"ceiling"

The ChallengeLocated in the city of Nancy, the Centre Prouvé offers a flexible conference space complete with a 3000 m² exhibition hall, two auditoriums, thirteen meeting rooms and a panoramic reception area.With glass playing an integral role in the building design, the architect required a proven smoke control solution that would not distort the aesthetics of the development while adhering to safety regulations. Additionally, due to the high footfall of visitors, the chosen solution would have to be maintenance-free.As a leading fire-glass specialist, Pyroguard was approached by the architect Marc Barani of Atelier Barani to offer a suitable solution.The SolutionTo meet these requirements Pyroguard recommended Smokeguard – a permanent, maintenance-free glazing solution that acts as a smoke barrier, keeping low-level toxic fumes at bay for up to half an hour to give visitors maximum time to exit the building safely.Thanks to its perfect transparency, Smokeguard also met the aesthetic requirements with the 8 mm thick tempered monolithic glass offering 87 percent light transmission, to provide the perfect transparent protective barrier with minimal visual impact.As a result, over 100 m² of Smokeguard was installed in the atrium, escalators, and lift areas utilising its patented fastening system to mount the system to the ceiling areas.Click here for further information on Smokeguard or for further advice and support please contact us.

GCB (Guan Chong Berhad) Cocoa UK Limited is a new chocolate factory that opened in Glemsford in 2023. GCB Cocoa was established in Asia when it started trading cocoa beans in the 1980s. The new chocolate factory produces liquid and solid chocolates. The site of the factory is 17-acre which will include new access, car parking, manufacturing facilities, warehousing, and biomass container to supply renewable energy for the manufacturing procedure.Our team Helmsman manufactured, delivered, and installed 14 bespoke cubicles as the clients requested floor-to-ceiling ‘Inline’ changing cubicles, with the measurements to be 2817mm high, 950 wide, and with the door opening at 1950mm. Additionally, they have 14 benches within the changing cubicles that are 900mm wide and 300mm depth.The Inline cubicles were requested to be 'Designer White', which we were supplied by Greenlam. 'Designer White' is a simple colour that stands out. The Cubicle head rail and channel were powder coated in White Aluminium to outline the cubicles.Inside the cubicles, the benches are plasticated in silver grey with slats in 'Arctic White'. These materials are designed to withstand a wet environment so are perfect for changing rooms at GCB Cocoa.Get in touch today if you have a similar project, or want any more information on the products mentioned, give us a call at 01284 530 427.

Forming an important part of a £200m redevelopment, the flagship three building Llys Cadwyn (Chain Court) mixed-use riverside development encompasses office and retail units alongside a state-of-the-art library, café, leisure fitness and community facilities in the heart of Pontypridd. Owner client, Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council, awarded the design of this eye-catching project to Darnton B3 Architects, who have worked with Willmott Dixon since 2018, to bring the innovative, ambitious £38m scheme to fruition. Around 9500m2 of Rockfon acoustic ceiling and wall systems are installed throughout the three building scheme to add a wow factor and help create healthy interiors where people can work, visit, study, socialise and relax. Architecture that looks and feels good The facades of two of the buildings are glazed, with those facing the riverside designed with sun-deflecting vertical fins in a mix of warm primary colours from yellow through to orange and red – adding a positive, contemporary accent. The third building sits in contrast to the others with its organic, aardvark curved outer shell clad completely in shimmering zinc tiles, reminiscent of the futuristic Bullring in Birmingham and the Guggenheim in Bilbao. The twin buildings required high levels of sound absorption due to the predominantly open-plan office interiors on their upper floors. Independent research shows that stress levels are reduced by 27% and focus is increased by 48% by improved acoustics in these environments. The high light reflectance offered by our ceiling systems optimises natural light, aiding wellbeing and helping provide the best working conditions whilst minimising energy usage and costs. Ensuring the desired Shhh In the Library, sound control was an obvious specification requirement. Happily, Rockfon ranges - including Rockfon® Universal™ Baffles - offer acoustic performance which deliver the desired Shh. Elsewhere in the café, gym and community spaces, our products are tough enough to deal with the impact of heavy use. Darnton B3 Project Architect, Martin Hurley, “I met with our client to discuss the acoustics in a large atria which sits between the children’s, and general reference libraries. We agreed to create a feature art wall using a selection of colours influenced by the council’s own corporate identity. The completed design works really well, delivering the visual impact and sound control we desired. Rockfon Eclipse® wall panels were used to create the stylish art wall, featuring dark greys, purples, turquoise, teal, lime and orange which were NCS-matched. Eclipse can be specified in a variety of shaped formats with a clean minimalistic A-edge and unlimited custom colour matching. Quick and easy to install, the fixing kit allows panels to be set at varying distances from the wall to enhance creative possibilities. Delivering the dream Tonypandy-based M&P Group, were responsible for the installation. The firm’s Andrew Pearce commented, “Co-ordinating the process of installation across three buildings within a tight, riverside, city-centre site presented particular challenges. It was vital the supply line remained on schedule, with deliveries on-time and in good order – something the Rockfon team helped ensure. In fact, the project came together well and everyone is very pleased with the completed job.” Nevill Long Area Sales Manager, Mike Parkin, “This was a technically and aesthetically interesting project to be involved with. It was a pleasure to work with Rockfon to ensure the correct materials were delivered on time and in full.” Great performance and fabulous looks Rockfon Specification Manager Rowan Green, “It was really beneficial to be part of the design specification process for this landmark build from an early stage. A guiding requirement was to achieve the least visible grid, using a selection of Rockfon ranges to create aesthetically pleasing results with high levels of sound absorption. In addition to the Eclipse feature wall, versatile, technologically advanced Rockfon Blanka® was installed throughout the three buildings, with specialised Blanka Bas utilised in meeting rooms to promote speech intelligibility. Rockfon® Koral™ was used exclusively within washrooms and lobbies.” The Rockfon Blanka range offers a wide choice of alternatives for installation and usage. All embody Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection and >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation >26dB. Blanka’s easy clean, anti-static surface prolongs product life and is non-directional, which speeds up installation, saving time and money. Within the futuristic building, an arrangement of elegant, circular, Rockfon Eclipse islands, in white, are hung from ceiling wires, creating the illusion they are floating in mid-air. In common with other Rockfon ranges, Rockfon Koral offers excellent sound absorption and the highest fire safety characteristics. It is easy to clean with a vacuum or a damp cloth and is available in semi-concealed and visible grid options.

Like a lot of homeowners, William Oakley had an under-utilised part of his house. In his case an old outbuilding that had been used for storing the accumulation of life’s odds and ends. Lockdown saw high growth in repurposing previously neglected parts of people’s homes to better suit their lifestyle and leisure choices. William decided a new soundproof cinema room would be a far better use of this space, giving his family a much-needed entertainment area.This is the space William Started withWilliam engaged Cinema Rooms Ltd, a specialist AV equipment supplier and One Off Studio Ltd who specialise in the build and installation of Home Cinemas and Studios.Due to the proximity of the proposed soundproof cinema room to neighbouring properties, it was decided to investigate what acoustic treatments were available. Without adequate acoustic insulation, William’s neighbours may have been subjected to significant noise pollution resulting in potential neighbourhood disputes.Following a quick online search, William found iKoustic, a leading UK supplier of acoustic solutions. Discussing the available options with William and his installation team, iKoustic’s experts were able to advise on the most appropriate system to meet his needs. This included MuteClip, MuteCradle and Tecsound SY70, the quick and easily installed acoustic system providing market-leading acoustic benefits.iKoustic acoustic expert Richard Woodhouse explained, ‘Finding the right solution was imperative for all parties. The system we proposed using MuteClip, MuteCradle and Tecsound SY70 was a cost-effective solution to a complex but often seen problem. The impact of unwanted noise is such an emotive issue in noisy neighbours’ scenarios often resulting in easily avoided disputes if the right materials are included in the project from the outset. iKoustic take pride in sharing our knowledge with installers and end users to ensure the job is right the first time, saving expensive and intrusive remedial work.’Maciek Helfer of One-Off Studio commented, ‘This is the first time I’ve worked with the MuteClip and MuteChannel acoustic system. It was so quick and easy to install. I also found it very useful I could FaceTime Richard at iKoustic with any installation queries when building the soundproof cinema room’. Simon Gregory of Cinema Rooms enthusiastically added, ‘We only work with the highest specification brands and products to bring customers the best Home Cinema experience. The iKoustic team’s expertise and products fall into this category and we’ll definitely be using them again.’William’s soundproof cinema room is now fully operational and thanks to iKoustic his family can enjoy the latest blockbusters in glorious surround sound late into the evening, while his neighbours enjoy a peaceful night safe in the knowledge the biggest Hollywood stars will only be joining William. William commented, ‘We finally got to test out the soundproofing for the first time today with some serious SPL! The system has worked beautifully, barely a whisper outside. Fantastic job iKoustic!’https://www.ikoustic.co.uk/systems/floating-floors-and-under-screed/mutecradle-1630mm-concreteMuteCradle 16/30 was used to create a raised floor with the added benefit that the cradle and packers also allow accommodation of unevenness within the subfloor.The raised floor not only improves acoustic performance but allows servicing to be run through the floor void. Ideal for a soundproof cinema room.Wallshttps://www.ikoustic.co.uk/systems/masonry-wall/muteclip-stud-doubleMuteClip® Stud Double consists of an independent stud frame treated around the perimeter with Isolation Strip F5, MuteClip and MuteChannel are installed to the face of the stud. A double layer of 15mm acoustic board with Tecsound SY70 sandwiched between the two boards is then installed to MuteClip Channels.The system not only adds significant mass to the partition, but the layers of mass are decoupled from the structure by MuteClip. MuteClip is, in effect, a shock absorber – creating a ‘buffer’ between layers of mass and the core construction.The depth of the wall system also allows for servicing to run through the wall cavity of the soundproof cinema room.Ceilinghttps://www.ikoustic.co.uk/systems/timber-ceiling/muteclip-lp-doubleAs the ceiling height was restricted initially and further reduced by specifying a floating floor, MuteClip® LP (Low Profile) was used to minimise further loss in height.MuteClip LP again is a mini-shock absorber that decouples layers of mass from the core construction.With MuteClip LP you recess the clip and most of the channel into the joist cavity with channels running parallel to joists, this leaves just a few mm of channel sitting proud of the bottom of the joists – an acoustic benefit of MuteClip but with little encroachment on head height. This works great in a soundproof cinema room.If you are looking to build a soundproof cinema room you can contact ikoustic and our friendly team will guide you with everything you need to know to get started. Contact us today.

PROJECT OVERVIEW IQE, the leading supplier of advanced wafer products and material solutions to the semiconductor industry, planned a £100million investment to create a state-of-the-art semiconductor facility over the next ten years. The works were undertaken on the old LG site in Newport, which had stood redundant for twenty years. The new compound semiconductor wafer foundry is set up at the site as part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to creating the world’s first ‘semiconductor cluster.’We were first engaged by the architects Atkins, who was looking for a system that could be installed to expeditated programme but still achieve the GMP standards, including ISO 4 to ISO 7 cleanrooms. Atkins saw the Norwood Mediline partition 60min fire rated system as the perfect solution, allowing the build to be prefabricated and modulated, however still giving their second fix subcontractors full access to the partition void, which included gases and electrical works. We worked closely with Atkins, developing a design that could be installed quickly but maintained a high quality and specification.  During the construction phase, we worked closely with the appointed principal contractors, CMB Engineering. The project was delivered on time and recognised in Wales by winning the Constructing Excellence awards. Norwood’s relationship with CMB Engineering and Atkins has continued to grow, securing several future projects with the team.As part of our scope, we designed, manufactures and installed our Medline solid and glazed partitions, walk on ceiling and fire rated single and double doors.

Marble Arch is a fascinating structure with an intriguing history. Not to mention its unique location and the fact that it is surrounded by some of the most sought-after and expensive properties in London.Originally designed in the 1820s by John Nash the arch was planned to be used as an entrance to Buckingham Palace. It served this purpose for seventeen years before being removed and rebuilt stone by stone in 1851. It then stood as an entrance to Hyde Park for fifty years before it was completely cut off due to a new road scheme.Not far from this historic monument stands two mixed-use buildings that make up Marble Arch Place. A seventeen-storey high-end residential building, The Bryanston and a seven-storey office building adjacent. Designed by Rafeal Vinoly Architects and constructed by Multiplex, this development cost £261 million and is certainly a sight to behold where Mayfair meets Hyde Park.We worked with the architect to fulfil their design aspirations and supplied them our concealed riser doors throughout the 83,000sq ft office building. They provide a sleek, flush finish in the main office spaces whilst next door, Enigma sliding pocket doors were supplied to the residential building.The 54 apartments have a modern interior with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise the stunning panoramic views across Hyde Park, Oxford Street and beyond. The vision behind the redevelopment as stated by Almacantar ‘was to transform it into a place that not only re-establishes the majesty of its location – but makes a lasting contribution of its own.’

application area: commercial kitchen extractuse type: school kitchen air extractionproject scope: line brick duct with four linersadded value: 25-year guarantee on liner, no need to fit and maintain chimney fansBackgroundVentilFlex-25 engineers were to supply and install a bespoke kitchen canopy solution for a grade 2 listed school building in Hampshire. The bespoke canopy could not be fixed to the walls or the ceiling, which was 14 meters high.The 20-metre ventilation shaft had metal supporting crossbars. This made it impossible for any rigid extraction ducting system to be installed without affecting the integrity of the structure. The client opted for a kitchen extraction system with a different approach – VentilFlex-25 RKV – a composite liner solution supplied in a flat and soft state. The bespoke-made liners are useful for ducts where access is difficult or if the duct has bends and offsets.The main challenge of this installation was to insert and inflate 4 VentilFlex-25 RKV liners simultaneously. This way the liners would fill the available duct space evenly and act as a single large liner.Statement of workThe steaming took a few hours, during which the high temperature started a chemical reaction in the composite structure which solidified the resin and gave the liners their final physical characteristics – tensile strength, high corrosion-resistance, high heat-resistance and an air-tight finish. The new VentilFlex-25 RKV liners provide an outlet for the gases coming from 3 combi ovens, 2 range ovens a fryer and a grill.

Altro kitchen system provides a perfect fitAltro Whiterock White, Altro Stronghold 30“We chose Altro Whiterock because it provides an easy to maintain, hygienic surface that is ideal for kitchens and have up to date fire certification.”Ben Rodgers,Cladpro LtdIssueBannold are one of the UKs largest independent family run suppliers of natural hard landscaping materials. Based in Cambridgeshire, Bannold wanted to refurbish 1920 railway carriages to create a tea room for customers.The Carriage Tea Room had a dated wooden substrate that needed to be replaced with a modern hygienic clinical finish for the kitchen facilities. The walls were not a square flat surface and needed a flexible product that could be fitted into the space. Floors and walls had to be easy to clean and maintain and fit into an environment without a straight line.ApproachCladpro are leading Altro Whiterock Premier installers specialising in hygienic wall finishes, floor coverings and ceilings. They suggested the Altro kitchen solution for the kitchen carriage. All the walls were thermoformed and wrapped to fit the unusual shape of the carriage.SolutionAltro Stronghold 30 keeps staff safe, with Altro’s highest slip-resistant rating of (PTV 55, R12) even with common kitchen contaminants such as grease, oil and flour. With 3mm comfort underfoot and 10dB impact sound insulation, it makes busy and noisy kitchen environments more comfortable for staff. Combined with Altro Whiterock it creates a full sealed solution to maintain the highest levels of safety and hygiene.

Project Overview: Re-imagination of a first-generation Canary Wharf building. ServiceFull hardware scheduling service. Project Details This clever redesign of YY London by Architects Buckley Gray Yeoman (BGY) centres around the wellbeing of its occupants created by maximising natural light, reducing overall energy demand and choosing materials that support health and well being. The space was reimagined to incorporate a new triple height lobby with feature staircase, floor to ceiling glazing throughout to maximise natural light and the addition of outside terraces on most floors.3v worked in partnership with BGY to develop the perfect Ironmongery scheme to enhance their design aspirations. Scheduled in the aftermath of Covid, the scheme included a full hardware scheduling service incorporating the use of a biocote anti bacterial finish in high traffic areas on all tangible stainless steel products such as pull handles and push plates. ‘Chris and the 3v team were a pleasure to work with and proactive in helping us adapt the ironmongery package in response to the pandemic. We’re really pleased how seamlessly the ironmongery has been integrated into the joinery finishes and look forward to continuing our collaboration on future projects.’Adam Whitlock Wood, BGYOur ironmongery is often the first physical product visitors interact with in their journey through a space, it is important that it looks good, feels right and functions correctly to fulfil the user experience and the architects design intent. Our simple 250 and 234 pull handles add an elegant finishing touch to this inspiring and vibrant space.An outstanding project to be involved with.Photography: Neil Kenyon

Streamlight Tower is a residential skyscraper in London that was completed in 2012. The building has 24 stories and contains a total of 174 dwellings ranging from 1-5 bedroom apartments. The upper floors of the tower offer panoramic views of the city, and many of the apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows.The Streamlight Tower is a striking addition to the Providence Square development in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The slender, tower stands out against the brick and glass of its surroundings, and its simple form is punctuated by a series of recessed balconies. The tower has a signature angled roof, which provides a dramatic focal point for the development. The Streamlight Tower is an excellent example of contemporary architecture, and its unique design is sure to make it a popular landmark in the area.Just a stone’s throw from Streamlight Tower are restaurants, coffee shops, a gym, convenience stores and much more. A short drive is The O2 which is home to many shopping outlets, bars, restaurants and a Cineworld cinema. There are plenty of places to visit including Central Park and Crazy Putt London.The Facade has recently been updated with approximately 3400m2 of Valcan’s VitraDual which has been installed onto the building. VitraDual’s benefits from a A1 rating (to BS EN 13501-1 fire classification) which means the product non-combustible.As always, it’s been great working with MK Facades on this project who have installed the cladding panels. The team at MK Facades has worked hard on this project and we’re very happy with the progress, and look of this magnificent building.