"building frames"

Job: Maldron Hotel Swimming Pool Renovation, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.Smet Supported Partner:Precision Building Services – Mark PembertonProducts: Sopro Rapidur® B5 Rapid Drying Screed BinderMerlin Barrier CoatSopro RAM 3 (454) Renovation and Levelling MortarSopro GD 749 Universal Floor and Wall PrimerSopro DSF® 523 Tanking MembraneSopro PUK 503 PU AdhesiveSopro VF HF 420 – VarioFlex® High Strength Flexible Tile AdhesiveSopro’s No. 1 Flexible Tile AdhesiveSopro FKM® XL 444 – Extra Light Weight Tile AdhesiveSopro Sanitary SiliconeSopro DE 014/015 Sealing CornersSopro FEP 508Sopro DBF-638Racofix 818Description:SMET supplied Smet Supported Partner, Precision Building Services (Mark Pemberton), for the renovation of the Maldron Hotel Swimming Pool, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. A total area of Floor screed @ 140m² | Wall tiling @125m² | Floor tiling @ 140 m² was completed.New floor installation with fast-track – rapid drying floor screed solution, using Sopro Rapidur® B5 Rapid Drying Screed Binder, a fast-setting screed which was laid to falls prior to waterproofing and tiling providing an early completion. German-made Rapidur® B5 Rapid Drying Screed Binder is a special polymer-modified binder for particularly economical ­production of high-strength, rapid-set cement screed – based on DIN 18560.Rapidur® B5 is suitable for use on heated screeds, bonded screeds, unbonded screeds and floating screeds. This flooring solution is particularly useful for fast-track or tightly scheduled screed laying. The newly laid Rapidur® B5 screed floor is ready to receive floor covering after approx. 3 days – after achievement of moisture content ≤ 1.8 % CM. Sopro Rapidur® B5 is supplied in 25kg bags, with 40 bags per pallet.Sopro Rapidur® B5 was installed directly on top of Merlin Barrier Coat wet on wet. The screed was ready for waterproofing/tiling after 3 days. This system was also used to repair the Jacuzzi’s surrounding walls prior to waterproofing, tiling, and grouting.Sopro RAM 3 levelled the deck area (3-60mm) between the drainage channel edge and pool perimeter movement joint. Sopro RAM 3 was bonded with Sopro GD 749.

The Bard’s construction after experts from MoLA (Museum of London Archaeology) found remains of Shakespeare’s original wooden O stage and two sections of an exterior wall. With this, the opportunity arose to develop the area into a public open space with mixed offices, retail and residential apartments. This scheme became The Stage, where The Bard building was built.ChallengeWith various public access routes and private offices making up The Stage, the extensive fit-out had to include suitable security on The Bard offices to prevent unauthorised people from entering the building. Due to the nature of the project being a fit-out-out, it was key that the security solution wouldn’t interfere with other contractors carrying out work. As well as this, the client faced the challenge of finding a solution that would complement the stylish and contemporary office space.To find out more please follow the link.The Bard at the Stage Shoreditch - Case Studies - Meesons

The Barbara Hepworth building is home to the University of Huddersfield’s School of Art, Design and Architecture. Experimental in its design and function it was designed to inspire creativity by bringing together students and staff from different creative courses. This building features FWS 60 Aluminium Facade System, AWS 114 Aluminium Facade System, and the ADS 65 Aluminium Door system

Project: Birmingham Energy Innovation CentreDate: 2020 Background:·        APL were engaged to provide a non-combustible construction solution to meet challenging acoustic and thermal performance requirements for the roof and walls·        APL were able to meet the clients requirement for matching solid and perforated profiles·        APL provided all structural, thermal and acoustic calculations Systems:·        2,000m² of APL built-up pre-coated aluminium roof system, using the sinusoidal AP18HR and trapezoidal AP31/1000RR profiles·        1,300m² of APL built-up aluminium wall system, using the sinusoidal AP18HR and AP45HR profiles with both pre-coat and PPC finishes·        800m² of APL perforated aluminium wall system, using the AP45HR-Airwall™ profile with a PPC coating·        Bespoke featured fins in aluminium with an anodised-look PPC coating·        APL Tritherm™ GALV sub-framing ·        All flashings, fixings and accessories  Building Location:·        Birmingham

A grade II listed building in Birmingham has recently been tranformed into student accommodation comprising a mixture of 399 bedrooms, 4 commercial units and amenity spaces.The architects involved in this project needed to source a supplier who could provide reliable, high-quality washrooms facilities. To fit in with the modern décor, they wanted something practical but contemporary.Our specifications team met with the client to discuss their requirements in order to present options to satisfy their needs. The customer expressed an interest in our Universal Compact Frame, Phantom Contract Concealed Cistern and Reef dual flush push plate. Samples were presented for approval.Testimonial“The team at TYDE understood what we needed and presented us with a variety of options and explained the benefits of each product. They knew cost played an influential part and factored this into their recommendations. The installation was smooth and the look of the chrome plated push plates is impressive. Thanks to all involved for helping us complete this project successfully.”

A beautiful timber frame house, made of Western Red Cedar based in Kings Langley. Kings Langley, Hertfordshire is the birthplace of Ovaltine, the soothing malt drink. The village is divided by the River Gade and endowed with a couple of beautiful lakes.It is here, at one of these lakes, that a charming timber garden house is fitted with beautiful wooden louvres. By Sunshield, in collaboration with Contrasol. We were delighted to assist the owners with custom made external louvres to provide the a much needed perfect solution to reduce glare. Our client is sensitive to light and needed an effective shading product to specifically reduce sunlight entering the internal space.Our client was looking for something to be able to control light as well as a solution to fully block out light at night. The windows are South facing; therefore the louvres were also perfect for shading purposes and heat reduction.The Sunshield team applied the popular 98W which is made from Western Red Cedar to compliment the overall building.

Knauf integral in Warwick Hall development.The Knauf team has played a significant role in the  specification and design process during recent  construction at one of the oldest schools in England, working alongside award winning Associated Architects to produce a masterclass in acoustic  performance.The site consisted of an existing hall, which was used for assemblies, performances and functions. This hall was built in the 1960s and suffered from a series of failings which impacted its flexibility and usefulness.The proposal for the Warwick Hall was an opportunity to build a physical embodiment of Warwick School’s  academic excellence, prosperity and ambition, which saw the existing school hall stripped back to its structural frame and heavily modified to provide a state-of-the-art, revitalised and flexible school hall with  a large double height entrance foyer, two performance  studios and other ancillary spaces. The brief was given to the team at Associated Architects and they quickly relied on the quality of materials and service provided by Knauf.

A recent article on our website highlighted AliDeck’s involvement in the remediation work to be conducted at the Crawford Building in Whitechapel, London. Work has since been completed, and we are delighted to share the successful results with you here. Members of the AliDeck team recently joined Darren from Tranquil on-site to see the results first-hand.

Saturday 2nd July 2016 marked the Centenary celebrations of the famous Cunard building in Liverpool – one of the city’s world–famous Three Graces. To bring the Cunard company’s legacy to life, the Hardscape team was commissioned by BCA Landscape in collaboration with design agency Smiling Wolf to craft an epic 50-metre granite stone seat.

Japanese knotweed was identified on a site where refurbishment was due, including small extensions to the building and new paving to the outside space where Japanese Knotweed was located Following a limited level excavation to remove most of the knotweed rhizomes in the soil, CuTex composite root barrier was installed horizontally and vertically to cap any remaining rhizomes.

A special educational needs school in Salford welcomed an additional sixty pupils across its two sites in Swinton and Irlam this September.Springwood Primary School, which is the only primary school of its kind in the city, increased its overall capacity to three hundred pupils from nursery to Year 6.The expansion involved enlarging a second site at Craig Hall in Irlam which the school used as a ‘temporary annex’ for around three years.Twinfix were approached by MTX Contracts the Principal Contractor on the project to design, manufacture and install a canopy at the site, between the building and existing canopy.A major challenge that Twinfix’s design team needed to over-come was a Build-Over-Agreement issued to the school by the Water Board, which required 24/7 access to the drains beyond the proposed site for the canopy.The team rose to the challenge and designed this mobile canopy, a first of its kind for Twinfix. This impressive free standing curved canopy, spanning a total of sixty square metres comprises of a sliding section with a run length of three metres and a static section with a run length of 17.5 metres.The aluminium structure is powder-coated to RAL 5003, Sapphire Blue. The half barrel vault roof design was constructed using Twinfix’s bespoke roof glazing systems glazed with 10mm clear polycarbonate. The non-fragile system achieves a Class B designation in accordance with the HSE’s ACR[m]001:2019 drop test.The main challenge was to create a frame that was strong enough to retain its shape when moved but light enough for a single person to open and close the retractable section. This was achieved through material choices, such as the polycarbonate vertical glazing instead of glass to keep the weight to a minimum. The expert team also designed a bespoke track and wheel system which allowed the whole frame to glide open and close very easily, once closed it was locked in position to the adjacent fixed frames which retain it in place during high winds.Director at Twinfix, Dan Smith commented: ‘From initial concept we felt like this product would fit in well with our current product range, so had confidence it was something we could develop for the client. The finished design looks really well and is extremely easy to use, this is a credit to our internal design and fabrication teams that worked together to achieve our goal’Matt Lawrenson, Deputy Head at Springwood commented on their new canopy: ‘Over the Summer of 2021, we had a Sheltered Walkway constructed and installed by Twinfix at our SEND provision, where we have children with a range of complex additional needs aged 2-7 years old. Our sheltered walkway allows us to move pupils between our existing school building and the new extension we have had built. As well as ensuring safe passage for children and staff, the quality and dimensions of the structure will provide an ideal additional learning space for our pupils, lending itself to a whole host of possibilities. It is light, spacious, and aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, the walkway satisfies an extremely specific and demanding design brief, with a retractable section which will allow utilities services access to a rising main in the event that this should be needed, without compromising its appearance or necessary sturdiness. We could not be more pleased.’You can see the canopy in use here.

Located in Davos, Switzerland the InterContinental resort and spa consists of a guest building with 216 rooms, and a separate wood-framed building with 38 luxury condominiums. These two buildings are connected by an underground passage, combining the services of a five-star plus hotel with a private home environment.To experience the uninterrupted views of the Landwasser Valley, the InterContinental resort unleashes fully glazed fronts with extending balconies, taking over 882 ft2. The balconies combine the indoor space with the outdoors, visually merging with each other. Yet, in terms of insulation the thermal separations is made to avoid the effects of thermal bridging. Nestled in the Swiss alpine location, construction had to specifically address the fluctuations in temperature and climate.Insulating and SupportingSchöck Isokorb® was incorporated in the balconies to minimize heat losses between the ceiling and the balcony floor. "We have been working with the Schöck products for many years," says Patrick Hager, co-foreman at the construction company Toneatti that occurs along with Baulink AG as the consortium and total contracting.Residences at Minergie® standard (Swiss equivalent for passive house)"To achieve the high insulation goals in this climate, to even the hidden or seemingly insignificant component is an extremely important role to play," found Regina Meier when choosing Schöck products for the balcony constructions in the Residences. Regina is a construction manager at Baulink AG and responsible for compliance with the specifications. "We can at any time, even in the long term, rely on their reliability and durability."

The Shield is a £18.4m development located on the east side of Newcastle city centre - a regeneration area previously occupied by light industrial buildings, a brick-build office and a warehouse. Comprising of three blocks of student accomodation extending seven storeys at Stoddard Street to the east, this scheme steps down to four storeys at Clarence Street to the west.This building features a refined palette of materials including brick, aluminium and bronze coloured cladding in a range of natural colours to animate the facade. Visible aluminium frame windows punctuate the mass of three blocks and provide a significant aesthetic impact. Installed in a vertical configuration to contrast with the cladding's horizontal lines, side-hung, open-out windows were mostly used with some top-hung, open-out vents - all fitted with exclusive TECHNAL hardware including locking handles and releasable restrictors. Visible Grid Curtain walling is also utilised in this project for its durability and design flexibility. Featured to enhance daylighting in communal spaces, it was installed at ground level alongside aluminium doors, and at height alongside the windows - adding interest by visually zig-zagging on alternate floors.Within walking distance of Northumbria University's City Campus East, and the main Newcastle University Campus, The Shield offers a mix of self-contained studio flats and en-suite bedrooms with shared kitchens and houses up to 400 students.

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

Based in Lincoln this multiple dwelling new build project required sash windows to fit its architecture. The homes were built using local stone which meant standard white windows wouldn’t match its high-end appearance. The developers also needed windows that came with high performing benefits such as thermal efficiency, security, all while remaining maintenance-free. Using our in-house spray shop, Charisma Rose was specified in a solid cream option that complimented the stonework beautifully. The trickle vents were also colour matched to seamlessly blend in with the windows and keep the luxury charm of the buildings. A traditional astragal bar grid was picked to match Georgian architecture as well as run through horns and a 2/3 unequal split for the ground floor. This project ran smoothly providing more than 50 sash windows over seven dwellings. All windows were manufactured and delivered on time and snag-free, meaning there was no impact on the developers schedules.

A house dating back to around 1910 was dismantled in the St. Johann district of Basel to make way for a new building on the narrow plot. The construction company was forced to allow car, bicycle and pedestrian traffic to continue and had to make do with a building site that was severely restricted.The ten staircase elements were precast in architectural concrete at the factory, treated with Schöck Tronsole® products and shipped to the site where a crane lowered them individually into their exact position in the stairwell through an opening on the top floor. All of which took place without any standard fastening the elements – each weighing two tons – at the sides or on supports. After all, the challenge was to minimise the transmission of impact sound.Installation was performed by the on-site construction manager in Davidsbodenstrasse. It did not take long to win foreman Paul Willig over to the product: "The self-adhesive technology of Tronsole® makes it quick to install, without the need for tools.” Depending on the construction workflow, the impact sound insulation can also be easily applied at the prefabricating plant.

Shower and changing facilities bind practicality and design at this new-build office development in Smithfield. At The Haymarket Building, practicality meets excellent design, and Architects Reddy Architecture + Urbanism have created a sophisticated space that the tenants can be proud of. The building is accessed via an impressive double-height lobby, and this grandeur is maintained throughout the entire building, including the washrooms.Split over two floors, the basement houses a gym and self-contained male and female changing rooms with a separate toilet block on the upper basement level. Venesta’s Unity Full Height cubicle range was the product of choice for the designers of this project, due to its versatility.Model Z Active 400mm Bench Lockers were specified for both the male and female changing rooms. The unique Z-shaped locker provides space for storing bags and hanging clothes and has the benches integrated into the locker units saving on floor space for a minimalist room layout. The Model Z Active Lockers come readily constructed for quick, easy installation and are finished in SGL making them hardwearing, impact and scratch resistant.  Read the full case study for more details.

Ladywell Convent is the Motherhouse of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM) congregation, an international religious congregation of Catholic women who proclaim the joy and freedom of the Gospel in the spirit of Francis and Claire of Assisi.Situated in the beautiful Surrey hills, the Convent offers hospitality for returning Missionaries and visitors and is also the site of La Verna, a home for elderly sisters and those who support them.Previously named Tuesley Court and bought by the FMDM in 1956, Ladywell is Arts and Crafts in style, Grade II listed and an oasis of calm and tranquility just outside Godalming.An extensive refurbishment was recently carried out to the residential and conference buildings on the site ensuring their suitability for an aging group of sisters. Two new support buildings were also constructed.Side hung casements from the Clement SMW range with genuine 12mm flat leads were installed in the new Greccio building, polyester powder painted RAL 9005 (Jet Black) semi gloss with the handles, hinges and peg stays powder coated to match the frames. Windows from the Clement EB20 steel window range with 12mm oval leads were installed in the Staff Building, also painted RAL 9005.Michael O’Brien from O&D Constuction said:“Steel windows manufactured by Clement were the right choice because of their close match to the existing heritage windows at Ladywell Convent. The team at Clement did a great job – they delivered the project on time and there were no issues.”Photography: Laura Kelly, LSK Photo

London Square Bermondsey is a residential-led mixed use development in South-East London and comprises over 400 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes, both private and affordable, flexible workspaces for small businesses and art studios. To clad the façade of the building, it was decided to use DucoSlide BiFold architectural external solar shading.Overcoming challengesOne of the major challenges at the time of the development was the coronavirus, that had a major impact on fabrication, delivery of materials and project deadlines.Michael Brainbridge, Site Manager explains : «Despite the challenge with the coronavirus, we have overcome this smoothly and can now easily say the product we installed is to a good standard and every party concerned is happy with the result. »Quality-finishing in prestigious projectThe high-end, large-scale project, which was finished in the first quarter of 2022, is located in one of the busiest areas in London. The complex consists of residential buildings beside cozy squares and pedestrian paths and truly oozes luxury and prestige.The DucoSlide BiFold panels blend perfectly into these luxurious surroundings and accentuate the façade design of the building effortlessly. The panels are built into a frame that slides away completely. This creates a clear-cut aesthetic difference between the open and closed positions.Michael Brainbridge continues: “ The benefit of the DucoSlide BiFold sunscreen is that it is light, durable and very functional. The panels are easy to handle, easy to install and the finish of the product is of a high standard and quality. Thanks to the DucoSlide panels, the building's appearance has been raised to a higher level which perfectly matches the environment.”

A stunning contemporary style new-build home in Surrey has been finished with high performance weberpral M monocouche render.The £3.5m+ country home was designed and built by award-winning Millgate Homes, Berkshire, and sits alongside two 6-bedroom country homes and 6 luxury apartments to form a boutique residential development on a 9-acre site just outside Oxted.This prestigious and historical site is a milestone project for Millgate as it is the first time they have deviated from their classic and traditional design style. The property is of open plan design with clean, crisp lines in keeping with today’s minimalist architectural style. This first ever mixed vernacular project has been led by Millgate’s chief in-house architect Greg Meier who appointed Markham Drylining Limited, Leatherhead, Surrey, to carry out the external render application which has played such an important role in the overall aesthetics of the building. The brief to create a sleek, modern exterior for this cutting edge home was achieved with the use of weberpral M monocouche render in Pearl Grey.Markham Drylining worked closely with Millgate’s technical team in preparing sample panels of different materials and finishes from which Millgate selected the BBA (British Board of Agrément) approved weberpral M. This high specification render offers the multiple benefits of through-colour One-Coat Technology which is recognised for its ease and speed of application. By reducing the drying time associated with a traditional multi-coat system by as much as 50%, significant on-site cost savings can be made which contributes to project efficiencies and earlier completion.Rob Hall, director of Markham Drylining, says: “We always try to work with weberpral M as it helps us to deliver our clients’ aspirations. It is of a consistently high quality which makes application easier and reduces waste while One-Coat Technology speeds the whole application process. This render can be hand or spray applied but we chose hand application on this project.”Rob continues that he will always try to alter a specification in favour of this render for the quality of its durable, decorative and weather-resistant finish and for the valuable technical support provided by Weber.Weber was the first manufacturer of monocouche render to be awarded an A+ rating as defined in the BRE Global 2008 Green Guide to Specification. This audited material helped specifiers to make selections that will collectively reduce the environmental impact of their buildings while achieving more materials credit.Greg Meier adds: “Making a simple design look interesting has been part of the challenge. My favourite feature is the clean, crisp lines of the building created by the contrast in colour between the light render and dark grey windows and deep overhanging soffit and fascias.”The development is located within a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Kent-Surrey border. The beauty of the area contrasts dramatically with the bold lines and contemporary design of this new building which was Highly Commended in the London Evening Standard’s New Homes 2014 Award in the Best Out-of-London home category.

Hard landscaping designed by Stride Treglown, who were keen on creating a modern contemporary feel. The School of Management’s new building is located at Claverton Down Campus.Xflo Plaza permeable paving creates a soft crisp look perfect for the aesthetic of the school along with the added benefits of durability to weather well and even improve with age. Over 3,200m2 of Plaza Lakrids, Birkes, Salt and Pepper in sizes 170/255x170x80 and 200x100x80 were delivered to site.Xflo permeable paving solutions is a highly effective, sustainable method of dealing with storm water control. Our Xflo Permeable Paving Solutions® are designed to mimic the natural movement of storm water and replace conventional storm water drainage systems.Professor Steve Brammer, Dean of the School of Management, said: “It’s extremely exciting to be moving into this wonderful new facility. I can’t wait to see this space foster dynamic and engaging new research, teaching and collaboration for many years to come.”‘The building integrates beautifully with the rest of the campus’ – Natasha BirkBSc International Management.

For a roof such as this with a vast amount of detail work the Flexiglass 2022 GRP Multi Surface Overlay System was the only product on the market for this application.

The Pears Building by Hopkins Architects is a world-class immunology research and treatment centre built for University College London. With only 5 similar specialist immunology centres in the world (and the only one outside of the US), the Pears Building offers world-class expertise to patients. The Pears Building provides offices, multiple research wings to house over 200 researchers and a 35-bed patient hospital for outpatients or visiting academics.At the centre of the building is a large atrium with joins the wider building and its office space to the public-facing café and entrance area. Vast, open windows flood interiors with huge amounts of natural light creating a soothing, and uncluttered feeling. Materials selected for the building were done for their sustainable credentials, ease of maintenance, durability, and cost.The Pears Building was designed to avoid becoming a “monolithic” structure and sits well within the local area. During its construction efforts were made to retain as many existing trees on the site as possible to ensure the village-esque feeling of Hampstead is uninterrupted. As expected with forward-thinking institutions, the architects endeavoured to achieve a BREEAM excellent rating, which it easily achieved with its holistic approach to sustainability.The Pears building uses Freshfield Lanes First Quality Multi in its construction and has been commended for numerous awards and won the Public Buildings award at the Construction News Awards.

This project involved providing a soundproofing solution for a Grade ll listed period building located in the south west of Sheffield, close to the botanical gardens, where the former NHS building was undergoing conversion into residential wellings.Hush were involved in the very early design stages of this conversion/new build project and under direction of our client Jonathan Frith of Bamford Homes. We also worked alongside acoustic consultants HRS Services Ltd (now Stroma Specialist Access) and architect Richard Keighley from DKMY Architects.A variety of Hush Systems were specified to deliver excellent acoustic performance.HD1030: Hush System LP was applied to the ground and first floors. This is a floating floor system, compliant with Building Regulations Approved Document E, used in refurbishment of timber floors. It also holds 1-hour fire resistance at ceiling level.HD1032: Hush System LP/MF was used from the second to first floor and from the third to second floor. This economical sound insulation system for use between separating floors is made up of Hush Panel 28, Hush Seal 20 and Hush absorber slabs. It is used within refurbishment projects using timber joists and also provides 1-hour fire resistance at ceiling level.Along with using these systems, we also upgraded the existing walls using our HD1040: Wall System which provides high standards of airborne sound reduction and can be used to reduce both flanking and direct sound transmission. It again is compliant with UK Building Regulations and provides a minimum loss of space within rooms.Within the new build residential space, we recommended our HD1054: Double Timber Stud Wall System which is our extremely effective system comprising of Hush Slab absorber slabs and Acoustic Plasterboard.Although design stages through to completion of this project were around 3 years, the conversion and new build project itself, once begun took around 18 months. All acoustic testing carried out on site was passed.The flats are in a sought-after area, close to the University of Sheffield and Hallamshire Hospital, within easy access to facilities in Broomshill and Eccleshall road and have been finished to a high acoustic standard.

Northern Ireland’s artists and designers of tomorrow are moving into a creative new environment enhanced by the stylish appearance and solid functionality of stainless steel sinks and worktops, custom-crafted by leading bespoke manufacturer GEC Anderson. The durable stainless steel products have been installed as part of a major development programme at the University of Ulster, where they will provide essential facilities for various art disciplines. GEC Anderson is a pioneer of made-to-measure stainless steel products for domestic, commercial and specialist applications.The University of Ulster’s School of Art and Design caters for 2,000 students in the Warwick and Orpheus buildings, flanking busy York Street in downtown Belfast. The school provides teaching and research facilities in fine and applied arts, design and visual communication. In the first £12 million phase of a £30 million re-development, the school is commissioning a six-storey extension to the Warwick Building. The overall plan, prepared by Belfast-based Todd Architects, enables the university to expand teaching and recreational activities on an urban site within the Cathedral Quarter conservation area. Project architect Angus Waddington says both existing buildings will be extensively modernised in the later phases.With numerous studios and workshops for “wet” art disciplines – ranging from painting and ceramics to print-making and printed textiles – the school has a significant need for durable worktops and sinks. Although the new building will eventually focus on the digital arts, it will provide temporary accommodation for departments displaced by renovation elsewhere. In the new extension, interior design consultant Colin Sneddon of DEGW specified GEC Anderson stainless steel sinks, worktops and splashbacks to ensure lasting resistance to paints, inks and dyes. “I have worked with these products previously. GEC Anderson provides a robust, quality solution which is ideal in this application,” he says.Installed by Specialist Joinery Fittings, the bespoke worktops from GEC Anderson are made from acid-resisting grade satin finish stainless steel. The worktops, up to 4m in length, feature integral sinks from GEC Anderson’s standard range as well as splashbacks and water-retaining edge details to minimise spills and splashes during daily use. GEC Anderson Managing Director Martin Tye says stainless steel stands up well to sustained heavy use. “It requires minimal maintenance which means low lifetime costs, and is easy to keep clean. These factors, combined with sheer good looks, make stainless steel the ideal material in many different applications.”

The ChallengeTramways is a 402-bedroomed new build student accommodation complex for Chester University. It comprises 356 en-suite cluster rooms and 56 en-suite studios incorporating communal kitchens and living rooms.The development was to be split into five blocks of accommodation, with each block between three and five storeys in height.The SolutionForterra’s Dark Multi Smooth and County Multi Smooth bricks were selected for the project’s facing brickwork. Used alongside zinc wall cladding, these red bricks helped to create interest and variety in the external appearance of each of the five blocks.Part of Forterra’s Butterley range of bricks they are both smooth, wirecut bricks. While County Multi Smooth is a fully red brick, Dark Multi Smooth introduces elements of blue.The BenefitsThe juxtaposition of the metallic cladding with the red and blue facing brickwork ensures the Tramways development offers its own, unique architectural interest while at the same time complementing the local built environment of this part of Chester.

As with all balcony constructions, the issue of cold-bridging (also known as thermal-bridging) must be addressed and minimised to meet the required building standards - Part L of the Building regulations being of particular relevance. The H-BAU ISOPRO® thermal insulation element from J&P solved this problem by providing structural connection between the internal concrete floor slab, and the external concrete (insitu, or precast) balcony, whilst creating a thermal break to minimise cold-bridging.

The development of a new emergency care centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead was an investment of £32m. The project provided state-of- the-art healthcare services to people across the region. The centre now provides a smoother service to its patients and a more efficient way of treating people.Artform Urban Furniture were asked to provide seating and litter bins to the main entrance of the hospital's drop in centre, as well as the car park and the taxi drop off / pick up point. The products had to complement the soft landscaping whilst also being durable enough to cope with the extensive usage. The Artform team proposed items from the Multiplicity range, with their cast anodised aluminium frames, offering superb longevity and minimal maintenance requirements.The overall project was constructed within a tight budget and the street furniture supplied by Artform needed to be of a very high standard, ergonomically designed for comfort and all delivered within the economic constraints.The products also had to be on site and installed within a short time frame, due to the fast track nature of the project. The Artform team provided full technical drawings and specification information to ensure that the client’s facilities team were supported fully and the installation process was seamless.OutcomeThe completed emergency care centre is now a busy hub for all types of emergency healthcare services and the entrance provides a clean and welcoming first impression to all those using the centre. The landscaped outdoor areas including the entrance, the car park and the busy taxi point, offer an engaging space, for use by staff, patients and visitors alike, with the thoughtful distribution of attractive seating and clean, modern litter bins.Ian Renwick, chief executive of QE Gateshead commented: "This is a unique hospital building and the environment for patients and visitors is really something special."

Find out why IOBAC Adhesive-Free Magnetic Flooring was specified by innovative house-builder Etopia for its BRE test house showcasing best-in-class sustainable buildings.The magnetically receptive Ezy-Install Underlay took just 45 mins to lay over the 55m2 ground floor area, followed by 3 hours to dry install magnetic Karndean Luxury Vinyl Tile in a modern herringbone pattern.

Download our case study showing a new build Buckinghamshire home with many subtle details incorporated into the design.

Thermal bridging solutions contributing to a conscientious and heritage-led approach on listed building projects.A PERINSUL case study

Client: Royal Borough of Greenwich Council Architect: Frankham Consultancy Group Assembly & Performance:·        All constructions including APL Tritherm™ structural framing system and all as non-combustible assemblies·        Roof – 10,000 m² of APL Energi Twin-Skin: Profile 31/1000RR in stucco-embossed mill-finish aluminium on walk-on roof liner plus all associated flashings, gutters, fixings and sealants, U-value = 0.18 W/m².K·        Walls - 10,000 m² of APL Energi Twin-Skin: Profile AP45HR in RAL 9006 PVF2 aluminium on wall liner plus all associated flashings, fixings & sealants, U-value = 0.16 W/m².K Special Features:·        Client required a 40-year maintenance free material for the roof in the marine location·        Multiple consultants employed by the end client to ensure the construction exceed current building regulation due to the proximity to Grenfell·        APL clamp-end lap detail for the roof to allow for thermal expansion·        APL Firewall™ with 60 minute integrity and 60 minute insulation ™ construction due to boundary walls Building Location:·        London Borough of Greenwich

Project: CMR MedicalDate: 2022 Background:·        APL were engaged with the building owner and architect early in the project design and specification process, having worked on a number of previous projects together ·        Due to APL’s strong supply-chain relationships, all material was able to be secured ahead of the tender process to ensure that the very tight project programme was met·        APL provided all thermal, acoustic and structural calculations Systems:·        9,000m² of APL built-up acoustic 65ZS standing seam system (site-rolled) in stucco-embossed mill-finished aluminium, along with PV support system·        4,000m² of APL built-up wall system with steel sinusoidal AP45HR in custom colour APL Dusk as the external profile·        1,100m² of APL built-up wall system with steel louvre profile AP70LCP in custom colour APL Dusk as the external profile·        500m² of APL Slimwall™ CPS/SSF routed flat panel system in aluminium with a Class 2 PPC costing in custom colour APL Dusk·        LB4 live louvre system·        APL Tritherm™ GALV sub-framing·        All flashings, fixings and accessories  Building Location:·        Ely

Material Store is part of The Old Vinyl Factory, a 17-acre site in Hayes.The four ‘warehouse’ blocks of Material Store rise above a podium and surround an oasis of private patios and a large common garden. The parking below the podium is concealed behind 3-bedroom town houses that animate the street with their steps and ‘front’ doors.The roofs of all fours blocks are landscaped as communal gardens. The extended articulated parapet to the tallest block creates an outdoor room and emphasises the building’s position as the tallest element of the masterplan.The 189 build-to-rent homes enjoy generous shared facilities that promote a sense of community in the context of private rented sector (PRS) tenure. These include play areas, a function room, picnic tables, allotments, a concierge service and an onsite maintenance crew. Commercial uses, which front onto the spine street, are intended for sharing with the wider community.The Arriva doorsets plays a key part in this development to create a seamless design. The Arriva system features a split-type EZYJamb®, specially designed to seamlessly integrate with finished wall constructions like stud and plasterboard. This innovative system is ideal for those seeking flush doors with an invisible door frame for a modern and integrated aesthetic.

Providing 21 affordable homes in the first ‘carbon negative’ housing community of its kind in the UK. The initial concept began in 2009 with the aim of creating carbon negative housing. The project is ground breaking with a plan to lock away as much carbon as possible whilst generating excess energy from systems installed.Lewis Deck light weight steel/ screed composite floor system providing acoustic floors improving Building Regulations Part E standards by at least 8dB was installed in the apartments.This project achieved a Zero Carbon certification under the Code for Sustainable Homes and achieved Passiv Haus standards, but was not certified under this system. The performance was monitored by the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) as well as how the social tenants found the experience of living there given the lifestyle adjustments that were needed.The Lewis Deck was used as it achieved the enhanced acoustic and fire performance required in this project, especially given that this was a timber frame development. The elements of the building also had to achieve an A+ Green Guide to Specification rating from the BRE, this was achieved by using a liquid screed on top of the deck that contained a high recycled content.The project won a number of awards and was marketed as the UK's 1st "Carbon Negative" social housing scheme.

Here at Trade Access Panels, we believe that school building designs should be much more than just designs of practical learning spaces; they should also inspire, encourage and motivate the students and teachers to help promote the best possible learning experience. However, unfortunately, costs are very tight for the Government who are searching for ways to renovate old dilapidated schools and to also build new educational facilities. We have a desperate need for more school places for the ever-growing younger population.