"radiation shielding fire bricks"

With housing demand at an all-time high, the development of the site of the former Hare & Hounds public house in Guildford was an enticing proposition.Cutting-edge materials make light work of pub redevelopmentDeveloper Agilitee Ltd gained planning permission to build nine new homes on the Guildford site comprising three detached homes, a pair of semi-detached houses and a row of four terraced houses.With tight timescales to meet, Agilitee turned to Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to accelerate the building process, utilising time-saving building materials and techniques including an energy-efficient Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF) system. This uses polystyrene connected with a web system that allows the forms to be stacked and steel reinforced. The polystyrene forms are then built up on site and filled with ready-mixed concrete. The polystyrene and concrete combination provides a thermal mass, allowing structures to be heated and cooled more effectively.To make the exterior weatherproof and aesthetically appealing, Complete Rendering Systems (CRS), run by brothers Bradley and Ryan Halls, recommended weberwall brick for the final finish. This brick slip alternative which can be used to create a realistic brick effect across a range of different applications and substrates.Bradley and Ryan Halls have more than 20 years’ experience in rendering and plastering and the pair are no strangers to Weber products. Their high standard of work has been recognised by the Evening Standard which awarded CRS Job of the Year 2019 for its external rendering on a prestigious £9m home in Esher, Surrey.“We’ve worked with weberwall brick previously, which gave me confidence as I knew the system would be suitable for the scheme,” says Bradley. “It’s less bulky and much easier to handle around the scaffold. From a practical point of view, it also means that you don’t need forklifts around the site loading up pallets of bricks saving us space and time.”The planning authorities stipulated that the development should complement nearby housing. After presenting weberwall brick colour samples to the council, CRS placed an order for 400m2 of weberwall brick in Antique Red Multi to cover the detached homes front and back, as well as the front walls of the terraced houses.Chaminda Narayan, managing director of Agilitee, says: “I didn’t need much persuading as I was already familiar with weberwall brick. It looks good: uniform, neat. Having completed several ICF builds, we knew it would be a lot quicker than traditional brick. We were also able to add whatever brick patterns we wanted, such as quoins and a soldier course at the windows, so we didn’t have to compromise on our vision for the site.”The weberwall brick product comes in 12 colours and three different designs to accommodate common housing requirements: wall wrap, corner wrap and soldier wrap. This minimises the need for cutting and is one of the features that allows the product to be installed quickly and accurately.All three types of wrap were used on the development. CRS customised the standard soldier wraps slightly to meet the precise needs of each property. In total, around 280 linear metres of corner wrap was needed.The gable ends were then coated in render using weberend MT system finished in Winter White. Quoin details on the external corners between the render and brickwork were used to create a more traditional look.More than three times faster to apply than traditional brick slips, weberwall brick is easy to handle and apply, being remarkably lightweight. In fact, one sheet of 20 weberwall brick weighs the same as a single house brick.Work on the development started in February 2020 and, after weather related delays, is expected to be completed in autumn 2021, marketed under the name ‘Langford Close’.

In the course of the restructuring and refurbishment of a multi-storey library tower (MST) for the School of Law and the linkage of the tower to the adjacent Peter Froggatt Centre (PFC) to form a new student hub at Queen’s University in Belfast, the architects TODD decided to use Wienerberger’s Lincoln Red brick to tie the scheme into its surroundings. Generally, the brick was laid traditionally, but brick slips secured to a proprietary backing board were also used to form soffits and glazed into the curtain walling on the PFC façade.

Aston House is a collection of thirty-two apartments in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.The one and two bedroomed interiors are complemented by a mix of classic protruding balconies and Juliet balconies, as well as terraces for the top floor homes. The external envelope has a brick-work skin up to the 4th floor and the fifth-floor penthouse apartments have metal rain screen cladding panels. There is also rain screen cladding around the ground floor entrance lobbies.Popular earthy, natural shadesThe architects wanted a warm, natural shade to complement the pale sand coloured brick work. ‘Rusted steel’ from our Landscape/Terrain range was chosen to coat 850sq metres of mild steel forming the rain screen cladding. All the powders we use conform to fire reaction rating A2-s1,d0 and have a 25-year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion.BenefitsPowdertech has years of experience in applying additional coating where needed to protect vulnerable metal surfaces. We call this our Plus+ service.Powdertech’s flexible plant can coat a wide variety of shapes and sizes of architectural metal work and fabrications.Powdertech has over 30-years’ experience in professional architectural powder coating.Powdertech has a very wide range of both standard and unusual powder coating shades and textures.Powdertech's rigorous non-chrome pre-treatment system offers the best preparation for architectural aluminium.

Marlborough Manor is one of Carrickfergus’ newest and most sought-after developments, with façades reflecting a traditional, Georgian-style design created by premium AG facing bricks whose hand-crafted aesthetics appeal to architects, house builders and professional designers alike. The ChallengeBuilt by HJ O’Boyle contractors in November 2015, the 16 homes making up the £2.5m Marlborough Manor development mark the first residential development by Rosemount Homes Ltd, an offshoot of Lagan Construction Group, with whom AG has enjoyed business relations for nearly 20 years.Befitting the aesthetic tone of the Georgian-style homes the development called for facing bricks with the hand-crafted appearance sometimes only associated with clay bricks.Key to the development was also attractive and comfortable outdoor living spaces. The SolutionThe Heritage range, with its rumbled edges and traditional, rustic finish was chosen by the contracting team – and they haven’t looked back since.The beautiful Heritage facing brick – in Fergustie Mixture – was matched with AG’s Rectangular paving in Creagh Peat Brindle colour which affords a smooth finish with clean lines and richness of colour plus great skid and slip performance. And, of course, it’s also renowned for its durability and minimal maintenance requirements. Architect Alan Bennett has been completely won over by AG’s high quality facing brick – “The Heritage Fergustie brick is a great product and one I hope to use in the future.”

In 2020, a significant milestone was reached when the CEO of Bluestone National Park Resort obtained the necessary approvals to undertake the restoration of Blackpool Mill, an exquisite Georgian property boasting a rich history spanning 210 years. The restoration endeavour amounted to a substantial investment of £3 million, allocated towards the preservation, comprehensive restoration, and grand revitalisation of this historic gem.How we helpedFast forward to October 2022, Towelrads received a communication inquiring about the availability of a product matching the aesthetic of a 19th Century mill that had recently undergone an extensive renovation. Immediately we introduced them to our Windsor Column radiators that perfectly complemented the buildings aesthetics. Within the same month the creation of design concepts that incorporated our Windsor Column radiators were pieced together, coupled with column feet and Brushed Nickel Manual Angled Valves.Capitalising on our diverse palette of RAL colours, a decision was made to employ three distinct shades, each tailored to a specific area. The main restaurant and restrooms were adorned with the our Anthracite RAL 7016, while the Private Dining room, aptly named the River Room, exuded a captivating Pigeon Blue RAL 5014. The Miller Study Private Dining area, on the other hand, showcased the sophisticated Chocolate Brown RAL 8017 Gloss, effectively enveloping each space in a unique ambiance.Standing as an architectural marvel, this venue now boasts a state-of-the-art kitchen, two dedicated floors for guest dining, an elevated banqueting section, and exclusive private function rooms. Since opening its doors, it has become the talk of the town, attracting a deluge of inquiries. Our role in this endeavour fills us with immense pride, as we contributed to a project of profound significance to the local community, actively participating in the preservation of a cherished piece of history.

Take the next generation shopping experience… add 800 metres of WallPlanter… watch as a bland, grey car park view transforms with its new green lease of life…all expertly installed by Hedera Screens … and what do you get? A true central focal point within the next generation of shopping and leisure experiences in Bracknell town centre, our Mobilane WallPlanter has created a stunning tapestry along the car park and walkways. The majesty of the WallPlanter green expanse offers both beauty and function, shielding an otherwise bland car park façade whilst also allowing unhindered ventilation.

Loughborough Court is a chic restoration of a 1940s industrial building, consisting of studio apartments, one-bedroom apartments and luxury penthouses designed with outdoor balconies and home working spaces in mind. Brickplus was used during the creation of the rooftop extensions housing the now idyllic penthouse suites. Rooftop extensions are becoming increasingly popular, especially in built up areas, to maximise accommodation. Monolith were approached due to our ability to brick match to the current brick and we created a classic and complimentary brick for the project. The project was completed in around 10 weeks.

Barbican House shows that you can take a structure with an old and tired facade, and bring it into the new millennium by adding a contemporary rainscreen, combining both modern and traditional materials.The FastClad brick slip element was manufactured using a mix of red/brown and grey Petersen bricks supplied by European Building Materials, delivered to site and installed by the main contractor.Working closely with Marek Wojciechowski Architects, the brick slip rainscreen integrates with the metal rainscreens and windows to create a stunning new facade to what is now a high end residential and commercial development

The Stage is a prestigious, high-rise, mixed-use development in the bustling heart of Shoreditch on the site where the Curtain Theatre stood between 1577 and 1624. Considered to be one of the longest-standing Shakespearean playhouses, the historical remains will form the backdrop of a magnificent collection of residential, commercial and entertainment space, along with public parks, bars and restaurants.Galliard Homes are delivering the scheme and have appointed CJ O’Shea as the main contractor.They selected a black colour palette for the bathrooms which demanded a bold, contemporary design. Towelrads worked to the exact specification requirements supplying the Kensington model with a bold, square bar design in black finish.The radiators have been installed as electric-only towel warmers with SMART thermostatic heating elements in matching black controls, which enables temperature adjustment and a boosted power mode.

Ancon designed and manufactured the complex stainless steel brick support and restraint system behind the complicated façade of the award-winning LSE Saw Swee Hock Student Centre. The attractive masonry façade uses 175,000 handmade bricks to form both solid and perforated areas. The Ancon stainless steel system comprises special inclined MDC type brick support angles fixed back to 30/20 cast-in channels and bespoke rolled hollow section Windposts, featuring surface-fixed channels to accept wall ties, positioned at mullion locations strategically hidden within the perforated brickwork.

Regent’s Park Regeneration is a £72m development which has seen the creation of 122 affordable new homes and community facilities in Camden, north-west London.The scheme, on behalf of Camden Council, followed the demolition of housing and businesses in the area to make way for the High Speed 2 rail link between London and the West Midlands. As a result, Lovell Homes London, in conjunction with architects Ingleton Wood, was selected to deliver the new homes across eight sites within the existing estate. The one-to-five-bedroom apartments are situated in an inner-city location with buildings ranging from three-to-eleven storeys in height.ChallengeEach building within the Regent’s Park Regeneration presented a slightly different challenge, with the brick elements playing a vital role in fulfilling the architect’s vision for each of the blocks.Various brickwork features in an array of bespoke designs were required for the exterior of the blocks. Traditionally, achieving these features requires skilled labour cutting bricks onsite, a time-consuming process which IG Masonry Support’s offsite manufacture of bespoke, pre-fabricated brick slip components helped to significantly speed-up.SolutionThe intricate brick detail achieved at the Regent’s Park Regeneration project highlights the design versatility of IG’s offsite brick slip solutions.The company worked with the architect from an early stage to design effective offsite solutions which enabled the project’s complex brick details to be achieved across the eight buildings; Cape of Good Hope, Newlands, Rydal Water, Robert Street, St Bede’s, Varndell, The Victory Pub and Dick Collins House.IG Masonry Support was challenged to supply brick slip soffit solutions, accommodating the range of different sized openings and soffit requirements throughout the development. A combination of Brick Slip Lintels and B.O.S.S. units capable of achieving both stretcher and soldier course bond patterns, were designed by IG’s technical team. These offsite units achieved the beautiful brick soffits over apartment block windows and openings on the various elevations of the buildings throughout the development.The Newlands and Rydal Water buildings presented complex brickwork elements that required IG’s technical team to design bespoke B.O.S.S. units to achieve the detailing specified within the architect’s designs. Beautiful brick soffits varying in depth from 102mm to 440mm feature over the balconies on every corner of these apartment blocks, as well as recess panels with 102mm brick soffits in a stretcher bond pattern on each elevation. A flying beam features on the upper level balconies of the Varndell building. This architectural detail, which has a 665mm soffit, was also achieved using bespoke-designed B.O.S.S. units. IG Masonry Support’s precise, prefabricated solutions manufactured using a consignment of bricks from site, blended seamlessly within the buildings’ eye-catching exterior.From design stage to delivery, IG Masonry Support worked alongside the contractor and the architect to deliver complex brickwork elements that formed an integral part of the design of the buildings. The result is a stunning, modern inner-city housing development which has not only been shortlisted for a host of industry honours including the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence, New London Architecture Awards, and RICS Social Impact Awards; it’s provided new homes and peace of mind for hundreds of residents whose domestic lives were transformed by the government’s ambitious rail project.

The Dunleer Housing Development, Co. Louth, is one of six sites being developed by John Sisk and Sons using AG facing brick.The Ravel Grange development was built in a single phase and consists of 80 social houses – mainly 3 bedroom two storeys and a small number of bungalows. Woodward brick in Edenmore Smooth was chosen due to its clean crisp edges and subtle tonal range.It is part of a project spanning across 6 sites, with 1.8million bricks. Various Woodward colours and finishes were selected across the sites. Availability, consistency, and competitiveness were some of the key attributes for choosing AG.

The Tree House is a new build two bedroom house in London Ealing. Using primarily three exterior materials: grey brick, black timber and anthracite metalwork, the palette is simple where the rough brick contrasts the sharp black detailing. The simplicity and rawness of finishing is carried through to the internal fit out where brick walls, bespoke ash joinery, terrazzo tiles and delicate metal balustrades contribute to a comprehensive and confident vision. The Gira Esprit Linoleum-Plywood design line complements the interior design with its natural materials perfectly.Architect: Fletcher Crane ArchitectsPhotography by: Lorenzo Zandri

Duke Court is a development of 37 affordable homes for rent, built on the site of Fred Styles House, formerly a sheltered housing block, providing 42 bedsits, that had been empty since 2013. The development is part of Royal Borough of Greenwich’s commitment to delivering new high-quality homes and sustainable communities.The new development of 29 houses, 7 flats and 1 maisonette creates a pretty neighbourhood of terraced houses running along Charlton Church Lane, and a series of mews streets which run perpendicular connecting into the urban fabric behind the site. Glazed screens lead into a generous open plan kitchen dining room. Stairs lead up to bedrooms and to a light and airy open plan living room with fully glazed screens leading out onto a secluded sun trap roof terrace.The buildings along Charlton Church Lane alternate in height between two, and three storeys. The houses are built from a beautiful soft and rustic brick that helps ensure that the new homes feel embedded and ‘worn in’ to the surrounding area. The brick selected was Forterra’s Ecostock Belgravia Gault Blend. Its varied tone is important for ensuring the new homes do not feel too monolithic adding visual interest, factors that were integral to reassuring planners that the brick would be sensitive to its surrounding context.Low cost, robust but high quality brick detailing is integral to the project. Traditionally built brick arches front a number of the homes and help create a semi-private space where people can put out pots and plants, wellies and umbrellas etc. Snapped headers create tightly curved external walls where the site requires thinner accommodation. Other brick details include projecting brick surrounds to pop-up windows, arched window heads, soldier and header courses, articulated parapets and beautiful angled window reveals on prominent corners.

Topping out at 64m tall, Furnival Square hosts a brand new £35 million, 445 bedroom, purpose built student accommodation building on a prime site in the heart of Sheffield City Centre, adjacent to the Sheffield Hallam University campus.Built by McAleer & Rushe and aptly named the ‘The Gate’, the 22 storey building offers modern, quality student accommodation to support Sheffield’s thriving higher education sector. The building is designed to a BREEAM Very Good rating, developed and detailed by TODD Architects using the latest in Revit and BIM technologies.The specification called for the use of special bricks that gave depth and texture to the external skin. The 22 storey student accommodation tower also had to comply with all current Building Height Regulations for residential use and the construction team was faced with the considerable additional challenge of completing the build during global pandemic restrictions.Ash & Lacy provided over 4,000m2 of the fully-tested noncombustible, mechanically-fixed NaturAL-X brick cladding system, suitable for residential buildings above 18m tall. The system is also CWCT A1-rated and BBA certified (20/5773). Brick choice was SD102 from the Simplicity range.This lightweight system offers fast and simple installation and enabled a large amount of labor to be completed offsite, improving time efficiencies on site and facilitating just in time delivery.Over 50,000 cut and bonded corner bricks were manufactured at our in house facility, creating the deep castellating reveals that sweep across the building elevations. Soffit bricks were designed and manufactured to return underneath window heads, providing a realistic genuine brick aesthetic at key interfaces, achieving the original design intent.

Kings Cairn is a bespoke residential property situated in a unique and prestigious development in East Lothian. Taylor Maxwell worked closely with the client, architects and main contractors Prime Property Ventures to specify and supply facing bricks, Pro Clad brick cladding, Anvil metal cladding and wet cast stone (manufactured by Vobster Architectural) to the property.

Innovative materials speed up construction. As with many construction projects scheduled in 2020, the council’s main contractor faced challenges arising as a result of both Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.Anglesey County Council commissioned new housing on the site of a former pub to provide much-needed social housing in the local area. As with many construction projects scheduled in 2020, the council’s main contractor faced challenges arising as a result of both Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.Within a couple of weeks of construction starting in February 2020, the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK. After a short break, housebuilding activity was allowed to continue, but the social distancing requirements slowed progress.The new Stad Marcwis housing development on the site of the former Marquis Inn in Rhosybol consists of two pairs of semi-detached houses; six three-bedroom houses; one four-bedroom detached house and a set of four low-rise flats.Anglesey County Council wanted to break up the elevations to add variety and create a more attractive appearance. Main contractor DU Construction suggested using weberwall brick, a brick slip alternative from Saint-Gobain Weber, which can be used to create a realistic brick effect across a range of different applications and substrates."We knew about weberwall brick as we’d successfully used it as a soldier detail above a window on a refurbishment project at Bryn Tirion in Beaumaris. This worked out very well in terms of both speed of application and finished appearance, so we recommended this solution to the council." - Mark Blackwell, director of DU ConstructionFortunately, weberwall brick and weberpral M monocouche render that the council specified are both manufactured by Weber in the UK, so these materials were delivered without any delays.Due to lockdown restrictions, members of the main contractor’s team were unable to travel to the Weber Training Academy in Flitwick to learn about weberwall brick. Instead, two members of Weber’s applications team travelled to DU Construction and held a COVID-19 compliant training day. As a result of this, the applicators were able to carry out what site manager Steven Hughes describes as “a very tidy job”.As well as hold-ups in supplies of some raw materials, social distancing regulations limited the number of people allowed on-site at one time. The construction team worked hard to make up for lost time, helped by the fact that weberwall brick is more than three times faster to apply than traditional brick slips.For the Stad Marcwis development, the council chose weberwall brick in Sanded Black with Grey pointing mortar. The brick effect was applied on three sides of each house up to window sill height and on both gables. From the ground floor sills upwards, the houses were rendered with weberpral M in Chalk, a through-coloured monocouche render which provides both decoration and weather protection.On the flats, weberwall brick was used on the full height of the entrance porches in conjunction with weberpral M monocouche render. Anglesey has a very high wind-driven rain index so the weberwall brick and monocouche render combination offers added protection against the elements.As well as the soldier wrap that had impressed DU Construction initially, weberwall brick comes in two other designs to accommodate common housing requirements: wall wrap and corner wrap. This minimises the need for cutting and is one of the features that allows the product to be installed quickly and accurately. DU Construction employed all three types of wrap on the development, using around 500sqm on the houses and a further 100sqm on the flats.All the housing has now been completed and a ten-year guarantee on the Weber materials gives the council peace of mind.“Stad Marcwis has attracted a lot of interest. Every day we have people driving past and enquiring about the homes and have had lots of admiring comments. I’m very pleased with how it’s turned out and, most importantly, our client is too.” - Steven Hughes, Site Manager

ASF manufactured and supplied the ASF 211 5 Rail Quayside Post System for the above project. Sited on a raised plinth, the baseplate option was chosen. The client decided that all the rails were to be the same diameter - in this case 48mm. The rails were grouped on the lower part of the posts to reduced the risk of 'roll through' into the water and as such increasing the safety for children and young people at the waters edge. The posts are 100% recycled cast iron and are 100% recyclable. Cast iron can be recycled indefinitely with no loss in property. Posts were hand finished in zinc rich metal primer and ASF metal shield top coat. Rails were left galvanised which offers a pleasing contrasting effect.

The new build St George’s Quay student accommodation is part of the Luneside East Regeneration Project in Lancaster, which will create a new quarter of the city with a mix of housing, commercial space, high quality open spaces and walking and cycling routes.In a prominent waterfront setting on the edge of the River Lune and built on the site of the former St George’s Mill, the St George’s Quay development comprises four student accommodation blocks, ranging from three to six storeys, delivering 431 bedrooms in clusters and studio apartments.PROJECT INFOThe buildings are modelled around the existing industrial architecture of the site. The client used a mix of materials, including brickwork that reflects the local vernacular and Corten steel cladding to emphasise the site’s industrial history.In addition to the 431 bedrooms, the development also provides a gym, games room, communal dining, study area, and on-site parking.The development aims to be a landmark in urban regeneration and high quality design and be an exemplar of sustainable developments.The brick selected for the scheme is Belgravia Gault Blend, a buff, thrown brick from Forterra’s Ecostock range. It has a rustic finish that resembles a 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.

PANACEA homes are renowned for their stunning and unique property developments across Scotland with their most recent development ‘The Primary’ in Kirkintilloch using AG’s Woodward Lewis Antique Brick.The exclusive 15 home re-development of St Agatha’s primary school is located on Gartshore Road, Kirkintilloch Scotland. The contemporary styled new builds have taken centre stage within the school’s large ‘Playground’ using over 50,000 AG Woodward Brick. The sizeable former school playground provides the cul-de-sac setting for the six new build 3 bedroom semi-detached to a 4-bedroom detached houses.Award winning PANACEA Homes carefully selected Woodward Lewis Antique Brick to create characterful homes with The Primary development incorporating original aesthetics. The aim was to create a beautiful development whilst ensuring respect is paid to the traditional styling of the former school. Created using sharp design and a mixture of tumbled AG Woodward Brick with sleek modern rendering, these homes will make a unique design statement in the Kirkintilloch area.

The Challenge Hunter Street, Chester, is a new development of 77 student residential flats set over six floors, with ancillary and communal facilities, landscaping and car park. Located just within Chester’s city walls, in a redevelopment area, the site is in a prominent position next to the ring road. It is also next to a former Odeon cinema constructed in the 1930s, which has recently been renovated and extended to become the city’s thriving new arts centre, Storyhouse. The Solution It was important that the student accommodation reflect its surrounding environment and so cues for its design were taken from Storyhouse. The brick selected for the project was County Multi Smooth, which is a red, smooth textured, high quality facing brick that complements the modern aesthetic of the copper rainscreen cladding and through coat render used alongside. Extruded brick detailing was included to create a playful relationship with the recessed brick detailing of Storyhouse. The Benefits The use of County Multi Smooth served to connect the structure with the existing masonry buildings adjacent to it, helping to ground it in its environment.

GRCA Full member Telling Architecture Ltd demonstrates how innovative 21st Century Modern Methods of Construction can be used to replicate 19th Century, Victorian inspired architecture. The key to authenticity when replicating historic construction methods or styles, is care and attention to detail. Get it wrong and at best you create a poor pastiche of a bygone era. This was the challenge presented to Telling Architectural that required them to develop further the techniques they have already established and utilised in the design and manufacture of brick faced GRC, to create convincing complex 3D forms.This £300 million project nestled between iconic 21st century London landmarks including Tate Modern and The Shard, comprises mixed use buildings that provide offices, shops, gallery restaurant and cinema adjacent to the historic and world-famous food destination Borough Market.This project identifies heavily and sympathetically with its Victorian past. Brick railway arches have been re-purposed to integrate with the facades of retained warehouses in addition to new contemporary architecture that is weaved in amongst connecting pedestrianised yard spaces that creates a refined reimagining of a bygone age.Telling Architectural Ltd continue to innovate and develop the capabilities of Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete. The addition of real brick facings provides the Architect/Specifier with a whole new range of possibilities that they can consider as a means to achieve their creative goals. There is a huge demand for the skills of a brick mason that can replicate the standard of detail and workmanship specific to this project. Unfortunately, as a result of an ageing workforce and low intake of new tradespeople, they are in short supply and come at a premium. The construction industry has had to evolve and adapt to find a solution to this problem, in addition to having to rethink its approach about the way we build. All these issues can be addressed and remedied by introducing off-site/premanufactured innovations that remove key elements off the critical path and in so doing deliver sustainable solutions in an on-time/just-in time basis.In most circumstances the go to solution would be to utilise traditional precast concrete, however using Brick Faced GRC provides significant savings in weight and use of raw material, which in turn can lead to further added benefits in both the extent of groundworks and design of the structural frame.  For Borough Yards London project, the challenge to fabricate masonry elements that include intricate features such as faceted columns utilising cant bricks, splayed sawtooth pattern beams with brick soffit returns, the term masonry cladding falls short in identifying what has been achieved on this project - this is façade engineering of an exceptional standard. Proof indeed of the opportunities Brick Faced GRC provides, not just for contemporary architectural styles, but also as a means to maintain and preserve a part of London’s Victorian Heritage.  Client: MB Bermondsey LtdMain Contractor: Wates ConstructionInstaller: LesteroseEngineer: EvolveArchitects: SPPARC ArchitectureScope of Work: 776m2 Brick Faced GRC Grade 18P  

TVS was Group was tasked with the isolation of a new luxury residential property in Mayfair from ground-borne noise and vibration from the nearby Jubilee line. A target re-radiated noise criterion of 30dB LAmax,(slow) within the lower ground floor (the worst affected area) meant that a fully floated raft foundation was required with a target natural frequency of 10Hz.A combination of Sylodyn products in 50mm thickness across the base of the raft, and Sylomer materials in 37.5mm thickness up the basement walls, provided this high-performance solution, whilst bespoke treatments around service penetrations and at connections to adjacent buildings ensured that this was not compromised throughout the rest of the construction.Close work with the design team throughout the planning and specification process provided a solution that integrated seamlessly with the structure and waterproofing detail, whilst detailed layout plans, on-site training and supervision resulted in an easily installed system.

The ChallengeThe design of two new two-storey, four-bedroomed homes with integral garages on the outskirts of Burnham village, Slough, was to be derived from the historical and varied architectural character of the surrounding area.The SolutionPROJECT INFOPRODUCT DETAILIt was important that the houses were not visually obtrusive in terms of height and detail. Their traditionally pitched roofs incorporate attractive half gable ends, and the front elevation includes detailed brickwork, stone cills and window heads.Forterra’s Hampton Rural Blend brick from the Ecostock range was selected for the build.The BenefitsEcostock is the most sustainable stock brick available in the UK. It is a high quality facing brick with recycled content. The range carries BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification.

Lying in the very heart of London’s most creative neighbourhood, The Atlas Building is architecturally striking with a series of staggered fins and a mix of contrasting facades.MAKE were the concept architects behind this scheme, while Scott Brownrigg had overall responsibility for the design and delivery of the project.EH Smith were brought in to assist with the brick element to this building. We were able to offer our GeoBrick range as a cost-effective alternative to the linear bricks that Scott Brownrigg initially considered.GeoBrick, exclusive to EH Smith, uses paving technology to repel dirt so the facade will remain crisp and clean.The stark, white, clean linear bricks juxtaposed with the living wall adjacent to them complimented the contemporary urban surroundings beautifully.

Elevating Office Excellence at Cannon Bridge House.Cannon Bridge House, a landmark office development, underwent a transformative refurbishment led by the architectural firm Stiff + Trevillion. Nestled on Dowgate Hill, the project aimed to revitalize the iconic structure, incorporating modern elements and upgrading its facilities. As part of this endeavor, Selo Doors played a crucial role in supplying concealed metal doorsets, specifically focusing on riser doors with fire-rated capabilities.Stiff + Trevillion embarked on a comprehensive internal and external refurbishment, breathing new life into Cannon Bridge House, now aptly named The River Building. The overhaul addressed structural upgrades, redesigned entrances, and enhanced the glass link between the atrium and the River Building. The yellow brick exterior underwent a modern transformation, creating a visually striking contrast with the contemporary interior.The revitalized Cannon Bridge House boasts a central atrium that spans two floors, crowned by an arched, glazed roof to invite abundant natural light. The convergence of diagonal glazing panels offers breathtaking views of the Thames River, adding a unique and stimulating dimension to the office space. The blend of modern aesthetics with original architectural elements, such as exposed brickwork and steel, contributes to the building’s allure.Selo Doors’ contribution to the project centered on providing concealed metal riser doors. These fire-rated doorsets seamlessly integrated into the renovated space, aligning with the vision of creating a modern, light-filled environment. The concealed design ensures a flush and streamlined appearance, contributing to the overall aesthetic harmony of the interior.The collaborative efforts of Stiff + Trevillion and Selo Doors have not only revitalized the physical space but have also created a vibrant and dynamic work environment that pays homage to the building’s history while embracing modern functionality. The concealed metal riser doors supplied by Selo Doors seamlessly contribute to the building’s aesthetic appeal and fire safety features, underscoring the commitment to excellence in design and functionality.

Products used:EW | Cavity Barriers and Firestops for Masonry External WallsBB-CB | Balcony Bracket – Cavity Barrier Siderise has provided a proven range of cavity barriers and an innovative new balcony bracket for a residential building located within a new sustainable community in north London.A landmark 64-acre regeneration project taking shape near Finsbury Park, Woodbury Down will feature over 5500 new homes and community facilities whilst maintaining a sustainable approach to development.Working with Berkeley Homes and façade contractor Swift Brickwork on Block B of the development, Siderise provided a range of fire compartmentation solutions including both the EW cavity barrier formasonry walls and the new BB-CB Balcony Bracket – a ready-to-fit cavity barrier solution offering 2 hours fire resistance, which addresses the complex detailing where a balcony interacts with the building envelope,and allows for simple abutting of the EW products to provide continuity of the cavity barriers.The ongoing and long-term collaboration with Berkeley Homes led to Siderise recommending both the EW cavity barrier to seal the gap between the inside of the floor slabs and the exterior brick façade, and also the new BB-CB balcony bracket - cavity barrier, the first time this innovation has been installed in balcony applications.Siderise developed the innovative ready-to-fit BB-CB solution for balcony applications in order to speed-up the installation and provide a tested fire compartmentation solution for an area where high workmanship skills were required.In addition to the bespoke technical support and guidance provided throughout the project, the Siderise Inspection App offered the developer an efficient way to effectively inspect, record and seamlessly audit the quality of their installation work on this residential building throughout the contract. By capturing the relevant information on a standard smartphone or tablet device, Swift Brickwork was able to highlight any issues in need of a resolution and ensure 100% quality assurance on the installation of the cavity barrier system.

The Anchorage Gateway in Salford Quays is a new multi-storey building in the centre of Salford. The main wing is 29 storeys high whilst the lower tower tops out at 19 storeys. The ground floor contains almost 400m2 of commercial space and the upper floors contain 290 residential units and 800m2 of amenity space.The building is reputed to be one of the highest brick clad buildings in Europe, Kinlan Brickwork being specialist sub-contractor.Domis Construction is the main contractor on this scheme. URSA UK Ltd was chosen as the preferred insulation manufacturer. We supplied over 11,500m2 of 100mm URSAPAN BLACK - a unique glass mineral wool rainscreen cladding insulation slab;·      Euroclass A1 fire rating (non-combustible).·      Thermal conductivity of 0.035 W/mK.·      BBA Certified. Kate Fox, Area Sales Manager for the Midlands stated, ‘Following the success of this initial partnership URSA are now the preferred supplier of rainscreen insulation and our products have been used on Fifty5ive Queen Street in Salford with others in the pipeline including Derwent Street’.

Factory fixed brick slip cladding to sheltered housing project

Preserving History and Enhancing Architecture at South London Gallery Fire StationIn the heart of South London, the transformation of a former Victorian fire station into the captivating South London Gallery (SLG) Fire Station has rekindled the area's artistic spirit. This renowned contemporary art gallery, a beloved cultural institution, has expanded its footprint through a thoughtful restoration that highlights the heritage of the building and introduces inviting spaces for creative exploration.A Glimpse into the RestorationThe South London Gallery Fire Station, located just steps away from the main SLG building on Peckham Road, has emerged as a remarkable annex. This visionary project, undertaken by 6a architects, has effectively doubled the gallery's size, presenting an additional 425m² of public space. Through this transformation, the gallery's facilities have been expanded to include an archive gallery, exhibition spaces, community facilities, education spaces, and even an artists’ studio, all thoughtfully designed to elevate visitors' experiences.Reviving Victorian EleganceThis project's significance lies not only in its architectural prowess but also in its historical roots. The original fire station, dating back to 1867, served as a testament to Victorian Gothic architecture. Originally designed by Edward Cresy Jr, the building housed fire brigade officers and their families alongside operational spaces.Over time, the building transitioned from a fire station to various uses, even serving as a butchery factory. However, in 2014, the SLG was given the building to revitalise it into a hub for artistic and cultural enrichment. This endeavour was made possible through funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, and the Mayor’s London Regeneration Fund.Architectural Symphony: The Restoration Process6a architects undertook the restoration with utmost respect for the building's historical character. Though structurally sound, the building required extensive restoration due to water damage and dry rot. The design aimed to retain the original layout and scale while introducing brighter and more inviting spaces.A new light-filled atrium was a central addition to the design, bringing a sense of openness to the interior. An iconic feature of the restoration is the gault brick façade on Peckham Road, meticulously repaired to its former glory. The main entrance, a striking aspect of the restoration, was reinstated with splendid double doors, custom-crafted by Gowercroft Joinery, known for their exquisite work on heritage projects.Timber Heritage Doors: A Testament to CraftsmanshipCentral to the restoration's success are the timber heritage doors that stand as a testament to both history and innovation. Gowercroft Joinery's skillful craftsmanship brought these doors to life, harmonising the heritage aesthetics with modern functionality. Weighing approximately 250kgs each, these solid timber double doors were engineered with precision to maintain their authenticity while offering optimal performance.These timber heritage doors, made from sustainable Accoya® timber, embody energy efficiency and durability. The exterior's timeless black finish, coupled with energy-efficient glazing, seamlessly contrasts with the interior's clean white aesthetics. These doors have not only restored the building's original entrance but have also breathed new life into the spaces within.Celebrating Heritage, Fostering ArtSince its opening in September 2018, the South London Gallery Fire Station has garnered acclaim for its sensitive restoration and architectural brilliance. This restoration has successfully achieved a delicate balance between historical preservation and modern innovation, resulting in a space that exudes elegance and charm.As a hub for artistic expression, education, and community engagement, the gallery continues to build on its legacy. By embracing the past and embracing the future, the South London Gallery Fire Station has become not just an architectural marvel but a beacon of culture and creativity for London and beyond.Margot Heller, the Director of South London Gallery, aptly summarises the project's essence: “Gowercroft Joinery’s recreation of the original Victorian fire station doors have helped to bring this distinctive and historic building back to life. Our expansion into this Fire Station has been truly transformative for the South London Gallery, enabling us to undertake a major step change in the scope and impact of our artistic and education programmes, championing the importance of art and culture in a new public space that is free to all at a time of rapid change in the local area.”Experience Art and History Unite at the South London Gallery Fire Station. Explore the Heritage Timber Doors that Bridge Time and Craftsmanship.

Wienerberger's Kempley Antique brick provides heritage and beauty for a stunning home.

Wienerberger’s Hathaway Brindled brick was used to harmonise this grand home's exterior.

Godiva Place offers students easy access to Coventry University and the City Centre and comprises of five connected blocks which vary in height from four to nine storeys. This high-quality, 772-bed student living facility is also situated right next to the point where two of Coventry's main roads into the city centre converge. A busy flyover also ascends alongside Godiva Place resulting in traffic noise wrapping around and spreading diagonally across the height of the building. The architects alongside the client and design team were keen to implement a concept that shields the interior of the site from noise and pollution from the adjacent dual carriageway to deliver a comfortable living and studying environment, optimising the health, wellbeing and productivity of its students.

The ChallengeThe Kings Hill development, phase 3, is comprised of 132 new units ranging in scale from two-bedroomed apartments to five bedroomed houses, close to the village of West Malling, in Kent. The wider Kings Hill area is a mixed-use development of over 2,000 homes, commercial and retail space. It is situated on the site of the former RAF Kings Hill airfield, which has been developed over the last 25 years, and is noted for its rich, landscape-led design.The SolutionA more formal, urban design, the scheme provides a departure from earlier phases of Kings Hill by adopting a more contemporary architectural language, albeit one that still fits comfortably within its context.Extensive analysis of the conservation area in the nearby West Malling was undertaken and a contemporary interpretation of the predominantly brick Georgian architecture was proposed, with large windows and crisp minimal detailing, which was lifted and invigorated by extensive brick detailing referencing that found in the local vernacular.The brick chosen to complement the development’s architecture was Cathedral Cream, a buff, stock thrown brick from Forterra’s Ecostock range.The BenefitsThe choice of Cathedral Cream helped to provide a contemporary architectural language that fits comfortably within its context.

Designed by AHR Architects, the new UK Hydrographic Office in Taunton has won numerous awards including the BCO National Awards Corporate Workplace Award and Best of the Best Award 2020 and a Regional RIBA Award, RIBA Sustainability Award and RIBA Client of the year 2019.The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office is the UK’s agency for providing hydrographic and marine geospatial data to mariners and maritime organisations across the world. The UKHO is a trading fund of the Ministry of Defence and is located in Taunton, Somerset with a workforce of approximately 900 staff.We worked with the Architects, Client and Contractors to select one of our exclusive GeoBrick range for this prestigious project. The clean sleek lines and hardwearing stone finish provide a stunning façade to this landmark building. The warm texture of the brick also gives depth and character and softens the mass of the building.“The design principles of the building called for a linear brick which was modern and unique whilst complimenting the landscape and a variety of existing brick buildings surrounding the new HQ. The EH Smith Geobrick brindle bricks stood out from all the rest and we are delighted with the results. Personally, this is my favourite material used on this project!”- Johanna Funnell New Build Project Manager - UKHO

Elevating Care at West Hall.Nestled in the picturesque Surrey village of West Byfleet and graced by the extensive grounds of a listed manor house, West Hall stands as the flagship luxury care home for unparalleled comfort and care. At West Hall, the emphasis is on offering outstanding care within a luxurious setting, catering to various needs, including permanent residence, respite breaks, specialist dementia care, and recovery from hospital stays.West Hall is thoughtfully designed to promote friendship, companionship, and a real sense of community. The accommodation is organized into three purpose-built residences, each radiating from the central manor house. These residences feature large individual bedrooms and shared living and dining areas, fostering an intimate and supportive environment. The spaces are not only designed for optimal safety but are also adaptable to meet individual needs and preferences.Everything at West Hall is meticulously designed to enhance comfort and ease. From the beautifully maintained grounds to individual fittings, every detail receives meticulous attention. Each living space is custom-made with high-quality finishes, marrying aesthetic appeal with practicality. The care home boasts a modern, high-quality appearance, distinguished by its individualized design and placement in the midst of stunning surroundings.Selo takes pride in contributing to the excellence of West Hall by supplying top-notch riser doors. The concealed, flush, and fire-rated metal doorsets seamlessly integrate into the care home’s design ethos. Selo Doors’ solutions align with West Hall’s commitment to attention to detail and high-quality finishes, ensuring that even the smallest components receive the utmost care and consideration.West Hall stands as a testament to the marriage of luxury and care in a serene village setting. With Selo Doors’ riser door solutions enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of the care home, West Hall continues to provide unparalleled comfort and support to its residents, making it a true haven for those seeking exceptional care in a luxurious environment.