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Ashton Under Lyne - Town Centre Public Realm (2000m2)Project Description: Ashton Under Lyne’s town centre was transformed with £10.8m of levelling up funding. A transformational & bold project ensuring Ashton’s historic market square is future proofed and fit for modern market needs. New paving means the square is accessible and safe for all visitors and residents. Larsen Streetscape paving mortar system is the preferred option for laying paving. Product Showcase: Larsen Streetscape paving mortar system is a collection of high-performance mortars for the construction of pavements. The products are specifically formulated to exceed performance characteristics, as set out in BS 7533. Products used:            ·  FBC Eco Fine Bedding Concrete - Ideal for pavements constructed with natural stone, concrete & clay paving units. ·  PS Eco Priming Slurry - Applied to the underside of all paving units to create an exceptional bond to FBC Eco Fine Bedding Concrete. ·  FJM Eco Flowable Jointing Mortar - Filled the joints to complete the installation. Rapid setting with high early strength gain, FJM Eco can be opened to foot traffic in one hour.               ·  EM Epoxy Mortar - A three-part pack solvent-free epoxy resin mortar - perfectly suited for areas where exceptional strength and bond are required. For further information or technical data sheets on the Larsen Streetscape product range, please visit www.larsenbuildingproducts.com. 

The Department Store Studios by Squire & Partners is a four-storey contemporary workspace in Brixton, extending the refurbishment of The Department Store. It offers 13,000 sq ft of workspace and 4,500 sq ft of retail space, with flexible workspaces, serviced social and meeting areas, a neighborhood bar, restaurant, and screening room.The Department Store Studios features projected snapped header brick details using a bespoke blend of handmade Hampshire Red, Light Victorian Red and Farnham Red bricks. These bricks have been uniquely arranged to produce a textured finish that contrasts white mortar and smooth stone lintels. Taking inspiration from the robust Edwardian aesthetic of The Department Store, the new development features patterned brickwork and contemporary faceted bay windows. Black Smooth bullnose engineering bricks line the ground floor to fit within the neighbouring buildings. A setback fourth floor creates generous external terraces, and is planted with a green roof to enhance biodiversity. faceted bay windows, and a green roof for enhanced biodiversity.Inside, the building emphasizes sustainability with exposed cross-laminated timber, brick finishes, and exposed services. A 120 sqm green roof and 27 solar panels support renewable energy use. The Studios also promotes local businesses through a Residency scheme for young entrepreneurs and a curated event program for skill sharing and creativity.

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

Brennan & Wilson Architects undertook the transformation of The Barn in East Lothian into an EnerPHit Passive House, emphasising sustainability.The project involved the conversion of a stone outbuilding, with the addition of a large kitchen extension with a planted sedum roof. The owner wanted an energy-efficient home, with no reliance on fossil fuels, which was adaptable to their changing needs should they eventually require single-level living. Rooflights were key to achieving good natural light levels inside the house, due to existing boundary restrictions with neighbouring properties. The selected FAKRO products included quadruple-glazed rooflights tailored for both pitched and flat roofs, aligning with the project's objectives. Installation was efficient with well-packaged products and clear structural guidance provided by FAKRO.The outcome is a remarkable improvement in insulation within The Barn, ensuring year-round comfort while notably reducing energy consumption. Stewart MacKenzie, FAKRO's Regional Manager for Scotland, played a crucial role in providing tailored support, ensuring the selected products met the project's unique requirements.This collaboration showcases the effective integration of architectural design with sustainable, high-quality products, creating a home that emphasises environmental consciousness and occupant comfort. Brennan & Wilson Architects are based in East Lothian, Scotland and have over 20 years experience of designing sustainable, low-energy buildings.

Canaan Lane Primary School has been built within the Grange Conservation Area in Edinburgh, an affluent suburb of early Victorian villas. The context of the project therefore called for thoughtful consideration of the neighbouring buildings and the use of a natural palette of materials.The bin store area for refuse and recycling collection occupies a prominent position between the front of the building and the low stone boundary wall to the street. Durability and quality were therefore prime considerations in the choice of product.The wheelie bin stores were made from Italia/100, a robust steel louvred product which provides total visual screening. The double leaf doors were supplied with extra heavy 100×100 SHS posts with base plate fixings to meet the special loading requirement for an environment with small children. A site survey ensured that the hinges were precisely positioned on the posts in a staggered arrangement, to suit the existing slab which was stepped across the rising ground.Each compound was divided with lateral bump rails to accommodate 1100 litre eurobins; in addition the back panel was protected from potential damage by an internal bump rail. Panels and posts were hot-dip galvanized and polyester powder coated RAL7043.Lang+Fulton also supplied Siena fencing around the playground boundaries; a railing fence which provides secure perimeter protection and features a conical top for a smart, traditional appearance.

The owner of this converted church in Leven, Fife consulted an architect who specialises in the restoration of churches, Des Cairns, about the ongoing maintenance and decoration of her property. Des Cairns recommended Tony Carter, Senior Sales Executive of KEIM Mineral Paints to visit site to assess the existing wall paint, and suggest a plan for future painting.Des discussed with the owner that with old stone buildings, churches, palaces etc, KEIM is the paint of choice for restoration as it allows the building to breathe.During Tony’s visit, he explained how KEIM Paints are still made using a 140 year old recipe that consists of natural mineral pigments. It allows the walls to breathe, preventing flaking paint in the future. The colour is guaranteed not to fade or change over time, even up to 100 years.KEIM have their own Exclusiv colour range along with other standard colours and offer a colour match facility.KEIM Optil was chosen as it can be applied to previously painted surfaces such as painted plaster, plasterboard and sandstone window mullions without the need for primer.The owner said, “The painter was impressed with how well the paint covered”.“I am delighted with the result and finish of KEIM Paint. It is reassuring to have the architect’s recommendation and the knowledge that the paint will work with the building in the long term and last. It was a very big job to paint the inside of the church, in part it is 33 feet high and the whole job took several weeks. It is something I hope not to have to do again in my lifetime, so I wanted the best. I can strongly recommend KEIM Paint.”

This property in a picturesque town in Cornwall, was in need of some TLC. The exterior walls are exposed to the seaside climes, making it perfect as the first project in the UK to use KEIM Twinstar, 2in1 masonry exterior paint.Prior to re-decoration, it was recommended that the painted stone gable walls were stripped back to enable the property to breathe, which reduces the paint from blistering and flaking due to moisture being trapped within the substate. KEIM Twinstar, in colour 9354, was applied by KEIM lover, Ry Spencely of Airborn Painting & Decorating.  KEIM Twinstar is the latest exterior and masonry paint solution, designed to ‘buy you time’ with its 2in1 system where paint is applied wet on wet. There’s no drying time between coats, which reduces waiting, labour and time. It allows a two-coat paint in one work step.Simply mix and apply the paint undiluted, straight from the bucket to ‘saturate’ the surface, then apply more of the same paint working into the existing wet paint layer.The decorator commented, “Another top quality product from KEIM. Application was very nice, it’s a thick chunky product as you’d expect and it covered a dream. The finished look was that signature luxurious KEIM super matt finish, all the while it’s letting the building breathe. Winner!”Ry Spencely of Airborn Painting & DecoratingKEIM Twinstar is the latest product development, designed specifically to speed up application and project time, whilst offering the full suite of sustainability credentials associated with KEIM.

AluOne is a self-supporting, lightweight and recyclable open balcony system. Designed for structural simplicity and ease of installation, whilst stylishly complimenting the building facade.Manufactured at our state-of-the-art production facility, and constructed using a four column self-supporting lightweight system, AluOne ensures ease of implementation on site.Suitable for new builds, renovations and retro-fitting to existing buildings. We have a suitable solution for every building. Guaranteed durability, practicality and a high quality finish, AluOne is a truly bespoke modular system.Available in a wide-range of RAL colours, AluOne can be customised specifically for each project with a choice of balustrade and floor tile options.AluOne comes with a tiled floor of concrete paving slabs. The plates have been carefully sandblasted to allow the natural stone ballast in the plate to appear. Thanks to our manufacturing method, this plate has an unique colour resistance. The paving slabs are 400 x 400 in size and available in three colour shades.Always designed with drainage management in mind, AluOne has a hidden system in the balcony for optional rainwater drainage. The water flows discreetly under the paving slabs, allowing it to move into the drainage pipe via a gutter in the balcony frame. This is connected to the building's drainage system or to a drainage pipe that ensures the balcony rainwater discharge is properly managed.AluOne is available ins 12 different sizes. You can choose between four different widths and three depths, each in convenient increments of 400mm.

AluOne is a self-supporting, lightweight and recyclable open balcony system. Designed for structural simplicity and ease of installation, whilst stylishly complimenting the building facade. Manufactured at our state-of-the-art production facility, and constructed using a four column self-supporting lightweight system, AluOne ensures ease of implementation on site. Suitable for new builds, renovations and retro-fitting to existing buildings. We have a suitable solution for every building. Guaranteed durability, practicality and a high quality finish, AluOne is a truly bespoke modular system.Available in a wide-range of RAL colours, AluOne can be customised specifically for each project with a choice of balustrade and floor tile options. AluOne comes with a tiled floor of concrete paving slabs. The plates have been carefully sandblasted to allow the natural stone ballast in the plate to appear. Thanks to our manufacturing method, this plate has an unique colour resistance. The paving slabs are 400 x 400 in size and available in three colour shades. Always designed with drainage management in mind, AluOne has a hidden system in the balcony for optional rainwater drainage. The water flows discreetly under the paving slabs, allowing it to move into the drainage pipe via a gutter in the balcony frame. This is connected to the building's drainage system or to a drainage pipe that ensures the balcony rainwater discharge is properly managed. AluOne is available ins 12 different sizes. You can choose between four different widths and three depths, each in convenient increments of 400mm.

Streamlight Tower is a residential skyscraper in London that was completed in 2012. The building has 24 stories and contains a total of 174 dwellings ranging from 1-5 bedroom apartments. The upper floors of the tower offer panoramic views of the city, and many of the apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows.The Streamlight Tower is a striking addition to the Providence Square development in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The slender, tower stands out against the brick and glass of its surroundings, and its simple form is punctuated by a series of recessed balconies. The tower has a signature angled roof, which provides a dramatic focal point for the development. The Streamlight Tower is an excellent example of contemporary architecture, and its unique design is sure to make it a popular landmark in the area.Just a stone’s throw from Streamlight Tower are restaurants, coffee shops, a gym, convenience stores and much more. A short drive is The O2 which is home to many shopping outlets, bars, restaurants and a Cineworld cinema. There are plenty of places to visit including Central Park and Crazy Putt London.The Facade has recently been updated with approximately 3400m2 of Valcan’s VitraDual which has been installed onto the building. VitraDual’s benefits from a A1 rating (to BS EN 13501-1 fire classification) which means the product non-combustible.As always, it’s been great working with MK Facades on this project who have installed the cladding panels. The team at MK Facades has worked hard on this project and we’re very happy with the progress, and look of this magnificent building.

A former pub located in the heart of Taporley village, Cheshire, has been converted into a luxury health and welbeing centre, featuring a state-of-the-art-gym, treatment rooms and apartments for staff use. Instinct Gym and Wellbeing aims to help improve the health and mental wellbeing of the local community through new initiatives. When it came to selection the best floor coverings, having worked with JA Flooring on previous projects  Enigma Holdings Group, the owners of the building, called upon the flooring contractor once more. As aesthetics and durability were key objectives of the project, JA Flooring advised the use of an array of solutions from Forbo Flooring Systems’ portfolio including its Allura luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), which played a significant role in the renovation works.The natural wood and stone aesthetic, combined with the benefits of strong, comfortable vinyl tiles, meant that Allura was installed in the gym, treatment rooms, spin studios and circulation areas. In the treatment rooms where a more serene surrounding was required, Allura Wood in the Whitewash Elegant Oak colourway was used.In the entrance and reception area, a bespoke Coral Logo entrance flooring mat was produced to reinforce the Instinct Gym and Wellbeing branding – helping to create that all important first impression, whilst offering protection in extreme traffic conditions and maximum functional performance.Finally, Tessera Earthscape carpet tiles in Iceberg were installed in the apartments; and in the changing facilities and kitchens, the Surestep range in various neutral colourways helped to complement the overall sophisticated interior of the health and wellbeing centre.

Trent is a village and civil parish in northwest Dorset, in the beautiful Yeo Valley. The Trent Conservation Area was designated in February 1970. Many of its structures are listed due to their historical and architectural significance, including Medieval and Tudor buildings.  From 1835 to 1875, Reverend Turner and his wife occupied the village rectory. Together, they built a great number of the buildings that are still in the village today, including the Alms Houses. In 1862, the Turners constructed the National School which was to be for girls and infants. Throughout the years, the National School has seen many changes, including the introduction of boys and the expansion of the buildings. Unsurprisingly, the original metal windows at the school were not fit for purpose and the time came to replace them. This required sensitivity, as it was imperative the new windows looked similar to the originals. The Clement Brooking range was specified because the slim, strong frames could replicate the wonderful shaped heads of the existing windows and they could be fixed directly to stone. The 16mm krypton filled units offer the much-improved thermal performance required and, like all Clement windows, the frames could be fitted with restrictors, essential for safety.Ros Baker, the Deputy Headteacher said: “We are so pleased with the finished result! The transformation the windows have made to our school and local area is fantastic. Many local residents have also commented positively on the ‘new look’ windows. They have been sympathetically upgraded, in keeping with the original school building, and have had a positive impact on our school environment. Furthermore, there was no impact on the staff or the children during the refurbishment.”

Midland Metropolitan University Hospital Case StudyDemonstrating Products That Perform!Project Description:Nestled between Sandwell and West Birmingham, the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital is poised to become the centre of acute and emergency care at our Trust when it opens in 2024.Midland Met is not just a hospital...situated within a designated regeneration zone, this new hospital build represents not just progress in healthcare but opportunity to revitalise the region. Product Showcase:Used in multiple locations across the project including Level 5 Winter Garden, Larsen Streetscape paving mortar system is a collection of high-performance mortars for the construction of pavements. The preferred option for laying paving, the products are specifically formulated to exceed performance characteristics, as set out in BS 7533. Products used:         FBC Eco Fine Bedding Concrete • Ideal for pavements constructed with natural stone, concrete & clay paving units.PS Eco Priming Slurry• Applied to the underside of all paving units to create an exceptional bond to FBC Eco Fine Bedding Concrete.FJM Eco Flowable Jointing Mortar• Filled the joints to complete the installation. Rapid setting with high early strength gain, FJM Eco can be opened to foot traffic in one hour.3 in 1 Seal Plus• A water-based acrylic hybrid dispersion paving sealer, sand stabiliser and protector suitable for most paving. For further information or technical data sheets on the Larsen Streetscape product range, please visit www.larsenbuildingproducts.com. 

The ChallengeCumbria County Council decided to invest in new, future-proof headquarters rather than invest a similar amount of money into refurbishing and maintaining its multiple existing sites.The project would allow the Council to downsize its office portfolio from 22 locations in and around the city to just two.Housing 700 staff, the new £10.4 million development would reflect a major rejuvenation of the area, designed to be a major gateway into Carlisle city centre.The SolutionThe new building is laid out to house two functions. The first, a two-storey elevation, houses public, customer-facing activity, while the second contains private, open-plan work areas for 450 people, along with ‘hot desks’ for visitors.The building makes use of a range of sustainable technologies, such as photovoltaic solar panels, to improve the building’s efficiency.Forterra’s County Multi Smooth brick from its Butterley range complements the natural stone and glass also used in the building’s design.The BenefitsAs well as saving Cumbria County Council money, Cumbria House brings a wide range of benefits, including improved working conditions for staff. Chief Executive, Diane Wood, commented “The new offices will provide a fantastic working environment for staff. It will support our ‘one team’ ethos with everybody working together in one building. Cumbria House is a much more environmentally-friendly building and, importantly, it’s better for our customers in Carlisle because they can now access all our services from one place”.

System Used - TerraSmart pedestal IGNOThe Botanist is a botanical cocktail bar in the heart of Newcastle. Complete with a rooftop terrace bar, it entices revellers and partygoers with a welcoming and curated look. The natural materials of the terrace bar, mixed with the abundance of plants and natural light, transport customers to a chic, far-off watering hole. To complement and contrast the natural materials in the industrial setting, the bare materials, exposed brick, and stone effect tiles give a suggestive canvas to the biophilic decor. The design function of the terrace is as a high foot traffic area for social meetings. To fully support the paved area in these situations, we have seen a rise in users looking for simple pedestal systems that still provide a robust substructure at an economical rate. The pedestals have a wide base acting as a stable foundation and spacer tabs that equally space the pavers apart to create drainage channels.Sasso porcelain tiles could support the primary use of the space due to their inherent properties. These porcelain paving tiles are naturally non-porous, protecting the finish from staining. This non-porous property also makes the tiles resistant to bitumen and algae. The tile also features a low slip potential in both; wet and dry conditions. Having these properties within a hospitality environment can help make a safe and long-lasting flooring surface.TerraSmart Pedestal IGNO fits into this industrial, chic environment with its simple, robust pedestal structure and hard-wearing but stylish flooring finish, punctuating the space and tying the terrace together. 

Luxurious Outdoor Living: a Sanctuary of EleganceNestled in the heart of central Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK, this remarkable project showcases the artful synergy of luxurious outdoor living and impeccable design. The sprawling terrace area serves as an oasis of relaxation and an exquisite dining space.Once a family home in need of modernisation, this property has undergone a large transformation overseen by a family who sought not merely a home, but a sanctuary that harmoniously caters to both adults and children, fostering moments of reprieve and conviviality.The front facade is graced with the natural grandeur of McMonagle exterior natural stone wall cladding, a testament to refined taste and architectural finesse. In harmony with the contemporary elements of the roof, front door, and surround, the client chose Silver Quartzite from the Stoneer range. The 'L'-shaped corner pieces emulate the substantial depth of authentic stone walls, adding a depth to the façade.The entire front and side paths of the property are embraced by the sleek embrace of Atlas Concorde Boost White porcelain, its modern concrete finish seamlessly weaving together the chosen colour palette.Venturing to the rear of the property, the vision of local garden designer Sue Blakeley unfolds—an artist known for breathing life into outdoor realms. In her inspired design, a raised dining and socialising sanctuary emerges.A grand staircase descends from the property's first floor, unveiling a 120 m² expanse of outdoor bliss. The choice of oversized 1200x1200mm tiles from the Atlas Concorde Boost White porcelain range amplifies the modernity of the space. Their smooth, refined finish forms the cornerstone of a contemporary aesthetic that gracefully complements the minimalistic outdoor furnishings and architectural accents, crafting a space exuding cohesion and sophistication. Four huge steel planters, each with a beautiful olive tree, sit on either corner of the main terrace square.The alfresco dining area beckons, offering seating for up to 16 guests. Here, culinary delights can be prepared on the integrated BBQ or the countertop-mounted pizza oven, while refreshments are kept cold in the integrated fridges. The selected porcelain, resistant to stains and heat, ensures both ease of maintenance and enduring beauty.Adjacent to this culinary haven, a contrasting border crafted from Atlas Concorde TM Black porcelain draws the eye, defining individual zones within the outdoor haven. Beyond the inviting soft seating area, another area awaits, poised to entertain yet more guests.Gazing back from the lawn towards toe terrace, a gracefully designed set of steps guides one back up to the elevated terrace. Boost White porcelain, mirroring the landing's material, makes a bold statement, accentuated by the grandeur of five six-meter-long steps. The step risers, also composed of Boost White porcelain, exude order and logic. Intriguing, raised planters, chosen for year-round interest, colour and scent, sit either side of the steps, infusing visual intrigue and seamlessly melding with the garden's overall aesthetic, rendering this outdoor haven a masterpiece of design and leisure.Companies involved with this project:Contractor: Mann Contractors, www.jemanncontractors.co.ukGarden Designer and Installer: Sue Blakeley, www.sueblakeley.comArchitect: Coleman Anderson Architects, www.colemananderson.co.ukMaterials used in this project:Atlas Concorde Boost White Porcelain 1200x1200x20mmAtlas Concorde Boost White Porcelain 1200x600x20mmAtlas Concorde Boost TM Black Porcelain 1200x600x20mmMcMonagle Quartzite Wall Cladding Stoneer Silver Flat PiecesMcMonagle Quartzite Wall Cladding Stoneer Silver Corner Pieces

A complete roof refurbishment, including thermal upgrade and full waterproofing of a church centre.Systems in useEcoflex®The project included various roof areas with different systems in situ, all requiring thermal upgrade, and increased falls to remove standing water from the roof. There were also rooflights and roof lanterns that needed to either be replaced or removed and boarded over, a live gas pipe which required lifting to accommodate the new roofing system, and various redundant SVP’s and chimneys.ChallengesThree separate roof areas required upgrading as the existing waterproofing was failing and reaching the end of its service life. Water ingress was occurring, causing damage to the internals of the building.Axter carried out in depth surveys and took various core samples to determine the existing build ups of each roof area. It was identified that remedial works were needed to stop water ingress, thermally upgrade the roof, remove standing water, and remove certain rooflights. Two out of the three areas had redundant and dated rooflights / roof lanterns. There was also an active gas pipe laid across the main roof area which had to be taken into consideration when specifying works.SolutionsThe 3 existing roof build ups included Asphalt with RBM cap sheet and stone chippings, Asphalt with RBM cap sheet and solar reflective paint and finally an EPDM system. Our core samples revealed that the areas with existing asphalt were in good condition. Therefore, Axter advised to only remove the solar reflective paint and the stone chippings to avoid the asphalt from going into landfill and to keep costs down. We used a mixture of torch applied and self-adhered AVCL’s, dependant on the deck type and to comply with SAFE2TORCH areas. Axter’s Ecoflex® ADH single ply membrane was the system of choice as this kept the use of naked flames to a minimum as the building remained in use throughout the refurbishment programme. The system provided a 20 Year Guarantee covering design, materials and workmanship and achieves Broof(T4) fire certification.A live gas pipe was running across the main roof area. It was decided with the client that this would be replaced and raised to accommodate the new roofing system.As this was a live site, the safety of the client and their visitors was a risk that needed to be considered. Risk and method statements were developed and written with the client’s ongoing activities in mind. The contract was carried out without the occurrence of any accidents or incidents.AcknowledgmentsWe were delighted to have Axter and the Nautilus work on our roofing project and again were delighted with the outcomes. From initial consultations with both Nautilus and Axter we found them to be highly knowledgeable and professional in providing solutions and specifications. Axter’s attention to detail manifested through their survey work and their recommendations provided us with a great deal of assurance in the project, along with ongoing technical assistance from the Axter team to provide reassurance at different junctions in the project. Nautilus were extremely professional in their approach and a pleasure to have on site. Their high regard for health and safety and CDM on site was also evident and ensured a safe environment for all stakeholders. The project was completed by Nautilus in a timely manner and certified by Axter, giving us high confidence in the completed works. A real pleasure to work with on all sides.Andy Lee , Vine Christian Centre

The Lantern is the result of a wholesale redevelopment and reimagining of a large eight story building in Euston, Central London. Developer owners Lazari Investments have worked with Marks Barfield Architects to create a stunning scheme which successfully meets the current desire for built inner city environments to offer contemporary and elegant work space alongside areas designed for leisure, relaxation and retail therapy.Rockfon were very pleased to be specified for the project which offers 23,000m2 of mixed-use space including offices, café’s, shops and apartments. In addition there are large terraces and gardens on almost every level.The elegant solution to unwanted noiseAround 850m2 of unique Rockfon Mono Acoustic has been installed throughout communal areas, lobbies, thoroughfares and café’s throughout the building to deliver elegant sound control where the use of reverberant materials such as glass, stone, concrete and steel, added to high foot-fall would result in unwanted noise.8build were principle contractors for the scheme with Pacy & Wheatley Acoustics being responsible for the installation of Mono Acoustic systems. David Booth of the specialist firm spoke about the project, “We are proud of the work we’ve carried out at The Lantern, which presented a number of challenges associated with the myriad of services and fittings which go to make-up sophisticated contemporary mixed-use architecture. “The grid work and Mono Acoustic were installed to a wide variety of abutments in spaces throughout the building including within the large atrium, working around the many finishes and fire curtains to the front face of the lobby and glazed screens to either end. Fitting the ceiling to accommodate a stunning feature Italian light fitting suspended from 130 rods fixed to the structural slab called for exacting tolerances and really demonstrated the system’s versatility.”Seamless performanceMono is a ground-breaking product which combines a seamless ceiling with high performance characteristics. Ceiling tiles are installed and completed with acoustic render creating a smooth, monolithic surface which not only offers high sound absorption but also provides high light reflection and light diffusion, reducing the need for artificial light.The system allows for incorporation of lighting, audio and other mechanical systems whilst delivering Class A2 fire protection. It also offers dimensionally stability at up to 100% relative humidity and can be installed in temperatures ranging from 0˚C to 40˚C.Fully recyclable, all Rockfon ranges are made from a core of naturally occurring, non-hygroscopic and non-combustible stone wool. Their surfaces provide no sustenance to harmful micro-organisms, embody high humidity resistance and are impervious to most environmental pressures. With blue chip corporates including Fujitsu, Siemens and Bauer Media occupying space within the development, attention to detail was vital in helping create the perfect setting, which is known to aid productivity while contributing to employee wellbeing and retention. Acoustic control is also vital within places where people dine, with research showing customers are less likely to return to noisy restaurants. Commitment to wellbeingRockfon Specification Manager Alan Davies talks about the brand’s commitment to the sound control and wellbeing, “We are proud to be among a growing number of manufacturers to have its products assessed by Quiet Mark – the independent global certification programme associated with the UK Noise Abatement Society charitable foundation. Its international award programme recognises excellence in low-noise products, technology and solutions to unwanted noise - visit www.quietmark.com

ACOUSTIC insulation experts CMS Danskin Acoustics has worked with historic Standon Hall to specify and supply a range of acoustic products to reduce the impact of airborne and impact sound transmission in the Grade II listed Staffordshire venue.During the course of redeveloping the early 20th century country house into a high-quality wedding and business venue, Standon Hall made acoustics a key element for investment. CMS Danskin Acoustic’s in-house technical team conducted a site assessment in order to specify an insulation strategy to address structure borne noise and absorb sound.The objective was to prevent noise transfer between ground floor functions rooms and nine bedrooms and suites above. Andrey Magiy, Standon Hall’s MD, said, ‘During this two-year project to transform the hall into an outstanding venue we had an opportunity to address acoustics as floors were lifted to install new services. It was as important to prevent sounds from above being heard in meetings and conferences below, as it was to prevent noise from ground floor functions filtering up into the bedrooms.’The resulting acoustics strategy from CMS Danskin Acoustics involved the installation of 600sq m of Smartspan floor panels, Karma TNF70 high density stone-fibre batt and REGUPOL acoustic isolation strip. Challenges included the need to work from above to avoid disturbing fine, moulded lath and plaster ceilings below and the necessity to specify high performance acoustic materials of a thickness that wouldn’t increase bedroom and bathroom floor levels.Andy Hayes, CMS Danskin specification manager and IAO Affiliate, said, ‘Smartspan panels span across bearing structures such as, in this case, joists. They provide high acoustic performance, are easy to install, come in different thicknesses, such as the 32mm and 18mm used at Standon Hall, and have a reaction to fire classification (EN 13501-1) A1.‘Smartspan was also valuable for use in bathroom floors as it has excellent thermal conductivity making it ideal over UFH systems, has surface water absorption of only (EN20535) <300g/sq m is suitable for stone and ceramic finishes and, with a tongue-and-groove profile, it’s straightforward to install.’REGUPOL Acoustic Isolation Strip was also incorporated to reduce impact noise from first floor footfall. The strips are designed to sit beneath all types of partition walls and are described by the company as a simple and effective way to reduce structure borne noise. ‘Quick and easy to install, they provide long term performance without collapse or ‘bottoming’ out under high point loads, are resistant to ageing and deformation, are manufactured using recycled materials and are 100% recyclable.’~Karma TNF70 was also specified in places. Says the company: ‘It’s typically used in refurbishment projects for improving existing structures where access is only available from above and where additional acoustic and fire performance is required, such as in flats, offices, shops, and hotels. It’s lightweight, quick to install and is a dry system that won’t damage sensitive lath and plaster ceilings or fine plaster mouldings.’‘The products have been absolutely brilliant and we have great acoustics results for the primary rooms,’ said Standon Hall’s Andrey Magiy. Standon Hall opened for private hire for weddings and corporate events during 2021 and the bedrooms and suites were completed and launched in spring 2022.

Templeton House, a remarkable Georgian mansion in Roehampton, London, has undergone a meticulous restoration, capturing the essence of its historic grandeur while introducing modern comforts. Led by Richstone Properties, the project celebrates architectural authenticity and exquisite craftsmanship.Architectural Authenticity:Extensive research and collaboration with Historic England ensured the restoration honoured the original layout and design of Templeton House.The exterior structure was restored to its former glory, with meticulous repairs, cleaning, and recreations of features like the Doric portico entrance and Portland stone staircase.Neglected gardens were revived, featuring a reflection pond and replanted cedar trees, reminiscent of the mansion's illustrious past.Craftsmanship and Bespoke Features:Gowercroft Joinery played a pivotal role in the restoration, producing award-winning windows, interior doors, and bespoke joinery.The Winston Heritage sliding sash window was developed and manufactured, providing a blend of traditional aesthetics and modern efficiency, The innovative windows featured Accoya® timber and vacuum glazed units.Our attention to detail extended to replicating traditional putty lines, restoring original ironmongery, and incorporating bespoke elements such as curved top-lights and internal shutters.Recognition and Acclaim:The restoration project received high praise at The Georgian Group's 2019 Architectural Awards.Gowercroft Joinery was honoured with the 2019 British Woodworking Federation's 'Woodworking Project of the Year' award.The innovative Heritage windows developed by Gowercroft garnered industry recognition, including the 'Best Windows' category at the 2017 Build It Awards.Templeton House stands as a testament to the seamless integration of architectural heritage and modern refinement. This remarkable restoration showcases the dedication to preserving history while creating a haven of timeless elegance and contemporary luxury.

A former brownfield site on Ascot Road, Watford is undergoing a transformation to provide a new residential-led quarter with much needed new homes and retail space.This project, by development and investment company, Orion, will comprise of buildings between six and eight storeys, with 489 new homes for the private sector of which 35% will be affordable homes, in addition to two lower floors of retail space.Orion is leading the development process at Cassiobridge Quarter, which centres on regenerating under-utilised land and buildings, making them into landmark destinations and improving the local community with enhancedinfrastructure and aesthetics.RCM was appointed to supply its high-performance sheathing board, DensGlass which will make up part of the through wall system to an RC frame with a lightweight steel frame infill.DensGlass consists of a fibreglass mat with a gypsum core, designed to provide a high degree of protection from the elements in external cladding constructions.Widely recognised by the GOLD colour, DensGlass fiberglass mat gypsum sheathing board, has an exemplary track record that spans more than 30 years.Thanks to its ability to protect the building envelope against incidental moisture damage during and after construction, DensGlass Sheathing is a preferred substrate under brick, stone and rainscreen cladding and suitable for lightweight steel frame, timber frame, modular / offsite and concrete frame construction types.In addition to the above features, DensGlass is A1 non-combustible, CE marked, lightweight with easy scribe and snap properties.On completion of the project, Cassiobridge Quarter with its modern design will provide a stylish appearance to the area with much-needed homes and a new community for residents to enjoy.

Kingston College recently embarked on a £10 million refurbishment project, which included the remodelling of the main building’s entrance and a new ground-floor student centre. The landscaping of the approach to the main building was a crucial part of the project. Contractors Lenmark Construction were managing the refurb, however they encountered a major issue when the original supplier was only able to offer a 10-week lead time for the specified paving product. The project required 900sqm of hard landscaping, and the original supplier was now unable to fulfil this order within the specifications. This risked stalling the entire project, so Lenmark needed a reliable and immediate supply of high-quality paving products. Lenmark contacted Brett for help. As a leading independent manufacturer of concrete paving, Brett was able to offer Invicta pavers, featuring AggTech surface technology. Our Invicta pavers were fully stocked and immediately available. Our AggTech process uses unique natural aggregates on the surface of each paving block to create a stunning durable finish perfectly replicating natural stone. The paving was delivered in four complementary colours - Pearl, Moonstone, Onyx, and Citrine - in a 300x200 paving layout design plan. Brett Landscaping’s project designer worked closely with the architect to produce design take-offs, offering regular on-site visits to ensure that the installation was running smoothly, and that the Invicta product satisfied the brief. Thanks to Brett’s immediate supply the project was able to proceed without any delays. The result was a successful refurbishment project that included a remodelled main entrance, a new ground-floor student centre, and a beautiful approach to the main building

Bath Western Riverside development is a multi-award-winning project for client Crest Nicholson Regeneration. The project has won multiple awards including the coveted NHBC ‘Pride in the Job’ award for H&S and the seal of excellence for quality.Systems in useExcel®ChallengesThe ‘curved’ bulk-heads, walls and interior finishes presented a special challenge to our on-site team, one that would be present over multiple floors and apartments.The system needed to be both robust and aesthetically pleasing, as the roofs are overlooked by residents and used as amenity spaces, and the colour had to be in keeping with the traditional Bath stone.In addition to this, the project featured many unique and complex terraces in terms of shape, threshold height, u-value requirements and access.SolutionsTo achieve both a level threshold and a good thermal performance, we designed a unique tapered insulation scheme for the terraces, utilising our Excel system, reinforced bitumen waterproofing membrane, in combination with our high performance and cost effective Hytherm VIP (Vacuum Packed Insulation) insulation scheme.To meet the aesthetics guidelines dictated by the local planning authority, the capsheet membrane was specified with a white granular finish, which provided the unique look the authorities were looking for.To ensure the terraces were installed correctly and in accordance with Axter requirements, we worked in close partnership with the development construction team. In conjunction with Avonside, a ‘traffic light’ system was introduced to ensure that each individual terrace had been checked by our Quality Assurance team, that it had been independently integrity tested and that it was installed in accordance with the architect’s details, upon which the guarantees were issued and the finishes thereafter installed.

Mono M310/M311 Glass InfillSt George’s junior school is an independent Roman Catholic school with a high standard of facilities. Construction of ‘The Ark’ provided a new early years teaching block, which includes modern classrooms, a dedicated IT suite, a new assembly room and outdoor learning areas. The two-storey building has a staircase at each end and Delta Balustrades’ Mono™ system was specified with powder-coated steel balusters and 11.5mm toughened and laminated glass infill panels. The Mono™ system handrails were provided in oak to offer a warmer finish in the primary school environment and each staircase features a dual handrail with one handrail mounted at a 600mm height for the children and the other in parallel at 900mm for the teachers. The Ark features an outdoor teaching area at first floor level with a balcony accessed from the internal classrooms. Once again, Delta Balustrades’ Mono™ system was specified with powder coated balusters to match the grey of the window casings. The 11.5mm toughened and laminated glass infill panels have no handrails but have been installed at a height of 1500mm to provide additional edge protection. A further small triangular balcony at the side of the building has been specified with the same system as the main first floor balcony. At ground level, the building features steps and ramps and a combination of Mono™ balusters and Orbis™ handrails with a Sigma stainless steel finish have been used to provide guarding, with 10mm toughened glass infill panels.Finally, the stone steps leading to the nursery classrooms were specified with an Orbis™ handrail.

Some of Europe's most sophisticated buildings incorporate thermal break technology from Schöck, but the new Mercury City Tower in Moscow is to date possibly the most iconic, and certainly the tallest, to utilise the Isokorb®.Rising 327 metres above the Moscow skyline, the Mercury City Tower, is currently the highest building in Europe, beating London's Shard into second place by some 17 metres. This remarkable building is the centrepiece of a £7 billion International Business Centre development known as Moscow City, located about two and a half miles to the west of Red Square.It is bult on a 150 acre site that used to be an old stone quarry area consisting of derelict factories and industrial complexes and will shortly become the first zone in Russia to combine business activity, living space and entertainment in one single development. Claimed to be the first truly environmentally-friendly building in Russia, it will house the offices of some of the world's leading companies; along with five-star hotels, luxury apartments, prestigious clubs, fitness centres, fashion boutiques – and even Moscow's largest concert hall will be relocated there – making it effectively a city within a city.A key design feature of the building is the use of inclined planes at various levels of the structure, which support vertical posts on which the facade cleaning system is installed. To prevent any of the risks associated with thermal bridging, it is necessary to separate the vertical posts from the thermal contour of the building. The unusual shape, size and characteristics of Mercury City required careful planning and the design of a unique Isokorb® T insulation element; which in addition to its exceptional thermal performance requirements, also has to bear loads on two of the inclined planes.

Just a stone’s throw from Baden-Baden’s famous festival hall, a trendy and exclusive hotel has opened its doors in the name of Hotel Roomers. The hotel’s rooftop bar is a stand-out feature. Its lightweight steel canopy connects to the main concrete structure with Schöck Isokorb® type KS elements to minimize thermal bridging in the construction. And when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, the stairwells are fitted with Schöck Tronsole® to stop impact sound transmissions and ensure a restful stay. The building itself is a hotel, medical centre and apartment block all in one, and its radiant white facade complete with full-height windows creates a striking effect. But the real highlight is how the facade changes its appearance depending on the guests decision to shut out the light in their rooms using the integrated window shading systems. It is not just the facade design that makes this hotel so special, but also its energy concept, which is testament to its ambitious efficiency targets. A crucial component of this concept involved minimising thermal bridges, which were a concern in the hotel’s landmark cantilevered entrance canopy. Without the Schöck Isokorb® type KS elements, it would have been difficult – if not impossible – to build the cantilevered element so efficiently and to decouple the structurally challenging thermal bridge at the point of connection between the freely cantilevered steel girders and the reinforced concrete slabs. All stairwells within the hotel feature the Schöck Tronsole®, which allow it to live up to the high expectations of the investors and building owner Franz Bernhard Wagner in terms of both energy-saving aspects and – of course – sound proofing.

This old Mill House in Cornwall has undergone a huge conversion and extension to become a luxurious five-bedroom home, protected by the failsafe Newton CDM System. Simon Williams purchased the 18th Century Water Mill in 2015 with a view to renovating, developing and extending the beautiful property, located in Blowinghouse just South of Perranporth, into his private residence.Once planning permission was gained for the required conversion and extension to transform the mill into a luxurious 5-bedroom family home, Simon liaised with CAD Architects on the design, which incorporated a waterproofing design specified by Newton.An additional large garage with charming two-bedroom ancillary accommodation was also added to the grounds of the property, which required specialist steel and concrete foundations, given the close proximity of the water.In order to restore the old mill and achieve a Grade 3 habitable environment, BS 8102:2009 recommends that a Type C internal cavity drain membrane system is one of the primary forms of waterproofing, as it is the most failsafe system that is least prone to defects and issues.The Newton CDM System is also completely maintainable, and was therefore ideal for the 18th Century structure, considering that Williams Creative Homes did not want to compromise the external appearance of the thick stone walls.The proximity of the river also meant that there was a high risk of water ingress, however, Newton's robust cavity drain waterproofing is designed to capture water using Newton 508 membrane on the walls, then drain it away via gravity using Newton Basedrain.Finished to an incredibly high standard by Williams Creative Homes, Simon has been living in the property ever since, whilst the Newton waterproofing system successfully ensures that his home is completely dry and protected.

Artform Urban Furniture was appointed by Robertson Construction to provide a complete range of street furniture elements including seating, planters, cycle parking, and bollards to the external space of a newly built Care Centre and Library in the historic market town of Belper. We offered extensive assistance throughout the project including attendance at design meetings looking at materiality, cost, and installation demands which changed a number of times throughout the project.Although largely a new build, the existing façades of a former Thornton’s Factory have been retained, refurbished, and carefully incorporated into the scheme maintaining considerations of the UNESCO World Heritage Site status of the area.Artforms' premium selection of street furniture perpetuates the careful consideration for the site heritage as well as offering an inviting space for the public and residents of the home. As well as providing space for socialising and natural splashes of colour with plants, the concrete seating and planters echo the light stone of the new section of the development.The inclusion of Moka Bollards and Cubes in Corten provides elegant seating and pedestrian safety whilst coordinating with the restored red-bricked factory façades. The Corten products were supplied with a unique seal coating that significantly reduces the risk of any leaching - ensuring the surrounding paving maintains its clean light colour.The symmetry in the positioning and layout of these elements creates an inviting space leading to the building’s entrance.Finally, a shelter and a number of cycle stands have been provided to ensure people traveling to the space on bikes have secure parking spaces. The new Ada Belfield Centre & Belper Library was previously an unused and derelict building, now it is a space to offer high-quality care that is connected to the local community. Events can now take place bringing residents and members of the public together by utilising the new external space as well as the Library, which also features a café.

In a historic moment blending heritage, accessibility, and community spirit, the much-anticipated Ignatius Sancho Café officially opened its doors in Greenwich Park on Saturday, 23rd March. The launch event, attended by esteemed guests and locals alike, marked a milestone in celebrating the legacy of Ignatius Sancho, a remarkable 18th-century figure whose impact resonates through the centuries.Changing Places, Changing LivesAstor Bannerman was pleased to be involved in the project to contribute to the cafes abilities to cater to diverse needs. The Changing Places facility includes:Astor’s Invincible Height Adjustable Changing TableABW-CP Height Adjustable Wall Mounted Wash BasinOT200 Overhead Ceiling Track HoistGeberit – AquaClean Mera Care Shower ToiletKwickScreen Wall Mounted Privacy ScreenThese facilities underscore The Royal Park’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility.Borras Construction, the construction company behind the project, received accolades for their dedication and craftsmanship. Architect Mark Martines from Architype envisioned a blend of historical charm and modern functionality, transforming the old ranger’s lodge into a vibrant community hub just a stone’s throw away from the picturesque deer park in Greenwich.The CaféThe Ignatius Sancho Café promises to breathe new life into the park, offering an array of lunch items ranging from hot and cold sandwiches, freshly brewed coffees, cakes, salads, and much more. Beyond serving as a place to stop by on your visit to the park, the café aims to be a focal point for fostering connections, promoting diversity, and celebrating Greenwich’s heritage.As guests step through the door of the Ignatius Sancho Café, they engage in an experience that encapsulates the ethos of inclusivity, creativity, and community synonymous with the legacy of Ignatius Sancho.For more information and updates, visit Ignatius Sancho Café’s website.

ObjectiveSaving Graces Interiors, an interior design company based in Dundee, Scotland, offer a truly bespoke interior design service with a focus on creating beautiful spaces that reflect the personalities and lives of their clients.Working with Piperdam Golf & Leisure to refurbish 8 lodges for luxury getaways, Saving Graces Interior Designer, Antonia Burnett, chose the Bushboard Nuance range for the shower enclosure areas.Observation‘When I started working with Piperdam I needed to find a bathroom wall panel that was not only robust but also attractive. I spent a lot of time researching and when I landed on the Bushboard website I could see that the designs were miles ahead of the competition.’Nuance is a unique, 100% waterproof, extrusion-free panelling system that can installed in a matter of hours. Whether the project look is traditional or contemporary, the designs and textures have been carefully selected to include plain décor, as well as stunning marble and stone designs, and on trend woods.OutcomeAntonia decided to use Silver Travertine, a beautiful timeless design to suit any style of bathroom and work with a variety of paint colours. ‘As an interior designer I need a supplier that is reliable, affordable and who provides good quality products, Bushboard ticks all the boxes.’‘Rebecca Checketts, Business Specification Coordinator was extremely helpful in explaining the benefits of using Nuance and arranging next day samples.’‘Installation was quick and very straight forward and Bushboard have been on hand from start to finish. I am absolutely delighted with the end result and we will certainly specify Nuance again.’For more information about the Nuance range and other Bushboard products, to request a RIBA CPD, download an NBS specification or to order samples visit www.bushboard.co.uk

A chapel was first built at Swan Hill in the town of Shrewsbury in 1767. In 1868, this was demolished and replaced with the current building; schoolrooms were then added in 1880. Charters Property Ltd who specialise in property development, consultancy and project management, recently purchased the deconsecrated church and have transformed the building into a prestigious development of four fabulous homes.Sensitivity was key when renovating the property and the majority of the original features have been preserved. Original stone walls, lintels and cills have been repaired and impeccably replaced. The walls and roofs have been insulated and energy saving measures implemented to create a comfortable, efficient living environment.Although it was possible to restore some of the original fenestration, double glazed replacement steel windows were still required throughout the building. Clement were thrilled to manufacture these new steel windows and doors. Various Clement ranges were used to meet the different criteria required for the project. For example, the Brooking range was used for the beautiful arched head windows on the front elevation as it would best replicate the originals which would have been silicone fronted. EB16 was used for other windows where silicone fronting was not required and W20 was used to make the steel doors. In total over thirty individual windows were specified, all in various shapes and sizes.Clement Conservation Rooflights were also specified, which bring masses of light in through the beautiful, high ceilings.James Charters, Director of Charters Property said “We were very pleased with the attention to detail and finish of the steel windows, Clement took ownership of their section of the project and were able to deliver a complex scheme on time and to a very good standard. They remained client focussed throughout and we will happily use their service again.”Photography: Photos supplied by Charters Property and taken by Kate Sanders Photography

The Junction, a new £3.5m Euro-supported community asset at Railway Park in Dungannon caters for a wide range of activities.The building, which has been created to host meetings, training, workshops and features a state-of-the-art conference space, café and casual meeting rooms, is located at the historic, 13th century Hill of the O’Neill and ancient capital of Ulster.THE CHALLENGEThe architects’ vision for the building was one that gave the impression of open access from every angle, set within beautiful grounds incorporating a pedestrian promenade and plaza.A key consideration was the need for a hard landscaped surface which would sympathetically blend into the aesthetic vision for inviting approaches and provide a durable ground cover for heavy footfall, requiring minimal maintenance, and with assured longevity.THE SOLUTIONArchitects, Hall, Black and Douglas chose AG’s Granaza flag because of its distinctive textured finish that combines granite and quartz whilst offering a great look with robust durability and excellent levels of slip resistance.In addition Xflo® Plaza Salt (Silver) and Xflo® Plaza Pepper (Slate) permeable paving was chosen for both form and function.As well as providing a proven means of controlling surface water flow, Plaza Salt (Silver) and Plaza Pepper’s (Slate) striking aesthetics acted as a perfect foil with the Granaza flags, creating the dimensional depth and enhancing the definition between the vehicular and pedestrian areas resulting in an attractive, distinctive effect.Meanwhile AG’s Terrakerb® offered a reliable alternative to natural stone with which to frame the paved areas.Within the grounds, AG’s products organically link the promenade and plaza to the surrounding park and existing routes to and from the amenity, in a sympathetically appealing fashion.Sean Mullen, QMAC Senior Contracts Manager praised AG’s supply capabilities and said the finished building was a ‘statement piece’.

Hand Made Places were approached by Appleby Magna Parish Council to provide them with a wide range of playground equipment. The equipment was for an already established recreational ground in Appleby Magna, Derbyshire. The parish council acquired funding to expand their playground. This was done in order to encourage more children to get involved in outdoor activities. The funding was supplied by Tesco’s ‘Bags of Help Initiative’. This uses the money from carrier bag sales to enhance their surrounding communities. Working to the strict budget supplied by this great scheme Hand Made Places needed to provide a wide variety of equipment, which would be suitable for all age groups. The equipment not only had to be enjoyed as a collection of single units, but it also had to work well together. The equipment also had to integrate well with the pre-existing metal equipment which was already present on the piece of land.Our wide range of equipment which was installed created a fun and interesting trim trail. This surrounded both the pre-existing equipment as well as our Hawks Nest. The installed trim trail included: Swing Steps, Trapeze Rings, Duck ‘n’ Weave, Wobble Bridge, Rope Walk, Zig Zag, Balance Beam and Stepping Stones. These pieces of equipment fit the clients brief in providing a fun place for children to enjoy physical play. It also provided a wide range of equipment which will help to encourage children to develop certain important skills, including both coordination and balance. All of these products were positioned in such a way as to allow the playground to flow whilst not overshadowing the pre-existing metal equipment.Our equipment is both fun and safe for use by a wide range of children all of whom fall into different age groups. To further enhance safety however, grass matting was installed to provide an impact absorbent surface.

An architect designed, self-build house with annexe for a multi-generational family built to zero-carbon standards.The scheme’s design is influenced by the architectural vernacular of the area. The surrounding houses are a legacy of the Land Settlement Association scheme, with distinctive mansard roofs, steeply sloping gables and dormer windows, constructed in a simple red brick with terracotta plain tiles.The mansard is reflected in the new house with the roof extending down to form the walls. Instead of terracotta tiles, large format slate has been used to form a modern equivalent. The house is mainly slate tile; however, it was felt important to also reflect local brickwork. As such, brickwork was used for two huge brick-faced chimney stacks that rise through the gable.PROJECT INFOTo form a contrast with the very smooth grey of the slate, a textured red brick with slight colour variation was sought. White mortar lightens the brickwork while recessed mortar joints are used inside to provide shadow to each brick. Perforated brickwork surrounds the stone coping on both chimney stacks, adding visual interest to the building through both the materials and the shadows created by the brickwork perforations.The brick selected was stock thrown Hampton Rural Blend from Forterra’s Ecostock range. It has a rustic finish resembling handmade brick. Ecostock bricks are manufactured using the latest technology in sustainability and production efficiency, producing bricks with low embodied energy as well as advanced colour consistency, dimensional accuracy and quality.The structure incorporated huge amounts of insulation, a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system, and a solar photovoltaic array at the bottom of the garden, along with a ground-source heat pump. These installations will ensure that the house generates more electricity than it could ever use.

Burlington House has been a home of the Royal Academy of Arts, the oldest art school in Britain, since 1867. Over the years this canonic site has seen impressive additions by a number of acclaimed architects. Continuing this rich history, in 2018, David Chipperfield Architects completed a major redevelopment of the building, delivering a brand new home to the RA.InOpera Group supplied and installed the terrazzo floors for the major parts of this new space, including Benjamin West Lecture theatre, Cast Corridor, Collection Gallery, hallways and staircases leading to the galleries, and public restrooms.In 2001, the RA purchased Burlington Gardens, the building that sits right behind the Burlington House. Since then, they’ve embarked on a bold masterplan to join the two buildings together for the first time in history.The project was undertaken by, none other than, David Chipperfield Architects. The practice has won more than 100 international awards and citations for design excellence, including the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2007 for The Museum of Modern Literature in Marbach, Germany.With the bold reconfiguration, they’ve created new workshops, library and more studio space for the Schools. Existing spaces, which were built in 1870, were restored to maximize space and light, with improved access and circulation.The requirements for the floor materials prioritised high-traffic endurance, slip-resistance and design that will blend in with the existing interiors of the buildings, which are rich with natural stone and classical elements.For this project, we supplied custom-made cement-based terrazzo with two types of finishes. The polished finish was installed for the gallery spaces, and the honed for the areas with more traffic. The material guarantees even colouration and consistent texture throughout the entire floor area. For the Benjamin West Lecture Theatre, staircases were carved out from custom-sized terrazzo blocks.

Armourcoat polished plaster adds ‘modern luxury’ to the latest J&M Davidson boutique in London’s fashionable Mayfair. The store, for the British leather goods and ready-to-wear label, was created by Universal Design Studio in association with Nicholas Chandor.Part of a Grade II listed property on Mount Street, known for its deep red terracotta period buildings, colour is brought inside with a blush tonality of soft pastels. These feature across two floors to convey the brand's signature colour palette. The focal point of the store is the impressive, cantilevered staircase made from terrazzo marble with a leather-wrapped handrail, set into a series of vertical panels finished in Armuralia polished plaster.Describing the project, Jason Holley of Universal Design Studio said "we chose polished plaster by Armourcoat for the its tactile qualities and its ability to create an exact colour match to the exterior facade,” explains Holley. “With this match we were able to create the dusty pink tone for the feature wall, which gave a dramatic backdrop to the cantilevered staircase. It was also important for us to use only natural, high-quality materials with a long life span". Currently Japan represents over half of J&M Davidson’s business, with the brand planning further stores in Paris and New York.Armuralia is an exquisite silky smooth plaster finish with subtle tonal variations. It is an entirely natural product made from aged lime putty and crushed Bianco Carrara marble and contains almost no VOCs. As a ready mixed marble stucco paste, the material is trowel applied to create smooth or finely textured finishes which resemble polished stone in their appearance, hardness and touch.  Armuralia is available in a range of 24 colours, shades and special effects can also be developed for custom applications. Photography © Charles Hosea