"acoustic"

Standing tall in a prime location at the entrance to the Salford Quays – one of Greater Manchester’s most vibrant and prominent media and culture hubs – Anchorage Gateway is here to make a statement. The 250,640 sq ft, 29-storey residential high-rise, completed three months ahead of schedule, is set to be the tallest residential brickwork building in the UK.  Yet, behind this traditional brick façade finish is a design that demanded a modern approach to diverting moisture from the cavity to the outside of the building, using construction methods far more efficient than the conventional. Key information Completion date September 2023 Sector Residential Developer Cole Waterhouse Main Contractor Domis Construction Façade Contractor Kinlan Brickwork Delivery Architect Jon Matthews Architects  Products used Siderise CT Cavity Tray  Design and specification Representing the gateway entry point into Salford Quays, the build-to-rent (BTR) Erie Dock Apartments (Eda) development replaced a vacant four-storey office block of 1990s construction with a building designed to offer a truly contemporary residential experience. Hosting 290 apartments of various sizes and private amenities such as co-working spaces, a fitness studio, a screening room, and more, it was important that the building’s exterior reflected a feeling of home and community, giving it a sense of place in this rapidly developing part of the city.  The building’s L-shaped footprint is emphasised by the use of stepped massing, with the slimmer block extending to the top of the building and external rooftop terraces at the crown of each ‘block’. Each elevation is constructed from pale-coloured brickwork, supported by an SFS System and concrete core works, giving the building a solid and striking, yet clearly domestic feel in an area dominated by glazing and cladding.  Moisture management is a fundamental element of any masonry construction, and cavity trays must be installed to ensure that any rainwater entering the wall cavity through the external brickwork is directed away from the inner structure, reducing the risk of internal damp and mould. Main contractor, Domis Construction, and brickwork contractor, Kinlan, had previously been using the traditional approach comprising metal cavity trays. However, in their search for a more efficient method that could improve the speed and cost of delivery without compromising on quality, they came across Siderise CT Cavity Tray.  After carrying out their due diligence, the team engaged the Siderise Site Services to deliver training onsite, which included a benchmark installation. It was then that Domis Construction and Kinlan realised the huge labour and time-saving benefits Siderise CT Cavity Tray could offer and that ‘it did what it said on the tin’. The factory-engineered system was subsequently trialled on a section of another Salford project before being put forward to the fire consultants and building control officers for the high-rise Anchorage project.  The CT Cavity Tray achieves an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire classification to EN 13501-1, is BBA certified and can comply with NHBC, LABC and Premier Guarantee warranty requirements.  David Ashworth, Project Manager, Domis Construction: “Siderise CT Cavity Tray has been a gamechanger for us. We’d been using traditional all-metal cavity trays, site-formed and pre-formed. Even though we’d used Siderise Cavity Barriers and Firestops before, we were somewhat unsure about this single-fix tray and insulation combo at first.   Nevertheless, we researched the product, confirming that it met regulatory compliance criteria and seeing the potential benefits in terms of time saving ability, labour cost reduction, and scaled-down site complexities associated with specialist tools, equipment, and segregated workshop areas for onsite fabrication.”  Installation and inspection Over 3,200 units of Siderise CT Cavity tray were used on the project, helping to realise installation benefits that carried real value for the project. On previous projects where traditional cavity tray solutions were used, the installation teams would need to share masts with the bricklayers on a 50/50 circa ratio. This meant that the bricklayers would take longer to complete their job, due to the time it would take to form and fit the cavity trays, as well as other products, ahead of them.   By using the pre-engineered Siderise CT Cavity Tray, which combines a flexible aluminium tray with non-combustible insulation, the installation team was able to install this lightweight element much faster with just a cutting knife and sealing tape for joining at details such as corners or windows. The requirement for specialist equipment, isolated onsite workshop zones, vast site storage facilities, soldering, sealants and installing insulation as a separate fix and was eliminated, enabling them to free up mast usage, with an estimated ratio of 70/30 in the bricklayers’ favour, speeding up the build programme.   David Ashworth, Project Manager, Domis Construction: “Working with our brickwork contractor, Kinlan, the Siderise Site Services team came down and delivered an in-person practical training programme before the install and it was during this in-depth session that we started to realise the operational advantages it would have. They have also been supporting us continually on the build, checking how we are installing their product and giving us any advice necessary to ensure a top-class delivery.”  Summary Anchorage Gateway demonstrates, with tangible evidence, how traditional building methods can be improved using modern products that have been engineered and tested to meet the demands of contemporary construction, allowing the creation of beautiful brickwork buildings without sacrificing on speed or quality of build.  

New apartment block

New and conversion flats

Dance Studio

Unity Place, the new six floor state-of-the-art Swindon offices of Zurich Insurance, represents a £36m investment by the Swiss-owned global brand. Rockfon is delighted to have played its part in this innovative project where a core design remit of the 9300m2 project was to aim for BREEAM Excellent accreditation. Award winning Alec French Architects were design principals for the scheme. Architect Mercedes Mortalla Cebrian of the practice, “Rockfon were able to supply product in the required dimensions and within budget. Acoustics were very important – calculations were made, with their products providing the solutions which complied to the relevant regulations The Rockfon team were incredibly helpful, providing great technical support and very quick to answer any queries.”The innovative interiors at Unity Place utilise a limited colour palette to great effect in creating a chic paired back, industrial aesthetic which also manages to offer visual warmth and a sense of quality and light with full height window walls featured throughout.Zurich Project Manager Ian White, “When we were looking for a contractor to deliver this new building for us, it was important that they understood our environmental policy and how sustainability is at the heart of this new building. …we are delighted with our new building.”Skanska was appointed as main contractor. They stated, ‘Skanska used a low carbon site set-up approach to realise Zurich’s aim of providing a sustainable environment for employees, through a climate-smart building. It’s targeting BREEAM Excellent – which will put it in the top ten per cent of non-residential buildings in the UK in terms of sustainability.’Skanska Operations Director Charlie Norris added, “We’re proud that this development has delivered the first new office space in the heart of Swindon in a generation and it’s in a state-of-the-art, sustainable building. “Ultimately, the aim was building a sustainable workplace that enhances peoples’ wellbeing.”The varied work of installing the acoustic solutions throughout the building was the responsibility of Bristol-based Topfix Interiors, which delivers specialised interior solutions to all sectors of the construction industry. Topfix Site Manager Scott Dunn spoke about the work, “This was an interesting, challenging and ultimately very rewarding project. We had to research a new system using parallel suspension rails on the north side of the development and the crane necessary to carry out high level installations within the multi-storey atrium also tested the team’s skill and fortitude.”A specialist range for every spaceRockfon Specification Manager Rowan Green, “This stunning development offered us the great opportunity to feature around 3800m2 of our specialist ranges to meet the specific needs of the spaces which make up this great project. They include: Eclipse Islands in square, rectangular and circular formats; Universal Baffles; Medicare, Color-all and two variants of our Blanka range.Rockfon Blanka® offers a wide choice of options for installation and usage and is in evidence in two variants at Unity Place. The range embodies Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection, >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation >26dB. Its easy clean, anti-static surface prolongs product life and is non-directional, speeding up installation, saving time and money. The high light reflectance of the ceiling systems at the Swindon offices optimise natural light, helping provide healthy interiors whilst minimising energy costs. Superior acoustic performance is demonstrated across all Rockfon ranges. It’s a key reason why it is preferred by so many specifiers. Independent research shows improved acoustics can reduce stress levels by 27% and increase focus by 48%, aiding wellbeing while optimising productivity. Rockfon Eclipse® – elegance and performanceAcoustic Eclipse islands are installed in various formats and dimensions throughout the building. These frameless, lightweight ceiling islands can be specified in an almost unlimited range of shapes and can also be custom colour matched. They are often used to subtly and elegantly camouflage necessary services and where a traditional suspended ceiling cannot be installed. Quick and easy to install, Eclipse islands are also perfect for thermal mass installations with their rear surface providing excellent heat and light reflection. All Rockfon ranges are made from non-combustible stone wool, which is impervious to most environmental pressures, embodies very high humidity resistance and guards against the incidence of bacteria and harmful microorganisms.Rockfon Color-all® is available in a standard range of 34 exclusive colours and can be supplied in almost any colour. It was installed in the Charcoal option using secret fixings, under stairways where visual impact and sound control were important considerations. Ideal for thermal mass areas or where easy access to services is required, Rockfon Universal™ Baffles offer an elegant and innovative acoustic solution. Encased with corrosion resistant powder coated steel in two formats – two end-capped or four fully framed edge, they feature a multi-functional clip assembly which enables several installation and suspension possibilities. They are available in white and in a selection of colours.Rockfon Medicare® for when bacterial control is key HTM 60 compliant Rockfon Medicare was also installed to offer outstanding performance in terms of infection control. Along with its Class A sound absorption and highest fire safety (Class A1), simple cleaning and low particle emission (ISO Class 5) mark it out as a first choice for areas where increased cleanliness is required.Contemporary company headquarters and offices are increasingly required to offer a wide spectrum of spaces under one roof. From lobbies and atria, to offices, break-out areas, auditoria and cafes – each with its own specific needs in terms of acoustics and other characteristics. Rockfon has the products, expertise and experience to deliver solutions to offer outstanding performance that also looks beautiful.

The Northern School of Art’s new Middlesborough campus is a development of regional importance, a major focal point for innovation and creativity in the Tees Valley.Located on a town centre site, the £14.5m iconic scheme comprises over 5,000m2 set over three floors, providing a range of studios for fine art, textiles, fashion, digital media, photography and 3D product design. Its concrete structure with exposed thermal mass, moderates the internal temperatures.Seven Architecture were responsible for the concept and master plan at the new school. Seven Director Simon Parker said, “To ensure a distinct and striking design for this gateway scheme we have introduced glazed terracotta panels to envelope the building which reference the long tradition of ceramics courses provided by the School. They also allow for glimpses into the building via long vertical windows which provide great levels of daylight within the art studios.“Once inside, internal finishes will provide the perfect backdrop for creativity; an exposed concrete frame and polished concrete flooring, coupled with splashes of colour throughout, will create a simple and robust yet flexible space for the students. The design strategy has been carefully established through extensive user consultation and the collaborative nature of this design has created a true flagship building.” Design, build and installation working hand-in-handBAM Construction were design lead and main contractor for the Project. Bill Mordue Interiors carried out the installation of the acoustic systems at the school. Jon Day of the firm, “We were very pleased to be involved with this prestigeous and innovative development. The work progressed smoothly with support from the Rockfon team as and when required. It offered Rockfon the opportunity to demonstrate how versatile their ranges are and how successfully they could control sound within this busy multifaceted setting.”In addition to the various studios and offices housed within the building, Rockfon acoustic systems really earn their place in the workshops, canteen, library, lecture rooms, busy thoroughfares and entrance hall where the pressures of controlling and containing sound in each space offer their own unique challenges. Challenges Rockfon is happy to meet, as independent research shows stress levels are reduced by 27% and focus is increased by 48% by improved acoustics.Performance, versatilty and beautyRockfon’s Jim Lundy, “Across all three floors throughout the school a mixture of Rockfon Universal Baffles, Rockfon® System Eclipse Islands™ and Chicago Metallic™ Infinity® Islands were installed in a variety of larger rectangular formats, sometimes alongside slimmer shapes, to work with the services already installed around and above them. In some instance, lighting and air conditioning are fixed within the panels, demonstrating their versatility. Rockfon Blanka® Activity B wall panels were also used within certain spaces to further control sound and help create the perfect environment for students to study, create, collaborate and socialise productively.”Ideal for thermal mass areas or where easy access to services is required, Rockfon® Universal™ Baffles offer an elegant and innovative acoustic solution. They have a smooth, easy clean fleece surface encased with corrosion resistant powder coated steel in two formats – two end-capped or four fully framed edge, and feature a multi-functional clip assembly which enables several installation and suspension possibilities. Delivering up to 77% light reflectance and diffusion, they are available in white or a selection of colours.The benefits of acoustic systems – seen and unseenThe high light reflectance offered across all our systems optimises natural light, aiding wellbeing and helping provide the best working conditions whilst minimising energy usage and costs. Vitally they all also demonstrate superior reaction to fire due in large part to the inert volcanic rock (stone wool) which forms their core. This stone wool also means Rockfon systems offer no sustenance to organisms which can lead to the growth of bacteria seen in some other ceiling systems.Rockfon Eclipse can be used as ceiling islands and as wall panels. Eclipse can be specified in a variety of shaped formats with a clean minimalistic A-edge and almost unlimited custom colour matching. Quick and easy to install, ceiling islands can be suspended by elegant wires, rods or fixed directly to the soffit.Seven Architecture Associate Architect Dean Murphy, “We felt Rockfon had a clean robust minimalistic design approach for both the suspended baffles & islands which clearly complemented the simplicity of our building design. Rockfon product ranges worked seamlessly alongside our design ideals for this building and worked well with our budget restraints.”The Rockfon Blanka range is available with semi-concealed and visible grid options for use as a suspended ceiling or as wall panels, offering 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-46dB. Blanka’s easy clean, anti-static surface prolongs product life and is non-directional, speeding up installation, saving time and money.Dr Martin Raby, The Northern School of Art’s Principal, “The increased visibility and accessibility of the School will generate benefits for the region and town, attracting more students and footfall. In turn, this will bring significant economic benefit for the area and help to redefine the image of the Tees Valley for inward investors, students, and visitors.”

Working with a number of architects and contractors, Style delivered flexible space solutions in the business school, nursing hub and performing arts centre located in a multi-million-pound development at the University of Gloucestershire. Contemporary Dorma Hüppe moveable wall systems allow lecturers and teaching staff to utilise open plan areas for larger classes, seminars and performances or alternatively, they can quickly divide the space to allow smaller sessions to run simultaneously and undisturbed. Style has also provided the University with a comprehensive annual service and maintenance contract that covers all the partitioning walls, protecting into the future.

Aiming to maximise space at Bank of America's UK offices, Style was contracted to work with TP Bennett and contractor Amspec, to design a partitioning solution that would allow the meeting rooms to be used more flexibly, and encourage collaborative working practices. Two Dorma Hüppe Variflex, semi-automatic, white laminate operable walls divide the main meeting room into two separate areas. Boasting an impressive 59dB acoustic integrity, the walls allow concurrent meetings to run entirely undisturbed. Inspiring lively sharing of ideas, Style also installed six vibrantly coloured, moveable glass ‘squiggle’ panels, providing magnetic, writable surfaces for use in dynamic discussions.

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.

Leading the way in environmental efficiency, KPMG’s Ignition Centre, Canary Wharf, aims to maximise the use of a large meeting area with the installation of two Dorma Hüppe Variflex moveable walls. Available from sole UK distributor and partitioning experts, Style, the Variflex system is certified with an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804, reflecting KPMG’s commitment to sustainability. Style worked with MCM Architects and Mace interiors to deliver a contemporary solution that allows the main meeting room to be divided into smaller working areas - particularly relevant given current social distancing requirements.

Leading partitioning specialist, Style, has launched a new glass sliding wall solution for balconies and terraces (BSW). Transforming a balcony into functional space, glass panels are used to enclose the area, creating a barrier against weather and noise without impeding the view. On fine days, the upper section of the glass panels can be neatly folded and stacked to one side, allowing people to sit out and enjoy the sunshine.For terrace rooms that open straight out into a garden or external seating area, Style’s new glass sliding wall allows the boundary between the two spaces to be easily removed on sunny days, whilst successfully combining weather protection with uninterrupted views of the outside during inclement weather.With a discrete guidance track that can be fitted flush to the floor, the BSW system creates a truly a streamlined aesthetic. “This is an exciting addition to our portfolio of glass moveable, folding and partitioning walls,” said Mark Cowley, who heads up the glass solutions division at Style. "With space at a premium, it makes sense to extract the maximum functionality from what is available.”“Our sliding-folding glass wall system brings the outdoors in, effectively expanding the living space in residential homes. In commercial settings, such as restaurants for example, the BSW can be used to increase capacity by making use of a balcony or external area that would otherwise only be enjoyed in good weather.” Making for a welcoming environment, even when a terrace room or balcony is entirely enclosed by the glass panels, air still circulates internally thanks to tiny, 3mm gaps between that provide continuous ventilation. Any condensation is quickly filtered outside thanks to unobtrusive drainage vents and guttering.Fitted with a sophisticated roller system, the individual glass panels also incorporate autonomous pivot point identifiers, ensuring smooth and effortless manoeuvrability every time.Ideal for residential and hospitality settings, the BSW system also offers opportunities for sports clubs, retail outlets and commercial offices, wherever a more enjoyable experience could be offered by opening-up an internal area to incorporate an outdoor space.

New to the market, Style is now able to offer a unique telescopic end-panel, available with the advanced Dorma Hüppe Variflex partitioning wall system. The TEF closure panel improves moveable wall aesthetics as it sits completely flush against adjacent panels. The TEF panel ensures an optimum acoustic seal is created every time. Julian Sargent, group md of Style, the UK’s exclusive UK partner to Dorma Hüppe, explains, “This new development is something architects, specifiers, and contractors have all been asking for, as it removes any protrusion from the wall, or bulky and unsightly expanding end-sleeves.

We are proud to have been specified throughout the Kier Construction Eastern Riverside Leisure Centre in Essex. The centre employs ground-breaking sustainable innovations which will deliver a greener legacy for the community. Pick Everard Architectural Assistant George Young, “We wanted to make a feature of the height of the space rather than install a traditional suspended ceiling. We decided to use ceiling islands to create a real design feature, whilst providing the desired acoustic properties. Rectangular Rockfon Eclipse Islands were specified in a stylish, linear pattern to lower the ceilings and obscure the mechanical services, creating a modern industrial vibe.”

Office Principles North designs London office for ArcadisLeading built environment consultancy Arcadis has moved from its Kings Cross HQ to 80 Fenchurch Street (80Fen), in the heart of the City of LondonThe move reflects an evolution in ways of working, in which choice and flexibility are key; an approach that has led to Arcadis being named Best Big Company to work for in LondonOver 20 different types of workspace will be available, enabled by Arcadis’s own Building Intelligence technology to manage capacity and support ‘activity-based’ workingOn 8 June 2021 Arcadis announced the opening of its new London office at 80 Fenchurch Street, in the heart of the City of London. From 14 June 2021, the business has been operating out of new premises, with over 40,800 sq ft of new office space across two floors, purpose-built around the needs and preferences of its people.The move signals a fundamental change in Arcadis’s approach to its office estate, with the emphasis on ways of working increasingly shifting from ‘where’ to ‘how’. It comes as part of a global review and ongoing commitment to embrace remote and fully flexible ways of working, which began in 2020 and has since been both reinforced and accelerated by changes resulting from the pandemic. As such, 80Fen will provide a blueprint for future offices both in the UK and worldwide.According to a series of internal engagement surveys, Arcadis found that 70% of its people would like to visit the office between 1-3 days per week, post-pandemic. The office clearly still has an important role to play, but the data shows the extent to which people value sustainability, flexibility and choice. Nearly half of respondents reported that they would want to visit the office to work on specific tasks or projects with colleagues, and nearly 40% to socialise and be part of a work community.Arcadis’s approach at 80Fen has therefore been about enabling people to make choices that satisfy both personal and work commitments – and recognising that these are not set in stone and may continue to change over time. Employees will have complete autonomy to manage where they work, in a way that best suits their needs. This flexible ‘no one-size-fits-all’ approach to the workplace has contributed to Arcadis being named Best Big Company to work for in London, and among the top 3 Best Big Companies to work for nationally.At 80Fen the concept of ‘activity-based working’ will be key, with the office providing far greater diversity of work settings. There will be more than 20 different types of workspace - ranging from open plan desks to collaborative and private workspaces, project areas, touchdown areas, call rooms and informal meeting areas, in addition to a purpose-built innovation area and a flexible event space, all of which enable people to work as flexibly as possible.Technology sits at the core, with ‘smart’ features embedded as a key design principle. The space is equipped with Arcadis’s own Building Intelligence software, provided in partnership with ICONICS. This incorporates a unified suite of apps, including environment and utilisation sensors, digital access, a branded Visitor Management System, and apps for mobile and digital signage, along with touch-free desk booking systems and the ability to control individual temperature and light settings in enclosed spaces.Not only does this help people find the right spaces for their tasks, but the resulting data also gives a rich picture of how the building is operating and how people are engaging within it. It means the space can be flexed in different ways. For example, monitoring energy and water consumption can help to manage and reduce use; air quality and thermal comfort sensors will better regulate the environment and ensure people are comfortable; and desk booking systems can be used to help manage capacity requirements, with available spaces being turned ‘on’ and ‘off’ as required. This can help to reduce space requirements by over 30%. Meanwhile, improving the performance of a building can reduce the energy needed for heating, ventilation and air conditioning by as much as 75%, with a further 25% reduction in lighting energy. This will make a significant difference not only in terms of lowering costs, but also reducing carbon consumption and mitigating environmental impact.80Fen has been designed as a place for collaboration, shared ideas and social interaction, but crucially also in a way that supports the health of employees. It features a range of social and wellbeing environments including quiet libraries, coffee lounges, a winter garden and contemplation and wellness rooms.As one of a new breed of sustainable office buildings, 80Fen has a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, and reflects best practice in sustainable design and health and wellbeing by maximising natural and atmospheric light and incorporating biophilic design and planting.Mark Cowlard, CEO of Arcadis UK and Ireland said:“The move to 80Fen represents an exciting new chapter for Arcadis. Over the last 12 months, we have been helping our clients chart a path to recovery, and are now practising what we preach through a flexible, inclusive, sustainable, and digitally-enabled new London base. We firmly believe that we still need offices and office space, but it must be a different type of space that reflects the changing nature of the work-day and our workforce.“The continued strength of the City office market demonstrates the importance of having a place for collaboration, shared ideas and social interaction, and the impact this has not only on productivity, but crucially the health and wellbeing of employees.“For us, 80Fen isn’t just a one-time fit-out, it’s a step change in how we use and curate space. It’s about people working in a very different, more mobile, flexible and even healthier way; which they can do at 80Fen. This approach has been reinforced by changes to the way we work during the pandemic, but for Arcadis, the shift started long before, and we can’t wait to call the City of London our home.”Speaking on behalf of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, Deputy Chairman Oliver Sells QC, added:“We are pleased to welcome Arcadis to their new home in the City of London. Big business moves such as this show that the Square Mile continues to be an attractive location from which to trade.“Arcadis relocating to the fantastic space at 80Fen shows that demand to return to the office is now being realised by business owners. We know that many workers are fatigued with remote working and employers are also keen to get back to a central office as Government restrictions ease.“We are confident that the City will remain a magnet for world-class talent, as we embark on our exciting plans to boost attractiveness even further through additional culture, leisure and great spaces.”John Dickie, Chief Executive at London First, said:“This move is a huge vote of confidence in the capital as one of the greatest places in the world to do business.“Arcadis was recently recognised as one of the best companies to work for in London, and its commitment to building a great environment for its staff shows that they are firmly at the heart of its plans for the future.”Soundtect was approached to supply the ceiling acoustic treatments throughout the building, and as a manufacturer of sustainable and recyclable products these worked perfectly with the company’s sustainable beliefs and design, which heavily focused on BREEAM. The Freestyle baffles, which were supplied in a number of lengths and colours for the different zones, worked perfectly with the overall design theme for the project and slotted in nicely with the planned layout and overall feel of the building, to handle the spread of noise and retain a calm atmosphere once the client’s many employees had moved in.

The new campus of the Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts is located only a few steps away from the Dansaertstraat. This iconic design is a treat for lovers of minimal design with exposed concrete and very monochrome colour palette. The new campus of the Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts is located only a few steps away from the Dansaertstraat designed by Architects B-Architecten, B-bis Architecten and B-city.The new campus hosts more than 1000 students. The 2 auditoriums, 40 subject classrooms, the teachers’ rooms, a study landscape, a library, a cafeteria and several sitting corners and terraces are now located in a trendy and lively city district.The building is a prominent and transparent construction with a heavy-set finishing touch. On the ground floor, the openness is transposed by a sunken and covered recreation ground. This big interior space is connected to the square in front of the building. Most public areas such as the students’ cafeteria, the library, the students’ administration office and several meeting areas border the recreation ground. The building opens up towards the square and the entire neighbourhood thanks to a full glass façade.

Luxury residential and hotel units set in two contemporary high-rise towers.Situated in the iconic district of Downtown Dubai, the Vida Dubai Mall development offers a mixture of luxury residential and hotel opportunities set within two strikingly contemporary high-rise towers. IntroductionStanding tall at 55 and 38 storeys, the project makes the most of its prime location with a gleaming curtain wall façade system that allows for floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding city, including Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. To protect the buildings and its inhabitants whilst ensuring code compliance, a fully tested and certified perimeter fire barrier system solution was vital.Design and specificationIn line with the stringent requirements of the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code, the unitised curtain wall required a protected spandrel solution comprising a firestopping system installed continuously between the floor slab edge and spandrel panel at each floor, which included protection to the exposed vertical aluminium mullions in the spandrel zone. This solution needed to have proven its fire resistance performance in achieving a challenging 2-hour minimum (EI 120 or FT 120) fire rating. The design and specification set out to find solutions from experienced manufacturers— a requirement that was also part of the of the September 2017 draft of the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code that had not long been released. Whilst exploring several wet-apply two-part systems, which contained components from different manufacturers, it was found that these solutions could not comply with all elements of the Code requirements, nor could they provide a complete and holistically tested protected spandrel solution. To resolve these issues, aluminium façade contractor, Zebian, suggested an enhanced perimeter fire containment solution from Siderise. The specified system featured CW-FS 120 Curtain Wall Firestops for floor-to-floor horizontal compartmentation and single layer of CW-FB Curtain Wall Fireboard countersunk to the reverse of the insulated spandrel panel along with additional strips applied over exposed mullions.Additionally, closed state CH-CB Horizontal Cavity Barriers and RV Rainscreen Vertical Cavity Barriers were selected for the non-ventilated rainscreen façade system used on the rear of the building to ensure this element was appropriately passive fire protected. CW-FS was also used for room-to-room vertical compartmentation, sealing the junctions between the apartment units and for separation between public and non-public spaces to ensure compartmentation was in line with code requirements, whilst also helping to reduce noise transmission.  Installation and inspectionWith installation quality critical to the performance of passive fire safety products, it was vital that the solution was fitted by competent installers who understood the specific requirements of both the project and the products— so much so that this was part of the stipulations of the architect’s specification.To ensure this was achieved, Siderise provided clear detailing and onsite training to its experienced installation partners, General International Group (GIG), on the installation of the full spandrel protection system. This was further supported by onsite inspections by technical service engineers, who produced detailed reports with visual evidence that performance-critical aspects of the installation had been carried out to a high standard and per Siderise recommendations. This included checking the products were installed in the correct direction (vertical fibre orientation), the right level of compression had been achieved, and any joints were tightly abutted and taped. 

Twice the height of any other building in Cyprus, the ONE Tower commands the skyline of Limassol. Sitting on the palm tree lined seafront close to both the city’s bustling business district and its quaint old town, the new development offers 83 luxurious residences, leisure and commercial opportunities set across 37 floors. Its award-winning curved design reminiscent of a yacht’s sail, stands at 170 m high which, coupled with its coastal location, presented a unique set of passive fire requirements for its facade. Key informationCompletion dateSummer 2020SectorResidential | Retail | LeisureEnd clientPafilia Property Developers Ltd.Main contractorArabian Construction Company (ACC) | JV Partners | Joannou & Paraskevaides Group (J&P Group)Facade contractorGlassline Industries LtdArchitectWKK ArchitectsDistribution PartnerDPS TechnoIndustrial Ltd Products usedSiderise RH Horizontal Cavity Barriers for Ventilated CladdingSiderise RVG Vertical Cavity Barrier (galvanised mild steel brackets)Siderise OSCI Open State Cassette Insert DesignThe sheer height of the tower meant it was vital to ensure the facade construction contained adequate passive fire protection, complying with local regulations and ensuring ongoing safety throughout the building’s lifetime. After working with our products and our Cypriot distribution partner DPS for a number of years, facade contractors Glassline specified a combination of open state Siderise cavity barriers and cassette inserts. The RV vertical and RH horizontal cavity barriers are designed to allow the facade system to maintain airflow and drain away any moisture within its construction but, in the event of a fire, rapidly close the ventilation gap to create an effective hot smoke and fire seal. Both products achieve Class A1 to EN 13501-1 and provide 120 minutes fire integrity. The barriers are complemented with the use of OSCI Cassette Inserts which are Class A2 rated. All these products have undergone rigorous third party testing to ensure dependable performance. These include single product tests and testing as part of a large-scale system, such as BS 8414 (1&2) and NFPA 285, demonstrating their performance within a complex, high-rise cladding system such as that used on the ONE Tower. For more detail about the standards the products meet, please visit the individual technical data pages. In addition to providing straightforward passive fire protection, the stonewall lamella core of the RVG vertical cavity barriers allows them to accommodate the natural movement associated with rainscreen facades. This is especially important on this exposed seafront project. It is also for this reason that the cavity barrier brackets were specified in robust galvanised steel, protecting them from corrosion caused by the sea air.InstallationAll Siderise products are designed to be easily installed— a key benefit on this large-scale project, enabling it to be finished to a high standard without compromising the project timeline. The RV vertical barriers and then the RH horizontal barriers were cut to the correct size and installed by Glassline using Siderise galvanised steel brackets and foil tape. Where the two products met, they were simply tightly abutted, and the joints sealed with foil tape to ensure continuity of intumescence and therefore fire protection. The OSCI cassette inserts were then fitted as part of the cladding system, installed directly behind the cassette panels and in parallel and centrally aligned to the RVG and RH cavity barriers. This helped to simplify detailing and ensure the ventilation gap met the project requirements. Technical support and site services were provided by our partner DPS throughout the design and installation process, in-keeping with the Siderise ethos of standing by the side of our customers to deliver optimum results.Final CommentsCreated in collaboration with a number of renowned international and local firms and suppliers, ONE Limassol Tower not only stands as a symbol of the city’s exciting future, but also of what can be achieved when diverse skills, expertise and vision are brought together. The selection of tested Siderise products chosen for the project will help to ensure that the building remains a safe and beautiful home and landmark for the people of Limassol for many years to come.Image copyright (C) Pafilia www.pafilia.com 

The Dogs Trust holds a special place in the heart of the canine loving public. The national charity’s Cardiff Rehoming Centre sets an incredible benchmark of facilities to ensure rescue dogs get the best chance of a happy and healthy future. Run by devoted staff, the centre includes 20 exercise paddocks, a training hall, 74 kennels with underfloor heating and a fully equipped grooming suite. A pawsome attention to every need The project is located on an eight-acre brownfield site and comprises a campus of strategically located pavilion buildings. The buildings to the north are open to the public, offering training, rehoming services with conference facilities. These buildings are focused around a feature 'Piazza' providing a pedestrian link between the buildings and a place for people to meet. The 'working' buildings are reserved for training and rehabilitation. The heart of the development is the main reception structure, which contains kennels, education areas, a veterinary wing and conference/meeting room facilities, along with specialist and ancillary spaces. Contemporary and exciting…but not lavish The Dog Trust’s primary yellow corporate identity is picked out strongly on feature walls and other elements, whilst most exterior elevations and interiors adhere to whites and greys and a limited number of materials. Oliver Henshall of Cardiff-based project architects, Powell Dobson, spoke about the project, “Because the Dog’s Trust is a charity we were mindful that, while creating contemporary and exciting architecture and interiors, neither should appear as if money had been lavished on them. After all, the dogs should always be the priority in terms of funding allocation. With that in mind, we liked the idea of leaving the services exposed, dressing internals with just the essentials. Rockfon Eclipse® Islands were the ideal choice in terms of helping create a sharp, modern aesthetic while offering superior sound control.”Dogs Trust Cardiff Deputy Manager, Kim Davies, “The building looks wonderful, with the ceilings suspended between the lighting really setting off the space and looking fabulous.”An acousticians’ best friendAt the Dogs Trust, elegant 40mm thick, 2360x1160mm, frameless acoustic islands are suspended by wires, but Eclipse can also be installed using a suspended grid or fixed directly to the soffit. Their smooth, deep matt, super white surface has anti-static properties, which extend product life. They are perfect for thermal mass applications and absorb sound on both sides, reducing reverberation time while improving ambient sound levels. Eclipse can be supplied in various shapes and colours to enhance design freedom and is also available as a wall panel, where extra sound absorption combined with design options is required. Rockfon Specification Manger Rowan Green, “All Rockfon acoustic systems are made from naturally occurring inert volcanic rock (stone wool), are non-combustible and will not harbour harmful microorganisms and bacteria. They have a high recycled content, are fully recyclable and are certified to leave a positive impact on people and the planet 

Run by the Bohunt Education Trust (BET), Bohunt Secondary School in Wokingham first opened in 2016 with a £25 million build that saw partitioning experts, Style being specified to create a flexible room configuration in the main hall.Five years later and Style was invited back into Bohunt, working directly with their staff to deliver additional flexible space – this time in the library.Installing three separate Stylefold 120 folding walls adjacent to each other to corner off a section of the library, the school benefits from the ability to quickly redefine the space to house small classes and reading groups without disturbing the rest of the library.Buffered up against existing columns, each operable wall has a pass door to give staff and students ease of access, and the impressive 46dB acoustic rating means classes can enjoy the peace and quiet of a separate room when required.“This is a simple, yet very effective means of using a large open plan space and creating a separate, private room as and when required,” said Michael Porter, sales director for Style South.“The wall is very easy and quick to manoeuvre into position, and the chic melamine finish complements the design of the rest of the school library.”Style is the multi-award winning moveable, folding and partitioning wall specialist and the market leader in the UK. As the exclusive UK partner to Dorma Hüppe, Skyfold and SWG, Style offers an extensive range of moveable wall solutions for all requirements and budgets.“We have a very strong reputation in the education sector,” continued Michael, “with installations ranging from vertically rising, fully automatic moveable walls in large university lecture halls through to small folding walls in village primary schools.“We also have an in-house design team who can advise on making the best use of space, and in the case of Bohunt school, we were able to work directly with them to design and install the perfect solution.”

St Rollox church of Glasgow recently moved into a brand new, £2.5m community hub, with vibrant design and space flexibility at its heart. Partitioning experts Style was specified to install two semi-automatic moveable walls, allowing the main worship area to be opened out for large services or to be divided for smaller gatherings. The Activity Space can be subdivided to host different events including education and craft classes, exhibitions and concerts. Complementing the exciting interior décor, one moveable wall is double-glazed to maximise natural daylight whilst the other celebrates life, bringing sunshine into the space with brightly coloured solid panels.

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

Skyfold has launched a pioneering, fully automatic, moveable wall solution into the UK.The Skyfold Prisma, which is exclusively available from leading moveable wall specialists, Style, is a new and streamlined glass vertical partition which not only allows light to shine in but does so without the use of any wall or floor tracks, rendering it completely invisible when stored in the ceiling.“This is a real breakthrough in moveable wall technology from our global manufacturing partners, Skyfold,” said Style’s group managing director, Julian Sargent.“As a fully automated, acoustic glazed moveable wall that stacks into a ceiling cavity, its slim metal frame, clean lines, and sleek design will add elegance and an abundance of light to a wide range of rooms. We see demand being very strong in the corporate, hospitality, education, healthcare, religious and public sectors.”Skyfold Prisma's glass panels combine with a minimalist frame to allow light penetration into otherwise dark rooms and corridors, creating an open plan feel to any area, positively impacting both mood and productivity.With an impressive 52 Rw dB acoustic rating, Prisma also delivers privacy between divided spaces, allowing confidential meetings, classes, and collaborations to occur simultaneously. With space always at a premium, the panels of this innovative new partitioning wall cleverly ‘taper’ down into position, making it suitable for restricted areas or where there is potential for obstructions. Further maximising space, when not required, the partition can be quickly retracted into the ceiling cavity where it is neatly stored, completely out of sight. Skyfold has announced that Prisma is available in a variety of materials including glass, frosted glass and solid panels, with almost any combination being possible. Solid elements can be finished in fabric, vinyl, paint, laminate or even marker-board, allowing a true showcase feature to be created that is both superbly aesthetic as well as highly functional.

The project was already on site and with the lighting already on order, each island needed to be manufactured to bespoke dimensions within a six week time frame.

Rockfon® Lamella has been awarded Product Innovation of the Year in the Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment category of the FIS Innovation Awards 2023. The modular wall system provides Class A sound absorption for commercial projects and boasts a unique range of wood veneers in different colours and dimensions, allowing for an impressive 650,000 design combinations.Nigel Watkins, Commercial Sales Director for Rockfon, expressed his excitement about the recognition, saying, "We are thrilled that Rockfon Lamella has won this award only a few weeks after its launch." Rockfon Lamella's development was based on effective collaboration, knowledge transfer, and partnership along the project team, satisfying two initial criteria for Rockfon innovation: modularity and customisability, and occupiers' well-being through the use of colour, biophilic-inspired design, and natural surfaces.Combining the warmth and beauty of wood with a stone wool sound-absorbent panel, Rockfon Lamella creates a serene and inviting environment inspired by the biophilic design trend. Customers have expressed their satisfaction with the combination of these elements, with Nigel Watkins sharing that "The feedback we’ve had from customers is that the combination of a stone wool sound absorbent panel with biophilic wood makes interiors feel calm and connected to nature."Joe Cilia , Technical Director of FIS who was one of the Innovation Award judges, was impressed that Rockfon Lamella has such comprehensive test data, covering the whole system, not just individual components. “The furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE) sector suffers from a lack of standardised testing and compliance for acoustic and fire performance, leading to clients choosing products that don’t perform as well as they should. The judges were impressed that Rockfon Lamella has clear, transparent test data that shows how the whole system performs.”Rockfon Lamella sets itself apart from other acoustic fixtures and fittings by offering exceptional fire performance classification of c-S2,d0, in line with EN 13501 standards, and Class A sound absorption that adheres to ISO 11654 regulations. Additionally, accessing all the necessary specification data, BIM Objects, and CAD drawings on NBS Chorus, NBS Source, and pCON is quick and easy, making the specification process quick and effortless.Rockfon Lamella simplifies installation by providing a complete kit that includes all necessary components. In-house facilities teams can easily follow the straightforward installation process, thanks to specially designed mounting clips. As Teemu Rekonen, Head of Design & Innovation at Rockfon, highlights: "This advanced product... enables individual placement of the slats to create the perfect acoustic environment. Once the platform is in place, installing Lamella slats is a quick and hassle-free process that requires no tools".Visit www.soundsbeautiful.com/lamella  for more information on Rockfon Lamella.To view all the FIS Innovation Award winners visit www.thefis.org/membership-hub/fis-awards/innovation/

When your new call centre is too "echoey" meaning your clients can't understand what your team and trying to say down the phone who do you go to for help - JCW saved the day for People HR

Products used: CW-FS | Perimeter Barriers and Firestops for Curtain WallingWhen it came to providing a proven range of fire protection solutions for a revitalised building in London highlighted by a sweeping and technically ambitious curved façade, Siderise was able to meet the challenge with its CW-FS curtain wall fire stop system.

New flats

Skyfold rises vertically within the ceilng offering valuable floor space saving and operation by simply turning a key.

The Rockfon Training Centre in Northamptonshire showcases a bespoke island measuring over 10m and featuring linear lighting.

A leading manufacturing company with over 30,000 global employees, Hilti designs cutting-edge technology that powers the construction industry. Future-proofing their offices in the prestigious Circle Square development of Manchester, partitioning experts Style combined three Dorma Hüppe Variflex moveable walls, allowing either a small meeting room with separate breakout area to be created, or one single open-plan space. Two of the walls are fully glazed, maintaining natural light throughout, whilst the third is finished with Kvadrat fabric class C absorption panels offset by a practical whiteboard surface to the mid-section. Allowing easy access between separated areas, both glass moveable walls incorporate pass doors.With a 52dB rating on the glazed systems and 55dB on the solid moveable wall, meetings and events can take place undisturbed, delivering a stylish yet adaptable meeting solution.Relocating from Trafford Park, Hilti moved its 200-strong team into the second, third and fourth floors of No.1 Circle Square, taking 42,000 sq ft of premium office space. As part of the internal redevelopment, Style worked with main contractor, Cubic Works, and architect, TP Bennett, to create flexible space in the meeting and innovation suite.“This is a clever arrangement of three moveable walls that allow the space to be quickly adapted to accommodate the events or meetings taking place on any given day,” said Andy Gibson, Style’s director for the North.“Thanks to the high-end acoustic ratings of both the glass and solid moveable walls, meetings can be enjoyed without interference, and the combination of absorption panels and writeable whiteboards make the perfect environment for business meetings, training sessions and brainstorms.”Style is the exclusive UK partner to Dorma Hüppe, Skyfold and SWG offering an extensive range of moveable, folding and partitioning walls for all requirements and budgets.

The Grade II* listed building, Sir John Ramsden Court was to be transformed from 12 existing residential flats to office accommodation for the University of Huddersfield, to provide 670 sqm of office accommodation.As part of this transformation, the main contractor Britcon sought a solution to achieve Approved Document E of Building Regulation. With our vast experience with educational projects in the past, we were keen on adding such a respected educational establishment to our portfolio. We supplied our Soundis ChipPanel 28.

Increasing numbers of machines, people, buildings and technology means our world is getting noisier. And this issue isn’t just limited to the outside world, with new research by Geberit finding that unwanted noise inside the home affects more than half of us – and it’s having a direct impact on our wellbeing.

Products used:EW | Cavity Barriers and Firestops for Masonry External WallsBB-CB | Balcony Bracket – Cavity Barrier Siderise has provided a proven range of cavity barriers and an innovative new balcony bracket for a residential building located within a new sustainable community in north London.A landmark 64-acre regeneration project taking shape near Finsbury Park, Woodbury Down will feature over 5500 new homes and community facilities whilst maintaining a sustainable approach to development.Working with Berkeley Homes and façade contractor Swift Brickwork on Block B of the development, Siderise provided a range of fire compartmentation solutions including both the EW cavity barrier formasonry walls and the new BB-CB Balcony Bracket – a ready-to-fit cavity barrier solution offering 2 hours fire resistance, which addresses the complex detailing where a balcony interacts with the building envelope,and allows for simple abutting of the EW products to provide continuity of the cavity barriers.The ongoing and long-term collaboration with Berkeley Homes led to Siderise recommending both the EW cavity barrier to seal the gap between the inside of the floor slabs and the exterior brick façade, and also the new BB-CB balcony bracket - cavity barrier, the first time this innovation has been installed in balcony applications.Siderise developed the innovative ready-to-fit BB-CB solution for balcony applications in order to speed-up the installation and provide a tested fire compartmentation solution for an area where high workmanship skills were required.In addition to the bespoke technical support and guidance provided throughout the project, the Siderise Inspection App offered the developer an efficient way to effectively inspect, record and seamlessly audit the quality of their installation work on this residential building throughout the contract. By capturing the relevant information on a standard smartphone or tablet device, Swift Brickwork was able to highlight any issues in need of a resolution and ensure 100% quality assurance on the installation of the cavity barrier system.

The Coventry Building Society Arena is an award-winning complex situated in the heart of the UK. Maximising revenue opportunities for the exhibition and conference area, Style was commissioned to install a 10 metre high Dorma Hüppe Variflex moveable wall, allowing the 54 metre wide hall to be divided into two separate rooms or left as one vast, open-plan space. Delivering an excellent acoustic rating of 55dB, the partitioning wall allows concurrent events to be run undisturbed on either side.Helping ensure the safe operation of such a large moveable wall, Style recommended the i-Track system which uses a sequence of curves and internal track switches to allow the smooth and easy movement of the heavy panels. The Coventry Building Society Arena (often shortened to the CBS Arena, and formerly known as the Ricoh Arena) is a first-class facility that includes a 32,609-seater stadium, conference, exhibition and meeting spaces to cater for events from as small as 7 up to as many as 7,000 delegates, as well as a Hilton hotel and an expansive casino complex.  Style worked directly with the arena to increase the flexibility of the Indoor Arena, a pillar-free hall offering 6,000 square metres of event space.“With nearly 25 years in operation, Style has had considerable experience delivering moveable wall solutions for halls as large as the one at the CBS Arena”, said Steve Williams, sales director for Style Midlands. “When panel heights exceed 5000mm, weight can become an issue with regards to ease of manoeuvrability. “The Dorma Hüppe i-Track will help reduce wear and tear of the tracking and carriers, significantly extending the operational life of the wall and reducing ongoing maintenance costs. “For the operator, it means the days of wrestling with oversized panels is now a thing of the past. The i-Track system simply harnesses kinetic energy created by the panel movement, utilising that momentum to pass it in and out of the parking pocket.“Track diverters are also used to manually program the carriers to automatically move each panel to the correct parking location.”

Over six years ago, law firm Kingsley Napley considered consolidating its three Clerkenwell offices into a single building. Before committing to do so, the firm first embarked on a programme of partial refurbishments and pilot testing in its existing offices to examine how a transformation from cellular to open plan working might suit their business and its more than 400 employees. Once the decision was made to move, Kingsley Napley collaborated with design specialists KKS Savills and Overbury fit out and refurbishment, along with BPC interiors as sub-contractor, to create an environment which would help enable the company to flourish and meet its aspirations for recruitment, retention and growth. Fast-forward to 2021 and the firm occupies six floors at Twenty Bonhill, Shoreditch.Delivering a best in class workplace Kingsley Napley CFOO Darren Jesse spoke about the project, “I am delighted we have delivered this project, pretty much on time and on budget, despite the challenging circumstances of the last year or so. We had an incredible team working on this internally, and our external advisers… provided superb support for which we are grateful. Together I believe we have delivered a first rate, best in class workplace for Kingsley Napley that will support the firm in its next chapter.” The new space has been designed with collaboration and activity-based working in mind by allowing lawyers and other team members to choose workspaces according to their needs. The guiding aesthetic throughout the six floors is one of hushed self-assuredness with a hint of opulence characterised by classic contemporary furnishings in muted tones, modern art and the use of deep blue and orange on feature walls. In the reception, elegant slim lighting is fixed at a distance from the high ceilings in converging angles while a fully glazed wall lets diffused natural light stream in. The move coincided with a new brand identity incorporating the phrase, ‘when it matters most’ into its communications – words which underpin the role often played by the company in the lives of its clients and informing the values it wants to portray in everything it does.Creating that Wow with added HushBPC Interiors Senior Construction Manager, Stuart Dowling, “We managed the project and instructed Pacy & Wheatley to install Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic throughout the large double-height reception. The Installation went very well and an impressive smooth finish was achieved that even with sunlight or interior lighting shining on it did not show any of the services behind, which can be the case with plasterboard.”Installation specialist Pacy & Wheatley Director Craig Wheatley, “This was a prestigious and exacting project where creating a space to project the perfect first impression was vital. Rockfon Mono Acoustic is unique as it combines the elegance of a monolithic ceiling with performance characteristics and sound absorption thought only possible with modular ceilings. The ceiling tile substrate is installed and then finished with a specialist acoustic render to create a seamless surface.” Beauty and performanceThe system allows for easy incorporation of lighting, audio and other mechanical systems whilst delivering Class A2 fire protection. It also offers dimensionally stability at up to 100% relative humidity and can be installed in temperatures ranging from 0˚C to 40˚C.KKS Savills Associate Director and Senior Designer Paul Butterworth, “Mono was chosen for its appearance but also for its ability to mitigate against the unwanted sound generated by hard surfaces. It delivered clean lines while successfully hiding the services above. We are so pleased to have discovered this beautiful, fabulous product!”Fully recyclable, all our ranges are made from a core of naturally occurring, non-hygroscopic and non-combustible stone wool. Their surfaces provide no sustenance to harmful micro-organisms, embody high humidity resistance and are impervious to most environmental pressures – ensuring that perfect first impression will last.  

Style’s glazed folding wall system, the Stylefold 120, was recently installed at Clarksons Port Services’ new offices in Aberdeen, allowing a highly functional meeting room to be quickly created at one end of a large open-plan area. When not required, the wall can easily be folded back to merge the room seamlessly into the larger space.A leading expert in moveable wall systems, Style offers an extensive range of solutions for almost any location, including being the sole UK distributor for Dorma Hüppe, as well as for the revolutionary Skyfold vertical rising wall range.The Stylefold 120 folding wall installed at Clarksons is a simple, yet very effective solution for rapidly dividing space, with the glass panels maximising natural light whilst still delivering a 31dB acoustic rating for privacy. Clarksons Port Services is a division of Clarksons, the world’s leading integrated shipping services group. Having moved to larger premises at Aberdeen Harbour’s Matthew’s Quay, with a view to increasing efficiency and reducing carbon footprint, the integrated shipping and offshore services provider now has 1,600 sq metres of outdoor storage and 2,000 sq metres of customs bonded warehouse at this site.Style worked closely with architects, Philip Rodgers Design, and contractor, TransForm, to deliver a partitioning solution for the new offices that successfully combines functionality with exceptional aesthetics. Making minimal impact on the existing structure, the Stylefold 120 is easy to install wherever an economical retrofit solution is required. “The Stylefold 120 folding wall is smooth and effortless to manoeuvre, whilst the anthracite finish specified at the Aberdeen offices perfectly complements the contemporary interior design,” said David Louden, Style’s director for Scotland.“The addition of an integrated pass door means that it is entirely practical to leave the private meeting room in situ for long periods, if desired.”