"office"

This consumer giant's office refurbishment, located under the Manchester Airport flight path is a calm and relaxed workspace. With employee wellbeing at the heart of the design brief, Milliken's biophilic inspired Northward Bound and Naturally Drawn cushion-backed modular carpet provides the perfect organic look with additional acoutics performance and underfoot comfort.

The distinctive, semi-elliptical shape of the new 90m high glass and steel office building at 70 St Mary Axe in London required proven passive fire protection and acoustic solutions that could fit with the unique curved frame. Leading manufacturer of fire, acoustic and thermal insulation products, Siderise, met the challenge.

Even during normal circumstances managing the security within the workplace comes with its own challenges. 2020 has been exceptional in more ways than one; the majority of employees are working from home or on flexible working hours and companies are now looking into the viability of reducing their office space and subletting space within their building.

Metrotile is often utilised as a ‘problem solver’ material, chosen when a development needs a new roof that not only requires all of the security and aesthetics a roof should provide, but can also be installed rapidly - this is true of both new-build and refurbishment works. This lead to specification on this exciting Bristol-based office development (more at link)

The vibrant colours of Forbo Flooring System's Marmoleum Modular portfolio led the interior designers HLW, to specify the floor covering to distinguish different working areas within London- based company, Neoworks. By creating an array of bright colours in an elaborate zigzag design, HLW has managed to produce a sophisticated but lively office interior.

Design and integration of services was a key element to the success of the Lendlease Barangaroo fit-out. SAS International worked alongside both Lendlease and Hassell's project teams to ensure the SAS products integrated into the existing base build ceilings. SAS330, SAS500 and SAS750 were used in the office areas, cafe, lift lobbies and circulation areas.

Thanks to new investment from Morgan’s Hotel Group the former offices at Sea Containers House will now become Mondrian Hotel London, with Schlüter-Systems products specified throughout the 360 guest rooms, including Schlüter®-KERDI-LINE, Schlüter®-QUADEC, Schlüter®-SCHIENE, and Schlüter®-DITRA.

The HydroTap with a tailored HydroCare plan is the perfect drinking water solution for law firm. When undertaking an office refurbishment is always a good opportunity to review your company’s drinking water supply. It’s often the case that with growth, the kettle is no longer up to the job of providing your workforce with the hot drinks they need, day after day.

The ChallengeModern paving was required to complement state-of-the-art offices Scott Brownrigg’s design aim was to attract the world’s most high-tech companies to the Science Park. The architecture, design and landscaping of Buildings 1 and 2 was key to setting the tone for the tech hotspot. Buildings 1 and 2 form a new gateway to the dedicated technology estate while collectively making up 210,000ft2 of commercial office space.  The two-building design spans four storeys tall and showcases a striking colonnade. The cladded feature columns provide an impressive new entrance to the park, while echoing the curve of the spine road. Buildings 1 and 2 offer a dedicated pedestrian and cycle area. The public realm space between the two buildings required extensive paving which complemented the state-of-the-art buildings. The client’s primary objective was to remove existing, dated buildings and replace them with state-of-the-art facilities for the scientific community. The master plan has sustainability and efficiency at the core of its design.The SolutionTobermore’s high quality granite aggregate paving accentuates the contemporary office scheme Tobermore supplied paving of exceptional quality to complement the state-of-the-art office hub. The public realm space between the two buildings features Tobermore’s granite aggregate paving in contemporary grey tones. The dedicated pedestrian and cycle area are paved with Braemar, Fusion and Hydropave Fusion which all feature a striking granite aggregate surface which adds to the ultra-modern scheme. Braemar offers a premium concrete paving product with aesthetic appeal of natural granite. It boasts a striking, contemporary look while being a more cost-effective and sustainable alternative to natural stone.  Fusion made a modern striking entrance to the Science Park. The area required a combination of permeable and impermeable paving. It would take a keen eye to spot where the standard block paving ends and permeable paving starts. Hydropave Fusion and Fusion was applied in permeable and non-permeable format which added continuity to the streetscape.  The new buildings achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The facilities provide a much-needed innovation hub for scientists and graduates, and successfully generated income for Trinity College. 

After 20 years in its Judd Street office in London’s Kings Cross, the Royal National Institute of Blind People recently moved to a new head office that better suited the charity’s evolving needs. The Grimaldi Building, a characterful self-contained office, serves as the charity's new London hub. Months of detailed planning and a thoughtful fit-out was required to ensure the new office facilities met the needs of all the RNIB employees and visitors. Understandably, accessible drinking water was a top priority."Zip HydroTaps have been used on a number of our projects and I have always found the team at Zip very willing to engage and explore a variety of user needs, which is really helpful – accessibility, clarity and ease of use is always a primary consideration for all our projects" Jean Hewitt, Inclusive Designer | Buro HappoldThe briefAn essential amenity in the workplace, the RNIB needed to provide staff, visitors and volunteers with easy access to both boiling and chilled drinking water, for hot and cold beverages. Integrated consulting engineers and advisers Buro Happold had their inclusive design expert Jean Hewitt on hand to support the RNIB with the Grimaldi building refurbishment, advising on accessibility. Her primary focus was ensuring that the building design considered those with sight loss and with this in mind, began her search for a drinking water system that was as inclusive as possible.The solutionOur HydroTap Accessibility range is designed specifically to support visually impaired, wheelchair and limited dexterity users. Jean chose to specify two HydroTap Accessibility models that provide instant filtered boiling and chilled drinking water. “I was attracted by the accessibility features, such as very clear colour coding and easy grip extended ‘ears’ for people who may have reduced dexterity and grip. The inclusion of tactile and Braille markings makes the use of the tap more intuitive for everyone,” explains Jean.The results"Zip HydroTaps have been used on a number of our projects and I have always found the team at Zip very willing to engage and explore a variety of user needs, which is really helpful – accessibility, clarity and ease of use is always a primary consideration for all our projects"Jean Hewitt , Inclusive DesignerBuro Happold

See how our innovative acoustic solutions helped create a modern, flexible and social space for accountants and tax advisers across their 10,000 sq ft office in Chelmsford. The project included different colours and textures and given the sensitive nature of some of their work, the scheme also included quiet spaces, meeting rooms and work pods.

Sugar House Island is a 26 acre area of land being developed by Vastint UK in east London. The first phase is a collection of eight historic and new office buildings targeted at the creative industries. Location: London Contractor: VastintArchitect: Bryden Wood Aspex supplied: Entrance doorsets, communal doorsets and Novista riser doors

Granada Glazing designed, manufactured and installed bespoke aluminium secondary glazing as part of a £12 million refurbishment of the traditional Newport Market in South Wales.Providing a quiet internal environment was essential as the refurbished building will house more than 100 independent businesses, such as ‘street food’ restaurants, a workspace hub and offices, alongside 42 affordable apartments.

Founded back in 1896, the German School Madrid is one of the oldest German international schools. In 2009, the Berlin-based office Grüntuch Ernst Architects won the competition to construct a new building. The result is a building which houses a nursery school, primary school and secondary school for approx. 300 nursery school children and 1,500 pupils.

Four Grant Aerona³ air source heat pumps have been installed at Caerphilly Council Tir Y Berth Depot, providing renewable heating to a number of offices. The installation of Grant heat pumps was part of a wider redevelopment programme which has transformed the space to maximise its potential while also reducing carbon emissions.

For this software company's central Paris offices, the woven textural aesthetic of Milliken's Crafted Series provides a great way to demarcate and highlight key zones throughout the space. Dissident 2.0 in layered tones of blue reinforce Pega's brand identity and provide luxurious underfoot comfort and acoustic performance thanks to its Comfort Plus cushion backing.

Project type: Commercial Offices Development cost: £11m Product: Anodised Aluminium Raking Fascia & Secret Fix Soffit Panels, Modulated Finish: Anodised to UA-150-0 Blue colour Shade Client: Aviva Architect: Scott Brownrigg Architects Main Contractor: Gilbert Ash-NI Ltd Sub Contractor: Alufix

The historic restoration of one of London's most iconic locations, Bush House, previously occupied by the BBC World Service for 70 Years. Working with JRA, Milliken installed: Classrooms - Arctic Survey, Isotherm / Corridors - Culture Canvas and Custom Design / Office Areas - Omni-Admit One and in the Lecture Theatre - Clerkenwell, Circle Top View.

Baker McKenzie’s offices in New Bridge Street has been equipped with the latest in glass partitions. These partitions make up a large part of the theme of their newly designed London Headquarters. Alongside designer, KKS Strategy and main contractor, Twenty1 Construction we have provided a fit-out bursting with vibrant colour and innovative design.

The neoclassical Grade II listed Samuel Alexander building was opened in 1919 and is part of the University of Manchester’s South Campus. Following recent significant investment, the building’s academic offices and teaching spaces have been refurbished and breakout areas created, and the reception and café have been remodelled. The building houses the University’s School of Arts, Languages and Cultures.

The new Cobham Free School comes following the refurbishment of an existing 1990s office building into state-of-the-art teaching facilities, the school opened its doors to senior pupils in September 2020. To meet the required performance for education buildings, Southern Industrial Roofing worked with ROCKWOOL to design a robust acoustic and non-combustible insulation specification.

The Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) is a complex of two residential skyscrapers designed by Boeri Studio (Stefano Boeri, Gianandrea Barreca, and Giovanni La Varra) and located in the Porta Nuova district of Milan, Italy. They have a height of 116 metres (381 ft) and 84 m (276 ft) and within the complex is an 11-storey office building

The form of the building was created by owner / developer David Grainger with Trespa® products in mind. He says: "Having seen this material used for offices in and around London and major residential apartment buildings, I decided to use the product on the house." He adds: "It was well worth doing, particularly in respect of the low-maintenance requirements of the product."

This high profile project in The Shard was a complete office fit-out, designed to future-proof and meet the end client’s operational needs. The modern design featured Vtec’s MaxiBeam system and Supacoustic panels. These systems allow for excellent visual appeal and acoustic performance combined with being easy to install and flexible to incorporate the specific access requirements.

𝗕𝗘𝗜𝗥𝗨𝗧 𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡Beirut explosion 4th August 2020.On August 4th 2020, a major explosion in the port of Beirut estimated as the equivalent of between 1,000 and 1,500 tonnes of TNT was witnessed. The explosion in Beirut was one of the largest man-made non-nuclear explosions ever witnessed and created widespread devastation through a supersonic blast wave radiating throughout the city.Fortunately for some, Abbey Protect 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗦® were fitted to a number of windows throughout Beirut. While these were originally fitted as counter terrorism measures, the benefits of having these installed were clear.In one building, the difference in protection between “bomb blast window film” and 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗦® where the blast filmed windows had significantly fragmented and caused damage to the interior offices. The offices fitted with 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗦® “it looked as if nothing had happened” (quote from client).𝗔𝗯𝗯𝗲𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 are very proud of the performance of our blinds in this significant event, the injuries and deaths that were avoided as a result of their installation are priceless.

Bermondsey Spa is a transformation of a neglected corner of south London into one with well designed homes, streets, spaces, and places for the local community. Located in Southwark, close to Tower Bridge and Bermondsey Underground station. 2,000 new homes, 40% of which are affordable housing, have been created. 16 GP surgeries in two new health centres, a NHS dental practice, pharmacy, youth, and play facilities, 2.5 hectares of re-landscaped open space, bicycle parks, council offices and a One Stop Shop, shops, including a food retail store, and offices for the Southwark Primary Care Trust have been constructed.Cellecta’s YELOfon HD10+ was specified by Levitt Bernstein for this development for its acclaimed resilient layer which isolates floating screed from the structural concrete floor. YELOfon HD10+ has superior impact sound deadening properties, is light weight and is easy to handle and install.Hyde Group was awarded this 25,000m² contract to construct this development in one of the most vibrant places to live in London.

When Dundee-based architects Jon Frullani wanted to refurbish their own Grade B listed office they turned to international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply 250m2 of their Creation 70 LVT Dryback vinyl flooring in ‘Deep Forest’.Creation 70 LVT is a synthetic, decorative, flexible, antistatic abrasion group T floorcovering available in tile or plank, with bevelled edges. It consists in a 0.70 mm thick transparent wear layer, a design film, and a Resilient Comfort Core to provide softness and comfort surface.The LVT flooring has been used throughout the practice including the offices, communal areas including corridors, staff break-out areas, recreation space and the kitchen.Jon Frullani, Architect, and Company owner commented, “We specified Creation 70 LVT from Gerflor as it was the most suited product for our bespoke requirements. In fact, there is not one level floor in the entire building and the Creation 70 LVT has coped very well in this challenging situation.”

The UK Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA)’s new facility will provide additional capacity for the STEP research programme at the campus in Culham, Oxfordshire as scientists seek to demonstrate the ability to generate net energy from fusion.Planet’s western contracting team offered their services in the creation of the site’s meeting room and office facilities across all four floors of the building.For meeting and conference rooms requiring high acoustic privacy, our double glazed and frameless PURE100 partition system (Rw 47 dB) was coupled with IsoPro pivoting glazed doors. Some doors were finished with eye-catching UKAEA branded manifestation.Elevated half-height partition screens surrounding breakout areas comprised single glazed PURE20 (Rw 35 dB).Finally, Firestop Ei30 single glazed fire rated screens (Rw 39 dB) were installed to create a fire line on each floor between the building’s offices and the internal atrium.

Two New Bailey is the 188,500 sq ft state-of-the-art of office development in the heart of Salford, Manchester.The building is designed to provide flexible working environments full of character; referencing the spirit of Salford’s industry and the site’s setting on the River Irwell. The unmissable red steel structure is exposed and brought to the outside to provide solar shading for the elegantly fabricated façade, created using Reynaers bespoke EF 86 unitised curtain walling - a complicated solution where the steel actually penetrated the façade!Sustainability and occupier wellbeing is at the heart of this impressive ten-storey office development and can be seen throughout, the building achieves a Grade A BREEAM-rated specification, and is equipped with bike storage, outdoor terraces and stunning panoramic views of Salford and beyond.Two New Bailey is already home to some prestigious companies with others following suit. We’re thrilled to be involved with such a vibrant and unique project! Products used: EF 86 bespoke unitised curtain wallingContractor: StaticusFabricator: Bowmer & KirklandArchitects: AHMM

Absorb-R Cellulous Acoustic Spray Plaster PLUS, a perfect combination of Absorb-R GypLine aw and Absorb-R GypLine VisibleSoundis were contracted to supply and install Absorb-R Cellulous Acoustic Spray Plaster PLUS in Sapphire Blue to the ceilings on the Ground Floor and Fourth Floor at the FORA's new offices at 20 Grosvenor Street, London. Comprising 39,700 sq ft of best-in-class offices and 1,400 sq ft of retail space, 20 Grosvenor Street is a landmark Mayfair building, designed by award-winning architect Flanagan Lawrence and delivered by Grosvenor in 2014. Fora partnered with Millennium to design and deliver a flexible workspace solution tailored to their precise business requirements, in their own private premises. Absorb-R Cellulous Acoustic Spray Plaster PLUS was chosen due to its unlimited colour range, allowing the client to have the Sapphire Blue colour they wanted. Installation was carried out by our installation partner UK Acoustic Systems

25 Churchill Place is a 23 storey commercial office tower in Canary Wharf, London. The tower includes 20 floors of high quality (Grade A) office space and is one of the most energy efficient office buildings in the area. Environmental features include lifts that store energy that is re-used elsewhere in the building, and also a highly efficient air conditioning system.Standing at 130m tall, 25 Churchill Place has a VIGIL2 EVAS voice alarm system and an Omnicare EVC system installed.Initially the voice alarm system was installed to service the ‘shell and core’ of the building, with the system racks being designed and built to enable the fitting of ‘tenant’ functionality as and when required. This process is easily achieved due to the modular design of a VIGIL voice alarm system and is a frequently used benefit for ‘new builds’.For the disabled refuge and fire telephone system (EVC), the loop wired Omnicare system was chosen. Canary Wharf Contractors (landlord of BP4) opted for the dual coloured combined fire telephone (red)/disabled refuge (green) outstation which provides users with a choice of communication method.Both systems were designed and installed by Global Fire & Security Systems - one of our Gold Account achievers. Commenting on the installation, Stuart Beeley, Operations Director, Global Fire & Security Systems, said “We have worked closely with Canary Wharf Contractors and Baldwin Boxall on many great projects, and BP4 is another one to add to that list. We choose Baldwin Boxall systems, not only because we know them to be well built and reliable, but because of the support we receive from the company - at all levels.”

The refurbishment has turned a dilapidated 1970’s office block into a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ building with a bright and airy interior and a visually stunning exterior that has created an iconic landmark within Eastleigh city centre. Metalline’s glazed in Ultima aluminium insulated panels have provided the finishing touch to the external façade of the recently refurbished council offices in Eastleigh, Hampshire. The refurbishment has turned a dilapidated 1970’s office block into a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ building with a bright and airy interior and a visually stunning exterior that has created an iconic landmark within Eastleigh city centre. The exterior façade featured a range of horizontal, corner and vertical Ultima panels glazed in on all four sides to a Kawneer structural glazed system. Each of the 50 vertical panels were manufactured by Metalline in aluminium in 3150 mm lengths and joined together to form an impressive 6300mm long aspect. The Ultima flat panels were finished in a grey Syntha Pulvin, whereas the Ultima feature panels complete with a 76mm projection were finished in both green and white Syntha Pulvin, these added a stylish and modern appearance to the building envelope. Metalline’s Ultima aluminium insulated panels are extremely versatile and possess excellent acoustic, thermal and fire performance ratings. They are typically produced using class A1 non-combustible insulation core and can be adapted to fit a variety of facade details, which include the ability to be glazed into a standard curtain walling, or as in the Eastleigh project, a structural glazing system. The panels can also be perforated and manufactured into a variety of shapes to meet the most challenging design criteria. Unity aluminium insulated panels can now be fabricated in an impressive 6000mm in one length.

Victorian Library receives perimeter sealing system and sash window repair by VentrollaKEY FEATURES: COMMERCIAL, SASH WINDOWS, PUBLIC BUILDING, RENOVATION, VENTROLLA PERIMETER SEALING SYSTEM (VPSS), VICTORIAN.Ventrolla leant a hand with the renovation at Gants Hill Library, Ilford, repairing 12 period timber windows.The work formed part of a major refurbishment project overseen by Ongar-based construction company, Bolt & Heeks Ltd. The project took three months to complete and involved extensive repairs to the building’s original art deco features, including a number of architectural glass roof lights and the parquet flooring.Paula Garsdon, Marketing Manager for Bolt & Heeks, said:“The library dates back to 1938 and it was important to carry out maintenance work in a way that was sympathetic to its origins. We liaised closely with the Borough’s Conservation Officer and carefully selected partners, including Ventrolla, who specialise in dealing with historic buildings.”“The library has been refurbished throughout and this, together with the renovated windows, creates a comfortable and welcoming environment for visitors to enjoy.”Gants Hill is the oldest library in the London Borough of Redbridge. Now reopened to the public, it features new study areas, an additional eight computer terminals, wi-fi access in the reading room and new themed areas for children and teenagers.Ventrolla offers a bespoke renovation service for timber sliding sash and casement windows as well as timber doors. Its unique Perimeter Sealing System significantly improves the window’s performance and energy efficiency.Ventrolla's central office is in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with regional Ventrolla offices located throughout the UK and Ireland.

The Home Office and British police forces wanted a rapidly-deployed high-security temporary fencing solution that would resist forcible attack by crowds or vehicles and with no below-ground foundations to help cut the cost of policing party political conferences.The solution had to pass Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) and crowd control/mob attack testing and offer protection normally only available from permanent fixed installations. It also had to be installed and removed quickly within tight timescales.The SolutionZaun developed its RDS Fence and RDS PAS68 and then worked with the Home Office and Sussex Police to take it through testing against attack by 2.5 and 7.5-tonne vehicles to PAS68:2010 V2500 (N1G)/48/90:4.7/0.0 and PAS68:2010 V7500 (N2)/48/90:6.0/0.0 standards.RDS, which won the Security Innovation Award 2013, uniquely provides HVM up to 30mph in a rapidly deployed temporary fencing solution and was tested on- event for the first time at the European Committee of Ministers meeting.It was such a success that Sussex Police advised it was bought for the autumn party conferences, estimating a saving of 90% of police time when it was next used at the Lib Dem Conference.The Home Office initially bought 600 metres of RDS fencing, including access portals, turnstiles and gates, which was then used for the Labour and Conservative conferences that followed. It has since quadrupled the amount.RDS Fence is Secured by Design. It goes up to 3m and can include CCTV, PIDS, vehicle gates and pedestrian portals. It suits sites with moderate undulations in ground levels and differing standards of ground standings.

This is Vita Student Newcastle, a new development of 259 high quality student accommodation studios on Westgate Road in Newcastle town centre. Architects and interior designers Fuse worked with Historic England and the city’s planning and design officers to develop a façade that is unashamedly contemporary, but has a timeless quality the client required, complementing the neighbouring buildings without imitating them.

The challenge was to complete a full specification for a former office building that was being redeveloped to bring together Northcroft Surgery and St. Mary’s Surgery, creating the Strawberry Hill Medical Centre. The specification needed to accommodate patient safety, comfort and movement around the facility, alongside the staff’s need for efficient and secure access to certain areas... Click on the link below to read more.