"pipes including cladding lagging"

Rubio WoodCream was chosen for the exterior cladding of this stunning residence in Hout Bay, Cape Town, because the finish mimics the look of Shou Sugi Ban (ancient Japanese technique of burning timber). This home was designed by Salt Architects and built by Musa Renovations and Projects. The homeowners wanted the cladding to look modern without coming across as too "slick" or having too much sheen in the finish. Rubio WoodCream created a natural look and feel, showing the variance of the natural grain and weathered look. Besides the aesthetics, they chose this product because of the ease of application and maintenance. As the name suggests, it takes one coat per board and is incredibly easy to touch up.

Product: Interpon D2525 Steel Bronze 1 Y2206F Parts Coated: Cladding panels, balustrades Architect: Grid Architects Fabricator: Fusion Facades Applicator: C&O Powder Coatings

MEDITE TRICOYA EXTREME provided the high . performance, water-resistant cladding to ensure a stunning and exclusive set of beach huts retained an attractive exterior despite the climactic rigours of a seaside location.

Oatlands Manor is a prestigious and exclusive collection of apartments and duplexes located in the heart of Mount Merrion, in South Dublin. The facade is clad in PREFA PREFALZ Standing Seam in P.10 Dark Grey colour.

Our team at Helmsman manufactured and installed 35 three-compartment Laminate Lockers and 55 Solid-grade Laminate cladding for this project. The specifications of laminate lockers were 1800mm high, 300mm wide, and 450mm deep.The body of the lockers was powder coated in our shade of ‘Ice’, whereas the choice of the laminate, our client decided on colour ‘Graphite’. Along with the Heavy Duty Lockers, solid-grade laminate cladding was also requested which was in colour of ‘Graphite’ to match the lockers. Solid-grade laminate top cladding is a great choice as it encloses the lockers and reduces the storage on top of the lockers.The Laminate Lockers at Amazon was finished with vinyl numbering as well as Ojmar combination lock 8001 in ‘Black’. Ojmar combination lock is an excellent choice of lock type, as it provides options of setting the locks as a free-use mode or dedicated mode, which means that it can be used by different users each time or permanently by one. Additionally, it assures the users that their personal belongings are safe and secure in the locks.Laminate Lockers are a fantastic choice for many sectors. The material of laminate lockers is highly durable, which means that there would be less damage, dents, or scratches, as well as aesthetics with the variety of colours we have at Helmsman offer to the clients.

Continuing with the roll-out of secure cycle parking facilities to the sites operated by Barts Health NHS Trust, Falco has recently installed a bespoke cycle hub at the Royal London Hospital, based on the UK’s leading FalcoHub cycle hub design.Boasting in excess of 160 cycle parking spaces using the FalcoLevel-Eco two-tier cycle parking rack, the new cycle hub provides patients, visitors and staff members with everything they need in order to visit the hospital by bike.In addition to the cycle racks, the new 18m x 6m cycle hub has also been clad with reinforced safety glass with bespoke St Barts Health Trust branding graphics, LED lighting and a secure access system.The attractive cycle hub has been installed on Newark Street, located to the west of the main building next to clinics two and three.Two key products of this scheme include the UK’s leading FalcoHub cycle hub coupled with the high density FalcoLevel-Premium-Eco two-tier cycle rack and when combined together create the ultimate secure cycle parking facility, providing cyclists with high levels of cycle safety in a spacious and contemporary hub design.The two-tier cycle racks are housed in a bespoke contemporary design of the classic Falco Cycle Hub shelter, which features clean lines through the glass cladding supported by stainless steel glass clamps. The whole shelter is hot dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461 but also meets UK structural design laws with EN 1090 accreditation. Rainwater is collected via innovative integral gutters as part of the roof system and a bespoke bund ensure that the cycle hub is weather proof!The Royal London Hospital is just one of numerous NHS hospitals Falco has provided cycle parking infrastructure to UK-wide this year alone. Other recent examples include cycle hubs for St Bartholomew's Hospital, Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital in Bradford, Basildon and Southend University Hospital, a bespoke cycle hub for Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in Dundee, a trio of cycle hubs for NHS Grampian hospitals in Aberdeen, FalcoCrea cycle lockers for NHS Forth Valley in Falkirk, two cycle stores for NHS Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline, cycle racks for Royal Berkshire NHS hospital in Reading and a flagship FalcoHub for Newham University Hospital in London.For more information about the scheme here at Royal London Hospital or how Falco can assist your street furniture scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

Finish: Interpon D2525 Steel Bronze 2 Y2217F Parts Coated: Windows, Curtain Walling, Corrugated Cladding Panels Architect: Squire and Partners Fabricator: CGL Facades (Merson Group) Applicator: Powdermasters

Birkdale fibre cement slates used on a high rise development at Brentford Lock.Birkdale is available in a Blue Black colour. The edge finish and design flexibility means it is ideal as both a roofing and cladding solution.

The Royal Albert Hall in the heart of vibrant west London is distinctive for its unique circular architecture and Victorian styling, and famous for bringing a wealth of high-brow art and culture to the city since it opened in 1871.A building such as the Royal Albert Hall is not only a building, but part of the heritage of its surrounding community. For this reason, the Royal Albert Hall Grade One Listed and meaning all proposed renovation works must meet strict regulations put in place to ensure the preservation and respectful enhancement of the building.Sir Robert McAlpine were awarded the overall contract to deliver a programme of upgrade, renovation and refurbishment work. So, when it came to replacing the original water management systems that had been in place since it’s opening, the challenge was on to find a manufacturer and installer that would bring the Hall the best products possible that were also in keeping with these requirements.Gutterworks, an Alumasc approved installer, installed Alumasc Rainwater management systems during the refurbishment in 2018. Alumasc was chosen for its ability to analyse and precisely recreate the original gutter and pipe mouldings that were used in the originally installed systems, therefore contributing to the preservation of the historic building. Over ten years ago, Alumasc Rainwater management systems were installed in a similar project at Kings Cross St Pancras Station.

Addagrip are used to seeing their surfacing systems being used for projects all over the country but it is great to see an installation being undertaken in our own town.As part of the Uckfield town centre improvements project, Addagrip approved contractor Street Tree Care Ltd was appointed to install a number of trees and SuDS compliant Resin Bound tree pit surfacing in the newly widened pavements in Uckfield High Street.Field Maple trees were selected for their compact habit, tolerance of pollution and vibrant autumn colour. Once planted, a stainless steel tray was suspended above the tree root ball and filled with a decorative resin bound porous tree pit surfacing system.The Addastone TP tree pit system consists of a 10mm aggregate bound in a PU resin which provides a hard wearing, low maintenance finish that is porous enough to let the water reach young tree roots but robust enough for the urban environment. A drainage pipe and grill was seated in the Resin Bound surfacing to assist with additional watering that will be carried out from April to September over the next few years.A 10mm Trent aggregate was selected for maximum porosity to help alleviate surface water flooding and to provide a decorative finish to complement the new York Stone pavements.

Soundsure 560 was laid over concrete blocks (1350 kg/m3 from Lynx Precast), installed as an acoustic resilient layer below insulation, underfloor heating pipework and 75mm sand / cement screed. Installed in first floor areas of all 8 houses. Soundsure 560 was overlaid with 30mm insulation, a waterproof membrane, and underfloor heating pipes clipped into place. A 75mm sand / cement screed was then laid above. Soundsure 560 was lapped up all perimeter edges, ensuring that the insulation and screed were isolated from the main structure, providing maximum acoustic performanceBenefits of Soundsure 560 • Cost-effective acoustic solution for use with all types of floor screeds. • Exceeds the performance standards required in the UK building regulations for sound insulation. • Ideal for use in New Build Houses, as well as Apartments and Hotels, where acoustic insulation is required. • Excellent acoustic performance from Soundsure 560 – gives 24 dB impact sound improvement when used below 75mm sand / cement screed. • Quick and easy to install without any need for perimeter edge strips. • Provides long-lasting durability and high levels of acoustic performance. • Can be used as an alternative to Robust Details. • Made from recycled rubber crumb.

CHALLENGEIlam Park was a popular tourist destination in the Peak District with a parking problem. The main car park is paved with asphalt but their sloped overflow car park suffered from rutted, unsafe and uneven surfaces due to poor drainage and puddling. More asphalt would create water runoff and drainage problems elsewhere so a permanent and durable permeable paving solution was required.SOLUTIONHanpaveTM was chosen as it’s a freedraining system that’s tested to bear almost any vehicle. There are no more problems with rutting or uneven surfaces. It’s also highly durable, weather-resistant and made from 100% recycled plastic. When installed on a properly engineered permeable base (no pipes or ducting required!), it can be in-filled with gravel or grass for an attractive, stable base that becomes virtually invisible to the average user.CONCLUSIONHanpaveTM was installed in 2019. We called in on a very wet day in November 2022 and the HanpaveTM grids were in excellent condition. Surfaces were even, rutting was gone and, even in torrential rain, puddling could only be found in areas paved with asphalt – not HanpaveTM. Despite some extremely hot summers, Hanpave’s unique expansion absorbing design and professional installation have given Ilam Park an effective, longlasting and attractive solution to their overflow parking problems.

Avoiding gas reliance when building a new house.Traditional self-build projects have always had heating systems such as gas central heating and solar panels installed. However, with the increasing costs of gas, and the uncertainty of future supplies, a secondary heating source is required.There are options such as ground heating pumps, etc. but a real heating system independent of the grid, plus a stunning focal point has to be a wood burning stove.In fact, wood logs are now the cheapest domestic heating fuel. According to the Stove Industry Alliance, wood now is “costing households 74% less per kWh than electric heating and 21% less than gas heating”. The benefits don’t end there. “Using a modern wood burning stove also costs 29% less to run than an air source heat pump. Wood logs are 87% less carbon intensive than gas, 88% less than electricity and 74% less than an air source heat pump.”Building a traditional steel pipe flue system is always an option, but steel systems are more suitable in retrofit projects where minimum disruption is required. When you are building a house from the ground up, then a more permanent and ultimately lifetime option is the better one.

Bespoke copper metallic effect applied to stunning effect to rainscreen cladding. The brief required a finish that would echo the industrial heritage of the area which housed a large copper foundry.Product: Y2002I Midnight Copper

International Timber recently teamed up with experiential accommodation constructor Armadilla to provide cladding for its brand-new product called the ‘Wave’, which was assembled on a customer’s site near Fort William in the northwest of Scotland.

We supplied 8mm thick Ceramapanel® rainscreen cladding panels for the project. Our panels are the lighter panels used at the top of the building in the images, finished in Natural Textures Raw with the colour of 1021 Light Slate.

We’d never heard of the Williamson Tunnels in Liverpool. Now they’re truly ‘etched’ on our minds, thanks to an innovative architectural façade design. More than 2,000 perforated panels clad the car park with a design that represents the network of 200-year-old tunnels beneath Liverpool’s streets and rainscreen cladding on the stair core protect against the elements.“The façade looks great,” said Morgan Sindall Construction’s Senior Quantity Surveyor, Graham Golding, who singled out Maple for praise during what was a challenging build. “We had the Covid pandemic, weather issues, little bespoke changes and a myriad of other problems but Maple fitted in. Accommodating is the word I would use – they were one of the best (contractors) on site.”

Magestic match for larch claddingThis larch cladded, timber frame construction sits within a beautiful silver birch woodland site in the north of Scotland. A galvanised rainwater system was selected for the one and a half storey, two bedroom detached house by architect David Dittman. Client, Kevin Grant, says, "Rainline was specified by our architect, however, I have seen it used extensively in the area and was particularly keen to have it myself anyway". Local contractor MacGillivray Construction was used for the build, the rainwater system was purchased through online merchant Roofing Superstore. The client was pleased with the product and submitted the project as an entry to our My Rainline competition. Mr Grant has since built a garage and will be installing a matching Rainline system himself.

The architects WilkinsonEyre were appointed to design this stunning swimming pool for the Worthing Borough Council following a RIBA competitor.Located adjacent to the existing Aquarena on the Worthing seafront, the Splashpoint Centre's design incorporates flexible space for all types of leisure activity.Main contractor Morgan Sindall looked to Kingsley Specialist Roofing for all the exterior cladding and roofing - with our versatile DuraMet hard metal system being used to clad this stunning landmark building. Challenges were met and solved with ease and the project completed to the full satisfaction of the client."We couldn't have been more pleased - all the deliveries were on time and the fasteners were great, excellent service!"Daniel Madell - Procurement Manager at Kingsley Specialist Roofing Ltd

Specialist roofing and cladding contractor Metclad Ltd were employed by main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland to provide the roofing and cladding works.Metclad collaborated with Fixfast's technical team to ensure that the best fastener systems were used for the correct applications - for the flat roofing, efficient thermally broken systems were used so that the construction met all the regulatory standards.When it came to the façade work, the main fasteners supplied were designed to be aesthetically pleasing: the Fixfast DrillFast lacquered range, used for all the coloured façades where the fasteners were in any way visible.Where there was a need to have panels fixed back without showing any fixings at all, then the specialist SikaTack adhesive system was used.

3900m2 Optima TFC in PPC Aluminium and 1800sqm Optima FC in Axalta PPC Aluminium have been used in the completion of the 400+ room in Salfords student accommodation project. The Optima TFC system was proposed to create a ‘basket weave’ pattern to the façade including a mixture of both landscape and portrait lay orientation, visible in the project photos.The Optima FC included multi-depth panels to create a 3D effect along with secret fix assembled triangle segments to further emphasize the projection.When you stand back from the building, you can see the two separate towers seem to connect ‘through’ each other.The expert team at Sotech worked closely with Britplas Facades and their team of specialists to design the unique façade, ensuring it was both viable and achievable to the installation programme. As a team, we developed a method to secret fix the triangular sections onto standard panels at our fabrication facility, to reduce the quantity of parts the installer would have to handle.No additional testing was required for the project as Optima TFC and Optima FC have been extensively tested and are approved by CWCT and have been tested to BS8414-2 (compliant to BR135).Jamie Brown, Estimating Manager at Sotech said: “This is a truly unique, vibrant and striking building. It was a real pleasure to have been involved in this scheme from concept to completion working closely with our supply chain partner, Britplas Facades, to develop a solution that ticked all the boxes – cost, programme and exceptional quality.”Discovery Quays includes 404 student bedrooms over 10,325 sqft in two blocks. The finished building also provides a coffee shop, library, lounge, media wall, gaming area and a stunning double-story reception.To find out more about how the expert team at Sotech can assist in your next rainscreen cladding project, click here.

Falco recently took to the design, manufacture, supply and installation of a bespoke cycle hub based on the traditional FalcoLok-500 design. Installed at Anson House, south Westminster, in view of the River Thames, the new cycle hub has been coupled with the FalcoVert-Pro cycle rack to provide secure accommodate for up to 24 bikes.Installed on behalf of Westminster City Council, the new cycle hub features electrogalvanised perforated sheet cladding, powder coated in a Jet Black RAL colour, along with a secure access system.The whole shelter is a bespoke contemporary design of the classic FalcoLok-500 shelter, which features clean lines through the glass cladding and supported by stainless steel glass clamps. The steelwork is hot dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461 and also meets UK structural design laws with EN 1090 accreditation. Rainwater is collected via innovative integral gutters as part of the roof system and a bespoke bund ensure that the cycle hub is weather proof!The cycle hub was commisioned to help reduce congestion and provide greater cycling accessibility for residents of Anson House.The FalcoVert-Pro as shown here at Anson House, is a space saving cycle rack design ideal for highly popular densities such as stations, cycle hubs, shopping centres, high streets and car parks etc. Bicycles are parked semi vertically with both front and rear wheels located in a custom designed trough.Falco cycle hubs can also incorporate a world of features including; smart LED lighting, green sedum roofs, CCTV and Help Point facilities as well as numerous other cost-effective features for the cyclist such as lock holders, helmet lockers, seating and bike repair facilities. For more information about the FalcoHub cycle store, a demonstration of the FalcoSmart app-based lock, the FalcoPod bike hangar or any other Falco product, then please speak to one of our friendly customer service staff on (01538) 380080.

CHALLENGEAs part of a full exterior refurbishment, building envelope contractor, Alumet, required a new façade system that would transform and modernise the exterior of the Jubilee House building, which was originally installed in the early 1970s. Coupled with this was the requirement to improve thermal and energy efficiencies.SOLUTIONKnauf Insulation supplied its Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab to ensure optimal fire, thermal and acoustic performance. The key to Knauf Insulation securing the project was the ability to provide in depth technical support, including complex 3D heat flow modelling calculations which took into account the specific system brackets, which act as a significant cold bridge within rainscreen cladding systems.Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was installed on the brick facade of the existing building, which once complete, significantly improved the U-value thus reducing the heat loss through the wall.The insulation layer is a fundamental component of any successful rainscreen cladding system and mineral wool insulation delivers a number of advantages for this type of application. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is a Rock Mineral Wool slab containing a water repellent additive, designed for use on masonry wall constructions and as the outer insulation layer in steel frame projects.Quick and easy to install, the product is simple to cut and the slabs knit together to create a snug fit, with no need to tape the joints as may be required with rigid foam boards – ensuring maximum acoustic and thermal performance."We wanted to turn our headquarters into a thermally efficient building and to really project a modern ‘green’ image. The Schueco Façade system, along with Knauf Insulation’s products, helped us to achieve this as well as dramatically reducing our carbon output.We have received some fantastic feedback from local residents saying how good the new façade looks and coupled with the improved thermal efficiencies, we are very pleased."- Alumet Director, Dean Walton

Skyline fascia soffits from architectural rainwater specialists Alumasc, have been used for the extensive refurbishment of The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon.Driven by the need to enable all-weather play, renovation of the legendary Centre Court included a state-of-the-art retractable roof. From the outset, Alumasc worked closely with Architects Populous of London, on the massive six-year undertaking which resulted in one of Alumasc’s largest rainwater product installations to date. Alumasc’s Skyline soffit system was specified for the underside canopy of the stadium bowl, in order to meet the demanding performance requirements for the arena’s ceiling cladding. 6000 individual soffit modules were supplied, in 80 varying profiles and sizes, totalling an impressive 6500m² of aluminium and associated fittings. Dedication to client support was priority, with Alumasc attending numerous site meetings and manning extra shifts in order to accommodate workload and deadlines. Alumasc’s premium level of technical assistance involved the provision of full product mock-ups prior to manufacture and regular testing of the Skyline system throughout the construction process, to ensure compliance with the client’s requirements at all times.

The North Northamptonshire County Council approached Care Spaces to create a Changing Place facility at East Carlton Country Park due to a high number of disabled visitors. With limited space in the existing Visitor Centre, we installed a Care Capsule™, a modular Changing Place toilet designed offsite for easy transport and assembly. Facing access challenges, the Care Capsule™ had to be delivered in kit form and assembled on-site. Electrical and plumbing services were extended to the location. To minimize environmental impact, ground screws replaced concrete for stability without harming the natural surroundings.The customisability of the Care Capsule™ allowed the client to match the unit with the Visitor Centre's aesthetics, featuring a brick exterior and a steel security door. The unit met Changing Places standards, including Fibo® waterproof internal cladding. Care Spaces provided awareness training to park staff, and the client is pleased with the results, emphasizing the importance of accessible facilities for all visitors. Cllr Matthew Binley expressed delight, stating the facility at East Carlton Countryside Park ensures worry-free visits for everyone.

Accessible toileting facilities are crucial in public spaces to meet the diverse needs of individuals. Changing Places toilets, such as the modular Care Capsule™, provide a portable and adaptable solution for those with disabilities, ensuring they can enjoy their outings comfortably. A recent project with the Sussex Wildlife Trust exemplifies the effectiveness of Care Capsule™ in upgrading existing facilities. Despite space constraints in the visitors and education centres, a modular unit was swiftly installed adjacent to the main building, offering accessibility without the need for extensive construction within pre-existing structures.The project, initiated in January 2023, aimed for completion by the end of March 2023. The tight timeline was met through efficient processes, including a prompt site survey, proposal acceptance, and swift groundworks. Overcoming challenges like relocating a power cable, the team successfully hoisted the Care Capsule™ into place. The exterior was clad in local chestnut timber to harmonize with the surroundings, while interior features like Altro non-slip vinyl flooring, White Rock welded wall finishes, and height-adjustable units ensured both functionality and aesthetic coherence.

Challenge: Many elements of the iconic skyscraper were facing embedded steel corrosion, including the structural steel lattice columns within the colossal terracotta enclosures. The expansion of the steel caused by the corrosion was severely damaging the masonry cladding and cracking the six-foot-tall terracotta bison heads.Strategy: Installation of an impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system at the steel sections with the colonnades on 29th to 32nd floors. The system consisted of LoCem® +point® anode mortar was applied within the bed joints and drilled in to provide 360° protection of the steel surfaces. The bison heads were deconstructed, steel cleaned-up and masonry reconstructed. LoCem® is a low carbon cement alternative (AACM), which can also act as a cathodic protection anode for controlling steel frame corrosion.Outcome: The ICCP system resulted in long-term performance and control for the whole life preservation of our clients’ assets. Using AchillesICP for control over corrosion rate, and AiMS to collect the data, the client had full transparency over structural health and the power to make predictive maintenance decisions.

University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire CampusArchitect: Graven Architects, Glasgow
Installer: Elmwood Ltd
Product: Gustafs Acoustic Panel and Linear Rib SystemsBoth Gustafs Linear Ribs and a bespoke Gustafs Acoustic Panel system solution were installed to the new £110m Lanarkshire campus of the University of the West of Scotland.The ultra-modern eco-campus is powered using 100% sustainable energy houses facilities for students including the Students Union, library, computer facilities, and exhibition, lecture and meeting spaces which are available for use by local businesses as well as students.
Gustafs Linear Ribs in natural Birch veneer clad 2 facing 12m high feature walls; the co-ordinating seating areas and integrated TV screens help to integrate the acoustic solution with the collaborative social and study space.The main feature wall in the Welcome Hub is a 3 storey high bespoke concertina wall of RAL 6021 painted and PH10 perforated panels; Gustafs, LSA, and the installer worked to create an elegant installation solution using custom panel edges and solid wood elements to create the zig-zag wall. 

Lindner realised the tenant fit-out for Zürich Versicherungs-Gesellschaft AG with partition wall, door and room-in-room systems: the full panel partition system Lindner Logic Timber – cladded with perforated real wood silver fir veneer – ensures good acoustics.It is complemented by Lindner Life Stereo 125 glass partitions framed by powder-coated aluminium profiles in black and by profiles veneered with real wood – also in silver fir. The glass partition wall system is Cradle to Cradle® Silver certified and thus takes account of the sustainability concept. Wooden door elements veneered with silver fir and supplemented by wooden block frames provide access to the different areas and round off the clear visual impression.A total of 18 identical Lindner Cubes offer additional space for meetings or concentrated work – including heated/chilled ceilings, optimal lighting and acoustics as well as copying areas at the front of the outer wall. Completed WorksPartitionsPartition Systems GlassLindner Life Stereo 125Partition Systems Full PanelLindner Logic 100 TimberRoom-in-RoomLindner Cube duo

Kielder Observatory Surespan designed and manufactured two sets of bespoke double leaf hatch doors for the Kielder Observatory located in England’s largest forest in Northumberland.  The ProjectAs part of the Kielder Art and Architecture program, Charles Barclay Architects designed Kielder Observatory for the Forestry Commission. The all-timber observatory was constructed from Douglas fir with larch cladding, the pier-like building has rotating turrets that house two permanent telescopes and an observation deck. The turrets can be rotated through 360 degrees.The observatory generates its energy using a wind turbine and photovoltaic panels and includes a composting toilet. The observatory has received 2009 awards from the RIBA and The Civic Trust and featured in the inaugural World Architecture Festival.  The ProductSurespan design and manufactured two sets of bespoke double leaf hatch doors for the roof and the front of the Observatory’s two rotating turrets – one to house a 20” Pulsar manual telescope and the other for a small Mead 14” telescope.  FeaturesThese hatches are electrically operated and have been specially designed to open in a specific sequence using remote control via 24v dc actuators.      

IntroductionSurespan design and manufactured two sets of bespoke double leaf hatch doors for the Kielder Observatory located in England’s largest forest in Northumberland. Products suppliedWe supplied;Surespan designed and manufactured two sets of bespoke double leaf hatch doors for the roof and the front of the Observatory’s two rotating turrets – one to house a 20” Pulsar manual telescope and the other for a small Mead 14” telescope. Features:These hatches are electrically operated and have been specially designed to open in a specific sequence using remote control via 24v dc actuators.The projectAs part of the Kielder Art and Architecture program, Charles Barclay Architects designed Kielder Observatory for the Forestry Commission.The all-timber observatory was constructed from Douglas fir with larch cladding, the pier-like building has rotating turrets that house two permanent telescopes and an observation deck. The turrets can be rotated through 360 degrees.The observatory generates its energy using a wind turbine and photovoltaic panels and includes a composting toilet.The observatory has received 2009 awards from the RIBA and The Civic Trust and featured in the inaugural World Architecture Festival.

A duo of 13-storey and 21-storey buildings set alongside the new Abbey Wood Elizabeth Line station and the regeneration of Thamesmead estate.Interpon D2525 Stone Effect applied to cladding cassette panels that encase the envelope.

A multidisciplinary teaching and research building at the heart of Salford University Campus.A striking colour palette selected for the modified window interface and rainscreen cladding. Finishes: Interpon’s D2525 Ostuni Y2211I, Interpon D1036 RAL 3030 Gloss

A.J Wells manufactured and installed over 600 square metres of vitreous enamel cladding panels for the fourth floor of world renowned department store Harrods.The Knightsbridge store unveiled the new section in November 2013 as part of a £200m makeover. In a radical overhaul the Way In fashion section was converted into a 30,000 square foot “Fashion Lab” with cast concrete floors, crackle-glazed wall panels, steel columns and a metal grid ceiling system. The department houses an array of contemporary brands aimed at the younger market.Working with Found Associates, A.J Wells designed and manufactured the wall panels and the framing system. Vitreous enamel was specified for its durability, low maintenance and luxurious surface finish. A unique satin enamel finish was used with a subtle crackle glaze effect. The panels wrapped the walls of the store and formed counters and cash desk bulkheads. The cladding also extended into a café area within the store.The cutting edge scheme, designed by Found Associates, was deliberately minimal with uniform fixtures and fittings and plain enamel walls to counter the confusion often associated with concessions within department stores.KEY FEATURES:• Satin crackle glaze vitreous enamel• Wall cladding• Counter frontage and bulkheadsA.J WELLS SERVICES:• Design & development• Manufacture• Framing• Project management• Installation

FlexEJ has completed the design and fabrication of a batch of metal expansion joints for a UK pharmaceuticals manufacturer.Specifying an expansion joint in a pharmaceutical production line can be problematic. For this project, the piping design required expansion joints but a fundamental requirement was ease of cleaning and a complete avoidance of product retention.A possible solution could have been a pharmaceutical rubber expansion joint which is crevice free but its inherent design limits its flexibility and – as with any rubber expansion joint – it has a relatively low operating temperature limit.This formed the basis of the specification brought to FlexEJ’s engineering team. The design case was to meet 270 Deg. C and 10 Bar G with a high degree of flexibility so a metal bellow would be best suited to this application. But in a conventional bellow or expansion joint the convolutions are prone to retain product or contaminants. A liner can sometimes be used but again product can get behind the liner so the problem is not entirely eliminated.So how to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness inside the bellow once installed and in operation? The solution lay in designing a specific ‘open’ convolution profile which prevents contaminants getting lodged within the joint. The team’s clever design of profile, combining with the unit being used in vertical alignment leads to the bellow being self-draining – and at all movement positions. To achieve the high levels of purity and cleanliness required for this application’s flowing media, the bellow had to be fabricated in 316 stainless steel with a very high surface finish.The expansion joint also includes threaded mounting bars – these enable the bellows to be contracted slightly to enable easy removal from the pharmaceutical line when required. The smooth, polished rods seen in the image here are limit bars to prevent accidental over-extension. Each joint is also fitted with pharmaceutical grade aseptic flanges – smooth on the inside and sealed with an ‘o’ ring. On completion, the complete units were electro-polished for additional surface improvement and cleaning – and that gives them their photogenic qualities seen here.If you are interested in finding out more about FlexEJ's range of pharmaceutical & aseptic metal bellows, please contact our Technical Sales Team on +44 (0) 1384 881188 or send an email to sales@flexej.co.uk.

Overview Cladding on a student accommodation block needed replacing to comply with current standard and regulations. Our powder coating finishes passed stringent tests.Location: Bournemouth      Sector: Education/Residential.   Client: Metalline.  Specification: C4M Urban, A2,s1-d0  Main Contractor: Starfish   Area coated: 6000sq m.The RequirementExisting cladding on a student accommodation block at Bournemouth University International College needed replacing to comply with current standards and regulations, key amongst which is the ‘Reaction to Fire’ rating, A2, s1-d0. Also important was the need to impact futureproofing of the building by improving the building façade lifespan in its exposed coastal site, close to the Bournemouth seafront.The designers proposed a robust replacement system, which, on completion, would exceed current high-rise cladding legislation. More detail on this project can be found on the Starfish website HERE.The Powdertech Solution‘Peat Fire’, a finish from our Rust collection, a Powdertech Wood Finish shade and a RAL shade were selected by the client to be used across the building façade. These were applied as marine grade with great attention paid to metal protection pre-treatment.The building owners insisted on complete and independent fire testing of all the chosen products for the cladding. A fire barrier system was set up in Belfast under a BS 8414 testing criteria, to be conducted before acceptance of the proposed design and fixing solution. The three Powdertech finishes selected by the client were all pre-tested on the Metalline aluminium cladding and final inspection readings demonstrated full compliance. Meeting with the main contractor, Starfish, and Metalline ensured a good level of understanding and communication throughout the project.Read more on our powder coating and reaction to fire regulations HERE Why Powdertech?We offer a wide range of unique finishes; those chosen here provided the popular ‘aged and weathered’ look.All finishes are rated A2, s1-d0 for reaction to fire.Our finishes offerExcellent corrosion protection and weather resistanceHigh level of colour and gloss retention and high performance abrasion resistanceFinishes conform to BS EN 12206-1 and Qualicoat specificationsA 25-year warranty was provided for all three finishes used in this project with an expected 40-year lifespan.