"tiles"

Developed as a great space to live in one of Manchester's best-connected locations, close to the city's shops, restaurants & bars, and next to Manchester Victoria train station, the project comprised two 20 and 25-storey residential towers, which delivered 520 new homes.The architect Sheppard Robson, main contractor VINCI Construction, and installer Deckbuilders, all came together to deliver a great project, that is part of a gateway into the city, featuring fantastic-looking balconies, which we were very happy to secure against the forces of nature: namely wind-uplift.There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mitigating the effects of negative pressure on balconies and terraces in high-rise buildings, and in this particular case, we had to fix the paving down to the main structure of the building mechanically, to de-risk against the impact of up to -2.68kPa of suction on the roof.To account for cost and time constraints, the system we used to secure the balconies against wind-uplift was the TerraSmart™ Pedestal system with the addition of a visual wind-uplift mechanical fixing.The tiles were mechanically restrained to the pedestals which, in turn, were mechanically fixed to the concrete deck of the balconies.And the outcome? Balconies secured, the project de-risked against wind-uplift, and the beautiful Quadro Argento Tiles (600x1200x20mm) safely in place for all residents to experience and enjoy. Listen to what our specification manager had to say.If you are specifying a project and want to know how you can mitigate the effects wind-uplift or the impact that occurs as a result of urban canyons, we can help.

Station Square Parade is a 2018 residential development right next to Colchester train station. Originally a large office building, it has now been converted into 67 luxury apartments with private balconies all set around an internal private courtyard. Alfresco Floors supplied and installed a mixture of 600×600 and 400×1200 Rowe, Moroto and Umer 20mm thick slip-resistant porcelain tiles to create a raised seating area and private balconies for all the top floor apartments. The design, supply and installation contract totalled nearly 500 Sqm of external porcelain paving and a small area of artificial grass.

Fleet Street in the City of London has long been known as the historic home of the British press. Number 53 is a Victorian terrace, with a striking front tiled facade. Thornsett Group, working with architects Capital Architecture, has recently converted the property into five luxury residences, plus ground floor retail space. We were appointed to design, supply and install 26 traditional box sash windows for the main elevation, with an acoustic performance of 45 dB Rw. For the rear of the property we provided 24 inward-opening timber tilt and turn windows, plus lift and slide patio doors.

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.

Styccobond F73 PLUS adhesive has been used for a rinkside flooring refurbishment at Slough Ice Arena. The flooring area surrounding the ice rink had already been prepared by removing old loose lay rubber floorcoverings, and the subfloor cleared of contaminants, including old adhesive residues. Once a suitably smooth surface was complete, the installation of rubber floor tiles commenced, using Styccobond F73 PLUS. With high initial grab and resistance to oil, grease, and water, once cured, Styccobond F73 PLUS was the perfect choice for use adjacent to an ice rink, where water deposited by skaters leaving the rink will be common.

The new corporate headquarters for Mellon Bank comprises offices and a trading floor, and is located on the site of the former Times Newspaper Headquarters in Queen Victoria Street. The site falls within one of the designated Strategic View Corridors, intended to protect long distance views of St Paul's Cathedral and the roof terrace provides the perfect place for employees to meet, relax and enjoy the great views.Buzon were specified to supply and install 20mm external porcelain tiles on BC-FR class B fire-rated adjustable pedestals on the roof terrace and access stairwell, along with fire-rated spacer tabs and shims.

The £83m development at ICCW, Celtic Manor Resort, South Wales, a joint venture between the Welsh Government and the Celtic Manor Resort, will provide 26,000sqm of total floor space for meetings, conferences and exhibitions. The Genesis NSL01 with Ice Grey inserts have been used in conjunction with the blue safety flooring. NHD05 with Ice Grey inserts have been used throughout all main and side stairwells along with NSA stair edges to complete the look. The NLT aluminium tile-in step edge profiles have been used throughout the building to add protection to step edges and provide a classic look.

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

Aluminium and Equitone rainscreen cladding, cast glass panels, terracotta tiles and vertical aluminium fins give the new 1,200-space multi-storey a bright and modern look. In fact, it’s hard to believe the building (which also houses a new bus station) is really a car park. “There were a few challenges, which Maple addressed really well – ten out of ten for communication,” said Galliford Try’s site manager, Tom Wright. “When you look at the finished product, it’s all been worthwhile. The mix of feature fins, laser-cut and terracotta panels looks great – very close to the architect’s impression.”

Metrotile Lightweight Roofing’s classic ‘Roman’ profile adorns the rooftops of a five building renovation ‘pilot’ project at Davis Road, DoncasterEach of the buildings is a prefabricated Hawksley Bungalow and has been modified throughout the yearsTo bring the homes up to ‘Decent Home’ standards, two major changes were made to the building’s exteriors. The first was a brick ‘skin wall’, that was built around the metal walls of the homes (adding a layer of insulation in the process). The other major alteration was that of a new roof in the form of a Metrotile lightweight tile system providing swift installation, traditional aesthetics and a low weight to reduce the load on the Hawksley Bungalow’s structure.

Technical Manager Tim Spencer “The initial need was for an elegant high-performance ceiling grid that could span 2500mm and support the ceiling infill. The answer was a bespoke version of our Rockfon® System MaxiSpan™ grid. We were then briefed to find an acoustic solution to resolve the acoustic challenges for the spaces which would host a variety of music concerts. We worked in partnership with ROCKWOOL and the solution was bespoke 100mm thick Rockfon Color-all® black ceiling tiles in combination with 100mm ROCKWOOL FLEXI® overlay and 40mm thick Color-all panels together with 100mm or 160mm FLEXI for the walls.”

SAS International delivered unrivalled metal ceiling solutions for a stunning refurbishment to The Atrium Building, Sandyford. SAS was selected for its unique SAS740i linear ceiling solution with integrated lighting. This ceiling design, characterised by floating rafts, influenced the entire atrium design. Specified in a contemporary grey, SAS740i rafts were suspended 20m below the glass atrium room through a stainless-steel cable system. Black SAS130 Mesh tiles were also installed to contribute to the industrial architecture. Completed in November 2018, SAS designed and delivered timeless metal ceiling solutions that will bring the building well into the next phase of its lifetime.

A stunning installation created by Parisian design studio 5.5, was unveiled on Tarkett’s stand at this year’s Euroshop. Celebrating creative expression, the design with its poetic cloud of intricate vinyl shapes, was inspired by Tarkett’s daring new Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) collection, iD Mixonomi. Part of Tarkett’s successful ‘Floor is the new Playground’ concept, the daring new collection offers architects and designers unparalleled opportunities to push the boundaries with LVT. Not only can they have fun creating expressive designs across the floor, designers can also easily achieve unique, personalised flooring – perfect for unique customer experiences.

Our colourful Luminoso glass shower and toilet cubicles combine to create an energising shower and changing area for a new gym in the heart of London’s Victoria. The vibrant shower and changing rooms at Gymbox in Victoria feature our Luminoso glass shower and toilet cubicles, back-painted in a striking mix of bright oranges, reds and yellows to complement the bold tiling design. The cubicles feature high specification 10mm clear float toughened glass doors, partitions and division panels. We also installed floating Corian trough style vanity units with wall mounted taps and soap dispensers in the changing room area.

Metropolitan design and simple shapes, enhanced by shades of grey and the elegant touch of Ferrari Red: these are the elements that set apart the spaces of Pit Lane in Maranello.An environment with a contemporary flavour where every detail recalls the strength of a brand that has always been a global icon. In this setting, at the confluence of Made in Italy and global appeal, Atlas Concorde's cement-effect porcelain tiles decorate large rooms with an attention to detail for a contemporary, fresh and original ambiance.The strong identity of the original material and the minimalism of the industrial style meet in a balanced space, giving free expression to an urban chic look that goes well with the nature of the Prancing Horse.

Third Space has opened its sixth and most luxurious health club in London with spacious training areas, state-of-the-art facilities, tranquil yoga studio, 20m adult pool, cycle amphitheatre and special facilities for youngsters.Free Weights AreaTVS Group’s heavy-duty, interlocking SPORTEC® Style Tiles, custom-produced black and grey-flecked finish perfectly completemented the gym’s colour scheme. Installing a layer of SPORTEC® Team Cup-X flooring beneath the tiles provided extra protection for the concrete subfloor and will further reduce noise and vibrations, while TVS proprietary rubber ramped edges created a neat transition with adjacent gym areas.Stetching AreaTo offer comfort and durability for the club’s large stretching area, TVS Group installed its SPORTEC® MotionFlex product, a fine-grained polyurethane puzzle-mat. It is ideal for fitness applications involving floor-based movements and wellness activities. The interconnecting tiles are simple to install and neatly shaped to suit most flooring schemes while their elegant dark grey colour set the calming mood for this part of the gym.Athletics-Based Track AreaTVS Sports Carpet was selected for the track as it offers excellent grip underfoot, especially relevant for speed, agility and quickness drills. The durability of the surface also allows athletes to push or drag a sled, helping to further develop their muscular strength and endurance. The track was supplied in a cool, oceanic navy blue and white colour scheme.Main Gym AreaThe expected high usage of the main gym area meant the flooring had to be sufficiently resilient. To achieve this and to ensure a perfectly level flooring finish across the gym, TVS Group first laid a dense rubber shock pad over the concrete substrate. It was overlaid with a covering from the highly wear resistant SPORTEC® Purcolor range. A light grey finish was chosen to reflect the sophisticated look and feel of the club.The StudioIn the studio, where high intensity training will take place, TVS Group opted for a highly elastic shock-absorbing underlay overlaid with a wear-resistant performance layer called SPORTEC® Color. The combination will protect the concrete substrate below while offering a comfortable and safe surface above for those involved in a diverse range of training activities.Other Fitness AreasIn other areas of the gym TVS Group supplied and installed a variety of high performing acoustic underlays, helping reduce noise and vibrations caused by treadmill running and other high impact activities in the studios.

FORBO’S CONTEMPORARY PORTFOLIO HELPS TO CREATE INSPIRATIONAL AND SUSTAINABLE STUDENT ACCOMMODATIONArchwood House, a new purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Peckham, was commissioned by the University of the Arts London (UAL) to house its students. Tasked with creating proactive and forward-thinking spaces for residents to live and study in, architects Nelson and Long specified an array of solutions from Forbo Flooring Systems’ contemporary portfolio to make this happen. Forbo’s Coral entrance flooring, Allura Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT), Tessera carpet tiles, Eternal de Luxe Decibel general purpose vinyl and Surestep and Safestep safety floor coverings were all installed throughout the building.Comprising 343 bedrooms and 50 studios, Archwood House provides students with accommodation close to UAL buildings and is designed to provide students with the creative and inspirational spaces they need, to enhance their university experiences. Nelson and Long worked closely with UAL to develop a design that would create spaces which were flexible and would allow residents to flourish in their surroundings.Alicia Nelson, Co-founder of Nelson and Long commented on the brief they received: “Our client’s brief was to create innovative and inspiring spaces for UAL’s creative students to learn and grow in. It was also important that the spaces equipped students with the tools they needed to have a successful time at university, from studying to socialising. Sustainability was top of the agenda too, so we needed to carefully consider the materials we specified to ensure we met the requirements.”With the project brief in mind, Alicia set about sourcing materials that reflected the needs of the building: “Due to the variety of high-quality and sustainable products available within Forbo’s portfolio, as well as its reliable customer service, we opted for a variety of Forbo floor coverings for Archwood House, including its Allura LVT and Tessera carpet tiles.“We specified Forbo’s Allura LVT in a variety of colourways for a few different areas of the student accommodation, including the games room and common room which are situated in the street building – a separate part of the accommodation. The warm colours that Forbo’s Allura LVT are available in helped to provide a stunning backdrop for each space which then enabled us to build out, incorporating different textures and colours to the overall design. For example, we used the Smoke Cement shade for the ground floor corridors, games room and study room, to elevate the design and provide a nice neutral finish. As well as the beautiful designs available, Forbo’s Allura LVT is also easy to clean, which was an important factor for this project, given that lots of students would be using these spaces.“We then opted for various designs from Forbo’s Tessera collection, which are lovely, elegant and durable loop pile carpet tiles. Forbo’s Tessera Layout in the Graphine colourway was the perfect solution for the stairs, cluster corridors and other high traffic areas, thanks to its hard-wearing nature. The understated grey shade also complemented the neutral colour palette we were using for these areas.”Alicia also specified Forbo’s Tessera Chroma carpet tiles in the Pathway and Tuxedo colourways, which were installed in the bedrooms and the cinema room respectively to create a homely feel to the rooms. Not only this, but Forbo’s Tessera Chroma carpet tiles are made with 62% recycled content by weight, aiding in creating a more sustainable scheme.This was combined with Forbo’s Eternal de Luxe Decibel vinyl floor covering in the communal and studio kitchens. This solution served a double purpose: It reduced impact sound by 17 dB and provided an R10 slip rating, both of which were key to creating healthier and safer spaces for residents to live in.With safety in mind, Alicia also specified a range of Forbo’s safety flooring, as she explains further: “For the staff kitchen areas, toilets and prayer room, we needed to ensure maximum slip protection and that’s why we chose Forbo’s Surestep and Safestep floor coverings. The prayer room, in particular, which contains a wudu sink, needed to be a safe and neutral environment for residents to use, and Forbo’s Surestep offered the perfect solution. As a genuine safety flooring with guaranteed lifetime slip resistance, as well as an R10 slip rating and a 36 PTV score, it was the ideal solution to ensure the safety of residents. Not only this, but it comes available in a range of stylish colourways, such as the neutral wood décor we specified, which complemented the overall design.”In addition to this, to maintain the condition of the interior floor coverings, Alicia opted to use Forbo’s Coral Classic entrance flooring system in the Mouse Grey colourway. Alicia explains more here: “We wanted a solid barrier matting, that would reduce the walked-in dirt that you’d expect to see in a city centre university accommodation. With students coming and going all day, it was key to install an effective entrance flooring system to reduce cleaning and maintenance. Forbo’s Coral was just the solution we needed, with the Mouse Grey colourway matching the other grey textile carpets we’d specified, whilst also helping to reduce the amount of dirt and moisture from being brought in on the soles of shoes and treads of wheels.”Having opened in September 2022, Archwood House has been positively received by both staff and residents, who are delighted with the overall design and feel of the building.To find out more about Forbo’s offering for student accommodation, visit:WWW.FORBO-FLOORING.CO.UK/STUDENTACCOMMODATION

F. Ball products have helped to create a show-stopping floor finish in the Regent’s Park Rehearsal Studios. In studio 1, the raised plywood subfloor was firstly primed using Stopgap P131 primer to promote adhesion and prevent rapid drying of adhesives and levelling compounds. Since the studio would face heavy footfall, contractors selected Stopgap 700 Superflex levelling compound, which was applied prior to installation of vinyl dance floor coverings. Studios 3 and 4, had Stopgap P131 primer and Stopgap 700 Superflex levelling compound applied, followed by Styccobond F3 flooring adhesive to install cork rubber tiles over the timber subfloor.

A few kilometres from Copenhagen, where history blends with modernity generating new currents and trends in total respect of the environment, Atlas Concorde’s green philosophy fully satisfies the requirements of a private villa in Karlslunde, with a strong contemporary style.The large windows that overlook the outdoor green area illuminate the minimal geometries of the structure, enhancing the elegance of Trust in Silver colour; its texture, inspired by quartzite and Luserna Stone, is particularly suitable to celebrate the design potential of this house. The seamless flooring obtained with 60x60 cm format tiles, alternates with the matching 30x30 cm mosaic that characterises the counter and the scenographic walls, enhancing the clean and rigorous lines of the spaces.

Timescales: March 2021 -- Project Size: 800 m2Products: MonoTile - Finished in “Bianco Botticino”The Mills Fabrica, Cottam House, Kings Cross, LondonThe Mills Fabrica is a contemporary co-working space that has been thoughtfully designed to foster collaboration and community among sustainable conscious businesses. A key component of any modern office space is the flooring system, which can have a significant impact on both the aesthetics and functionality of the environment.In order to ensure that the flooring system for The Mills Fabrica was both visually appealing and practical, AFD collaborated closely with our contracting partners. We were able to provide the expertise needed to specify the correct finish design that would be appropriate for the space, taking into account factors such as traffic flow, durability, and maintenance requirements.The chosen flooring system was a Terrazzo raised access system, which was installed alongside matching floor tiles in other areas, as well as wall tiles. The Terrazzo Raised Floor system material is renowned for its durability, low maintenance requirements, and stunning visual appeal.The raised access system offers several advantages over traditional flooring systems. It allows for easy access to the void beneath the flooring, which is particularly useful for buildings that require extensive cabling or piping. It also provides greater flexibility for future modifications to the space, such as the installation of new electrical or data systems.By choosing a Terrazzo raised access system for The Mills Fabrica, we were able to achieve a high-end design finish that seamlessly flows from one area to the next, while still providing the practicality and functionality that is essential for a modern office space. The result is a flooring system that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also enhances the overall functionality of the environment.

The ChallengeLocated in a mixed-use development with apartments directly above the gym facilities, Bannatyne Health Club Maida Vale, was faced with a Noise Abatement Order following a series of complaints from residents occupying the dwellings above. In a bid to remediate the situation, CMS Danskin Acoustics was brought in to trouble shoot the cause of the nuisance noise.The SolutionAn initial site visit by the CMS Danskin Acoustics technical team identified the ‘free weight’ area as the source of the impact noise. Inspection of the floor treatment confirmed that a generic sports flooring tile product had been installed, yet this would not offer sufficient levels of absorption for the impact of free weights hitting the ground.Recognising that a bespoke specification would be required to achieve the necessary sound reduction, CMS Danskin Acoustics commissioned Pace Consult to conduct subjective testing on-site using a range of acoustic system build-ups.To resolve the Noise Abatement Order as swiftly as possible and to protect against any further complaints, the highest performing floor-build up was installed as follows:Regufoam 220Regufoam 190FX75 Tile10mm High Impact MatThe combination of these materials delivered a highly absorptive, durable and resilient construction which reduced the noise generated in the free weights area to a level deemed acceptable by the Council – leading the Noise Abatement Order to be withdrawn.Martin Jones, Managing Director, Pace Consult, comments: “Remediation in gym environments is more common than many realise. In the absence of any legislative standards, the specification of acoustic treatments is left very open. That’s why subjective testing is crucial in any mixed-use development, it’s the only way to be confident the products specified will deliver the exact acoustic performance required.”

Installed alongside some interesting brass architectural detailing, TECHNAL aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling has been specified and installed at Heathervale House, transforming the outdated office development. Situated in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, Heathervale House is a commercial property that has been used as an office space for decades. Originally clad in brick, slate and hung tile, the building had shown signs of disrepair, looking tired and dilapidated. To bring it back to life, the building owner developed plans to undertake a wide scale refurbishment and extension of the property. Following a feasibility study, the building was handed across to design-led architectural practice MortonScarr. From the outset, MortonScarr recognised how important updated glazing systems would be in improving the aesthetics and performance of the building, both internally and externally. Previously, Heathervale House had featured small, brown-framed windows, which limited how much sunlight those inside the offices received throughout the day. The entire facade of the three-storey building was re-clad with concrete tiles, with interesting projecting brass window boxes also incorporated. The window boxes, which feature TECHNAL systems, added visual relief to the building externally, whilst maximising internal vistas for the occupants. TECHNAL also assisted on a large rear extension, a new glazed lift to the front and two additional fully glazed storeys on top of the existing roof. Flooding the new office spaces with daylight, the large glazed expanses are shaded by two-storey bronze louvres. As a result the newly fitted office now brings in much more natural light than before.

The challengeCeiling systems by Zentia have provided form and function for an award-winning Grade A office building at the heart of one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK.Zentia’s Cradle to Cradle™ certified mineral tiles were specified by regular Zentia users Falconer Chester Hall Architects for the Kingsgate building at Birkenhead in Wirral Waters which was built at a cost of £11.4 million.The solutionThe decision to choose Zentia Prestige hA+ Tegular24 tiles with Prelude 24mm XL2 grid was made simple due to the 30 year system warranty and both having Cradle to Cradle certificates helping achieve Kingsgate’s BREEAM Excellent rating.Manufactured with up to 41% recycled content, the Prestige family is available in three core densities that allow specifiers to engineer sound absorption and attenuation for optimum acoustic performance – standard Prestige giving medium density, Prestige hA+ giving low density (both of these variables were used at Kingsgate) and Prestige dB giving high density, up to 41 dB.Stephen Fieldsend of Falconer Chester Hall said the Zentia systems were specified to reduce acoustics in the open plan office areas which serve as the core business for The Contact Company in its role as a contact centre. Flexible open-plan office spaces allow greater flexibility for the call centre which takes up three of the four storeys, with offices and meeting rooms on the top floor. While its design concept references Liverpool’s past and the trading vessels that once negotiated the waters on its doorstep, the building remains forward focused on sustainability.

The natural aesthetics, durable performance and extensive colour palette of Forbo Flooring Systems' Allura Wood luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) collection have all played a significant role in creating a contemporary, stand- out environment for Evoo, a new 'barzeria' in Barnsley, Yorkshire. 'Evoo- The Barzzeria' is a pizzeria and bar, which combines authentic Italian cuisine with Britian's popular cocktail cultur, forming the worlds first 'barzzeria'. Set in a once prominent building that was left derelict for years, Julie Poulter Interior Design (JPID) was tasked by restaurant owner, Jaz Boparai, to design 'the best looking bar' in Barnsley. Subsequently, the project was awarded 'commended' in the Fly Forbo competition 2018/2019.

This is the fourth branch the luxury gym brand has opened in London and the second we’ve delivered eye-catching luxury shower and changing rooms for. We manufactured our Luminoso glass shower cubicles with bespoke saloon style cubicle doors specifically for Barry’s Boot Camp to create a sleek contemporary finish without external door pull handles. The unique cubicles were completed with black finish ironmongery to complement the black tiles around the showers. We also designed and installed bespoke Corian vanity units and grooming shelves, which were manufactured in the dark grey and heavily veined ‘Cosmos Prima’ colour, adding to the industrial-chic style of the changing area. 

This office building forms part of the More London complex of offices, retail units and restaurants close to London Bridge. The sleek new washrooms we delivered were designed with a minimal colour palette of natural oak and black. Our popular full height Alto toilet cubicles were finished with a natural oak real wood veneer and completed with matt black ironmongery including the striking vertical flat iron bar pull handles. Our Arpeggio solid surface Corian vanities were manufactured in a light grey shade to provide contrast to the black recessed sinks and tiled splashback while the underpanels were finished using the same natural oak veneer as the toilet cubicles

Products from F. Ball and Co. Ltd.’s System LVT range, including the company’s fast-track, fibre-reinforced transitional adhesive, Styccobond F58 PLUS, have been used to install luxury vinyl tiles in an ambitious, modern self-build property in rural Cambridgeshire.Flooring contractors began by thoroughly vacuuming the building’s concrete subfloor to remove dust and debris. F. Ball’s technical service team recommended treating the subfloor as a newly installed screed for the purposes of moisture management, despite being installed months earlier, as it had been left exposed to the elements since. Therefore, Stopgap F77 waterproof surface membrane was used to create a barrier to prevent excess subfloor moisture attacking adhesives and floorcoverings, potentially causing floor failure.Once the waterproof surface membrane had cured, the surface was primed using Stopgap P141. Stopgap 300 HD heavy-duty levelling compound was then applied over the entire ground floor to create a perfectly smooth base for the receipt of floorcoverings. The product’s high compressive strength and excellent self-levelling properties help create a flawless finish when installing LVTs, while ensuring a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing floor finish even when subject to high levels of wear.The contractors then used Styccobond F58 PLUS and Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS temperature tolerant, moisture resistant, pressure sensitive adhesive to install wood-effect LVTs over the 372m2 area. Styccobond F49 was used where floor-to-ceiling windows were likely to cause temperatures to rise significantly as a result of solar gain.Styccobond F58 PLUS was used to install vinyl tiles everywhere else. The fast-track adhesive enables floorcoverings to be installed from as little as five minutes after application, transitioning from a wet-lay adhesive to become fully pressure sensitive. Reinforcing fibres in the formulation provide resistance to lateral movement, holding tiles firmly in place and reducing the potential for them to slide around when working. The adhesive’s high bond strength and strong initial tack also prevent excess adhesive oozing between joints, facilitating easier application.All of the products used in this installation feature in the F. Ball System LVT range: subfloor preparation products and adhesives which, used in combination, can help achieve optimum results when installing LVTs.Commenting on the project, Richard Argyle of 4 Floor Fittings, said: “It’s the best screed I’ve ever done. The levelling compound had no imperfections whatsoever. Styccobond F58 PLUS allowed floorcoverings to be installed over large areas in one go while helping with the precise alignment of LVTs. The result is a visually striking finish in keeping with the rest of the project.”

F. Ball’s Stopgap Fill and Prime thixotropic primer and Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound have delivered a fast-track solution for installing floorcoverings in one of the largest small-animal referral hospitals in Europe.Flooring contractors installed vinyl safety flooring and luxury vinyl tiles throughout a total area of 1100m2 at Southfields Veterinary Centre, in Basildon, Essex.Requiring a timesaving solution for working over chipboard as an alternative to overboarding with plywood, the contractors contacted their regional F. Ball technical representative, who advised preparing subfloors with Stopgap Fill and Prime prior to the application of a suitable levelling compound.Stopgap Fill and Prime is a cement-based primer that is designed for use over raised-access panels and flooring grades of plywood, chipboard, MDF and oriented strand board (OSB 3). It has a thixotropic consistency, meaning that it flows freely when stirred but sets to a gel-like consistency on standing, enabling it to fill gaps between panels to prevent imperfections transferring to the finished installation.Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound was then applied in all areas to create a perfectly smooth base for floorcoverings. The product is fast-setting and fast-drying and can also be applied over old adhesive residues, in which case there is no need to prime subfloors beforehand.Polyflor vinyl safety flooring was installed in the treatment rooms using Styccobond F44 solvent-free acrylic emulsion adhesive, which is designed to give a strong initial tack, high bond strength and a long open time.In the canteen, Forbo Allura Flex Wood luxury vinyl tiles were adhered using Styccobond F46 pressure sensitive adhesive, which provides instant grab, preventing floorcoverings from sliding as tiles or planks are subsequently placed. The adhesive is designed to minimise the incidence of trowel serrations showing through thin vinyl flooring and potentially affecting the finished appearance of the installation. Styccobond F46 was also used to secure Polyflor vinyl safety flooring in the corridors connecting the treatment rooms.Capping and coving were installed in the corridors using Styccobond F60 contact adhesive. The formation of an instant bond makes it suitable for securing floor and wallcoverings on vertical surfaces.Commenting on the project, Ben Montgomery, head of projects at Veatu Flooring, said: “While we use a lot of F. Ball products and they’re our first choice because of their quality and availability, it’s the first time we’ve used the tech rep service. They came out and provided a tailored specification for the project we were working on, which ended up saving us a lot of time and expense.”Before any floor preparation work was carried out a moisture test was conducted, which determined that subfloor moisture levels were low enough that a moisture management solution was not needed.

The refurbishment of independent opticians and hearing specialists, Leightons, has used Forbo Flooring Systems’ Allura luxury vinyl tile planks alongside a host of other products to create a spacious looking interior that helps to minimise the spread of unwanted noise to the consultation rooms. Subsequently, the design won a Commended award in the Fly Forbo 2016/2017 competition.Leightons called on SKK Design for the design of their Reading store when it relocated from Oxford Road to the town centre, tasking them to give the branch a new lease of life and adapt the space into something that customers and staff would appreciate. The complete refurbishment saw new ceilings, lights, furniture and flooring throughout the main shop floor, staff areas and consultation rooms.

Harrow One is a new apartment complex which includes 119 apartments across two buildings, with shared community space for residents. Each of these new homes boasts a private paved balcony with views out over local woodland and the London skyline.System UsedTerraSmart® Pedestal was used across each of the balconies.Comprised of Quadro porcelain paving tiles in the shade ‘Crema’ and RP-FR adjustable steel paving support pedestals, the complete system achieves a European Classification (Euroclass) A1 and A1fl fire rating.VersatilityThe system is quick and simple to install: RP-FR pedestals are height adjustable to easily accommodate any slight variances in the build-up and porcelain which is simply lifted into place thereafter.  

Located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; one of London’s most prestigious locations is now home to an exclusive collection of luxury apartments and penthouses. 375 Kensington High Street is now one of the most sought after addresses in London, setting itself above all others and serves as the epitome of London living. Wetroom Materials worked hand in hand with the architects and contractors to overcome the varying challenges the project presented. 300+ low profile wetroom solutions were able to be supplied to the development.The Unidrain linear drain system 1004 model finished with the highline custom tiled panel was the chosen drain. This was supplied as part of the Unislope 1K kit, which couples the drain up with a preformed slope and waterproofing solution.

Dual finish wooden windows and doors were used in the renovation of this delightful 1900’s Arts and Crafts style property. The family chose from the Lomax + Wood made-to-order range of timber flush casements and doors.42 Double glazed fully weather-stripped flush casement windows, French doors and entrance doors.Dual colour factory finished paint colour. White internally and Squirrel grey externally.Engineered timber for stability and durability.Espagnolette locking for security.Faceted bay windows.Polished chrome ironmongery.Creating your dream home is not always easy and finding the right plot and location is half the battle. So when the proud owners of this beautifully renovated 1900’s Arts and Crafts style property found it, they recognised the potential. They have taken a period property and renovated it to exacting standards to create a stunning family home with luxury features to maximise their use of it all year round.Lomax + wood timber window and doors were in keeping with the required Arts and Crafts style, while also providing thermal, acoustic and security performance. This country residence is an excellent example of the highest quality craftsmanship. The materials used on the property such as the green oak, clay tiles and bricks reflect the local traditions and are in keeping with the local architecture.This stunning property boasts a feast of traditionally styled timber windows and doors. An excellent use of projecting bays helps to add space and light to the rooms. Dormer Windows with traditional patterned tile hung gables adding arts and crafts character. Juliet balconies help maximise the green views from the master bedroom. The perfect choice of colour allows these windows to blend in with the external traditional materials on this property, while the white interior prevents the rooms from appearing too dark.

FORBO’S INTEGRATED FLOORING HELPS TO REFURBISH FLEXIBLE WORKSPACE  Forbo Flooring Systems’ contemporary range of floor coverings were specified by Momentum, a leading furniture expert based in Cardiff, to create a warm and vibrant hybrid working space for Newydd Housing Association. Forbo’s Tessera carpet tiles, Allura Luxury Vinyl Tiles, Coral entrance flooring system and Surestep safety flooring were all used.   Founded in 1974, Newydd Housing Association is a charitable housing association that offers 3,000 affordable homes for rent and sale. With properties based around South and mid Wales, Newydd Housing Association seeks to help those with the greatest need to find a home. Momentum worked with the housing association to refurbish their existing office spaces to create an environment that inspired a new hybrid style of working.  Momentum designed the whole refurbishment and specified all the materials used, as Rhian Worgan, Interior Designer at Momentum, explains: “After securing the tender for the design of Newydd’s offices, we were asked to create a space that supported and inspired the new hybrid way of working that many offices have adopted post-Covid. Newydd really wanted to achieve a flexible and adaptable environment, so that any future changes could be made at minimal cost and with little disruption.   “One of the first things they had asked us to do was to remove any designated areas for teams or individuals. This was to encourage the sharing of information between staff in collaborative spaces. We replaced these areas with zones that supported a variety of tasks, like desk work, formal and informal meetings, brainstorming and more. The idea behind the whole design and layout of the office was that the employees would choose the area that supported the task at hand on any given day.”  However, it wasn’t just the zoning of the office that was important, Newydd desired a workspace that was warm, vibrant and welcoming for its employees. With this in mind, Rhian spent a lot of time finding the right way to subtly incorporate the branding that represented Newydd’s ethos and values, as she explains: “For me it was really important we got the colours we used right. We really wanted to make this a space that employees could explore their creativity and problem solving in and not a traditional, bland workspace. For this reason, it was key to find the right colours and materials to convey this feeling.  “This was part of the reason I specified Forbo’s flooring, there’s such a wide range of products, I knew there would be something that would fit what we were looking for.”  Forbo’s Tessera Chroma and Cloudscape carpet tiles made up the majority of the flooring space across the three-floor office building. Rhian talked about this specification, saying: “I really like Forbo’s Tessera carpet tiles, as they have this beautiful naturally inspired palette that complemented our design plan. We used the Tessera Cloudscape in Grey Dawn extensively across all three floors in the circulation areas and for one of the meeting rooms, due to their thick pile height and sound reduction qualities. It also has this beautiful mixture of greys that create a serene feeling to the floor. We used this product alongside Forbo’s Tessera Chroma in the Chanterelle colourway in the main office space, using the Cloudscape tiles to create geometric shapes embedded into the larger flooring scheme.   “We then used Tessera Chroma in the Pasture, Nautical, Blossom and Mineral colourways. These were installed in the different meeting pods and dedicated call rooms where we matched them to the paint scheme on the walls. It just added this pop of colour, which broke up the greys used in the circulation areas and main office space. Chroma was perfect for these areas, due to the sheer number of colourways available to choose from, as well as it’s underfoot comfort.”  Not only this, but Tessera Chroma has a 26 dB sound reduction, making it perfect for the meeting room pods that are connected side-by-side, stopping noise from distracting those outside or next door.   Furthermore, Forbo’s Allura LVT was specified across the refurbishment and was laid in a Herringbone pattern. Rhian continued: “We specified Forbo’s Allura planks to break-up the carpet tiles we had already used quite heavily across the scheme. We needed something that we could install easily and wouldn’t look out of place in the eating areas. We went for the Light Honey Oak colourway as it is very light and has a lovely grain embossing to it.”  Forbo’s Allura LVT was also used in the Mist Texture colourway for the ground floor entranceway.   With the hybrid nature of Newydd’s office they expected to see a lot of footfall, so it was important that an entrance flooring system was installed to protect the interior floor coverings, by preventing dirt and moisture from being brought inside. Rhian said: “We also had Forbo’s Coral entrance flooring system installed in the front entrance in the Shark Grey colourway, which complemented the Allura LVT installed in the foyer nicely. Having an effective entrance flooring system meant the rest of the office would stay looking better for longer, something which is important for an office where people are being encouraged to move around and work in a hybrid fashion.”   With its R10 slip rating, ensuring staff stay safe whilst using the onsite facilities, Forbo’s Surestep safety flooring was also specified for the ground floor bathroom and showers in the Star colourway.  Rhian concluded: “We’re delighted with the way the office space has come together, as are Newydd themselves! I’ve worked with Forbo on many projects in the past and trust the products to do what we need them to. Their portfolio on offer, alongside the customer service and technical support provided, is something that keeps me coming back to Forbo.”  Started towards the end of 2021 and finished in November of 2022, Newydd Housing Associations’ new offices have been received well by staff.  To find out more about Forbo’s offering for offices, visit: https://www.forbo.com/flooring/en-uk/segments/commercial-offices/poitcq#panel_5.  

Chosen in a riven textured finish and in Iceberg, Bordeaux and Basalt colours to create symmetry in the building’s decorative facade, the high quality of each Carea cladding panel creates a stylish finish which met the architect’s vision. In addition special vent tiles were specified which were used above the windows and for kitchen extracts to create an invisible way of creating ventilation for the building.Each of the riven panels were installed by OCL Facades using innovative grooves at the top and bottom edges to create a seamless finish. As well as an efficient secret fix installation process, Carea cladding panels provide several performance benefits. Offering a high degree of insulation, they will play a pivotal role in the development’s thermal efficiency, thereby lowering its heating needs and aiding sustainability. 

71 Nyhavn is a luxury hotel housed within two historic buildings built in the early 1800s in Copenhagen, Denmark. Known as The Red Warehouse and The Yellow Warehouse respectively, both the buildings are protected due to their historical significance. Over the last two years, The Red Warehouse has undergone a major refurbishment.Clement tile profile Conservation Rooflights were chosen for their good looks and flush finish to retain the character and charm of the building. The client chose a bespoke rooflight, opting for top hung instead of side hung opening escape rooflights. Not only do these rooflights allow masses of natural light to flood through the hotel rooms, but they also serve as an escape route, being fitted with gas springs for emergency use.This project was managed by our supplier in Denmark – Saxo Solutions.

Lazenby were commissioned by AHMM & Mace to install over 5,000m2 of Diamond Polished Concrete flooring to the new Hawley Wharf building within Camden Markets. Due to the incredibly high foot traffic the floor needed to be both resilient and practical. The unusual shape of the building and hundreds of market stalls meant that a tile or slabs would not have been practical and a poured in situ method was the most feasible. Lazenby installed the floors at 100mm deep, the surface was then polished to reveal the aggregate. As many of the floors are open to the elements it was critical that they achieved +36 PTV in the wet as well as having a slight fall towards the perimeter drain. As the building features multiple levels it was critical to the design that the floor finish continued on the multiple staircases within the building. This allowed the space to flow and provides a clear path for visitors to follow and explore.