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Our expertise in the student accommodation sector has led to our aluminium fenestration systems being used on this new riverside scheme in Nottingham, which has been designed by architects Maber and built by main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland.Managed by student housing provider Student Roost, the new Deakins Place development is located within close proximity of the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee campus and offers stunning views of the River Leen. These views have been perfectly framed by our patented low U-value PURe® aluminium windows which have been installed by specialist contractor HKL.Specified with flat casement vents, our thermally-efficient PURe® aluminium windows have been installed to each apartment to increase the flow of natural light and to reduce heat loss. The slim aluminium fames have been powder coated to provide additional protection from the elements and to complement the wider façade design which features a stunning mix of natural building materials and colour palettes.

To facilitiate their exciting BSc Paramedic Science course, the University of Surrey identified that they needed more practical training space for their students. By working alongside Scott Brownrigg Architects, Newton Specialist Contractor Advanced Basements, and the Newton Technical Team, an extensive existing undercroft was converted into three large, dry rooms that are ideal for the purpose.With an emphasis on practical elements, the exciting BSc Paramedic Science course at the University of Surrey needed a new, well-equipped training facility for its students at the Surrey Research Park, Guildford.Having identified a large existing undercroft for the purpose, the University consulted with Scott Brownrigg Architects, as well as the Newton Technical team and Advanced Basements in order to create a new, dry space.The extensive undercroft area was first separated into three large rooms, based on what each room was going to be used for. These were defined as:A live environment Paramedic Training room, with an existing concrete floor, concrete retaining walls, and blockwork internal wallsA storage area, requiring a new insulated floor, and with concrete retainng walls and blockwork internal wallsA plant room, requiring full internal waterproofing to the walls and floorConsidering that the existing structure was already quite robust, Newton and Advanced recommended an internal Type C Newton CDM System. This method of waterproofing is the most failsafe method, using membranes to capture the water, and sump chambers and pumps to collect and remove it. The pumps are also supported by a battery backup system for total security.Advanced Basements acted as the specialist waterproofing contractor and the waterproofing design specialist on this project, working alongside the architect and client to design the system, before providing a high quality installation.Furthermore, thanks to their early involvement, Advanced also took design liability for the project and guaranteed the installation for the client.

Schiedel offers a unique all-in-one system: a perfect union of wood burning stove & chimney, which is an ideal package when if you are a self-builder or renovating your home. Adding heat sources which are a permanent feature means that you need the best quality. So many times, a superb quality stove is installed but the remaining parts are usually cheap and liable to failure.

This office building was designed as part of the long and large redevelopment saga; Brindleyplace. While the building is a truly modern statement, the anodised frames and fins to the glazing system are not simply powder coated but vary in colour; this gives them a warm and natural appearance, and so reflects the warmth of the brickwork of Brindleyplace’s Victorian buildings. The Reynaers systems used on the façades – a customised solution based on the curtain wall systems CW 50 and CW 60, and CS 68 doors in bronze anodized aluminium – form part of a bespoke curtain wall design.

Located within the historic market town of Alnwick, Willowburn Retail Park is a new shopping destination with easy access from the A1, boasting 37,405 sq.ft. of retail floorspace, plus 200 parking spaces.The distinctive modern design by Projekt Architects uses a bold mixture of sustainable materials including energy-efficient glazing plus sustainable timber Accoya for the cladding, soffit and eaves. Senior Architectural Systems provided the entire glazing package including thermally-efficient SF52 curtain walling for the full-height glazed frontages and robust SPW501 doors, Certified to PAS24 and Secured by Design standards, to provide secure access throughout the development.

The Ascent Roof Hatch Guardrail was developed to meet the need to protect workers as they Ascend / Descend through an open roof access hatch.. The Ascent Roof Hatch Guardrail is designed as an integral part of the roof hatch and its structure. This ensures that roof integrity is maintained – limiting potential future maintenance issues.The guardrail protects worker from a fall through the open roof hatch. The Ascent Hatch Guardrail was specified on this project by AOV Systems Ltd as part of their Safe Access strategy. Manufactured following 1090 factory production control procedures allowing CE/UKCA marking as required with all Safety critical components as per the Construction Product regulations 2022

“We used Venesta’s SGL range for a proven high quality, durable product from a trusted provider that we have worked with for years.” - Mark Norton, Chartered Construction Manager, Gray Baynes and Shew. A full height cubicle range, Unity provides a modern, durable washroom environment, with low floor clearance for maximum privacy. Emergency release mechanism indicator bolts were an ideal choice for education washrooms, where safety is paramount. Our Vepps (IPS) pre-plumbed panelling system, with Ideal Standard sanitaryware fitted and tested in our factory, made installation quick and straightforward without the need for specialist onsite skills.

Heathrow Airport is the UK’s largest and busiest airport connecting the UK to over 80 long haul destinations and flying over 80 million passengers worldwide. Project/doors: Hart has over installed over 280 doors across all terminals including high speed smoke screens, fire conveyor shutters, security shutters, internal and external high speed doors, insulated fast action doors, sectional doors and pedestrian doors.The challenge Terminal 5 baggage handling system serves around 32 million passengers per year and handles around 6000 bags per hour.  Hart were asked to design, manufacture and install a specialist and unique automatic smoke screen system capable of handling over 6000 bags per hour, while providing a seal for 30 minutes in the event of fire. The solution Hart were the only company to provide a solution that fully met all the design requirements. Two years after the initial talks with the client, Hart successfully completed the manufacture and installation of all of the high speed smoke/fire screens within the main check in area, comprising 102 check in desks. Hart also installed a mixed package of roller shutter and fire doors in the lower ground service area and fire shutters on the Tube access tunnels leading directly to Terminal 5. The success Hart was chosen for the quality of engineering and the ability to meet the clients demanding specification and operating requirements. Hart continues to work with contractors and OEM’s such as Vanderlande, Mace and Balfour Beatty on site supplying upgrades and new doors when required

A former brownfield industrial site alongside the River Roding in Essex is converted into attractive mixed-use community housing. The Met Police custody and patrol base for the borough, industrial businesses, restaurants, river moorings and 1000 homes.The developer wanted to replace old and damaged wooden hoardings around a section of the Fresh Wharf Estate perimeter in Barking and prevent damage to a bus shelter from stone chips thrown up by passing vehicles on the adjacent A406.The SolutionFresh Water Developments approached Zaun to devise a bespoke solution for the site on the banks of the Roding, a Thames tributary. They wanted a sustainable perimeter, deflected flying stone chips, minimised noise and met their aesthetic, design and functional needs.Zaun has integrated a new highly resistant laminate made entirely from mixed waste plastics with its market-leading Duo fencing to produce a system that won’t rust or rot. In addition, it is low maintenance and reusable or recyclable if damaged.The innovative product design named DBS Security boasts great acoustic-loss properties, rated B3 and 36dB loss, and gives protection against damage from flying objects flicked up by passing vehicles.DBS Security protects a bus shelter close to the North Circular that constantly has to undergo repair. A large section of the perimeter to the industrial site and housing is fitted with Zaun’s twin-wire Duo fencing system. Two horizontal wires resist being welded on either side of the vertical wire.Zaun combined both standard and bespoke fencing to tailor the overall solution to the site’s specific requirements.

Appointed to design Hammerson House, Wohl Campus, a new care building, P+HS Architects specified a variety of solutions from Forbo Flooring Systems’ large portfolio, to help bring the vision of a country house hotel to life. Offering 116 bedrooms, with communal lounges, a café, and an inter-generational activity room, Forbo’s Surestep, Safestep and Allura ranges have been installed throughout the building.Hammerson House was founded in 1961 by Sue Hammerson to provide care for older members of the Jewish community. From here Hammerson merged with Nightingale House to form Nightingale Hammerson who run both homes as a joint group. Located on the Wohl Campus near Hampstead Heath, the home is based within beautiful woodlands enabling residents to enjoy the local scenery. Offering medical services, including a visiting GP, a large communal hall, an onsite shop and a hair salon, the care home is able to provide for all of its residents’ needs.Martha MacKinnon, Senior Architect at P+HS commented on the project: “We were tasked with creating a welcoming space that delivered a contemporary vision of a country house hotel, where visitors, residents and staff could feel settled. Therefore, when it came to specifying floor coverings, we had to carefully choose products that could contribute to the warm and welcoming interior we wanted to achieve.“In the resident’s area, on the lower ground floor, it was important that we specified a vinyl flooring, as it needed to be durable, but also provide a warm and homely feel. Additionally, a low-level contrast between the carpeted areas and the vinyl flooring in the bedrooms was also vital, as some of the residents living at the home have dementia.”With the above in mind, and to connect the building back to its countryside roots, P+HS Architects specified Forbo’s Allura LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) in the natural looking Steamed Oak colourway “The wooden aesthetic of Forbo’s Allura really helped us to connect the indoors to the outside, whilst contributing to our design brief, thanks to its warm shades. We mainly used Allura in the household and staff dining areas, and the lower ground floor bedrooms,” Martha explained. “Not only this, but the chosen Allura design has also been accredited by the DSDC (Dementia Services Development Centre), which means it has been approved for use in dementia-friendly environments, making it the perfect choice for this project.“In the areas where spillages are to be expected and therefore slip resistance was a factor, such as in kitchens and the residents’ ensuites, we specified Forbo’s Surestep and Safestep safety flooring. Both ranges deliver guaranteed lifetime slip resistance and are available in a variety of bright, contemporary designs.”Forbo’s Step safety flooring collection meets all the European and HSE safety norms, delivering safety with minimal compromise on cleaning and maintenance, thanks to its PUR Pearl finish, and design.Sara Glaser, Head of Marketing from Nightingale Hammerson spoke about the finished project: “We’re delighted with the work P+HS has done; it looks lovely and really fits the design we had wanted to achieve. We’re particularly happy with how safety conscious it is, as our residents are our primary concern. They like the house and how it looks, so we couldn’t be happier with the end result!”Finished at the start of 2021, Hammerson House, Wohl Campus recently achieved a rating of ‘Good’ from a CQC inspection of the home. Additionally, the building was awarded the Best Social Care development at the Building Better Healthcare Awards 2021 and ‘Commended’ in the Forbo Escapes 2021/22 competition.

When Edinburgh Gin wanted to open its latest pop-up store in Edinburgh city centre, they tasked Exhibeo VM to design a store which reinforced the company’s branding, whilst creating a lasting visual impact. Using a colourful, textured look to elevate the customer experience and entice shoppers into the store, Exhibeo VM specified Forbo Flooring Systems’ adhesive-free Modul’up range in the Coral Terrazzo colourway, to bring the vision to life. After being based at the nearby Frederick Street, Edinburgh Gin decided it was time to go all out and form a brand new, flagship-style destination shop, which prompted a move to the nearby Hanover Street. Arantxa Garcia, Creative Consultant Designer at Exhibeo VM, said: “We wanted to create a pop-up store similar to the existing premises on Frederick street, but almost step it up a bit, moving more towards the feeling of a flagship store. It would be a place where people could go for an experience. We added a mini tasting area too – a space where customers could come in, sit down and enjoy some of the amazing gins on offer. We also wanted to display the products in a zoned fashion to make purchasing easier for customers. “In line with Edinburgh Gin’s brand guidelines, it was important that the shop was colourful and that the colours used helped to evoke thoughts of the botanicals used in the gin distilling process.” With the bottles of Edinburgh Gin lining the walls, Exhibeo VM opted for a candy pink theme to run throughout the shop, with brightly lit wall-mounted shelving and extravagant designs in the glass windows.  The glossy pink theme is aided by Forbo’s adhesive free Modul’up flooring solution in the contemporary Coral Terrazzo colourway – a pattern and texture that is slightly reminiscent of the ingredients used to distil the gin. Arantxa commented on the design choice, saying: “We really liked the finish of the Modul’up sheet - it has this amazing Terrazzo pattern which goes nicely with the candy aesthetic that runs throughout the shop itself. The flooring definitely pulled the design together; it gave us the continuity we wanted. We had specified coloured LEDs to be placed behind all the shelving, to really enhance the colours of the gins and the flooring brought that whole colour palette together.” Forbo’s Modul’up range wasn’t only chosen because of the contemporary colourways it is available in, but also because of how easy the installation is. Typically, flooring is the first port of call for most projects, but Forbo’s Modul’up was installed last on this project, thanks to its quick and easy installation. Arantxa explained: “We actually did the installation in reverse; usually flooring is the first thing installed in a project, but in this case, it was the last thing we put in. It took a team of four installers - recommended by Forbo – just five hours to install in the morning of the grand opening, as it is installed using Forbo’s unique double-sided tape – another big reason behind the choice of floor covering.” Forbo’s Modul’up range can also be easily removed and is immediately ready for recycling via Forbo’s Back to the Floor scheme. The ease of removal also allows the flooring to be reused if needed, reducing waste further. And with no adhesive used, the substrate remains clean meaning the flooring can be replaced without time consuming and expensive subfloor preparation. The Edinburgh Gin shop on Hanover Street was awarded ‘Commended’ in the Forbo Escapes 2021/22 competition.  For more information about Forbo’s Modul’up range, visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/fastfit or to learn more about the Forbo Escapes competition, visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/forboescapes

Wembley Park is one of the UK’s largest urban regeneration schemes, offering a vibrant hub where people want to live, companies want to grow, and neighbourhoods come alive. The project aims to make a feature of the iconic Wembley Stadium, as well as facilitating unrivalled views of across the site. Reynaers utilised systems that create a maximum presence of space and natural light, resulting in seamless integration between the indoor and outdoor environments. This was achieved using Reynaers CW 50 curtain walling system, and aluminium window and door systems; CS 77.

With over nine million people visiting The O2 a year, ICON Outlet required a robust washroom solution to withstand the demands of a high traffic environment, while being easy to clean and maintain. Unity’s clean, modern and minimal cubicle design and the solid surface vanities in “Vermont” gave the washroom facilities a contemporary look, while being functional and hard-wearing. ICON Outlet selected our ground-breaking pre-plumbed Vepps system, making regular duct maintenance effortless thanks to its linear-bearing hinge.Vepps also makes it impossible for the public to access duct space, with specially engineered anti-tamper locks.Read the full case study for more details.

London played host to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2018, as it welcomed 53 World Leaders and over 2,000 delegates to the capital.With all eyes looking at London, the Metropolitan Police Services wanted to provide an enjoyable but safe experience for all those attending and viewing on television around the world.The BriefThe Metropolitan Police Services and Counter Terror police had a number of key requirements for the fencing that would form part of the protective detail for 53 World Leaders.Zero Ground Strike SystemAbility to take screen from view bannersEasy to installOffer a higher level of security than standard temporary fencingAbility to incorporate Turnstiles and Swing Gates

The Proteus Waterproofing roof survey carried out found the existing flat roof system to be saturated. The existing roof build-up needed to be stripped back to the roof deck, with the main challenge of the roof refurbishment being the low up-stand heights available to the penthouses.The project required a flat roof system manufacturer involved at the initial roof survey and specification design stage, followed by the manufacturers technical back-up to assist with unforeseen and unexpected situations to ensure a successful installation of the new roof systems.High Performance WaterproofingThe terrace roofs above hated spaces demanded a waterproofing system with BBA certification. The fully bonded and seamless Pro- System® Plus was selected for its high performance and low odour, in conjunction with Proteus Pro-Therm Insulation to improve the roofs thermal performance and reduce the existing condensation risk.The flat roofs that were not above heated spaces required Proteus Pro-System® Plus low odour, seamless waterproofing overlay. Proteus Waterproofing worked closely with the Client and the Proteus Approved Contractor, which also acted as the Main Contractor, to ensure the installation complied with the specification design.Health & SafetySafety on construction sites is always of the utmost importance, as well as keeping disruptions to other trades to a minimum. Proteus Pro-System® Plus was selected for its high performance, low odour, phased cold installation and seamless waterproofing.Long Term Performance​Proteus Pro-System® Plus creates an elastomeric, seamless, cold applied waterproofing membrane. The Proteus Pro-System® Plus system can include warm roof insulation. The membrane does not become brittle with age, is BBA Certified with a durability statement of at least 30 years.

The Ascent Aluminium fixed ladder access system was specified to create a permanent safe access route to the roof for maintenance personnel. As the overall height exceeds 10m the ladder was required to be broken with a mid-height rest platform ensuring no single ladder length exceed 6m. Hoops were provided throughout for fall protection, an anti-climb plate was fitted at the base. The ladder was designed in accordance with BS 4211:2005+A1 2008 and the ladder was manufactured in accordance with CE 1090 factory production control procedures.

Sto has supplied the StoTherm Mineral K external wall insulation system with StoLotusan render for the new Day Case and Eye Unit building at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital. Specified by Gilling Dod architects of Chorley, who worked closely with the main contractor Tilbury Douglas, the StoTherm Mineral K system combines impressive insulation with excellent fire protection characteristics. With an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire classification in accordance with BS EN 13501-1, the non-combustible mineral fibre insulation is fully bonded to the substrate and therefore no additional firebreaks are required. Ideal for both new-build and refurbishment projects, its efficient single-leaf construction also means that interior space within the building is not reduced.  For this project, the system’s mineral fibre insulation boards were secured to the lightweight steel frame and sheathing board substrate with mechanical fixings and StoLevell Uni adhesive and levelling mortar. A StoLevell Duo Plus reinforcing coat embedded with Sto-Glass Fibre Mesh was then applied to the face of the insulation boards, with StoLotusan and StoSilco renders used for the final finish on different sections of the building, using light colours from Sto’s architectural colour range.  StoLotusan is the only render available that uses Sto’s patented Lotus-Effect® technology which delivers impressive water and dirt repellence. It forms a unique surface texture, similar to that of the lotus leaf, that causes the rainwater to run off the render quickly and easily, removing any dirt or dust as it goes. Providing outstanding resistance to the growth of algae and fungus, the building will retain its looks for many years to come.  The new Day Case and Eye Unit is the result of a major £17.5 million investment in developing enhanced ophthalmology and day case services. The new Day Case and Eye Unit now offers an extensive range of diagnostic and treatment facilities for patients with medical eye conditions.

Dart Valley Systems (DVS), part of Franke water systems was chosen for the washroom revamp at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London. The client required a setup that was robust, modern, and aesthetically pleasing. During the initial phase, DVS worked closely with the client to create a solution based on the project teams’ requirements. DVS has in-house capabilities to create bespoke product specifications and has worked alongside the client previously at their leading training facility. This was a great opportunity to put forward tried and tested products which were tailored to the client’s specific needs. DVS put forward customised programmable sensors for WCs, urinals and showers, alongside WC flushvalves. The stadium is now equipped with an intelligent and fully customised washroom system that saves water, increases hygiene and allows data capture. DVS is proud to have contributed to what is considered by many as the benchmark for future stadium and entertainment venues worldwide.

The MRT project is a planned 3-line mass rapid transit system with a total of 101 stations. Klang Valley MRT is poised to be the backbone of the public transport system in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia and is expected to become operational in phases and save 280 million man hours annually in commuter travelling time. The roofs required engineered horizontal lifeline systems for workers to be kept safe while performing periodic maintenance tasks. These systems had to be robustly designed to arrest a worker’s fall and also protect the building envelope from damage in the event of a fall.

Walsall based fabricators Aluminium Glazing Solutions (Midlands) Ltd won the contract to manufacture and install Kestrel Aluminium’s curtain wall and window systems for a prestige development of five and six bedroom detached houses on the Coton House Estate, near Rugby.

Over 2,300m² of Protan SE 1.2mm PVC single-ply membrane was installed in the Protan Prefabricated roof system at Wilmslow Garden Centre, Cheshire. The main driver behind the installation of this roof system was the time constraint placed upon the roofing contractor for installation of the roof. Using Protan's unique ProPlan CAD software, a bespoke solution was created for the project - prefabricated rolls of membrane measuring 3.96x8.00m were manufactured to span the barrels of the roof. This minimised on-site waste and reduced on-site hot air welding by 1,080 linear metres.

Helping ensure the ongoing safe and reliable operation of any moveable wall system, as well as protecting the acoustic performance, Style has responded to a growing need for scheduled maintenance and repairs by appointing a new service and aftercare director. Sjors Kuijs joins Style from thyssenkrupp Elevator where he held various responsibilities for the company’s service business and brings extensive expertise in national service and support networks. Style offers a comprehensive maintenance support service – whether it’s for a routine visit or the emergency repair of an partitioning wall system.

The new office development for the New Gorbals Housing Association in Glasgow features a variety of aluminium fenestration solutions. Together these have helped create a light and airy workspace and an impressive centrepiece for the wider regeneration of the area.Located on Crown Street, the new commercial office building is complemented by a new civic piazza and has been designed by Page & Park Architects. Flexibility and adaptability were key focuses for the overall design, with the incorporation of daylighting and natural ventilation strategies to boost wellbeing, and large glazed facades to better connect the building with the local community.The welcoming main entrance has been created using Senior’s slimline and thermally-enhanced SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and SPW501 aluminium commercial doors. The fenestration package also includes Senior’s SPW600e aluminium windows which were used throughout. The ground floor glazing has been recessed to provide privacy to the internal work spaces whilst complementing the overall ‘open’ design of the scheme. In contrast, the first-floor glazing protrudes slightly to maximise views of the surrounding city. Senior’s products were fabricated and installed by Scottech for main contractor CCG.The office environment includes both large areas for group work and smaller, more private booths and is centred around a large timber-clad atrium. The use of internal and external glazed partitions and windows helps balance the space, providing links with both the other areas of the building and the outside. The fenestration package has also been designed to provide those using the building with multiple aspect views and daylighting, whilst avoiding overheating and glare from the summer sun. To further complement the overall façade design which features dark grey zinc cladding, and to boost the durability of the aluminium frames, the windows, doors and curtain wall systems were powder coated.

Clarendon is a project undertaken by Berkeley Group in North London, as part of a regeneration scheme that will provide over 1,700 homes and 125,000 sq ft of commercial space.This project aims to make the best use of brownfield land and also highlight the benefit of master planning which helped the scheme win “the best 2022 planning award”.Sayfa Group supplied the Clarendon project through a partner contractor, responsible for the height safety and façade access systems throughout the project. There were various base types and styles required for a variety of locations such as balconies, terraces, and rooftops. However, of all the varieties there is no greater example of planning ahead than the Cast-In Davit Base.Why Davit cast-in bases?Davit systems are an essential solution for cleaning and maintenance strategies. They provide easy and safe access for rope abseil teams to access a building's façade.Cast-in Davit bases are the most cost-effective type of base for both initial and life cycle price basis. The Davits bases are set out to specific datums and are generally tied into the rebar instead of the traditional process of drilling concrete and resin fixing. The process for which is often time consuming, highly weather dependent, and prone to human error. The method of casting in bases accelerates the programme by removing interfaces and potential delays between the trade activities of installing the posts and insulating/weathering the surface. Beyond installation the ongoing maintenance price or 'lifetime cost' of 6 monthly LOLER inspections is significantly reduced. Non-cast in Davit Bases require a thorough examination of the fixings which may include torque testing if required. Visit our LOLER Testing and Inspection Guidance for more information.To learn more about our EdgeSeil range visit our Products Page or get in contact with the Sayfa Group Team.

Featuring bespoke sizing, design, easy installation, and use of sustainable materials, the Acoura ceiling system by Soundtect offers a highly customisable acoustic solution that can elevate your project to new heights of comfort and style.City workspace projectFor this workspace redesign, HOP Interiors sought a solution to the challenges of noise control in an expansive open-plan environment.  Leveraging Acoura's capabilities, strategic placement of the acoustic ceiling panels effectively transformed the workspace into a hub of productivity. Zoned working areas, delineated by Acoura's sleek design, provided employees with the peace and quiet needed to excel in their tasks while maintaining a collaborative atmosphere.With a clever bespoke and unique carrier system, the Acoura baffles can be easily removed and reinstalled, again and again, for easy access to the ceiling mechanical and electrical services when needed, simply and quickly.With a large range of Freestyle colour options and wood-effect finishes, Acoura offers designers a wealth of aesthetic possibilities. From bold statements to subtle accents, the choice is yours, with the added flexibility to match any wood finish and complement existing design schemes.SustainabilityLike all Soundtect products, Acoura is crafted from third-generation recycled PET. By utilising recycled materials, Acoura not only reduces waste but also minimises the demand for new resources, contributing to a more sustainable future.Soundtec thas zero CO2 emissions and zero water emissions. Utilising solar power for its factory, the company has earned several awards for its contributions to the environment, especially as the product's core material comprises post-consumer plastic with low VOC content.The Acoura sustainable acoustic ceiling not only delivers a truly bespoke, unique solution to reverberation but also a fabulous and inspiring alternative to heavy wooden beams with no impact on the environment.

Residential New Build apartment and spa area, consisting of 141 apartments.21 loft apartments required a design lead shower solution for which waterproof XPS round shaped floor shower elements, bathboards for tileable cladding of baths and XPS building boards were supplied in 12.5mm thickness for walls and 10mm thickness for floors.120 Apartments had XPS floor level shower elements featuring a drainage channel right next to the wall, a completely continuous slope right to the channel and more flexible adjustment for the channel. 12.5 & 10mm XPS building boards were used on walls and floors.This was the first installation that we know of in the UK where the boards in the shower area were fixed to the studwork solely by a versatile single component adhesive sealant (wedi 610), ensuring no penetrations through the boards. The special formulation is especially suited to waterproof butt joints of building boards, and has outstanding resistance to the elements; and to chemicals; and is also free of solvents, silicon and PCP.As an abP-approved system, the use of the adhesive sealant and XPS building boards reduces installation time by up to 50% because no further sealing is required, even in areas of high humidity.

The extraordinary, purpose built SuperLab in Oxford provides much needed lab space and fantastic facilities for the next generation of science entrepreneurs and innovators. The new state-of-the-art building is located close to the city centre and the university, which spins out around 15 science firms a year. Created and built by Oxford-based Robin Swailes Design and Development, the SuperLab offers almost 7,000 sq ft of accommodation for up to 84 staff and blends contemporary design with the latest efficiency features while meeting the needs of the modern workforce. The building is made of 95 per cent recycled aluminium and features a grey water system using collected rainwater to flush the toilets, thermal efficient panelling, air source heat pumps and solar panels to minimise its carbon footprint and keep running costs as low as possible. Metal Technology Ltd supplied a range of its high-performance glazing products for this unique development via approved fabricator Alternative Windows. Products used were: System 17 Curtain Walling, System 5-35Hi Tilt Turn Windows, System 4-35Hi Fixed Casement Windows and System 10-35 Thermally Broken Commercial Doors. Curved walls, round windows and open ceilings create a sense of space and wellbeing, topped off with advanced acoustics, quality finishing touches and a playful interior. The result is an inspiring and design-focused workplace that encourages collaboration. Outside, a roof top recreation area provides space for al fresco meetings, eating and drinking with views over Oxford’s Dreaming Spires. A fantastic project to have been involved in, which ultimately encourages young and innovative science pioneers to stay and further their career on home soil.

Background Opened in 1955, Stinchcombe Village Hall has been at the heart of the community in the Gloucestershire village for decades, and it continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of a group of local residents and regular users. An active programme ensures the hall is regularly used for a whole host of activities, classes, clubs, and events for residents, maintaining its original mission to provide a facility that supports physical and mental wellbeing, training and recreation.The committee works hard to ensure the village hall’s facilities are maintained to a high standard. The hall features dimmable lighting, a stage with seating area, kitchen; and toilets accessible to disabled users, plus another meeting room known as the ‘Committee Room.Over the years Stinchcombe Village Hall has benefited from various upgrading projects, including in recent times improved heating and energy efficient lighting throughout. However, the committee are constantly looking at how they can improve things further, including acoustics.ProblemCharlie Oakhill, Chairman of Stinchcombe Village Hall, approached acoustic specialists Sound Reduction Systems (SRS) to explore the potential for reducing excessive reverberation within the hall during use. The committee had taken the initiative prior to contacting SRS by completing and submitting SRS’s online 3 Step Estimator Form.They wanted to take action to make the hall more acoustically comfortable during regular activities. Users often found it difficult to hear speech and music easily because of the high levels of ambient noise that developed, particularly during performances and busy activities.SolutionUpon receiving key information about Stinchcombe Village Hall, including the dimensions, surface finishes and photographs of the ceiling and walls, SRS were able to input this data into their Sonata acoustic modelling software. This was able to evaluate the existing acoustic performance of the room and specify exactly how much Sonata Class A sound absorption would be required to solve the issue.The Stinchcombe Village Hall committee were then presented with a report detailing predicted before and after performance and a budget estimate for the treatment. Once this had been approved, the next step was for an SRS technical advisor to visit the hall and carry out a dimensional survey to confirm the specification and quote.SRS Sonata Aurio absorbers are a practical and cost effective way to control reverberation inside buildings like this village hall where there are a lot of hard surfaces. The panels comprise a technical, non-shedding, acoustic foam with an acoustically transparent fabric finish to the face and sides. They are easy and quick to install and can be directly bonded to walls and ceilings, and because they are robust, they are perfect for gyms, sports halls or anywhere where ball strikes may occur.Results The site survey was carried out by SRS Director, Alex Docherty. He said:“The presence of hard, acoustically reflective surfaces and lack of soft furnishings was creating a high level of reverberation and echo. This was creating an environment that wasn’t ideal for many activities undertaken within the hall and making speech intelligibility particularly poor. Once the details of the hall had been entered into the SRS computer prediction programme, it showed an estimated mid-frequency reverberation time (Tmf) of 3.73s – way higher than the recommended value of <1.5s for a room of this usage.”After the quotation was approved by the committee, approximately 52m2 of class A Sonata Aurio acoustic panels were installed to the walls and ceiling within the hall, with fantastic results.Client feedbackFollowing completion of the installation, Charlie Oakhill, Chairman of Stinchcombe Village Hall commented:“Thank you for completing the acoustics promptly and a very tidy job. The panels have made a tremendous difference in our hall and I am sure we will get a lot of positive feedback from our users.“Jed the installer did a great job and left everything neat and tidy, he is a credit to SRS. Thanks again and finally we are happy to speak to any potential customers and also happy if they want to come and have a look and a listen.”Products used·       Sonata Aurio panels

Sitting on the banks of the River Clyde, the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel (GJCH) has recently been refurbished to a create hygienic, neutral and relaxing environment for guests. Designed by SPACE Solutions, Forbo Flooring Systems’ Allura Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) were specified to fulfil the cleanability and design requirements set by the hotel.The GJHC provides accommodation and conference facilities in the centre of Glasgow and sees a range of guests, from hospital staff and pre/post-operative patients to conference goers and more. As such, it was important that the rooms could satisfy the needs of every guest.SPACE Solutions was tasked to refurbish the 53 rooms, prioritising hygiene and comfort. Gillian Ralston, Senior Architect at SPACE Solutions spoke on the brief they received, saying: “With this project we wanted to create a welcoming, warm and inviting setting, with easily cleanable furniture and flooring. To make this happen, we had to design the rooms in a way that would minimise the risk of contamination for not only the guests, but also the staff who have to clean the rooms after a stay. However, we had to do this without compromising on the aesthetic value of the rooms. That’s why Forbo’s Allura LVT was perfect for this project.”Forbo’s Allura Decibel was specified in the Seagrass Anthracite and Light Grey Seagrass colourways, which both have a similar patterning. As well as this, the grey and green hues matched some of the design inspiration Gillian took from the surrounding environment.Gillian continued: “We chose Allura as it was available in designs that matched the scheme we had in mind, whilst also being easy to clean, fulfilling the hygiene requirements, and providing underfoot comfort. We also specified the Decibel format, which helps to reduce impact sound by 19 dB – an important factor for a hotel, where people expect a good night’s rest!”The Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel won ‘Commended’ in the Forbo Escapes 2021/22 competition.To find out more about Forbo’s Allura LVT products, visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/allura or to learn more about the Forbo Escapes competition, visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/forboescapes

The Advent Calendar event offers the chance for registered entries to win. These include an iPhone 11 Pro, Fitbit Versa 2, Beats Headphones, and even a Hot Air Balloon Ride for 2 people. To enter you need to enter your details daily https://epwinwindowsystems.co.uk/christmas-advent-calendar/. At the end of each day, a winner will be selected at random and notified direct by either telephone / email. Follow us on Twitter @EpwinWSystems to get involved. The prize draw entry hours run from 12:00am to 11.59pm each day. Full terms and conditions are available on the website.

A Grant Aerona³ air source heat pump has been installed at a home in Wiltshire, replacing the biomass boiler that was previously heating the property. Working together with an underfloor heating system, the Aerona³ heat pump is operating efficiently to deliver warmth and comfort throughout the home.

A family home in Wiltshire has made the move from a gas central heating system to a renewable solution featuring an Aerona³ air source heat pump, a solar thermal system and QR hot water cylinder all supplied by Grant UK, helping the household to reduce their dependency on fossil fuel and lower their energy bills.

‘‘To meet the rigorous demands of this type of environment, all facilities in our academy have to be robust, efficient and fit for purpose. Centurion has fulfilled these requirements, and has given an excellent finished appearance in all washroom areas.’’ Graham Turner, Facilities Manager, Tudor Grange Academy.Solihull Council, having specified Venesta in the past, chose our Centurion Privacy range for the six male and female toilet facilities situated throughout the campus. This gave the academy the long-lasting quality that they were looking for.Installation was during school holidays which meant there were strict time constraints, so Vepps, our industry-leading pre-plumbed paneling system, was the obvious choice for Tudor Grange Academy.Read the full case study for more details.

Back in 2019, the William's Group opened the doors to their brand-new flagship automotive retail store based in Trafford City. The store was set to home luxury brands such as MINI, BMW, Land Rover and Jaguar all within one compound. This meant they needed an effective perimeter security system that would hold up against intruders onto the site and also added protection around the showrooms that would house these luxury cars. For the entire perimeter protection, they selected the Eclipse-60 V Mesh Profiled Fencing to deter vandals and intruders, whilst opting for the Securus-Lite SR1 358 Fencing to encompass the showrooms for that additional level of security they required. The Williams Group also chose the SlideMaster Sliding Gate as the perfect match for their ingress and egress security.

The existing waterproofing had failed due to a previous poor installation, the result of which saturated the insulation below the exterior roofing. New high performance solutions were specified that included a range of IKO roofing waterproofing systems to protect both the flat and pitched roofing areas of the building. IKOslate, a robust and durable tile was specified for the pitched roof due to vandalism and the fragility of the current system, whereas a tapered scheme was required for the flat roofing - IKO Ultra Prevent alongside a cold applied liquid solution (IKO Polimar) for the more intricate details.

Renovations to an existing car park were undertaken using the Koster range of epoxy flooring systems. The coatings that were used were carefully selected so ensure that they would stand up to the excessive mechanical stresses expected whilst also ensuring a visually pleasant and safe environment.Koster have a long and successful track record with car park refurbishment projects so if you require any assistance please feel free to contact the Koster Technical team at technical@kosteruk.com.