"timber"

In the substantial restoration of a large Georgian estate built for and inhabited by the aristocracy, high performance timber sash windows, French doorsets and entrance doors by Mumford & Wood have been used throughout the grand house and numerous outbuildings which span different periods. Conservation™ box sash windows with traditional cords, weights and pulleys, many with complex arched or curved top frames made by Mumford & Wood, are factory finished and double glazed. Of totally traditional design they benefit from modern manufacturing techniques, are highly energy efficient and fully compliant with Part L Building Regulations.

With approximately 20 children and staff onsite during open hours; ensuring complete safety for all parties was a key requisite for the project. Recognised as a leading perimeter security specialist Jacksons were identified as the right company to design and supply both a vertical bar fencing solution and timber palisade alternative for both the perimeter and internal areas of the school. Supplying over 60 x 1m high Sentry fencing, the system was mounted on top of the existing 1m high boundary wall using our bespoke designed cranked fence posts whilst also being stepped to accommodate the sloping ground.

A custom-built detached home situated on a peninsula in a secluded lagoon, and featuring Western Red Cedar Shingles from Marley has scooped a number of leading industry awards. Located in the Norfolk broads, Britain’s largest protected wetland, Backwater, which was created by, Platform 5 Architects, is made up of three self-contained modules. Each individual module is further complemented by the cedar-clad pitched roofs found at the front of the property. This project won multiple awards; RIBA East Award 2017 and Custom and Self Build Project of the Year at the 2017 Structural Timber Awards.

Extensive edging was required for the courtyards to delineate hard and soft landscapes. During a site visit, BAM asked us to also supply planters, benches, tiles and accessories for the terraces. This required a full supply and install package. Two 80m walkways were lined with 1.2 x 0.6m Atria tiles. One walkway was built on top of extensive M&E pipework so a bespoke steel pipe cover system was needed to support the tiles. Atria beige tiles were also used on four of the terraces to surround CorTen steel Planterline bespoke planters with inset iroko timber seating.

Powdertech Wood Finish enables architects to combine the look of wood with the strength and practicality of metal. At the same time, this high performance finish compliments the durability of metal and preserves its appearance for many years. PWF replicates wood with variation in colour, grain density and grain pattern. Instead of depleting timber resources, highly abundant and recyclable aluminium can be used. This is a far better material for forming the finely angled aerofoil blades for solar shading. Powdertech have coated thousands of linear metres of aluminium solar shading in various colours for over 20-years. A2 S1-d0 approved.

We were delighted to complete a playground regeneration project for at this stunning location in rural Hampshire. The site was situated on an idyllic location, with a cricket pitch on one side and sweeping downland countryside also adjacent. The council was looking for a natural aesthetic to match the surroundings, and Lappset glue laminated timber was an excellent fit. We installed a new 137124m multiplay, 2 flat seat swings, 2 cradle seat swings and a basket swing, and the surfacing was completed with black wet pour rubber. We very much enjoyed working on this project and thanks to the council for commissioning us to carry out the works.

We constructed new LAP and LEAP playgrounds for a large housing developer in Farnham, Hampshire, in the summer of 2022. The estate occupied a pleasant setting on the outskirts of the town, and as such timber equipment was requested to help blend in with the surroundings. The 137100 multiplay anchored the area, providing a great combination of climbing, slides, and challenging play features. A Waltz rotator, zig zag tack, seesaw, and two bay swing complete with a basket swing, 1 x flat seat and 1 x cradle seat completed the area, which is sure to serve as a well loved neighbourhood play area for years to come.

The Grade II* Listed Blue Mills in Witham, Essex was recorded in Domesday as the water mill at Benton Hall, a subsidiary manor of Blunts in Witham. The owners have lived in Blue Mills for 20 years and reached out to Selectaglaze for advice on secondary glazing treatments for their primary windows; a mixture of timber sash windows, fixed lights and inward/outward opening casements. 22 windows were treated using a number of window styles: fixed light, vertical sliding and side-hung casements. Selectaglaze is the leading specialist in secondary glazing, established in 1966 and Royal Warrant Holder since 2004.

Thermal and acoustic insulation secondary glazing was installed by Selectaglaze for the National Trust as part of a full-scale refurbishment at the Grade I Listed Belton House stable block in Grantham, Lincolnshire, which has been converted into restaurant and office space. Selectaglaze Series 10 horizontal sliders were specified for 24 of the original leaded windows in the offices, and meeting rooms. Custom made timber grounds were affixed to all the openings which were splayed or out of shape. As a result of the installation, thermal efficiency has improved considerably, with the added benefit of increased acoustic insulation.

A vibrant new community is being created at Battersea Power Station offering the best retail, office, leisure and green space plus unique homes. Working with Maylim, the Outdoor Deck Company were specified for a multitude of areas across this 39-acre site, including the supply and installation of Cedar privacy screening for all apartments on the podium level plus a large Iroko deck area alongside the retail outlets. The Outdoor Deck Company were also responsible for the supply and install of timber seating in the specially designed communal areas and Cumaru seating, planters and a bespoke pergola on Level 8.

Summer 2019 saw The Solid Wood Flooring Company work with Base Interior and other key suppliers to complete a refurbishment inspired by Scandi design in the affluent district of Kensington, London. Fitzhardinge House offers a crisp, clean and modern aesthetic, achieved by using our Light Brushed Fumed Raw Timber UV Cured Finish Flooring Suitable for underfloor heating, this 15mm thick flooring opened up the space to create a spacious area that would stand the test of time. This project demonstrated what can be achieved when trades and suppliers combine, creating a space that looks as impressive as it functions.

Jesus Church had Selectaglaze secondary glazing installed by partner Fenestral, to raise the thermal efficiency of its thirteen lancet shaped stained glass windows in the north and south walls. The heating of the church is run on an antiquated oil-fired system which takes time to warm up the building. Once heated, a great deal of the energy was lost through the original windows. Special timber grounds were produced with enlarged gothic curved heads. By fitting the units nearer to the reveal, the primary windows are beautifully framed and the 13, Series 41 side hung casements have clearance to open.

This grand Edwardian property began life as commercial premises, but has recently been given a new lease of life by urban regeneration experts Stockwool Design. The site near the City of London, known as Sterling Mansions, has been transformed into 59 quality apartments for Berkeley Homes. We designed, manufactured and installed 216 traditional timber flush casement windows with feature moldings. Fitted with high acoustic double glazing on the Leman Street elevation, the windows achieved an impressive 45 dB Rw acoustic performance rating (55.4 ACf / 12 / 44.1 Low-E glass).

This Grade II listed building in Thames Ditton dates from 1792. The former manor house, priory and chapel was repurposed as a care home in 1905 by the Nuns of Compassion, yet in recent years the historic buildings have posed challenges to delivering modern standards of care. Oliver & Robb Architects have rationalised the design in a renovation project to created 78 luxury bed spaces. We were appointed to design, supply and install a total of 263 timber tilt and slide sash windows, tilt and turn windows, single doors and French doors to sympathetically upgrade the property.

University Arms Hotel, the oldest hotel in Cambridge, dates from the 1840s when it first opened as a coaching inn. Extensions followed in the 1930s an 1960s; but in 2013 John Simpson Architects began returning cohesion and grandeur to the building. The aim was 190 bedrooms boasting 5-star luxury. We were proud to be awarded the 14-month contract to design, supply and install 300 timber box sash windows, 50 balcony French doors, and 28 curved-on-plan sash windows. We also produced large bespoke entrance screens, and undertook the restoration of leaded light glass.

The new Faculty of Arts building at University of Warwick designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios brings the departments of the Arts and Humanities faculties under a single roof for the first time. The light-filled, timber-lined space is formed around and imposing internal staircase clad in Junckers’ solid ash flooring.The stair rises from a base of amphitheatre seating andrises through the building connecting teaching, social learning, public exhibition, and departmental spaces throughout which all branch off the central staircase. Entirely clad in Junckers’ solid ash, the central stair forms the main route through the building’s open, inviting, and flexible spaces. “The stair provides a space for daily informal meeting as well as a place for events and occasions such as documentary filming, graduation photographs and whole faculty celebrations. The use of natural timber, combined with natural light brings a warmth and a sense of timelessness to the space.”David Harris, Associate, Feilden Clegg Bradley StudiosJunckers’ solid ash has excellent strength properties and makes a hard-wearing, long-lasting floor. Often used in contemporary interiors, ash flooring adds natural warmth and character which can provide a good balance to clean lines and hard surfaces. The unique grain structure of ash makes it a characterful floor, similar in pattern to oak but with its own distinct colour tones. With its capacity to reflect an abundance of natural light, it is an ideal flooring choice for the project.The flooring contractor was Capital Floors Ltd. 

After the historic St Mary’s Hospital in Bristol received planning approval for Commercial refurbishment, we were contacted by M R Allen Limited to help transform the old healthcare facility to student accommodation. The building had been vacant for a number of years before the project to transform the space into 153 premium student rooms got the go ahead.The original hospital building was retained, with the addition of a 4 storey extension, a 3 storey new build, 8 no. townhouses and a new Communal space for students which includes an on-site gym, entertainment room, lounge and kitchen for private dining.Planning dictated that this undesignated heritage asset retained many of its original features, sat within a setting of various listed buildings and in a Conservation area.This led to us recommending timber Box Sash Windows from our Conservation range.All 109 box sash windows were manufactured in our British factory featuring high acoustic performing trickle vents & laminated glass in 24mm double glazed units, ensuring noise travel is kept to a minimum between accommodation.Mark Allen from M R Allen Limited explains;“We chose Mumford & Wood for their long-standing reputation for manufacturing British made, traditional timber windows – exactly what this project required. We also had some stringent acoustic performance requirements and working closely with Mumford & Wood allowed us to create a product that exceeded our performance expectations.”We finished the windows in ‘Signal White,’ featuring polished brass ironmongery.

We supplied our partner, Fast Floor Screed Ltd with SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed for the renovation job in Fleet Screed in Dublin city. This is a high-quality pumpable, factory-produced, CE marked, self-levelling screed based on calcium sulphate.German-made SMET LiteFlo® is unique because it’s the first pumpable lightweight flowing screed available. Made from specially selected aggregates – means it’s 30% lighter than conventional flowing screeds and can be laid in reduced thicknesses. The screed offers a high yield, 43kg per m2 @ 40mm.Innovative SMET LiteFlo® is particularly suitable for use in timber-frame builds, suspended timber floors, tower blocks, apartments, and high-rise buildings.LiteFlo® complies with EN 13813: 2002, is CE-marked, and is available in 27Kg bags or bulk silos.Have a look at the Northern Builder MagazineTop 5 Liquid Screeds Article.  Read about SMET LiteFlo® in the Irish Construction News.SMET demonstrates best practice in construction partnerships - providing a superior level of customer service to their Smet Supported Partners during the installation process.Whether your job is – self-build, retro-fit, floor renovation or repair, design floor, commercial or shop, sustainable build, historical renovation, ECO build, Lightweight, or an industrial flooring venture – SMET has a flooring compound or ready to use product suitable for your application.www.smetbuildingproducts.com or www.smet.ie

We supplied B. Doherty Screeding with SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed for the new build in Harold’s Cross in Ireland. The product supplied helped our Smet Supported Partner, B. Doherty Screeding to deliver the project as a high-quality pumpable, CE-marked, self-levelling screed based on calcium sulphate.German-made SMET LiteFlo® is unique because it’s the first pumpable lightweight flowing screed available. Made from specially selected aggregates – means it’s 30% lighter than conventional flowing screeds and can be laid in reduced thicknesses. The screed offers a high yield, 43kg per m2 @ 40mm.Innovative SMET LiteFlo® is particularly suitable for use in timber-frame builds, suspended timber floors, tower blocks, apartments, and high-rise buildings. SMET demonstrates best practice in construction partnerships – providing a superior level of customer service to their Smet Supported Partners during the installation process.Whether your job is – self-build, retro-fit, floor renovation or repair, design floor, commercial or shop, sustainable build, historical renovation, ECO build, Lightweight, or an industrial flooring venture – SMET has a flooring compound or ready to use product suitable for your application.TDS SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing ScreedAftercare SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing ScreedSMET Floor Screeds and Compounds Product Selectorwww.smetbuildingproducts.com or www.smet.ie

MEDITE VENT and SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT proved to be a winning combination for the first oak frame Passivhaus to be built in the heart of Wiltshire, South West England.Built by award-winning construction company Erigo Developments, Seldom Seen, a private detached residence, was at the time of completion the first house in Wiltshire to meet the Passivhaus standard. It still ranks as only the eighth certified Passivhaus in the South West of England.Designed around a traditional oak frame and finished in oak cladding, the house was strategically sympathetic to its rural Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) setting.The combination of MEDITE VENT and SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT helped to achieve its Passivhaus status.Rebecca Thursby, Director of Erigo Developments commented: “At the time, there was nothing else on the market that fulfilled its role in this location. We used an oak frame to create the external envelope and then choose both MEDITE VENT and SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT to achieve the level of airtightness required to meet the Passivhaus standard. We managed to get the air tightness down to 0.38 ACH @ 50 Pascals, which is very good.”To reach Passivhaus standard, a building must achieve an airtightness level of 0.6ACH (Air Change per Hour) at 50 Pascals or less. In other words, the volume of uncontrolled air leakages in 1 hour must be less than 0.6 times the overall building volume when the difference in air pressure between the indoors and outdoors is 50 Pascals. Named after French mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal, ‘Pascals’ is the unit by which pressure is measured. In this case, it indicates the air pressure difference between inside the building and outside the building for the airtightness test. Reaching an airtightness level of 0.38 can be considered a remarkable achievement.Perfect for use in low energy buildings, MEDITE VENT is a high performance, breathable sheathing panel, suitable for use in timber frame structures. It boasts high racking strength in excess of Category 1 requirements, and high vapour permeability alongside weather resistance. Its extremely low vapour diffusion factor helps to prevent condensation and because it is manufactured with no added formaldehyde, it contributes to both a healthier working environment for installing contractors and a healthier living environment for building occupants.This intelligently formulated panel is teamed with SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT, an airtight structural OSB/3 panel with integrated vapour control properties, used as structural sheathing in timber frame buildings. These features eliminate the need for additional Air and Vapour Control layer (AVCL) membranes. Its coating also provides a durable, smooth surface perfect for the use of airtight tape at the panel joints. SMARTPLY’s in-house speciality surfacing technology provides this integrated vapour barrier, which delivers high and constant vapour resistance across the whole surface.For this project, the timber frame was in-filled with Icyenene sprayfoam insulation, with SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT lining the interior, alongside plasterboard facing the room. MEDITE VENT was installed on the exterior of the spray foam, which was then topped with Tyvek wrap and finished with the timber cladding.MEDITE SMARTPLY’s entire product range, including MEDITE VENT and SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT, is manufactured with FSC® certified Irish timber, from their own sustainably managed forests, demonstrating a clear supply chain and manufacturing process.Being conscious of how this industry impacts the environment is also something that Erigo Developments takes very seriously. Erigo is an award-winning construction company that puts an exceptionally strong focus on being environmentally responsible. The company demonstrates this by selecting carbon responsible materials and always aiming to achieve zero non-hazardous waste to landfill in all of their projects.“We've made a commitment that we're only going to build to a Passivhaus standard going forward, and to build with carbon responsible materials,” continued Rebecca. “I think everyone needs to do their bit to combat climate change.”“I think that building regulations need to go further in terms of power requirements and what's needed from houses now to achieve energy efficiency. That way, everyone knows what they can do in order to reduce their energy demands. There also needs to be more incentives in place to make people choose carbon responsible materials.”The use of MEDITE VENT and SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT provides a winning formula for sustainable building.

F. Ball products have been used to install vinyl and rubber flooring, as part of the refurbishment of the Wellington College fitness centre, in Berkshire. Flooring contractors were called to install luxury vinyl tiles and rubber flooring. After removing the existing floorcovering, contractors built up the raised platform with timber and plywood and applied Stopgap 1200 Pro smoothing underlayment over the raised platform and the screed subfloor. Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS temperature tolerant vinyl adhesive was then used to adhere the floorcoverings. The adhesive enabled contractors to successfully install luxury vinyl sheet, wood effect planks, plus the rubber flooring.

Buzon UK were commissioned alongside The Outdoor Deck Company to refurbish the external terraces of several top floor apartments located on Nile Street, moments from Old Street, London. The brand new GRAD invisible fixing clip system was supplied and installed by the Outdoor Deck Company, their first ever GRAD installation in the UK. Buzon UK supplied and installed PB pedestals, which were placed under each rail to support the GRAD ThermoAsh deck boards. The GRAD system can either be fitted onto conventional timber joists, or mounted onto the bespoke support rail system.

The waterproofing to a large residential flatted development in London was carried out using the Koster TPO membrane.This warm roof design incorporated the Koster TPO Fleecebacked membrane mechanically fixed through PIR insulation, Koster Vapour Barrier and into the timber substructure as per the wind load calculation.An interesting project with many challenges that were all individually designed by the Koster technical team in collaboration with the project architects.The final roof incorporates hard standing areas, sedum and green roof sections, a solar panel farm and decorative stones.A beautifully deigned and usable area providing residents an amazing view over London.

To complete the contemporary professional environment that Mills & Reeve wanted, Komfort’s Sonik Slide double glazed sliding doors were installed to all the meeting rooms. The Sonik collection provides enhanced acoustic performance whilst also creating an open-plan modern feel. For the stunning fully glazed atrium, which stretched above the ground floor restaurant, Komfort’s Polar single glazing was used. Polar single glazed is designed with a minimum number of components, and thus facilitates the speed of erection without compromising structural stability and rigidity. Polar single glazing was also used on the office fronts with timber doorframes.

Following a refurbishment for the hospitals operating theatres, Dortek were asked to replace existing timber doors with a more functional and hygienic alternative. Dortek installed our specialist hermetic sliding doors with automations for easy access. The doors have a unique hermetically sealing gasket system which gives them a 99% air tight seal. After installing the doors the hospital were able to reduce the volume of clean air fed into the theatres by over 20%. Dortek doors have a smooth, void free surface which prevents them from harbouring bacteria and makes them easy to clean for flawless hygiene and infection control.

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

NORclad supplied a PEFC-certified European Redwood in A+ Grade for this pair of high-end contemporary properties near Cheltenham.The NORclad Brunnea treatment offers a formal warranty on the product for 30 years against rot and fungal decay (out of ground contact). Alongside this, the combination of dyes and pigment within the treatment provide a good level of colour stability VS traditional untreated species, which would typically weather back to a silver grey relatively fast.As the Brunnea treatment receives further exposure to UV the Dye on the surface of the timber will begin to fade down, and allow the lighter brown pigment within treatment to be seen.

A spacious and beautifully proportioned Georgian farmhouse situated in rural Broadland, Norfolk has been sympathetically and carefully renovated by an award-winning developer. Sash windows, bi-fold and French doorsets from the Lomax + Wood Kensington & Chelsea range have been installed throughout the property.Oversized French doorsets in the formal reception room provide ample daylight and easy access to the extensive gardens. With an elegant, bespoke fanlight which extends almost to ceiling-height and has been designed with a classic Diamond pattern. Lomax + Wood produce made-to-order timber sash windows with either spring balanced operation or traditional cords and weights.

The nineteenth-century Ox Barn was formerly home to the oxen that once ploughed our fields. State-of-the-art agricultural architecture in its time, the clients worked meticulously to preserve the extensive beams, soaring arches and original Cotswold stone rubble walls.A contemporary counterpoint to the original barn features, our versatile Iron Grey floor beautifully reflects the rich timber while the satin finish smoothly complements the rustic textures. Over 350 m2 of our polished concrete was installed in just one week.Now, it’s a jaw dropping restaurant with a spectacular bar and a seven-and-a-half metre Charvet open kitchen.

A1 Retail Park near Biggleswade has a curved canopy supported by steel columns. Metal columns would not suit the look of the shopping park and wooden posts would require frequent maintenance. 22 aluminium casings up to 8 metres high made from 78 semi-circular sections were coated in wood effect finish were produced to enclose the canopy supports. PWF replicates the appearance of wood with variation in colour, grain density and grain pattern. By using PWF, designers can combine the look of wood with the strength and practicality of metal. Expensive timber need not be used, an environmentally sound decision.

Planet used p100 demountable double-glazed screens for all the classroom frontages and set black laminated timber classroom doors, and for the offices, 30-minuet fire-rated glass doors into our white aluminium slimline door frames. P20 single-glazed demountable partitioning features in the library and sixth form, which includes a gap between each panel of glass, an aesthetic feature to complement the internal atrium glazing. Eclipse sliding doors were used throughout. Planet's Architectural Glass' in-house design team worked with Aedas to make sure the angled atrium glass was in line with the design intent.

South Hampstead High School is situated in Hampstead, North-West London. The girls’ school began a substantial rebuild in 2014 as part of an ambitious 8-year plan, which included the transformation of Waterlow Hall (originally constructed in 1988) into an adaptable performing arts centre.Five Series 15 2-pane horizonal sliders were installed, along with one Series 15 3-pane horizontal sliding unit for a primary window with a wider opening. The secondary glazing was installed using bespoke timber fixing grounds into which it was fully sealed and secured. Selectaglaze was able to achieve the largest cavity available to maximise the acoustic benefits. 

This iconic project was an exciting one for Shadbolt and we worked closely with the Architect to hand select the FSC certified SG American cherry needed for this job. Control random matched veneered panels, doors and doorsets would be made from the veneer selection so, our expert craftsmen created a seamless scheme from floor to floor. We also supplied “Signal White” RAL 9003 paint lacquered doors that required FD30 & FD60 rating which we achieved with our unique Shadmaster solid laminated timber core, which also allowed these high performance doors to also be sound attenuating and FSC certified.

The newly redeveloped Downing Place United Reformed Church in Cambridge required Selectaglaze secondary glazing for thermal insulation and improved energy efficiency. The Church was built in 1891 and stands within the Historic Core Conservation Area.56 units were installed; comprising of four Series 45 side hung casements in the Chapel and 52 Series 46 slimline fixed lights installed in the Nave. A timber mullioned cartwheel frame was crafted to securely hold the secondary glazing in a large circular window in the Nave. Seven bespoke Series 46 fixed light segments were made for it and glazed with 6mm toughened glass.     

SAS International ceiling rafts were installed into the meeting rooms, directly suspended from the structural soffit to allow for energy efficient movement of air for thermal-mass-cooling. Chosen for its acoustic properties, SAS600 offers acoustic performance tailored to interior requirements through absorptive and reflective techniques. The visually engaging SAS500 was selected for the office zones and circulation areas. This system conceals M&E services and offers an attractive acoustic ceiling. Both systems supplied to the One Molesworth Street project were in a pre-coat timber effect to achieve an organic interior aesthetic, creating a striking feature ceiling.

A beautiful Yorkshire family home has found a new lease of life with the addition of aluminium doors and windows replacing the existing timber frames. Achieved using Reynaers bi-folding and sliding doors; CF 68 and CP 130, as well as door and window systems; CS 68 and ES 50. Alongside striking visuals, the unique design of the frames makes for excellent performance characteristics, meeting the highest requirements when it comes to insulation, stability and safety, while perfectly framing the garden views. Elsewhere, aluminium windows have improved day-to-day usability, with sliding opening options reducing draughts and improving ventilation.