"bricks"

The scope of the project was to facilitate a waterproofing solution for a substantial brick built detached property with a large 3 elevation basement situated at the bottom of a steep sloping driveway. The basement when constructed had 1 form of external waterproofing incorporated during the build stage, however the system required a second form of internal waterproofing due to the location of the structure and high-water table, capable of protecting the luxurious basement from unwanted water ingress.The property’s driveway significantly slopes from street level to the front elevation of the property requiring a specialist waterproofing system to protect the structure.Working in conjunction with the homeowner, Timberwise’s CSSW qualified waterproofing surveyors specified a Delta Type C (Drained) Protection waterproofing system to provide the necessary Grade 3 (habitable environment) to enable to homeowner to fully utilise their basement space. For Grade 3 habitable environments, two types of waterproofing may be required.A Waterproofing Designer’s philosophy defines what they wish to accomplish in the design of their waterproofing system and which principles they will use to do so. Identifying a robust and suitable design philosophy is an important aspect when designing a continuous system, as this will not only directly impact in how users install the system but also in future maintenance which will directly impact on the property owner.

Cuplas are Liverpool’s first choice for providing wholesale plumbing supplies to the trade and public. They contacted us to assist with a project they became involved with at the Tobacco Warehouse, Liverpool’s luxury waterfront apartments.The Grade II Tobacco Warehouse is the largest brick build building in the world. Formally the storage facility for all of the tobacco coming in to the UK from the new world. It has now been converted into a residential complex with ‘New York’ style apartments of varying sizes. To compliment the modern design, the apartments needed to be fitted out with quality bathroom products.Round table discussions took place with key experts within the business and directly with Cuplas to fully understand the challenge and help them achieve their goals. Following these discussions and numerous visits to site to visualise the setting, our design, specification and product teams worked together to present various solutions to satisfy their demands. After looking at all of the options available, the customer chose our premium WRAS approved concealed cistern range along with our Reef dual flush pneumatic push plate.Testimonial“The two main driving factors on deciding to use TYDE for this job was value for money and reputation. The apartments are top end properties, we wanted to use a manufacturer with a solid reputation for quality. The products were easy to install, they function well and have been faultless so far.”

THE LOCATIONThe Westminster Quarter is a luxury Build To Rent apartment building just a few minutes away from the Abbey and Houses of Parliament. A home in the heart of history. The building is primarily faced with buff brick to complement the existing buildings in the neighbourhood.THE PROJECTThe project was split into two buildings. One seven-storey building and a five-storey building that fits in 102 luxury apartments. The development has a private outdoor space with a rooftop terrace that has a perfect view of the city. The building features floor-to-ceiling windows that let lots of natural light in.THE PRODUCTThe Safety Letterbox Company worked alongside interior designers to create a mailbox that had a high-end look and that was practical and completely secure for their residents. There were a few options presented by The Safety Letterbox Company and the client chose the model COM2, an in-front, out-front horizontal mailbox. Manufactured from aluminium extrusion and steel, lockable, accepting A4 mail and is easy to bank and can be recessed, surface mounted or freestanding internally or externally.The mailboxes were powder coated in a Regency Gold colour with a trim of lighting around the mailboxes, making them the focal point in the room and adding a high-end aesthetic statement whilst being practical and secure for the residents. The mailboxes were arranged in a 3 high x 8 wide bank, complete with an angle trim.

Project:Broxbourne SchoolClient:Chase New HomesContractor:Mid GroupArchitect:Bond BryanValue:£28mLocation: Broxbourne, HertfordshireGIFA: 9,633 m²Completion: 2020NEEDNew school projects require high building performance and quick delivery. Broxbourne School, replacing a sold secondary school site, also includes a community sports and music centre. Offsite methods deliver airtight, thermally efficient buildings quickly, as demonstrated by Broxbourne School, thanks to the close partnership of the architect, developer, and contractors.SOLUTIONMid Group, Innovaré, and Bond Bryan, having collaborated on multiple projects, efficiently deployed offsite methods, including the Innovaré SIP System. Structural SIP walls were used for teaching wings and as an airtight wrap around the steel frame of larger spaces, with brick slip facades by Aquarian Cladding Systems. The design focused on optimal classroom conditions and suitable materials for each structure part.OUTCOME Precise project planning meant that the Innovaré installation teams were onsite for just 15 weeks The buildings feature exceptional thermal efficiency (U value of 0.2w/m²K) and airtightness (5m³/m²/h), surpassing DfE targets, reducing energy demand, and lowering operational carbon. Extensive use of structural timber reduced embodied and sequestered carbon. The project’s success resulted from close partnership, leveraging prior knowledge and resolving issues early

The Old Court House was on the verge of collapse when purchased by its current owner. The Local Planning Authority had placed a Section 106 agreement on the property detailing its rescue from dereliction and were preparing to increase its listing status to Grade I as it was rumoured to be a hunting lodge gifted by Queen Elizabeth to Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester. Dating carried out during the course of the works confirmed that the building had been constructed in phases between 1526 and 1613.A team, including the client, Harrison Brookes Architects and Speller Metcalfe Contractors worked closely to bring this house back to life using a range of conservation skills and employing specially made components (bricks and tiles) combined with modern technologies. The Clement 3 range of Conservation Rooflights in a tile profile were chosen to be in keeping with the property’s appearance.Rhys Brookes from Harrison Brookes Architects said “This Grade II listed building was in a dilapidated state and required meticulous and painstaking reconstruction. The inclusion of Clement’s Conservation Rooflights helped us to stay true to the original character of the property whilst also meeting the demands of Building Regulations.”The project has won numerous awards including; RIBA Conservation 2018, the RIBA Regional Award West Midlands 2018 and the RIBA Project Architect of the Year Award 2018.

The ChallengeThe client’s requirements were to provide value for money and create a building that was easy to maintain and appropriate to its function and setting.Deafblind Scotland provided training for the architects so they could gain an appreciation of the barriers faced by those who would use the building. The design was then developed to satisfy funding requirements. Technology was utilised to assist the client’s team with visual impairment to understand the building layout.The SolutionWorking closely with the client the architects carefully selected materials, colours, stair detailing, thresholds and ironmongery. Our Welford Buff brick was chosen for the brickwork.Careful consideration was also given to the pedestrian route configuration that visitors would use when approaching the building – it was important to ensure a strong colour contrast between road and pedestrian walkway.Natural ventilation was maximised to reduce energy consumption and associated costs.The BenefitsThe 7,500 square foot building provides a centre of excellence for deafblind people with a hub for training and development. It is a daily resource for more than 300 deafblind people in the Glasgow area, and a further resource for the 2,700 people across Scotland who are severely dual sensory impaired.The project offers deafblind people more opportunities to learn, enjoy a range of subjects, collaborate, and to become more familiar with IT through the assistance of specially adapted technology and equipment.Feedback from building users has been extremely positive with the client remarking on the ease of way finding and legibility within the layout.

Commercial to residential, it may be last orders for some of our great British pubs, for other’s its discovering exciting ways of transforming commercial structures into luxury residential dwellings.  The growing trend of converting old inns offers new homes a unique history whilst being packed with character and features.Delta Registered Installers, Advance Property Preservation Ltd were engaged to assist on a troublesome vaulted basement to a property, based in central London which had already been converted into high living accommodation.Just off the basement area were two large vaults around 12m long. Made from brick barrel construction, this below ground space had previously used for storing kegs of ale!One of these vaults had previously been converted into a spa area with jacuzzi and steam room, the other was used as a storage area. The owners had previously had the storeroom tanked with a Type A, render system, however this approach repeatedly failed, allowing for substantial water ingress which was causing damage to items stored in this area.With Structural Waterproofing one of the major contributors to project failure lies with the design. When hiring contractors, ensure the design, procurement of materials and installation is undertaken by one specialist will naturally reduce these known and associated risks. A specialist contractor will always be able to offer quality assurances.

Construction of Wolverhampton’s eye-catching modern office development i9 has been completed and marks a major milestone in the creation of a thriving commercial quarter at the heart of the city’s award-winning Interchange. The i9 project follows the success of the i10 complex on the opposite side of Railway Drive in the city centre. Both have been delivered by the council and leading property developer, Ion.Designed by Glenn Howells Architects and constructed by GRAHAM Group, the eye-catching i9 building pays homage to the industrial characteristics of the city’s red-brick Victorian architecture. Approved fabricator APiC UK Limited installed Metal Technology Ltd’s System 17 Capped 50mm and System 17 SP structurally glazed Curtain Walling. Opening vents are System 4-35Hi+ Casement, with System 5-20D Hi+ THERMAL Doors and 10-35 commercial framing system.i9 is already home to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – the first ministerial office with a regular presence outside London.The new office achieves a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating and incorporates the latest green technology and thinking to deliver low energy use, low resource use, flexibility and low impact on the surrounding environment. It is the first office in the Black Country to be awarded WiredScore Gold certification in recognition of its digital connectivity and infrastructure.

Featuring 20 restaurants, bars and cafes, the three-storey, canal-side destination is located within a 36-acre nature-filled landscape that has been commercially-reimagined, with designers using the site’s Victorian train station and warehouse buildings as inspiration. The nearby historic Lace Market, the epicentre of the world’s lace industry during the 19th century and now a protected heritage area, was also an influence on the Island Quarter’s architectural form.With the creation of 1,600 new homes and 6,000 office jobs included as part of the masterplan architects claim, that as a verdant archipelago, The Island Quarter is ‘setting the scene for something really different’ for city centre mixed-used developments. For this high-profile, complex project, IG Masonry Support was selected to design and manufacture 19 Brick Slip Arches that met the structural and aesthetic requirements for The Canal Turn building within the development.ChallengeIG Masonry Support was selected for The Island Quarter programme following its successful completion of similarly complex projects in conjunction with brickwork contractor, Lee Marley. Our brief was to design and manufacture 19 Brick Slip Arches, 17 at ground level, and two at fourth-floor level, of the site’s main building. The greatest challenge in this respect was coordinating the brickwork configuration of two deep-soffit arches, which were to meet at a 90-degree angle at the structure’s ground level corner.In addition, the siting and size of two large arches at the building’s uppermost level provided a potential issue.SolutionThe experience and expertise of IG Masonry Support’s technical team was essential to ensuring the 90-degree corner arches’ unique formation complemented the surrounding building work. Following extensive research and detailed assessments, a complex system involving a large volume of steel and brickwork was designed and embedded within the structure’s corner section, thus providing a suitable base for the deep-soffit arches to meet at the correct angle. For the finish, our half-arch solution combined with our innovative B.O.S.S. deep-soffit system, proved ideal.In terms of the logistical operation to install the two large arches on the building’s fourth level, we required engagement with Nottingham City Council to implement appropriate road closures during their delivery. Due to their size, the arches were delivered separately and once on site, were carefully craned towards the top of the building. This process was particularly challenging, as there was little space (half-metre) for the contractor to install the heavy structures into the correct position.Thanks to the design skills of our technical team in supplying a solution that was bespoke and precision-made for this application, the corner arches were an identical fit. They provided the impressive building with a unique feature and an aesthetically-pleasing finish. The prefabricated nature of the arches not only guaranteed their controlled and high-quality manufacture, it led to a more rapid and cost-effective installation, with the units being delivered straight to site for immediate implementation. This outcome would not have been possible with traditional brickwork and might have delayed The Island Quarter’s scheduled and much-anticipated opening in late 2022.

Glazing Vision has helped enhance daylight ina cleverly constructed London home using ourPitchglaze Roof Windows.New build projects in built up areas such as Londoncan be challenging, however Clapton Roadis an example of excellent precision and wonderfullyexecuted construction. Gauld Architecturehave created the perfect modern home usinginsightful architectural detail and two GlazingVision Roof Windows. The drawings called formodern architecture at every corner, from zinccladding to wooden interiors.A single storey doctor’s surgery had previouslybeen converted to a residential building, butunfortunately the home had very little floor area.The property overlooked a private garden behindand suffered from damp as well as a lack ofprivacy from passers-by, and so an upgradewas overdue. Previous planning applications toextend had been refused, and so an alternativeorganisational approach was needed to improveresidential amenity.The proposed works consisted of splitting theaccommodation over three levels, with thebedroom and bathroom a half level belowground, and the kitchen and entrance at streetlevel with the living space a half level above toenable views out over the heads of pedestrians.The split helps to reduce the massing and theasymmetric roof is shaped to minimise impacton the natural light to the neighbour’s windowsand garden behind.Construction commenced on the property, andquickly it was confirmed the boundary brick wallcould be salvaged from the previous structuregiving a familiar and robust public facing edgeand provides a desired sleek finish to the wall.The home also boasts crisp zinc roofing and wallcladding detailing, providing a smooth transitionfrom the exposed bricks to the first storey.The Pitchglaze Roof Windows allowed GauldArchitecture to achieve a seamless junction withthe folded zinc, with the glazing set on the sameplane to give the roof a pleasing continuity.Internally, the glazing is sized so the externalviews are framed only by the lined reveals,with the roof window largely hidden giving asleek finish. The Pitchglaze roof windows wereinstalled by the contractor, an easy installationprocess is guaranteed by following our installvideo or consulting our installation guide. Muchnatural light is captured via the roof windows,positioned strategically to ensure good andeven distribution throughout, while set flushwith the zinc to achieve a surface tension andpleasing solidity to the roof planes. These highqualityelements and considered massing resultin a greatly improved contribution to the street scene.“Glazing Vision helped give guidance on the interface between the roof window and a buildup thatwe were unfamiliar with. Our local Technical Specification Manager was very knowledgeable onintegrating the roof windows into the roof.” – Kevin Gauld, Director, Gauld ArchitectureThe minimalist interior coupled with striking exterior design meet perfectly to ensure a modernand desired look. The Pitchglaze Roof Windows solved a lasting problem with the home and wereresponsible for providing the client with the sought after amount of natural daylight.If you are working on a project which requires rooflights or roof windows get in contact with us on01379 658300 or fill in our contact form.

Discover the remarkable transformation of Draycott's Canal Side Cottages, a project that has breathed new life into six derelict 200-year-old cottages in Derbyshire. Led by the dedicated efforts of the Derbyshire and Sandiacre Canal Trust and local volunteers, this restoration project has not only created a stunning residential development but also a historical tourist attraction.Gowercroft products used:Chatsworth Sliding Sash WindowsMelbourne DoorsHardwick Casement WindowsRed GrandisOriginally built in the 1820s on the banks of the old Derby Canal, these cottages served as homes for mill workers and local families. However, by 1985, they had fallen into disrepair, on the verge of demolition. In 2017, the Derbyshire and Sandiacre Canal Trust stepped in to rescue the cottages as part of their ambitious plan to restore the disused canal and the surrounding area.With the vision of turning these cottages into a vibrant mixed-use complex, the Trust launched a £650k appeal. The goal was to create three 2-3 bedroom dwellings, a canal side café, commercial spaces for leisure companies, and a museum showcasing the canal's history and the lives of mill workers.ADDC Architects, renowned conservation experts, were entrusted with the task of designing the conversion. They skillfully worked around the intricate history of the original brick buildings, which had gone through multiple alterations and rebuilds in the 19th century. The architects aimed to preserve the unique character of the cottages while ensuring a functional layout suitable for their new purpose.The restoration process involved an incredible community effort, with local tradesmen, contractors, and volunteers coming together to bring the cottages back to life. The extensive work included clearing vegetation and debris, erecting scaffolding, reinforcing timbers, and salvaging original bricks and slates for rebuilding.One crucial aspect of the restoration was the installation of new timber windows. Gowercroft Joinery, a reputable local manufacturer with expertise in heritage and restoration projects, supplied the traditional Chatsworth sliding sash windows for the canal-facing elevations. These windows perfectly matched the original designs, featuring slim finger-jointed frames and Georgian styled glazing bars. At the rear, Hardwick casement windows were installed to maintain a utilitarian look consistent with the building's history.Crafted from solid Red Grandis hardwood, the windows offered both elegance and energy efficiency. The bespoke curved top casements faithfully reinstated, and Melbourne hardwood doors further enhanced the joinery and timber craftsmanship throughout the cottages.The restored Canal Cottages now stand as a symbol of the Trust's broader vision to revive the 13-mile canal and its surrounding areas. Once completed, the canal restoration will create a 25-mile cruising ring, connecting to thousands of miles of navigable waterways across the UK. It will provide opportunities for outdoor activities, such as angling, canoeing, and cycling while promoting wildlife conservation and improving the well-being of local residents.By being a part of this project, Gowercroft Joinery has not only contributed to the architectural heritage but also supported the revival of the Derby Canal, acting as a catalyst for regeneration in the city centre. The Canal Side Cottages showcase the perfect synergy between traditional craftsmanship and modern performance, ensuring years of comfort and enjoyment for all those who experience them.

Client: Northacre Consultant: Vinci Technology Centre Main Contractor: Multiplex Main Product Used: Emseal ColorsealThe development of The Broadway creates six buildings on a plan designed to frame views of the Grade-1 listed 55 Broadway across from Victoria Street in Westminster, providing residential, office and retail workspace and a new public space linking Victoria Street with Broadway and Dacre Street. The new building elevations were specifically designed “to reference the local vernacular in the rhythm of facades”, using materials sympathetic to the traditional sandstone and brick of the adjacent historic Conservation Area. The façades and their constituent precast panels were therefore a critical element in the design and construction process, as was ensuring that the joints between them could safely accommodate the anticipated thermal and any other structural movements, whilst always maintaining a watertight seal. This was further complicated by the façade design and necessary construction tolerances, meaning that the joints varied in width, resulting in high joint movement capability demands. A test programme was established with Vinci Testing Houses to determine the most suitable joint solution available to meet these challenges in detail - and the clear winner was Emseal Colorseal. This is a unique, preformed, double-sided, silicone-faced movement joint sealing system, that is bonded in position without invasive metal anchoring. Colorseal is CE-marked and ETA-certified to provide a watertight seal with 100% joint movement capability, thermal insulation, UV stability, and colour coordination with vertical or horizontal substrates.  

Client: Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation Architects & Engineers: Thelwell Gwathmey Siegal Kaufman (concept by Wright in 1951) Main Emseal Products Used: Emseal Colorseal is on Permanent Exhibition at this Landmark Museum following a hugely successful 24- year ‘run’ at the Guggenheim in New York City. Twenty-four years ago Emseal Colorseal system was installed between a neighbouring building and the 10-story Guggenheim museum office extension completed in 1992; it is clearly still as resilient and watertight as the day it was put in. Where’s the Emseal Colorseal? - The joint is between the limestone-faced building extension on the left of Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic original and the darker neighbouring brick building to its left. For most designers expansion joints are a necessary evil – and ‘Evil’ for their disruption of design aesthetics – although when cleverly positioned, as in this case returned and rebated slightly back from the building face, the joint becomes a part of the shadow line. From just 2-3m away the joint remains essentially an insignificant 'shadow-line', and back in 1992 it was colour matched with the limestone façade as seen when viewed close-up. Today in 2022, the Emseal Colorseal joints are still fully intact and securely non-invasively bonded in position on both sides of the joint. The material is resilient and responsive, the stored energy of pre-compression remains very evident and there are no signs at all that the material is starting to degrade in the joints, even after this length of service in the exposed environment of NYC in Manhattan.

This major redevelopment of Charlton Park Academy school involved replacing temporary mobile classrooms and a single storey building with a two-storey steel framed brick building to better meet the needs of students, teachers and carers. A structural flooring solution was required for use over precast planks, covering 800m2 on the ground and upper floor at a depth of 75mm to 120mm. Space and access would be challenging, due to the small footprint of the site, proximity to the existing school building and access from a busy main road. Given the large floor area, a traditional sand cement screed would have been very time consuming to place. Tarmac’s TOPFLOW SF a self compacting steel fibre reinforced concrete was chosen as the solution. Its flowing nature would allow it to be quickly pumped into place and adapt to the variable thickness criteria. TOPFLOW SF is designed to act as a structural topping with both, steel mesh & fibre reinforcement. The steel fibres added to the TOPFLOW SF gave its robustness and flexural strength as it was being placed over a precast plank system that could flex with loadings. They also reduced the risk of cracking. By replacing steel mesh reinforcement, it helped avoid problems with access, storage and handling and kept the site open for parallel trades. Using TOPFLOW SF rather than a sand cement screed or reinforced concrete, improved productivity and saved time. This saved 13 days or just over 2.5 weeks on the programme. 

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.

The new extension for the Donegal Garda is a prominent feature utilising materials that respond to its topology and enhance the building’s civic presence in the town. The dark coloured brick plinth of the semi-basement grounds the building while the upper floors which feature a facade of open mesh grating provide an open and transparent interface with the public whilst maintaining necessary security provisions.Lang+Fulton supplied the bespoke steel mesh cladding for the glazed upper floors of the facade. The grating achieves a contemporary aesthetic and delivers the practical advantages of protection and a brise-soleil solution, while achieving a transparency that offers the public an insight into the activities of the station; the degree of transparency and solar shading creating an interesting variety, dependent on the angle of view, the time of day and light conditions.The Terra-34 grating, which features an anti-climb aperture, was also used to create walkways, soffits and a secure enclosure around the roof-top plant. The gratings were made to 19 different custom-sizes and shapes for each floor with 3038mm high panels for the facade cladding. Slotted tabs were designed for fixing to the support steelwork. The material was supplied in a hot-dip galvanized finish to withstand the coastal environment.Donegal Town Garda Station has won 4 national awards including Best Cultural/Public Building (RIAI). Adjudicators said that, “The project stands out for its laconic civic presence and its no-nonsense adaptation of the spatial culture of a thriving historic town … the building demonstrates that thoughtful architecture can quietly and carefully edify our everyday culture”.

The ChallengeStoke Football Club (FC) launched a project of investment and modernisation to achieve first-class facilities at its Clayton Wood training ground and reach the coveted Category One status in the Premier League-driven Elite Player Performance Plan.The site, which is the main training ground for the first team squad, will include modern and technologically advanced facilities on a par with other Premier League clubs and top-flight European teams, which will aid Stoke FC in attracting new talent to the club.The SolutionThe 1,800-square metre site incorporates a full-sized indoor pitch, so players can train throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions. It also offers nine spacious changing rooms, office accommodation, a medical centre, gymnasium, hydrotherapy suite, dining area and press room.The addition of classrooms to the building means the site can now become home to the Club’s football academy where future footballing talent is trained.Forterra supplied their Dark Multi Smooth Butterley Bricks for the development of the club’s training building.Manufactured in the UK at Forterra’s Wilnecote brickworks, this 150-year-old brand provided a perfect, smooth finish and clean lines to complement the building’s glass panels and metallic cladding.The BenefitsStoke FC’s investment and regeneration of its facilities has earned it two construction awards: The Local Area Building Council (LABC) Business Excellence Awards for 2014 for the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire.

application area: commercial kitchen extractuse type: school kitchen air extractionproject scope: line brick duct with four linersadded value: 25-year guarantee on liner, no need to fit and maintain chimney fansBackgroundVentilFlex-25 engineers were to supply and install a bespoke kitchen canopy solution for a grade 2 listed school building in Hampshire. The bespoke canopy could not be fixed to the walls or the ceiling, which was 14 meters high.The 20-metre ventilation shaft had metal supporting crossbars. This made it impossible for any rigid extraction ducting system to be installed without affecting the integrity of the structure. The client opted for a kitchen extraction system with a different approach – VentilFlex-25 RKV – a composite liner solution supplied in a flat and soft state. The bespoke-made liners are useful for ducts where access is difficult or if the duct has bends and offsets.The main challenge of this installation was to insert and inflate 4 VentilFlex-25 RKV liners simultaneously. This way the liners would fill the available duct space evenly and act as a single large liner.Statement of workThe steaming took a few hours, during which the high temperature started a chemical reaction in the composite structure which solidified the resin and gave the liners their final physical characteristics – tensile strength, high corrosion-resistance, high heat-resistance and an air-tight finish. The new VentilFlex-25 RKV liners provide an outlet for the gases coming from 3 combi ovens, 2 range ovens a fryer and a grill.

The original timber sleepers used for Manchester Royal Infirmary external areas had begun to rot away quite early in their lifespan. We were tasked with replicating the existing footprint of planters to replace them within the confines of the existing paving. All installation works were undertaken in a busy hospital with minimal impact on patients and workers. Using a typographical survey we created CAD outlines for each planter, a number of existing structures featured extremely tight angles, which meant we needed to modify our corner cuts to ensure a perfect match.Our components were all pre-cut ready for installation so there was no need to use any heavy machinery on site. WoodBlocX modular system is guaranteed for 15 years and because the structures are made up of a series of individual blocks, held together by strong dowels, they will not warp or distort, nor will they rot, thanks to the pressure treatment used.WoodBlocX components are manufactured in five different sizes and work in the same way as bricks, in addition, any capping and angled parts are pre-mitred, which saves installers significant build time and eliminates the need for sawing, drilling and disposing of waste. With WoodBlocX you receive a guaranteed standard of material. From the planting of the trees to harvesting of timber all the way through to cutting the WoodBlocX components, we keep on top of every aspect of each process - maintaining the highest standards of timber quality. Using WoodBlocX, specifiers can be safe in the knowledge that the supply chain of their timber products is sustainable and reliable.

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. 

Glazing Vision rooflights were used in the re-construction of this mews house situated in the prime real estate and conservation area of Mayfair, London. The building is an exceptional example of stunning architecture and elegant, contemporary interiors. Whilst adding a majestic character to the mews itself with its dark brick façade and impactful balcony, the outer appearance belies the vast size of the residence internally. After the demolition of the former mews house and after 2 years of construction, which had even necessitated underpinning the neighbouring houses, this property now accommodates a basement with indoor pool, lower ground floor with cinema room, open plan living and dining space, 2 floors of bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as additional terraced balconies.Keeping the interiors bright and airy throughout was key to the design concept – floor to ceiling windows and Flushglaze Walk On Rooflights from Glazing Vision were installed to maximise the daylight where it would have been otherwise compromised on the ground and second floors. In addition, a Glazing Vision 3 Wall Box Rooflight provides unimpeded access from an internal staircase to the impressive roof terrace, which is recessed down 1 1/2metres between 2 pitched roofs and which offers a vast outdoor space for entertaining, dining and relaxing.Two Flushglaze Walk On rooflights were specified by the architect to negate the risk of potential dark spots appearing in the dining zone and living area on the ground floor. Engineered by Glazing Vision to bespoke sizes and to meet the future projected foot traffic upon them, they were seamlessly integrated into the balconied terrace on the second floor, thus shedding light through to the bench seating in the kitchen and lounge.Their minimal internal framework was in keeping with the contemporary aesthetic of the interior, and both rooflights augment the quality and quantity of light entering this open plan area, even extending out towards the central stairwell and landing.Two further custom-sized Flushglaze Walk On Rooflights installed on the roof terrace add an intricate design detail but also create a wow factor. Perfect for flat roof terraces, these rooflights lie flush with the wooden decking. Again tested to allow for regular foot traffic and to bear the weight of terrace furniture, the rooflights offer complete safety and watertight integrity. On the second floor below, the two windowless bathrooms are flooded with the light coming through these rooflights – indeed such is the brightness of these rooms that privacy blinds have been installed for occasional use.Seeking to optimise the very large roof space that had been created (4m x 8m) the architect specified Glazing Vision’s 3 Wall Box Rooflight, which would offer easy access all year round to the roof terrace and also provide a contemporary glass feature. For the accommodation of the 3 wall mounted box rooflight a timber box frame had to be built which abutted the exposed brick wall behind.The property’s imposing central staircase provides access to the box rooflight, which in turn maximises the light falling down the stairwell to the bottom of the house. At a touch of a button from an access keypad, the sliding roof retracts to give a 50% clear opening with no “bowing of the head” necessary. The operation is quiet and safe, and the provision of a rain sensor ensures closure from inclement weather.