"concrete"

Good acoustics, like high quality thermal insulation, is one of the most important considerations for house builders and architects. This is because of high density living and, in particular, the popularity of sold floors. For example, one of the latest trends are concrete floors. The problem is further exacerbated by the desire for large areas of glass and the absence of soft furnishings, such as curtains and carpets. The result of all this is that absorption of sound is difficult creating an unpleasant environment. One solution is to line the ceilings with cost effective and high performance Troldtekt acoustic panels.

St Catherine's College opened their doors in 1962, and the men behind it was renowed danish architects Arne Jacobsen and Knud Holscher. Arne Jacobsen had a concrete wall in his backyard to which he referred when working on St Catherine’s College: “This is what it should look like -smooth and slightly glossy”.After only two years at the studio of Arne Jacobsen outside of Copenhagen, Knud Holscher was put in charge of a project that would have a major impact on his career.

Set on the Broadstairs campus of East Kent College, construction has now come to a close on extension works to an existing road at the college site, which was required to take place in the curtilage of a listed building. The project utilised Wienerberger’s Penter Dortmund Dark Multi and Dragfaced Square Edged Blue pavers, as a clay paving product was required in lieu of concrete to give the finish and longevity the client required, in accordance with planning requirements and ensuring that the colour and design of the road complimented and maintained the character of the building.

Oscar Iso-Mounts combine space saving with isolating acoustic technology to provide clients with the best possible ceiling acoustics and soundproofing, perfect for house/flat/apartment conversions, new builds and renovations. Commercial applications include hotels, offices, shops and restaurants. The mount fixes under existing concrete and timber joist ceilings with just one fixing saving time and money. Extensions are available for 50mm to over 1 metre voids for acoustic services and thermal insulation.

Southampton Airport is an international airport serving over 40 destinations. As the 18th busiest UK airport, it handled over 1.7 million passengers in 2013. Safety and security are paramount at any airport and emergency procedures and facilities need to be flawless and well maintained. Improvements were required to the emergency staircases in the airport’s multi-story car park. Previously, only a yellow strip was painted on the edge of the concrete steps across the 5 stairways, which meant the potential slip hazard was great.

An adaptable, modular balcony system with a range of balustrade, floor finishes and drainage options.Levitate is manufactured off-site in accordance with our Quality (ISO 9001) and Environmental (ISO 14001) Management Systems. The foundation of Levitate is the steel frame cassette with the anchoring locations to house our balustrade system, enclosed aluminium soffit and finished floor. Concrete floor tiles come as standard but aluminium decking is also available.Levitate comes with controlled drainage, including a drip edge which prevents water from cascading onto the balcony below. Piped drainage can also be incorporated into the balcony.The first part of the installation process can be carried out safely from the scaffold, where stub connectors are installed to the cast-in anchors, which once extended, can allow completion of the external façade works. Once completed, the installation of the Levitate arms can be undertaken as the scaffold is being struck. Levitate then then slides easily onto the Levitate arms and automatically locks into place.The methodology ensures improved efficiencies on-site and a reduction in crane time due to the ease of installation.Features and benefits:When using concrete tiles, the balcony system is available as standard in twenty-one different sizes.Choose between seven different widths and three depths. Bespoke sizes are available by using the optional aluminium decking.

The Chiswick Point development, at Bollo Lane, in West London, is a £20m contemporary mixed-use residential scheme offering 124 one, two and three bedroom residential apartments, including three penthouses. A sustainable approach was important, with all of the units designed to meet Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, and the Lifetime Homes code. Constructed in two blocks of six and nine storeys, the frame is mainly reinforced concrete, with the concrete frame floors and cladding providing thermal mass, which absorbs energy and slowly releases it to help reduce temperature fluctuations.Long continuous ribbon balconies provide solar shading to the two blocks and provide the residents with a very pleasant outlook across the London Wildlife Trust nature reserve at the rear of the development. The continuous balconies are a major feature of the scheme and with several hundred metres of them winding across the two blocks, effective thermal insulation was imperative if thermal bridging is to be avoided. To minimise any condensation problems and subsequent mould growth as a result, plus the avoidance of thermal outflow, Schöck Isokorb® T type K heat-insulating load-bearing elements are installed at various strategic positions along the large expanse of balconies. The Schöck Isokorb® T type K provides high thermal resistance by using stainless steel bars to act as tension and shear reinforcement, plus high-strength HTE pressure bearing modules.

One project with a challenging variety of balconies is Hendon Waterside in North West London, a mixed tenure housing development.  Situated alongside the Brent Reservoir, (known locally as the Welsh Harp, after a public house which used to stand nearby), the scheme involves the regeneration of a 1960s housing estate being built in six phases and scheduled for completion in 2027.  The masterplan will deliver around 2100 new homes consisting of social, affordable and private housing.  These are being constructed in twenty-three blocks, varying in height from three to twenty-three storeys – along with an imposing tower building of twenty-eight storeys. The construction of the many balconies involved vary in their design demands and to ensure the risk of thermal bridging is minimised, Schöck has supplied over thirteen different product variants. The products used here are for concrete-to-concrete and provide optimum solutions through the use of varying tension bar arrangements.  For example one type provides cantilever balcony connections and transfers both negative moments and positive shear forces. Another is a load-bearing thermal break element for transferring shear forces on supported balconies, recessed balconies and for occasional peak shear forces. Others transfer positive shear forces with point support, or transfer positive shear forces with point support and zero stress connection.

Demonstrating Products That Perform!Project Description:Hollywood Road, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, is a wonderful community of restaurants and pubs and a fantastic example of an area well loved by residents. Improvements to Hollywood Road will create a more pleasant and more enjoyable experience for residents as well as anyone walking down the road or sitting outside one of the bars or restaurants. Product Showcase:Larsen Building Products – With almost 50 years experience in supplying products that perform for major projects nationally, our Streetscape BS 7533 paving mortar system is the preferred option for the installation of paving. Products used:         FBC Eco Fine Bedding Concrete • Ideal for pavements constructed with natural stone, concrete & clay paving units.FJM Eco Flowable Jointing Mortar• Filled the joints to complete the installation. Rapid setting with high early strength gain, FJM Eco can be opened to foot traffic in one hour.Tectonix – With over 35 years of combined know-how, Tectonix has a wealth of experience in procuring natural stone paving from around the globe and supplying into the heart of both the commercial and residential build environment. Products supplied:- Chinese & Portuguese granite, a mix of silver grey & buff colours. For further information or technical data sheets on the Larsen Streetscape product range, please visit www.larsenbuildingproducts.com. 

The flat roof area at above the vast Guernsey Power Station had been suffering from water ingress as a result of failings in the existing EPDM membrane. Due to the expensive machinery housed within and the potential for widespread and costly disruption should the leaking continue.Guernsey Electricity turned to Sarnian Roofing Limited, a Polyroof approved contractor, to provide a rapid and effective waterproofing solution. The Protec System was specified, and work began quickly.The SolutionRemoval of the failed roof coverings to expose the concrete deck below began, and the BBA-approved Protec 20-year system was installed directly to the concrete. Due to its RapidCure technology, the system cures within 30-60 minutes, meaning less disruption for the client.The Protec System provides an flexible and seamless membrane that eliminates the risk of water ingress around penetration points common in industrial unit roofs. As the system is cold applied, there are none of the safety risks associated with the open flames and hot torches used with traditional roll-applied systems.Polyroof’s reputation has been built on the high level of technical support provided to clients before, during and after every contract.We like to work closely with our clients from the very beginning of a flat roofing project right through to completion and throughout the lifespan of the roof. From our experience, this is the best way to guarantee that all aspects of the roof are finished to the superior standards that our clients expect.

Langley Academy Primary School, is a modern 2 storey development which will house 630 nursery, reception and junior pupils in Slough Berkshire. To carry out the main works of this project, the sub-contractor was appointed to construct the building using a concrete frame and cement particle board, then wrapped in high quality external wall insulation and render materials from SPSenvirowall. Working collaboratively, this saw the installation of 1100 meters of 200mm insulation, which met the desired thermal performance of the building as well as contributing to the fire and acoustic requirements.

Beaufort Park is one of North West London’s newest and most desirable residential developments. Alfresco Floors supplied Ebema concrete tiles for use across the tree-lined boulevards and landscaped parkland. The Alfresco Floors range from Ebema is a very design conscious collection and features three surfaces, Carreau, Rockstone and Megasmooth, with a large range of standard colours, and tile sizes all the way up to 1200mm long and 80mm deep. Bespoke colours and sizes can be supplied for orders of just 500 SqM or more.

The stadium is actually tilted on one side a little bit which makes a lot of significance. The slope is from the north end of the ground to the south end of the ground. And the difference in depth is 2.5 metres.This is where I wanted to arrive:With or without a slope? That's the question. Sometimes, having or not having a slope in a site, can make all the difference for the drainage solution needed. As you know, as slope limitations can be found in some places, but in ULMA we have a solution:The first Polymer Concrete channel with built-in 2.5% slope.

Kawneer’s aluminium AA®100 zone-drained curtain wall and thermally superior AA®720 entrance doors feature on all elevations of Unit 216 at the UK’s leading science park, while AA®190 TB severe-duty doors have been used on the main entrance. The unit was taken back to a concrete shell and rebuilt with a brick and glazed façade by main contractor Hutton Construction and is now the new home for Amgen, one of the world’s largest independent biotechnology companies.

Accoya was selected as the ideal material for this breathtaking home in West Vancouver. Accoya was used for the railing, siding, fencing and soffits throughout the property. In addition, an Accoya handrail was specifically custom designed by Upper Canada Forest Products. Unlike anything surrounding it, this home’s irregular shape and atypical residential building materials are more akin to modern-day South American projects that stem from their surroundings to showcase concrete’s versatility. This is why the Accoya was left in its rough state, to accentuate the minimalist and harmonious aesthetics of its natural environment.

This bowling alley features a large application of LONDON BRICK AGED RED wall panels, providing a great backdrop for the neon-lit writing. Robust and highly realistic, Vtec Texture Panels are an attractive and extremely practical option for the areas with limited access for future maintenance. Another bowling centre in the group used our ROUGH CONCRETE Wall Panels, which also works really well. Installed in many hospitality and retail establishments, Texture Panels help to create a characterful ambiance in a short period of time.

Oscar Elite exceptionally smooth acoustic plaster used on Grand Design Series 7. Oscar Acoustics' experienced in-house operatives installed Oscar Elite acoustic plaster directly onto the original concrete soffit at a depth of only 25mm and up the vertical faces into the feature light lantern. The end result was a flat white acoustic plaster finish, smoother than most conventional plastered and painted finishes, which made this potential sonic battle ground a relaxing and comfortable place in which to spend time.

Addagrip are delighted to have been involved in the new Broad Walk project at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew with an installation of over 3000sqm of our innovative new porous paving system, Terrabase Rustic, The new Terrabase Rustic surface is hard wearing, low maintenance with no loose stone and provides a seamless, natural rustic SuDs compliant pathway which looks very much at home in the grounds of London’s historic Royal Botanic Gardens. Terrabase Rustic's innovative patented design means that it does not need a concrete or asphalt base.

Sika's full suit of products helped with waterproofing the scalloped roof at the campus. A combination of Sike Sarnafils waterproof Single Ply membrane, as a flexible and robust membrane, and Sikalastic- 621, as a highly-durable elastic liquid polyurethane system, was used. As well as the roof refurbishment, concrete repairs were also carried out with the use of Sika MonoTop-615 and Sikagard - 550. For the steel reinforcement Sika FerroGard-903 was also used. The refurbishment of the buliding was a great project for Sika to work on as it had solutions for each aspect of the project.

Furnitubes’ Alta range was the ideal addition to newly installed concrete walls at the £90m expansion. 24 seats have been supplied in total, all as 1.5m module lengths to accommodate 3 people on each. 16 of the seats are the open back design for placement where the rear can’t be directly seen, with remainder being enclosed back versions which offer an attractive aspect from all sides. The steel framework to the seats was supplied in a galvanised finish that provides the ultimate in protection against corrosion and will be maintenance-free for many years.

Smet Supported Partner, Hargreaves Group contracted to M2 Plastering, machine applied the LIDL External Render System in Waterlooville onto Poroton blocks externally using as Base Coat: Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement Render and as Finish Coat; Mineral Finish Coat K.  As Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block or mass concrete and insulated plinths: Bauprotec RHS Multi-Purpose Render with the addition of Bauprotec SLP for plinths.The Internal Render System specification onto Poroton blockwork consists of a base of Coat: Bauprotec 850 M, Lightweight Lime Cement Render, sponge floated in warehouse areas and skim finished in sales areas. Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block: Bauprotec RHS is used.The LIDL render spec, available from SMET consists of:Bauprotec 850 M is a factory produced Lightweight Lime Cement Render, specially designed for machine or hand application produced to EN 998-1: 2010 and is CE Marked.Bauprotec RHS is a CE Marked, factory-produced highly polymer-modified render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.Mineral Finish Coat – K is a CE marked, factory-produced mineral-based, high-quality finish-coat render, specially designed for hand and machine application to EN 998-1, 2010.Bauprotec SLP is a CE Marked, factory-produced Lightweight Sand & Cement Render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.The special render properties; lightweight, low thermal conductivity, high yield, and Smet Supported Partner superior technical backup, are key factors in choosing SMET.SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.  If you’d like to speak to us about your Lidl job – contact SMET.All LIDL spec SMET Render System products are available directly from Smet Building Products Ltd, who ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical back up in the machine application of the LIDL specification.

Smet Supported Partner, Adston Construction, machine applied the LIDL External Render System onto Poroton blocks consisting of a Base Coat of Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement Render, Façade System Primer and a Finish Coat of Mineral Finish Coat. The Plinth Render used is Bauprotec SLP – Lightweight Plinth and Tanking Render. Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block or mass concrete: Bauprotec RHS was used.The Internal Render System specification onto Poroton blockwork consists of Single Coat: Bauprotec 850 M, Lightweight Lime Cement Render. A smooth finish is required in the sales area, so either 850M steel trowelled smooth or skim finished. Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block: Bauprotec RHS used.The LIDL render system, available from SMET:Bauprotec 850 M is a factory-produced Lightweight Lime Cement Render, specially designed for machine or hand application produced to EN 998-1: 2010 and is CE Marked.Bauprotec RHS is a CE Marked, factory-produced highly polymer-modified render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.Mineral Finish Coat – K is a CE marked, factory-produced, mineral-based, high-quality finish-coat render, specially designed for hand and machine application to EN 998-1, 2010.CASEA Bauprotec SLP is a CE Marked, factory-produced Lightweight Sand & Cement Render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.The special render properties; lightweight, low thermal conductivity, high yield, and Smet Supported Partner superior technical backup, are key factors in choosing SMET. SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering Contractors across the UK and ROI. If you need to speak to us - click to contact SMET.All LIDL spec SMET Render System products are available from Smet Building Products Ltd, which ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical backup in the machine application of the LIDL specification.

The Darwin Centre cocoon creates a new architectural icon for the capital, ground-breaking in scale and breath-taking in its originality and creative brilliance.The design features a vast free-standing structure taking the form of an enormous cocoon within a glass atrium. The eight storey high cocoon houses a unique collection of 17 million insects and 3 million plants collected over the last 300 years by scientists including Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace and Sir Hans Sloane. The building completes the Museum’s life science complex, the Darwin Centre, following the first phase opened in 2002.Design TeamThe response of the architectural design team at C.F. Møller, lead by partner Anna Maria Indrio, was to create an engaging image reminiscent of an essentially organic form. The surface and texture also needed to reflect this, so the subtle sheen of the ivory coloured Armourcoat plaster was chosen. With an intersecting network of ‘silk threads’ that criss-cross the cocoon, the surface allows for movement and provides a visual framework for openings and niches. Armourcoat was specified to devise a unique creative solution combining both the insulation and the final decorative layers. The cocoon performs a genuinely protective job providing thermal mass to inhibit any fluctuations to the internal temperature – essential for the museum’s treasured specimens. The structure also houses state-of-the-art laboratories for 250 international scientists and an interactive visitor exhibition.ConstructionA sixty-five metre long skeletal structure was built by sprayed concrete specialist Shotcrete – the first above ground sprayed concrete structural element in the world. Expanded metal mesh was fitted to the steel re-bar framework and a 250mm thick layer of concrete was spray applied to create a 3,500 m2 raw concrete surface. Armourcoat then applied a resin modified render to the structure to minimize localized variations to the surface, before the polystyrene insulation layer was fixed. Using Dryvit Genesis adhesive and over 16,000 Hilti insulation fasteners, a 50mm polystyrene layer was fitted to the entire surface of the cocoon then covered with a layer of reinforcing mesh bedded into Dryvit Genesis basecoat. To create the silk threads wrapping the structure, a special cutting machine was devised which could cut an accurate slot and create the individual 340 panels which make up the cocoon surface. A total of 5.6km of edge bead was then fitted before Armourcoat’s unique AntiCrack substrate preparation system was applied. AntiCrack is a polymer and fibre modified gypsum skim-coat plaster which creates a first class substrate, keeping the Armourcoat plaster layer in peak condition. Two layers of Armourcoat keycoat were applied prior to the application of the final finish. The finished effect of a giant silk cocoon was achieved using ivory coloured Armourcoat Armuralia polished plaster - an exquisite, smooth finish with subtle tonal variations.The cocoon is a milestone achievement, a unique design and technical solution befitting the historic and social reference of the Natural History Museum. This also is a stunning example of the type of commercial projects now undertaken by Armourcoat, celebrating twenty-five years of creative excellence in 2009.Client: Natural History MuseumArchitect: C. F. MøllerMain Contractor: HBG Construction

In the summer of 2007 the country witnessed extensive flooding with areas in England experiencing “over two months rainfall in just 14 hours.” Loss of water and electricity supply was experienced with thousands of homes. Providing protection against a 1 in 1000 year flood event involved building over 1 kilometer of reinforced concrete and sheet piled walls. As well as protecting the site from future flooding, the team at RHI Industrials worked in partnership with Lochrin Bain to ensure the security fencing system was fully integrated with the substations new flood defences.

The three-storey structure designed by FaulknerBrowns, includes library and exhibition space, IT suite, 3D printers, and café. The development, completed in October 2016, is part of a £100 million regeneration masterplan which partners South Tyneside Council with Muse Developments. Creating a curved structure can pose a challenge, but the Kingspan TEK Cladding Panel was successfully engineered to provide a smooth, highly insulated exterior envelope. To achieve this, the structural insulated panels (SIPs) were designed and factory cut into narrow widths. This allowed them to be quickly and easily fixed to the concrete frame.

Soundis was contracted to supply Acoustic Chip Board 28mm Overlay.As part of a major reinvestment programme into the northern seaside town of Blackpool, the owners of the promenade theme park, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, commissioned a luxury 120-room hotel featuring a 90-seat restaurant and state-of-the-art conferencing and event facilities catering for up to 200 delegates.The product chosen for this project was a 28mm Acoustic Chipboard Overlay Product commonly used over concrete subfloors for its cost-effective solution to impact noise with minimal impact on the floor to ceiling heights of the building.

A huge regeneration project site emerged in Croydon which involved the construction of 514 apartments.The whole project covered approximately 34,000 square meters including ground-floor retail and office space.Soundis supplied a Soundis Cradle & Batten system on all 4 tower blocks which make up the 34,000m2 development. This system was installed directly on the concrete subfloor and was chosen due to its acoustic performance incorporating levelling capabilities.The Soundis Cradle & Batten system helps to improve both airborne and impact performance and is compliant with Robust Detail FFT2.

We are able to manufacture engineered wood stair units to match our flooring with the same colour and finish.The stair units include the tread and riser and can be made to exact sizes if we have detailed drawings. This means installation costs will be less. These stair cladding units can be fully bonded to old stairs, concrete stairs or Steel stair structures.The cost of these stair units are considerably more than our standard stair nosings and a deposit will be required before production because they will be to your specification. Lead times are around 12 weeks.

Selfridges is one the UK’s most famous high-end department stores founded in 1908. It’s Grade II listed flagship store is located on London’s Oxford Street. Buzon UK were commissioned to supply and install over 200sqm of the Buzon ALUrail and pedestal system to the newly renovated roof terrace area. The ALUrail installation system offers a complete structure for the raised installation of outdoor spaces. The system can be used for various substrates, 20mm porcelain, concrete and natural stone pavers. Practical and functional, the ALUrail system can be used where the void is limited.

Estudio B76 designed its new headquarters in an industrial warehouse built in the 50s. They kept and revealed reinforced concrete trusses and the perimetral walls made of bricks. The design focuses on using glass and steel to maintain the industrial atmosphere.Thanks to active and passive sustainable measures, such as photovoltaic panels, aerothermal energy, and efficient shading solutions, the project achieves high sustainability.From Bandalux, we proposed a combination of systems suitable for both the working and residential parts of this mixed project:, but Veranda Plus is particularly convenient as it completes without denaturing the former structure of the building.

The Smeg UK headquarters in Abingdon is home to an impressive showroom, which displays more than 500 of the brand’s appliances for both trade and consumer visitors.When Smeg set about refurbishing the showroom, it wasn’t just in need of hardwearing and durable flooring to replace the existing curled loose lay tiles. The space also needed a beautiful design to complement the brand’s many product collections on display; enter Amtico with a contemporary alternative. The redesign saw the main areas of the showroom fitted with Spacia LVT in Sun Bleached Oak and Gallery Concrete.

Mace Group purchased the units directly and free-issued them to the steel frame contractor, VBH JV (a joint venture ofHollandia and Victor Buyck). Some of the units were 7m x 1.5m wide which Ambar Kelly designed to incorporate horizontal fire protection and drylined fire walls as part of the RiserSafe® system. This allowed for a group of shafts, or openings, to be combined into one unit, which reduced the number of trimmer steels and concrete beams required for walls, thereby reducing crane lifts and construction time. (Courtesy of James Reid Photography.

Brett Landscaping's Zeta Lock concrete block paving has been used to pave part of the Outer Harbour at the Port of Great Yarmouth where 24,000m2 of paving was mechanically laid by Tolly Paving Ltd. of Colchester. Brett Landscaping specifically designed Zeta Lock to be compatible with machine lay installation to enable large scale, complex projects to be installed quickly, accurately and with minimal disruption. This is particularly important for facilities such as ports and airports, which need to remain functional for the maximum amount of time. To view the whole case study please click the link below.

Utilising our Advanced Paving mix, Cemex were able to save our customer time and money whilst meeting their construction needs. Cemex were approached by our customer to find a solution for an external concreted area to upgrade and extend the grounds at Blaise Castle Plant Nursey. The Nursery has enjoyed great success in producing over 2.5 million plants per year for local authorities and required the additional ground space to meet their continually growing demands. Please refer to the attached case study file for further information.

The award-winning Halle Orchestra has a new home in the city after the completion of a £6.6 million three-storey extension to a former church dating back to 1859. To ensure that the resulting extension would meet the orchestra’s exacting acoustic requirements, Architects Stephenson Studio called in TVS Group. TVS was tasked with designing and installing specialist acoustic flooring together with steelwork isolation pads which sit within the floors to take various column loads. The specialist TVS RESi Concrete Metal Floating Floor was installed over three different rehearsal areas.

Bedales School is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the edge of the South Downs National Park in Hampshire. Its new Art and Design building designed by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios has a strong sense of countryside drawing references from traditional agricultural buildings by creating a series of connected barn forms. Their dramatic pitched ceilings comprise Troldtekt acoustic panels on one side to absorb sound and improve acoustics.In what is otherwise a lightweight building, the thermal mass of exposed concrete surfaces contributes to a stable internal temperature.