3D U-value calculations completed in line with BS EN 10211 to ensure the finished building’s performance matched the initial design.Because 3D U-value calculations are done in-house, the team were able to turn around the complex calculations in the time frame required.Once the calculations had been performed, Knauf Insulation recommended 180mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab as the optimal solution to meet the thermal requirements of the build.As well as exceptional thermal performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is highly sound absorbent with excellent sound reduction capabilities. It is non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification so will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. This means it meets the requirements of building regulations in England and Wales banning the use of combustible materials on all buildings over 18m. In addition, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is British Board of Agrément (BBA) certified for use in high rise buildings and for the broadest range of thicknesses and build-ups of any rainscreen solution on the market.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs, and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has been designed for ease of use. It is robust which makes it is easy to manoeuvre into place and it can be installed either way round without compromising performance. The Mineral Wool knits together and adapts to imperfections in the substrate, preventing air gaps that compromise thermal, fire and acoustic performance.Thanks to the responsiveness of Knauf Insulation’s Specification and Technical Support Teams, Axis Envelope Solutions was able to keep to the tight schedule required. As a result, the new tenants of the luxury apartments at SOYO Leeds will be able to enjoy homes built to provide the highest level of thermal, fire safety and acoustic performance in the centre of the city’s newest cultural hub.

A major global company selected Andel to install leak detection systems in multiple data centres, based on our approach, experience, quality and price. The end-user customer is one of the world’s leading digital infrastructure companies, providing a secure, sustainable, global collaboration platform to numerous industry-leading organisations in finance, manufacturing, retail, transportation, government, healthcare and education. The challengeThe data centres were built to the latest design specifications employing cutting-edge features and technologies. Mile upon mile of data network and power cable is installed under raised access floors where it can be organised and routed safely out of sight. The problem is that the same void, hidden from view, also contains water service pipes feeding air conditioning units, toilets and kitchens. A tailored, robust, hybrid solution needed to be installed meeting multiple requirements, primarily at low level, within the floor voids around the perimeter of the data halls with distance measuring systems monitoring CRAC units, plumbing and other plant. Additionally, a range of zonal systems provided early warning alarms and automatic isolation for water, refrigerant gas and oil leak detection.The solutionFloodline® HLD, Ranger® distance measuring system and a range of zonal senorsAndel’s Floodline® is a flexible, future-proof, zonal and distance measuring leak detection system. State-of-the-art, hybrid, Floodline® HLD multifunction control panels were installed in conjunction with Floodline Ranger® distance measuring systems and a range of zonal leak detection sensors including water, refrigerant gas and oil. Floodline® HLD control panel can monitor up to 224 zones using a combination of resistance-based and Modbus-enabled sensors.High-visibility Floodline Ranger® cable provides up to 1500 metres of continuous leak detection, detecting the presence of water and conductive liquid at any point along its entire length. Conductive-polymer technology construction makes the the sensor highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion. Sensor cable was strategically installed in floor voids to continually monitor the server halls, ensuring early leak detection through alarms and automatic valve shut-off systems.  The system triggers audio-visual alarms as well as sending onward communication to BMS. Resilient, sustainable, cost-effective, easy to install and maintain, Andel’s Floodline® is a flexible, future-proof, zonal and distance measuring leak detection system. Proactive approachPrior to installation, great care was given to ensure the customer was happy with all Andel’s Floodline® equipment and to demonstrate the superior build-quality and functionality and to allow the customer to see and handle the equipment first-hand. The customer was provided with all relevant technical specifications and user information. The project involved detailed assessment and planning for the five sites. Bespoke installation kits were manufactured in advance for each installation team. Andel put together mobile crews to visit each of the sites. The installation took 20 days from start to finish, meeting the deadline. The resultA successful leak detection installation that fulfills the customer’s brief, protecting priority servers and IT infrastructure in new major data centres. Installing Andel’s Floodline® leak detection systems now means the customer has:A cost-effective, reliable and low-maintenance leak detection system across five mission-critical sites.A bespoke, tailored solution for each site.Peace of mind with a leak detection system that will give early warning alarms and onward communication, allowing for evasive action to be taken to avoid any damage.A future-proof solution with a leak detection system where additional zones, sensors and upgrades can be added easily and cost effectively. What the customer said;We are delighted with the installation of the Ranger leak detection system across our sites. We feel at peace knowing our servers are protected with high quality systems providing realtime leak detection monitoring.Robert Gilbert, Project Manager

10 Flo-Motion® doors for new build Accident and Emergency unit and Paediatric Unit for Frimley Health NHS Foundation 

A major housing provider wanted their new workspace to reflect its corporate and environmental ethos. Vtec's premium wood-slatted system, SupaSlat, was used in the ceiling design. The beauty of the system was it supported the client's green initiatives, as FSC® Certified (FSC® 160047) wood was used. Vtec's SupaSlat system addressed the need for sustainable measures. The beautiful light-coloured grain complimented the sophisticated soft furnishes infusing warmth and vitality to the space. Read more to explore how the Lift and Shift system enabled accessible locations into the T-24 ceiling grid.

At Yealmpton Primary to the East of Plymouth in South Devon all children are encouraged to be more active during break and lunch times with sports and fitness at the forefront of that focus. When the school implemented a refurbishment programme for their multi-use hall and kitchen servery area, they turned to international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply their world class Taraflex® Multi-Use vinyl sports flooring and their Tarasafe Ultra safety flooring. An Isolsport underlay was also supplied by Gerflor, enabling the installer to lay the Taraflex® Multi Use directly over the existing Granwood floor.

Atlas House, 1, King Street, London has just had Genesis RezTred® anti-slip resin installed on the interior steps. Bespoke templated stencils had to be carefully created on site to ensure that the RezTred® resin curves matched those of the existing curved steps. The anti-slip resin serves duel purposes, firstly it provides an R12 level of slip resistance so that the possibility of slipping on the steps has been reduced to a minimum and secondly, the resin blends in beautifully with its surroundings and remains in keeping with the overall look of the building.

Hope View Independent School is a boys only institution that works with 7-18 year olds who have behavioural and learning difficulties. The school is situated close to a major transport route and along the same road as the train station. We supplied and installed 20m of Securi-Mesh® 358 fencing 2.44m high to replace existing fencing that was close to the train station and track. In addition to the fencing, we installed a single leaf Securi-Mesh® matching gate which has the same properties as the fencing, meaning there are no weak gaps in the perimeter.

The new business center of Novo Nordisk in "Bagsværd" houses the senior management of the company and hundreds of administrative employees. 2250m2 of fabric finishes barrisol "Reves satines" colors "Blanc Wight" were installed. To achieve this the impeccable design, the system MINISTAR® Barrisol was used. The system Barrisol MINISTAR®, like all Barrisol system is dismantled and reassembled for easy access to the plenum. The night lighting is indirect lighting LED RGB (color change) that thanks to the reflection rate of the white finishes 89% offers exceptional color rendering. Architect : Henning Larsen

Standard Life Investments’ new £75m development at St Andrew Square in Edinburgh, as with many modern builds, it is fronted with lots of glass. It looks amazing and delivers plenty of natural light, but often requires robust shading solutions to protect people from the sun’s glare and heat. The fit-out company opted to use YewdaleDefiant® R20 systems with side channels throughout, and the YewdaleDefiant® R20M with double bracket. This allowed the installation of a dimout screen fabric and a blackout fabric, which can be easily switched between at the touch of a button. Read more...

Our client had an ambitious vision - to construct a property that would be a true testament to innovative architecture. After collaborating extensively with the architect, they conceived the idea of a residential property that would seamlessly blend into its surroundings, almost appearing invisible to the eye.The challenge was to securely attach these extensive reflective panels to a timber frame structure using our NVELOPE® system as the framing material.For this project, we incorporated our NVELOPE® NV1, a thermally broken, isolated bracket system, in collaboration with a specific SFS fixing suitable for the timber substructure and the SDA5 fixing for the T-rail frame. Additionally, we utilized the L-Rail extruded aluminium 6005 which can be cut-to-length on site or pre-cut using the SFS Optimised Cutting Service.One significant advantage of our solution was the aesthetics of the cladding, which remained level without any bulges, ensuring a flawless reflection. This was achieved using our cost-effective and adjustable NVELOPE® NV1 system, along with an appropriate adhesive. 

For more than 60 years, Formica® laminate has created the atmosphere and heritage in a unique landmark on England’s north-east coast.

The John Smith's Stadium installed Taraflex® Sport M Evolution and GTI Max - Fast Track Vinyl Flooring into their sports facility.

CHALLENGE Aylesbury Grammar School needed to have their knee rail fencing replaced in the communal areas of the school. The original fencing made of timber had become unsafe and un-secure making it a liability for the children.You often see timber suffer under harsh circumstances such as being faced with weathering in the challenging outdoor environments in school grounds. Aylesbury Grammar School had faced this issue with the timber fencing they had around the school grounds. The fencing had rotted very quickly due to the poor quality preservatives, which have been used in timber since legislation banning the use of oil based preservatives came into effect.Aylesbury Grammar School instructed Buckland Landscapes to replace and upgrade the outdoor areas of the school grounds. They were looking for products that would require little to no maintenance in order to reduce their annual costs. They wanted strong and durable products that would withstand the heavily used areas and maintain a safe environment for the pupils. The products needed to be long lasting and environmentally friendly.SOLUTIONBuckland Landscapes specified ® hanit as the replacement material for Aylesbury Grammar School. ® hanit Ultra knee rail was chosen to create the boundaries within the school grounds. Knee Rail products are UK manufactured ® using the hanit Ultra formulation which is the strongest of all blends. It offers good impact resistance and is used for high quality profiles. This ensured that Aylesbury Grammar School would be provided the durability required to withstand the high use. The surface has the appearance of timber with a consistent colouring and as the products are weather and rot resistant it will remain aesthetically pleasing for many years to come. The safety of the pupils had been put at risk with the previous rotting fencing. Therefore it was made a priority to looking ® for a new material. As hanit does not rot, is weather resistant and has a smooth splinter free finish. These qualities also ensure the reduction in maintenance costs as ® hanit products require no treatment or maintenance.Aylesbury Grammar School were keen to use a more sustainable product in their school grounds, therefore the environmental ® benefits of hanit made it the perfect choice. Made from 100% recycled plastic it is possible to show the students the benefits of recycling and what products can be re-worked from material that would previously have been a burden on the environment and gone to landfill. Buckland Landscapes were pleased with the ease of installation and they found ® the handling of hanit just as simple as timber. “We are really pleased with the replacement knee rail fencing. The products look really good and most importantly, they are strong and durable and will not splinter or rot making it un-safe for our pupils. The knee rail fencing is also a sustainable replacement as it is made from recycled plastic.” Headteacher - Aylesbury Grammar School

Project detailsIn 2008 the MPT consortium* was awarded the Manchester’s Metrolink phase 3a extension project, a 49 stop, £275 million extension to the Manchester Metro. The new build allowed contractors to shop around for the best products for the job, but one essential product could not be found. Throughout this three-year development, best practice and user health and safety have been the priorities. Steps were designed to minimise risk of trips and slips for pedestrians, the disabled and visually impaired. Each of the 1,400 pre-cast concrete steps on the new platforms required a non-slip front edge and MPT scoured the world for suitable products. The design criteria required that the nosing would be: Suitable for heavy use in an external environment Compliant to the Building Regulation Part M Providing a solution in accordance with BS8300 2009 Inner B Code of Practice, against the finished concrete in both wet and dry conditions Our solution Adrian Rowe, MPT Engineering Manager and his team tested a wide range of products, short listing three, including Firm-Step Edge®. Our product met the design criteria but was unavailable in the required specification, size and colour. Not wanting to let this opportunity pass us by, we took up the challenge and developed an exclusive version of Firm-Step Edge® in black, with a 70mm tread and 55mm riser. “Watco was brilliant in sorting out our problem, giving us excellent service throughout. They understood our needs and delivered prototypes in a week. They also developed an exclusive version of their Firm-Step Edge®, in the specified black shade, with a 70mm tread and 55mm riser that fitted on to the rebated precast step to keep the nosing flush. It also had perfect internal angles so it sat snugly on the standard profile of the nose on the precast concrete steps.” Following the first installation in February 2011, Firm-Step Edge® is now being screwed and bonded to steps at every stop along the 49 stop extensions. Firm-Step Edge® is an economical, quick to install safety feature. Firm-Step Edge® offers a tough GRP base that is resistant to stretching, warping and swelling. We offer two grades; medium for internal and coarse for external stairs, both of which are easily glued using Watco Adhesive Mastic or drilled for screw fixing. The textured finish offers excellent slip-resistance and a chamfered back edge minimises trip potential. Available in white or yellow, Firm-Step Edge® can be cut on site if required using a hacksaw or similar cutting tool or we offer a cut to size service. *MPT (M. Pact Thales) is a consortium comprising Laing O’Rourke, VolkerRail and Thales UK.

Experience Spectacular Laminated Glass Designs with evguard® The Plaza DohaParisian Flair & Arabian HospitalityThe Plaza Doha’s architecture and interior of the property blends the Parisian design with Arabian luxury under the highest standard of quality. The 5-star property offers distinctive guest rooms and luxury private residences as well as a unique fine dining and retail selection. The 292-key property is situated in the heart of Doha, delivering to its visitors and residents a unique and extraordinary hospitality experience.Located at the heart of the city with breathtaking views of the waterfront of old Doha, the West Bay skyline, and the Pearl Qatar, The Plaza Doha is a 10-minute walking distance from the Ras Abu Aboud stadium and only 10 minutes from the corniche, museums and nearby cultural hubs.I am really in love with the design of the decorative glass domed ceiling.Taking into account the size and scale of the glass ceiling (73x23m), it can be considered to be one of the most ambitious glass projects.And it makes me proud that it is made with the laminated safety glass with evguard®  laminating film and the result is absolutely stunning and I am sure, that it brings a unique unforgettable experience to the Hotel's visitors.Spectra Arts has been in the glass industry for decades and is known for the beautiful glass roof and skylight installations, especially with stained glass works like the Fish Market in Doha.Photo: Spectacular design and extremely high UV exposure application made by MEBG & Spectra Arts/Qatar.Spectra Arts is mastering the creation of timeless hand-made pieces crafted by their artists and fabrication of classic to contemporary panels using the latest glass machinery.Contact Spectra Arts, Qatar for more information on the project:Spectra ArtsTel: +974 44581112email: info@spectraarts.comwww.spectraarts.comevguard® laminating film has many adaptable uses for both laminated safety, security and architectural glass. evguard® is highly adaptable to varying conditions, and undertakes the most stringent tests to mark its quality, durability & safety. Contact MEBG for #evguard® in the Middle East Issa OSMAN issaosman@gmebusiness.com+961 3 145 155Nagham OsmanNagham.osman@gmebusiness.comAline Daheraline.daher@gmebusiness.com+961 1 511081Contact GlassParts for #evguard® in UK & IrelandTony Mallick +44 7392 458390tony@glassparts.co.ukwww.glassparts.co.uk

Created as part of the wider regeneration of the former industrial area of Ouseburn Valley, Lower Steenberg’s Yard is a four-storey development comprising ground floor commercial office space and 28 residential apartments on the floors above. Benefiting from stunning riverside views of the Ouseburn, a small tributary of the River Tyne, the scheme has been designed by Xsite Architecture and constructed by Esh Construction for developers PfP igloo.The architectural style of Lower Steenberg’s Yard has been informed by both the neighbouring Victorian-era industrial buildings and Scandinavian design elements, with the latter inspired by Mr Richard Steenberg, the Danish industrialist who established a number of businesses in the area throughout the 1850s. As a result, clean lines and the extensive use of natural light are key features of the scheme. This has been achieved to great effect using Senior’s slimline aluminium fenestration systems which have been fabricated and installed by Crown Doors and Shutters.Each of the apartments feature Senior’s low U-value PURe® aluminium windows, specified as triple-glazed tilt and turn style units to provide safe and secure ventilation and ease of maintenance. Senior’s thermally-efficient PURe® SLIDE and PURe® FOLD patio doors have also been installed to provide access to private terraces which overlook the river. As well as helping to maximise the use of natural light, Senior’s fully Part L compliant PURe® aluminium windows and doors will also help improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel costs and contribute to lowering the overall carbon footprint of the building.The ground floor retail units also benefit from Senior’s PURe® casement aluminium windows, with further daylighting achieved through the use of Senior’s slim profile SF52 aluminium curtain wall system to the main entrances. Senior’s robust SPW501 commercial doors have also been installed to provide safe and secure access.

This reimagined building in Fitzrovia, which puts people, wellness, and sustainability first, is another project we are particularly proud of and here’s why.The Met Building is 12 storeys high and one of a few such examples in London’s West End. Its design was inspired by one of New York’s landmark buildings, Lever House, one of Manhattan’s leading examples, which inspired decades of US corporate architecture.While the building’s interiors are crafted to appeal to corporates and creatives, the Tower has been designed to put people first, offering breathtaking views across London, and focusing on efficiency and productivity.The whole roof terrace of the Met Building’s Podium was built over the top of the existing roof and on a huge network of steels that are designed to direct the load away from the roof below.The system used on the roof terrace is our TerraSmart® Rail Paving System finished in our Porcelain Paving Range. This system features super-strong, 100% recyclable aluminium joists, overlapping to create a lattice framework that delivers maximum support for the porcelain paving above. In addition to complementing the overall aesthetics of the entire project, the system is fully non-combustible (Class A1 fire-rated) and, as such, in perfect harmony with the focus on the wellness and safety of all the building’s occupants. The porcelain pavers were inspired by nature and feature the performance of high-quality ceramics and environmentally conscious manufacturing that aligns with the project’s focus on sustainability.And to top it all, the entire solution installed is backed by our RYNO® IGNO® 30-year system warranty and 60-year design life.In total, the RYNO® TerraSmart® Rail Paving System was installed on 3 terraces at the Met Building, all built on the existing steel frame, and the planters that add to the outdoor experience have been integrated into the design and placed directly on top of the RYNO paving system.We are proud to have collaborated very closely with Vert Projects (the Main Contractor) and The Landscape Partnership (the Landscape Architect) in delivering this great design.

Gerflor’s Taraflex® Sport M Performance vinyl sports flooring in three pulsating colours; Pink, Silver Grey and London Light Blue.

The institute's new home houses offices, laboratories, clean rooms, workshops, a library, a daycare center and even a nine-meter-high balloon hall. Due to the heavy technology in the balloon hall, the bonded screed was required to have a guaranteed quality of CT-C50-F6. With RETANOL® XTREME, the company Bodentechnik Funk from Lohmen not only exceeded all expectations in terms of early strength, quick readiness for covering and final strength: the installed RETANOL® XTREME even achieved CT-C50-F8 and surface adhesion measurements showed values ​​of 3.4–4.2 N/ mm².

“The Word has set the standard for Design thinking in the UK.” David Lindley, Executive Director at Designing Libraries. The Word, National Centre for the Written Word, is the iconic centre piece of a multi-million pound regeneration project in the heart of South Shields. Arranged as a modern rotunda, The Word offers innovative facilities designed to inspire creative ideas and nurture a love of learning. ROCKFON® Mono® Acoustic seamless ceiling system is installed throughout to meet both the aesthetic and acoustic requirements which helped the project win the prestigious Public Sector Interiors Project of the Year award.

Architecture & design practice KSS redesigned the changing suite for Premier League Southampton FC. Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic was chosen to help ensure the perfect environment for pre-match preparedness. KSS Michael McCollum, “Excellent acoustics are fundamental to creating the right atmosphere, and good speech intelligibility is critical. Finishes are necessarily of resistant materials, so a class A acoustic absorber was required. Rockfon was specified by KSS as it was able to conform to the curvilinear geometry of the room. Mono Acoustic provides a high quality, monolithic appearance fulfilling the brief for a single, unifying, neutral ceiling element, enclosing but not dominating ..”