"malleable sheet metal"

Forbo Flooring Systems’ Marmoleum was the product of choice for a creative breakout space at investment management firm, Triple Point. With its growing headcount, Triple Point appointed AW Spaces to create an environment that could accommodate the company’s hybrid working strategy, whilst developing a light and warm aesthetic.  Founded in 2004, Triple Point employ 215 people and manage over £2.7 billion of private, institutional and public capital across five distinct investment strategies: Social Housing, Energy, Digital Infrastructure, Private Credit, and Venture. Each of these strategies helps to solve a problem society faces, and each one creates opportunities for investors.  With the company’s increased headcount and the new hybrid working strategy, AW Spaces suggested increasing the size of the breakout area available to employees. The aim was to make this area feel different from the working environment, by incorporating warmer colours with a dynamic flooring design.   Another important aspect for this project was the environmental impact. Lisa McLeod, Design Director at AW Spaces spoke on this, saying: “Sustainability was a big part of Triple Point’s brief. As such, when it came to choosing a floor covering for the space, the sustainability aspect led us to look at products such as Forbo’s Marmoleum. After discussing the sustainable flooring with Triple Point, where I also sent them a concept image of a design, we decided it was the perfect solution.  “Not only did Marmoleum fit the sustainability requirements, but it’s also available in a variety of contemporary designs that match in tone with each other, which allowed us to create a very dynamic space. Additionally, it’s a really nice material to work with, which aided the installation process.”   Forbo’s Marmoleum was specified in Terracotta, Titanium and Vintage Blue from the Marmoleum Walton range, and in Neptune Blue from Marmoleum Piano. Lisa commented on these choices, saying: “We chose these colours as they work beautifully together and coordinated with the joinery so it looked as though those elements rise from the ground. We also really liked the warmth of the Terracotta colourway and the brightness of Neptune Blue, which provided some contrast from eachother without looking disjointed from the joinery they connected to. The choice of colours really helped us to convey the feeling that this space was for relaxation rather than work, with all the colours flowing into one-another nicely.”  This refurbishment wasn’t like a typical installation as there were multiple different colourways which had to be combined in different shapes. As opposed to a typical refurbishment where tiles or sheet flooring is laid; this flooring had to be cut into shape in situ. The finished flooring mixes curved edges with sharp points, with all four colourways meeting towards the middle of the floor then flowing out at different angles around the room.  Lisa continued “The pattern was quite complex, so Forbo recommended an installer called Medifloor to us who could take on this challenge. We had worked with them on a couple of occasions before, so we knew they had the credentials, and they did a fantastic job with pinpoint accuracy!  “We’re absolutely delighted with the finished result and I’d say the breakout space remains my favourite part of the entire project.”  With a unique installation, a specialist approach had to be taken by installers, Medifloor. Jim Gordon, the Director of Medifloor, spoke on this, saying: “AW Spaces gave us this amazing design for Triple Point, which was extremely challenging to create with all the different curvatures. So, to achieve it we actually used computer aided templates which allowed us to cut the perfect curve – something that’s really hard to acheive in flooring.   “Forbo’s Marmoleum Walton was perfect for this, as it’s the only sheet flooring that lends itself to the natural materials used in this project and looks amazing when finished.”  With this method, a creative and dynamic flooring solution was created. With the installation starting in July 2022, Triple Point’s office refurbishment was finished in mid-September 2022 and has been well received by the staff who use it.  Luke Francois, Guest and Employee Experience Manager at Triple Point, concluded: “We asked AW Spaces to create a bright and inviting space, with a focus on using sustainable products and services, and Forbo’s Marmoleum ticked all the boxes for this. We’re happy with the end product delivered by AW, Medifloor and Forbo.” For more information about Forbo’s range of office products, visit: www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/offices  

Burton Green Primary School is located in the historic city of York, an outstanding school at the heart of a local community this primary school strives for excellence. The challenging and nurturing learning environment allows children to learn and grow, while achieving the highest potential possible in all areas of the 21st century curriculum.When the roof began showing signs of ageing, it was clear that a long-term solution was required. Working with Project Managers Charles Garth and Principal Contractor Castle Special Projects, Polyroof would work towards providing the best solution to refurbish the ageing roof.The work required and condition of the roof needed to be established first, to do this a survey was scheduled to take place. The survey was conducted on roofing area and it was determined that there were 6 flat roofs that required refurbishment. Areas 1 to 2 were constructed of a built up felt with mineral cap sheet, 50mm PUR insulation, bituminous vapour control, asphalt, 12mm fibreboard and a 50mm woodwood slab deck with timber joists. Areas 3 to 5 were constructed of a built up felt with mineral cap sheet, 50mm Jablite insulation, bituminous vapour control, asphalt, 12mm fibreboard and a 50mm wood wool slab deck with timber joists. Roof area 6 was made up of built-up felt with mineral cap, plywood and timber joist. The original build-up of roofs 1 to 5 needed to be stripped back to the asphalt due to the aged condition of the built-up felt, numerous leak reports were reported. Roof 6 and its original waterproofing was to be retained and made good, later this surface would act as the substrate for the new waterproofing system.Once the survey was completed, a bespoke specification was written and it was recommended that the roofing areas would all benefit from a high-performance waterproofing system. In addition to this it was specified that the roof would be thermally upgraded to reduce the risk of condensation and provide lower fuel bills and energy consumption for Primary School further adding benefits to making improvements to the roof.Liquid Roofing Limited an experienced roofing contractor and Polyroof Approved Contractor was chosen to undertake the work to this project. The proposed system for this project would be Polyroof Protec Warm Roof System. Protec’s liquid roof membrane has a unique flexible hybrid polymer formulation and can be applied to virtually all common roof surfaces.The areas that were required for installation firstly needed to be stripped and removed back to the asphalt, areas 1 to 5 required this. Area 6 was then repaired of any defects and made good where necessary. All roofs required a deep clean, removing any dirt or debris that remained from the first stage. Once this preparation was completed an Air & Vapour Control Layer (AVCL) was then installed to roof areas 1 to 5 making sure that all surfaces are smooth and without voids.Using a Polyroof Twin Pack Insulation Adhesive the Polyroof RES insulation (T&G) boards were bonded and laid to each of the 6 roof areas completing the second stage of the warm roof upgrade. Before the last stage of the installation could begin all joints in the insulation were sealed using taping matt and Polyroof Protec Resin. Polyroof’s extra-tough GRP trims were then installed to create neat and robust edge detailing for exposed perimeters before the main Protec system application commenced.During the project there were some challenging aspects that required care and attention. The project featured a large array of different details ranging from installation of new substrates and trims for parapet walls to the removal of and preservation of tiles/cladding so that the Protec system could be applied correctly. These features required delicate work so that the original tiles/cladding could be reinstated after the application of the system was completed. During the project the rooflight that was originally in place was removed and replaced with a new, before this could happen the Protec system was taken up the upstands and then sealed under flange.Once the project was completed within the relevant time frame of the client and within the budget specified, the Polyroof Technical Services team conducted a detailed inspection showing a high level of workmanship which lead to the client gaining the trusted Polyroof Accredited System Guarantee.

Starting from Buenos Aires, the tango argentino conquered the world in the 1920s. Today the Argentinian capital is seen as the Paris of the South and is equally famous for its European flair as for its world-class cultural offering. The country’s colonial past has characterised the architecture and atmosphere of the city right up to the present day. And now, with the opening of the Centro Cultural Kirchner in the heart of Buenos Aires, the metropolis boasts the largest cultural centre in Latin America, which few cultural buildings worldwide can measure up to. Although it is officially named after the former President Néstor Kirchner, the building is commonly known as Ballena Azul (Blue Whale). It owes this name to its interior, whale-formed concert hall wing with an area of 2.200 square meters that forms a central element of B4FS arquitectos’ design. Its visually seamless shell made of Escale metallic fabric from GKD – GEBR. KUFFERATH AG reflects the blue paintwork of the skirting and walls. As the new base of the national symphony orchestra, the shimmering ellipsoid really makes the new landmark of Buenos Aires stand out.With a population of around 11.5 million, more than a quarter of all Argentinians live in the Buenos Aires region. Since the city’s building boom in the wake of the economic upturn of the 1990s, glittering skyscrapers, luxury hotels and exclusive loft apartments have been a common sight in the centre of the bustling metropolis. The old docks have been remodelled as high-class promenades that attract tourists and Argentinians alike to their restaurants, boutiques and bars. The historic city centre is home to the former Correo Central, the grand headquarters of the Argentinian postal service opened in 1928. In 2006 the then President Néstor Kirchner decided to renovate the listed palace and turn it into a superlative cultural centre. Following his death in 2010, his wife and successor as President, Christina Fernández de Kirchner, continued to pursue this idea until the project was completed in 2015. The planners from the Argentinian architectural firm B4FS prevailed in an international architectural competition for the renovation of the tradition-steeped main post office. Their design, a mix of architectural avant-garde and faithful restoration, aimed to create a place where culture could be encountered and experienced over 116 000 square meters in a space that is emblematic and people-oriented in equal measure. Thanks to its location on the Parque del Bicentenario between the historical centre with numerous important buildings and the modernised harbour area of Puerto Madero, the cultural centre became a revived, attractive focal point for the whole area.Breathtaking combination of monument and avant-gardeThe purely symmetrical design – both wings of the building are exactly the same – reflects the strict architectural concept of the planners. A sophisticated network of freely accessible areas on the various floors connects the modern function rooms with the historical parts of the building. The architects from B4FS thus combine painstakingly restored furniture, plasterwork, ironwork and woodwork with brave architectural structures and modern construction materials. Behind the faithfully restored façade, the restored elegance of neoclassicism enters into a fascinating union with the expressiveness of the modern. Even when entering the spacious foyer, almost 5 000 restored letterboxes, tables and chairs really bring the tradition-steeped building to life. The main dome of the palace, the slated roof of which was replaced by 496 window panes with an integrated LED lighting system, plays a key part in this effect. This construction lights up the dome in all colours during the evening and at night. For state visits, the lights show the colours of the guests’ respective national flags. As the city’s first public viewing platform, the crowning glass dome on the ninth floor also allows the Porteños (people of the port), as the people of Buenos Aires call themselves, to enjoy previously unknown views. Moreover, with three restaurants and its possible use as a function room it also offers an arena for culinary pleasure and entertainment. Alluding to the traditional chandeliers in theatres, the architects designed two glass rooms, fixed in place by Virendeel girders, that hover two levels above the stage. With an area of 220 square meters, this gigantic, abstract chandelier is planned as a flexibly usable space for art exhibitions of all kinds.Woven metallic dress for three-dimensional structureThe real attraction of the building, the enormous Blue Whale, can be found beneath the chandelier allegory. Its curved stomach contains a concert hall with space for 1 950 spectators in the stalls and on the balconies, as well as a chamber music hall that accommodates 540 listeners. For its construction, the respective building section was gutted behind the original façade and a large steel cage set up as a supporting structure. The colossal construction has a fascinating effect thanks to its shimmering skin, which seamlessly covers the ellipsoidal body and gently reflects the blue of the surrounding walls and skirting. When choosing a flexible material that would completely encase the idiosyncratic structure, the architects opted for Escale 7 x 1 metallic fabric from GKD – GEBR. KUFFERATH AG. This mesh can be formed in three dimensions and has already been tried and tested in a multitude of famous buildings – including Bertelsmann’s “Planet m” pavilion at Expo 2000 in Hanover or the “Children’s Palace” children’s hospital in Guangzhou – impressively demonstrating its ability to provide completely homogeneous cladding. For the shell of the Whale, the architects chose a customised version of the mesh with 70 millimetre-high stainless steel spirals and aluminium rods. For the cladding, which covers a total area of 5.500 square meters, GKD manufactured over 1 200 individual elements that were fixed to the top and bottom of the shape-giving frame structure using fastening hooks without any visible joints or connections. The international network of the world’s leading manufacturer of architectural metallic fabric proved its worth once again in the realisation of this challenging project: even during the detailed planning phase GKD was able to rely on the expertise of planners from form TL from Radolfzell, who specialise in 3D structures and with whom GKD had already successfully collaborated for the projects in Hanover and Guangzhou. The elements were mounted in the former main post building in Buenos Aires by the local GKD representative office in Argentina, Gutmetal. Following the official opening by the Argentinian President Christina Fernández de Kirchner, Buenos Aires now boasts a new landmark in the form of the Centro Cultural, allowing the past, the present and the future to be experienced under one roof.

Marischal Square Bauder Bakor Hot Melt structural waterproofingSynopsisMarischal square is a mixed use complex in the centre of Aberdeen based on the site of the former council headquarters building, St. Nicholas House. In 2011 Muse Developments undertook a £107m redevelopment of the site creating space for two new office buildings, seven restaurants and café bars, a 126-room hotel, a modern civic space and a new public space area in between the new buildings.Bauder Building BoardProject:Marischal SquareLocation:AberdeenRoof Area:5,400m²Client:Muse Development & Morgan SindallApproved Contractor:Briggs AmascoThe specificationWith large parts of the new roofing areas being accessible terraces and areas which will experience a significant amount of foot traffic, the Bauder hot melt structural system was a natural choice. The system was combined with hard and soft landscaping to provide the different aspects of the various terraces, stairways, podium decks and rooftops.The Bauder Hot Melt structural waterproofing system is ideally suited as a waterproofing system beneath paved or ballasted surfacing, car parks, podiums, plazas, green roofs and substructures.Project challengesA key challenge for this project was the fact that Muse Developments and Morgan Sindall, who were working jointly on the development, were looking for a single source waterproofing. Bauder proved to be the perfect fit, covering and delivering all elements of the waterproofing systems.The resultApproved contractor Briggs Amasco carried out the works on the 5,400m² of the separate roof areas, whilst expert Bauder site technicians carried out a total of 26 site visits over the duration of the project to ensure the quality of the installations. Following a final inspection, Bauder was able to issue a 20 year product and workmanship guarantee on the project.System installed1 BauderPLANT E 42Green torch-on root-resistant capping sheet.2 790-11Hot melt rubberised bitumen asphalt with a percentage of post-consumer recycled materials that infills and fully bonds to all minor deviations in the deck.3 DeckPrimed concrete.

Client: Northacre Consultant: Vinci Technology Centre Main Contractor: Multiplex Main Product Used: Emseal ColorsealThe development of The Broadway creates six buildings on a plan designed to frame views of the Grade-1 listed 55 Broadway across from Victoria Street in Westminster, providing residential, office and retail workspace and a new public space linking Victoria Street with Broadway and Dacre Street. The new building elevations were specifically designed “to reference the local vernacular in the rhythm of facades”, using materials sympathetic to the traditional sandstone and brick of the adjacent historic Conservation Area. The façades and their constituent precast panels were therefore a critical element in the design and construction process, as was ensuring that the joints between them could safely accommodate the anticipated thermal and any other structural movements, whilst always maintaining a watertight seal. This was further complicated by the façade design and necessary construction tolerances, meaning that the joints varied in width, resulting in high joint movement capability demands. A test programme was established with Vinci Testing Houses to determine the most suitable joint solution available to meet these challenges in detail - and the clear winner was Emseal Colorseal. This is a unique, preformed, double-sided, silicone-faced movement joint sealing system, that is bonded in position without invasive metal anchoring. Colorseal is CE-marked and ETA-certified to provide a watertight seal with 100% joint movement capability, thermal insulation, UV stability, and colour coordination with vertical or horizontal substrates.  

SFS specialist fastening systems were used to secure the striking shingled, multi-coloured, metal façade on the first direct Leeds Arena.Using SFS fasteners resulted in significantly reduced fixing times and helped keep the project on its critical timeline.Comprising of 6,000 square meters of aluminium shingles in five different colours, the cladding was installed in layers onto stainless steel clips and held in place using 35,000 SFS aluminium BULB-TITE® rivets.In addition, 3000 self-drilling SL3/2 fasteners were supplied to fix the perforated, aluminium mesh rainscreen panels to the structural backing wall. 7000 low profile, irius® fasteners were also used to fix Kalzip’s Kal-Plank system, at the rear of the building. The design and construction achieved a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.The result provides a spectacular display surface for the coloured lighting which transforms the exterior façade at night by reflecting the mood of the concert within.The 13,000 capacity concert venue features an impressive uninterrupted interior construction, designed to allow all seats perfect sight-lines to the stage. The complex 3500 ton steel structure was topped out by a 45 meter long proscenium beam spanning the width of the building.Headed up by Leeds City Council, the £60 million project was completed in 96 weeks and opened in September 2013. The venue has helped increase job prospects and the region's economy.A success story for Leeds, Yorkshire and all involved in designing and building this venue.

Helmsman’s most recent project was for a company we have enjoyed working with in the past. McCormick are a global leader in flavour, with Schwartz, Franks RedHot and French’s just a selection of their well known brands. Back in 2021, we manufactured and installed a variety of lockers in their new Cambridge facilities, from garment collectors, garment dispensers through to office and visitor lockers.This year we had the pleasure of working with McCormick again for their UK HQ in Haddenham, Buckinghamshire. The client requested lockers for their staff members and so Helmsman supplied and installed 164 mild steel, 1 compartment lockers with sloping tops and stands. The colour scheme was kept bright but professional, with a selection of colours including standard “Ice” coloured body with blue, red and yellow doors.Helmsman’s Essential Metal Lockers are manufactured from mild steel, and powder coated in our factory with our new paint booth. There are a variety of colour options, with those chosen by McCormick being Royale (blue), Cherry (red) and Yellow. The lockers were finished with Lowe and Fletcher Camlocks, a simple, secure and easy to use option, perfect for the lockers required.In addition to the lockers, Helmsman also supplied bench seating for McCormick’s Haddenham HQ. We produced 10 double sided benches, with coat hooks and Ash Hardwood seating slats.The lockers and benches really do look fantastic at McCormick’s Haddenham HQ. It was great to work with McCormick again and we hope to help them with any locker, cubicle or bench seating requirements they have in the future.

Over the past two years, The Pattern Shop has undergone meticulous restoration to provide stunning and sustainable office space. The structure of the building provides more than 3,000 square metres of adaptable office space with southerly views across the River Tyne.We have been working alongside Workwell Furniture to manufacture and install Heated Z Lockers for users to store personal belongings and allow commuters to dry damp garments.Throughout this project, our team provided and installed 6 heated Z lockers to accommodate 12 users. Z-shaped lockers are an excellent choice if space optimization is key to your design. These lockers have a small footprint but maximised internal space. They can comfortably hold large personal items as well as hanging items just as clothes. The specifications of the Z Lockers were 1775mm high, 350mm wide and 450mm deep with perforation, to allow the air to flow around the lockers.The stunning Z Lockers were manufactured with an aluminium carcass, and stainless steel frame, suitable for environments with high humidity. The laminate was in beautiful ‘Pleated Teak’ from the Helmsman laminate colour chart. The carcasses of the lockers were powder coated in the Helmsman metal colour range ‘Smoke’, to create an aesthetic locker. Heated Z Lockers were finished with diamond latch and black laminate number plates, an aesthetically pleasing pairing.If you have a project where you need Heated Z Lockers for a wet or dry environment, contact us today at 0184 530491 or get a quote here today.

Trent is a village and civil parish in northwest Dorset, in the beautiful Yeo Valley. The Trent Conservation Area was designated in February 1970. Many of its structures are listed due to their historical and architectural significance, including Medieval and Tudor buildings.  From 1835 to 1875, Reverend Turner and his wife occupied the village rectory. Together, they built a great number of the buildings that are still in the village today, including the Alms Houses. In 1862, the Turners constructed the National School which was to be for girls and infants. Throughout the years, the National School has seen many changes, including the introduction of boys and the expansion of the buildings. Unsurprisingly, the original metal windows at the school were not fit for purpose and the time came to replace them. This required sensitivity, as it was imperative the new windows looked similar to the originals. The Clement Brooking range was specified because the slim, strong frames could replicate the wonderful shaped heads of the existing windows and they could be fixed directly to stone. The 16mm krypton filled units offer the much-improved thermal performance required and, like all Clement windows, the frames could be fitted with restrictors, essential for safety.Ros Baker, the Deputy Headteacher said: “We are so pleased with the finished result! The transformation the windows have made to our school and local area is fantastic. Many local residents have also commented positively on the ‘new look’ windows. They have been sympathetically upgraded, in keeping with the original school building, and have had a positive impact on our school environment. Furthermore, there was no impact on the staff or the children during the refurbishment.”

REQUIREMENT: Two temporary laboratories were planned for installation in the hospital parking lot.It was determined that a ramp with a wide platform was necessary to accommodate the diverse range of daily users of the system, including those operating patient-moving equipment, carts, and pedestrians accessing the cabins.END RESULT:A fully compliant ramp featuring an extra-wide metal walkway was designed and successfully installed. This product boasts a secure loading capacity of over one ton!FEATURES INCLUDED:Yellow Tread - this is a safety feature designed to help those with impaired vision identify the nose of the ramp or step. Additionally, it helps users distinguish any level changes.Infill Handrail - if the ramp height exceeds 380mm, Infill handrail is a requirement to prevent users from climbing or falling through gaps.1100mm High Rail - 1100mm handrails are attached to any level sections.Mesh Platform – a self-draining mesh platform allows water to pass through rather than puddle on the surface and potentially freeze. Minimum width: 1500mm.Rest Platform - a rest platform at 5 metres is required to allow the user to pause.Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends of a Rapid Ramp to prevent clothes catching.Standard Continuous Handrail - this handrail system ensures the users always have support to hold onto.EXTRA FEATURE INCLUDED:Yellow 900mm High Handrail To Ramped Sections – designed to be gripped by children and wheelchair users. A bright colour such as yellow is generally the easiest to see because of the colour's ability to reflect light.

The Royal Russell School in Croydon demonstrates the vast variety of waterproofing applications with which DANOPOL membranes can be specified. From standard flat roof areas to pitched standing seam roofs, vertical applications and accessible terraces, the flexibility of specification is really showcased on this project. The most noticeable feature is the stunning standing seam roofs, which are also DANOPOL HSF+ membrane, completed with ALPHA PROFILES. These ALPHA PROFILES are raised PVC profiles made from DANOPOL materials which can be retrospectively heat welded to the surface of the completed waterproofing system. The use of Alpha Profiles is rapidly increasing as the design may be highly customised and the installed centres can be changed to suit a clients particular aesthetic preferences and are often installed to obscure any standard membrane overlaps. An advantage of selecting DANOPOL membranes over a traditional metal standing seam roof option is that at less than 3.00kg per m2 for the waterproofing membrane, the system is incredibly lightweight and may be installed onto many lightweight structural substrates. The reduced load, when compared to traditional standing seam roof options, can also translate into savings on the underlying supporting structure. Our DANOPOL+ HSF membrane was also utilised on the terrace areas, which included vertical detailing to clad the internal faces of the parapet walls, providing a fully-encompassing watertight finish to the roof areas. Waterproofing System: DANOPOL+ HSF 1.5mm - Dark GreyConstruction Type: New Build Warm Roof Sector: EducationApprox. Size: 1,300m2Warranty Period: 20 Year

The ChallengeStoke Football Club (FC) launched a project of investment and modernisation to achieve first-class facilities at its Clayton Wood training ground and reach the coveted Category One status in the Premier League-driven Elite Player Performance Plan.The site, which is the main training ground for the first team squad, will include modern and technologically advanced facilities on a par with other Premier League clubs and top-flight European teams, which will aid Stoke FC in attracting new talent to the club.The SolutionThe 1,800-square metre site incorporates a full-sized indoor pitch, so players can train throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions. It also offers nine spacious changing rooms, office accommodation, a medical centre, gymnasium, hydrotherapy suite, dining area and press room.The addition of classrooms to the building means the site can now become home to the Club’s football academy where future footballing talent is trained.Forterra supplied their Dark Multi Smooth Butterley Bricks for the development of the club’s training building.Manufactured in the UK at Forterra’s Wilnecote brickworks, this 150-year-old brand provided a perfect, smooth finish and clean lines to complement the building’s glass panels and metallic cladding.The BenefitsStoke FC’s investment and regeneration of its facilities has earned it two construction awards: The Local Area Building Council (LABC) Business Excellence Awards for 2014 for the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire.

The ChallengeThe redevelopment of Clyde Campus is part of the fifth stage of a larger programme initiated by Glasgow City Council to re-build and modernise its pre-12 and special education estate. At the heart of the project is the Council’s desire to create an effective educational environment which takes a holistic approach to the design process by combining social, economic and environmental goals, resulting in a sustainable architecture, culture and landscape.The SolutionThe architectural response to the site has a central assembly hall and four radiating wings. This radial plan divides the site and avoids large elevations to the street edge, which is surrounded by low-density, two-storey housing. The design aims to create a new, accessible, attractive, welcoming and sustainable campus with shared community amenities with clear public frontage to the building.The facades have been composed to reflect the differing functions in each wing through choice of material and scale.The majority of the building is clad in a bespoke blend of Forterra’s Dark Tame Valley and County Multi Dragfaced Blend bricks, which evokes a sense of solidity and robustness. Lightweight metal cladding breaks up the brick expanse, helping to identify the campus’s different functions.The BenefitsThe new campus has successfully brought together nursery and primary age schooling under one roof with a range of enhanced facilities for pupils and for the wider community. The choice of building materials is an integral part of defining the different areas on site, from gym halls, to Early Years and classroom blocks.

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

A stylish, modern residential tower block in the heart of Canary WharfThis project is part of a redevelopment that includes 3 towers and is due to be fully completed in 2028. The tallest tower, Hampton Tower, is 214.5m and 68 stories high. Originally, it was considered too tall for the area and thus it was reduced to the current 68 floors. The building is situated just south of Canary Wharf with excellent access to travel with Canary Wharf and Elizabeth Line underground stations both within a 5 minute walk.The development will provide 1,338 residential apartments along with 6000 sq metres of new outdoor public space including café’s and restaurants. The towers will have ground floor retail and resident amenities such as a double-height pool, fitness centres and spa, and community and children’s spaces. Not to mention a garden on the 56th floor and the highest bar in London!Selo supplied a number of products to this project including concealed metal riser doors, concealed frame doors and sliding pocket doors. Concealed internal doors are becoming a very popular solution in interiors because of the desire for a luxurious, sleek finish.Conceal those unsightly risers and service cupboards with a flush riser door that seamlessly blends in with the walls and surroundings. Achieve a spacious feel with full height concealed frame doors or sliding pocket doors that will not only feel more spacious but actually save you space. If you’re looking for concealed doors for your project, give us a shout and see how we can help.

Elevating Luxury Living at University Arms, Cambridge.University Arms, Cambridge, a quintessentially British hotel, embarked on a transformative journey to redefine luxury and sophistication in its 189 rooms and suites. As part of this ambitious project, Selo Doors was entrusted to supply bespoke riser doors, seamlessly blending classic Edwardian interiors with modern aesthetics while meeting stringent fire-rated and concealed requirements.Selo Doors took on the challenge of providing bespoke riser doors tailored to the unique requirements of University Arms. The emphasis on customization ensured that the riser door sets seamlessly integrated into the overall design, offering a concealed and flush appearance. The metal riser doors were crafted with precision, aligning with the hotel’s commitment to quality and aesthetic excellence.Recognizing the critical role of fire safety in a luxury hospitality setting, the bespoke riser doors supplied by Selo Doors were meticulously engineered to meet rigorous fire-rated standards. This not only prioritized the safety of occupants but also underscored the commitment to compliance with industry regulations.The collaboration between University Arms, Cambridge, and Selo Doors resulted in the creation of a luxurious haven where bespoke riser doors play a pivotal role in elevating the overall aesthetic and safety standards. The fusion of British elegance, bespoke craftsmanship, and fire-rated excellence underscores the commitment to offering guests a memorable and secure stay. This case study serves as a testament to the seamless integration of bespoke riser doors in a prestigious hospitality setting, where attention to detail and quality craftsmanship are paramount.

An elegant, seamless grid ceiling and innovative LED lighting solutions from Durlum, specially developed for the mezzanine floor at Munich Central Station let the modernized underground city shine in new splendour. The perfect staging of the ceiling and light creates an extraordinary spatial experience with a feel-good character for the 200,000 daily passengers.The Munich architecture firm Auer Weber transformed the mezzanine floor into a space for movement based on the design principle of the “street” and relocated the existing shops to the edge of the basement. Clean colours, transparent materials and intelligent LED lighting systems create clear walkways and a new sense of space.The modern and jointless GEO ® wide grid ceiling from Durlum forms the basic structure of the mezzanine storey. 4600 PUNTEO ® -Q50 LED light points integrated into the grid ceiling create ideal brightness conditions in every area and avoid dazzling passers-by. Artificial suns with automatic light control at the staircases create a smooth transition from daylight to artificial light. A highlight on the barrier floor is the 132 m long light wall, which reacts to visitor flows and times of day with different light scenarios using intelligent lighting control from Durlum and creates unique lighting moods.The perfect interplay between the metal ceiling and modern LED lighting technology as well as the lighting control from Durlum make the mezzanine floor a real eye-catcher in downtown Munich and a showcase project in terms of sustainability.

BRENT CROSS SUBSTATIONIf there was ever an image to uphold our notion that Downer rainscreen framing isn’t ‘just metal’, it’s this one.Brent Cross Town, which is being delivered by Related Argent and Barnet Council – has recently unveiled this powerful and vibrant piece of art. One of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe, Brent Cross Town has ‘wrapped’ this eye-catching substation in a 21-metre-high permanent public artwork – all of which sits on our robust, sustainably-friendly Downer HELPING HAND framing.Here we come, here we rise’, created by celebrated artist Lakwena in collaboration with architects IF_DO, consists of four undulating bands and triangular-shaped lenticular panels that create a kaleidoscopic visual effect to emphasise the idea of movement as viewers move around the structure. IF_DOThe project has also brought back to life a piece of brownfield, ex-industrial land with the creation of a newly landscaped embankment designed by Gillespies.Brent Cross Town is the neighbourhood at the heart of the Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration programme. It is a joint venture between Related Argent and Barnet Council to develop a large-scale mixed-use development including new homes, retail and office space, as well as improved schools and green spaces in the area.We’re so proud to have been involved in this striking project, courtesy of our client, installers FIFTH ELEVATION LIMITED and are pleased to see that we’re living and breathing our brand message. Downer. It’s never ‘just metal.WE’RE EQUALLY THRILLED TO HAVE RECEIVED THIS EXCELLENT QUOTE FROM FIFTH ELEVATION'THANKS ANDY AND THANK YOU AND JUAN FOR YOUR EXCELLENT SERVICE (THE BESPOKE ENGINEERING PACK FOR THE DOWNER SYSTEM WAS EXCELLENT) AND EXCELLENT PRODUCTS – WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU AGAIN SOON.' LUKE, FIFTH ELEVATIONQUOTE FROM TEAM LEAD – ANDY CREEDY'SUCH AN IMPRESSIVE PROJECT. WE WERE THRILLED TO WORK IN DEPTH WITH FIFTH ELEVATION WHO DESIGNED THIS PROJECT. JUAN CID BARATO HAD TO INVEST SO MUCH TIME AND PROVIDED SO MUCH MORE THAN OUR STANDARD ENGINEERING OFFERING. WE ALSO ENLISTED A 3RD PARTY ENGINEER TO HELP WITH DESIGN. THANK YOU LEE SHEPHERD AND LUKE FOR TAKING THE TIME TO WORK WITH US ON THIS AS IT WAS QUITE A LENGTHY PROCESS WITH LOTS OF IN PERSON AND TEAMS MEETINGS TO MAKE THIS WORK. BUT CLEARLY THE RESULT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. TRULY STUNNING. EVERYONE SHOULD BE SO PROUD. GREAT PROJECT.'OUR ORIGINAL HELPING HAND SYSTEMAs the original HELPING HAND framing system, it seems fitting that our Downer aluminium rainscreen framing system has been used here to support such a vivid and unique public piece of art.Come rain, or shine, regardless of the cold, frost or rain; Downer can be installed all year round, and offers ultimate weather resistance.Find out more about our DCS031 system here: https://downerframing.com/dcs031-helping-handIf you would like to find out more about our Downer Framing systems, please get in touch here: https://downerframing.com/#contact-usFind out more about how you can optimise your next rainscreen framing project here. Images thanks to John Sturrock Related Argent.

A friendly and welcoming school based in Blackburn in the North West of England, St Stephens Church of England Primary School is a place where pupils can develop their skills in a school that is proud of its Christian values and high standards of teaching. The school has been praised for its philosophy of continuous improvement by a recent ofsted inspection, providing a nurturing environment for children.Continuing the high level of teaching facilities was paramount for the school, and after discovering that the gutters and parapets of the building were aged and leaking, it was vital that a solution was found before this caused issues.The ChallengeIn coordination with Polyroof Products Ltd a survey was scheduled to take place at the site to determine the exact nature of the issues and formulate a solution. Upon inspection it was discovered that the existing waterproofing consisted of a single-ply membrane which had become aged with various leaks being reported and localised repairs carried out with not much effect. The underlying build-up consisted of a galvanised steel metal deck and had been coated in plasticol. Once the survey was complete it was clear that the gutters and capping’s would benefit from a high-performance waterproofing system installation, this would protect from further leaks occurring.The SolutionThe System of choice for this project was Protec Xtraflex. Protec Xtraflex is a highly flexible version of the Protec system designed for coating gutters. Its fast curing technology and imperviousness to standing water fulfilled the rapid solution needed to offer durable waterproofing performance for this project. Taking into consideration the information obtained from the survey, a bespoke Polyroof specification was created to combat all of the issues discovered. The chosen Polyroof Approved Contractor to carry out the work on this project was the KSD Group, a contractor with a wealth of experience in the roofing and construction sector.Once all these aspects were in place, work could officially begin. Firstly, it was highlighted that falls and drainage were already present, so the Polyroof specification made use of the existing falls, combining this with the chosen waterproofing system. During this project, there was no need to strip back any of the existing waterproofing. It was made good where required, allowing a smooth substrate for the new system to be bonded to. Once this stage was complete, the area was cleaned and prepared for the new system by removing any dirt and debris. The Protec Xtraflex system was now ready for installation. Firstly, all surfaces that required it were primed, including the single ply existing waterproofing, which required a Polyroof SP Primer 202. During this installation, all lap joints and bolt heads were applied with Polyroof Butyl Tape and Polyroof Butyl Lap Tape, reinforcing these points before application. Pre-formed high-quality Polyroof drip trims were installed to the outer edge of the metal capping, and new flashings were also installed to cover the exposed insulation at this detail.The first coat of Polyroof Protec Xtraflex was applied to the substrate. This consisted of Xtraflex resin and Polymat 450 and was allowed to cure. Due to the rapid cure technology of the system, this only took 30 – 60 minutes, allowing for quick installation. Once complete, the second coat of Protec Xtraflex Resin was installed and allowed to cure.CompletionThe project was efficiently managed by both the contractor KSD Group and regular Polyroof Technical Services visits to ensure that each aspect of the project from start to finish was carried out within the client’s specification, time frame and budget. The project was a great success showing the high-quality work from KSD Group. The customer can now be confident that this new Polyroof Protec Xtraflex membrane will last for many decades to come.

Canberra HouseBauder Cold Applied LiquiTOP SystemSynopsisCanberra House is an office facility in Swindon. The existing single ply PVC waterproofing system roof was leaking and so Bauder carried out a full site survey. The resultant report gave the client several options to rectify the leaking roof.Bauder Building BoardProject nameCanberra HouseLocationSwindonProject typeRefurbishmentRoof size985m²SpecifierRapleys LLP (Bristol)Approved contractorCentral Roofing & Building Services LimitedThe specificationThe LiquiTOP system was chosen as it can be applied directly to the prepared and primed existing single ply covering. The liquid system allowed us to get into tight spaces and without the need for any hot works.LiquiTOP is excellent on refurbishment projects where the complexity of the roof involves intricate areas to be detailed that are not easily achieved with a sheet membrane, or the actual working space on the roof is constricted.Project challengesLarge areas of plant and machinery were situated just above the roof level making access to the areas below difficult with the plant in-situ. The available budget on this project did not allow for lifting or removing the plant, stripping the existing waterproofing system, and replacing with new. Therefore, the decision was made to overlay the existing single ply membrane with a cold applied liquid waterproofing which can be installed without the need to raise any plant.To overcome drainage challenges, secondary upstands were created under the plant and fabricated channels placed underneath allowing water to flow through to the drainage points.The resultBauder was able to offer a cost-effective solution without the necessity to remove or decommission the roof mounted plant and machinery. Cost reductions were achieved for the client by overlaying the existing roof, negating any need to strip existing materials, and not having to remove or raise the plant.The works were carried out by Central Roofing who manged the project impeccably and also finished ahead of schedule.System installedBauder Cold Applied LiquiTOP System1 LiquiTOP PU cold applied liquidA moisture triggered curing polyurethane waterproofing resin; applied in 2 coats, reinforced with Bauder LiquiTOP Glass Fibre Mat.

Wadham CollegeBauder Bakor 790-11 Hot Melt structural waterproofing system with BauderGREEN componentsSynopsisThe University of Oxford’s Wadham College graduate centre project was a complex refurbishment. Led by Lee Fitzgerald Architects and main contractor Feltham Construction it involved the careful restoration, adaptation and extension of the 1960’s grade II listed building.Bauder Building BoardProject:Wadham CollegeLocation:OxfordRoof Area:439m²Specifier:Lee Fitzgerald Architects​Main Contractor:Feltham ConstructionApproved Contractor:Deane Roofing & CladdingThe specification The brief for the project was to renovate the graduate centre and to link to the main college by creating a new entrance to the building. This led to the construction of a new building, the McCall MacBain Graduate Centre, which also now provides access to the Barbara Naylor rooftop gardens above the different reading, media and seminar rooms of the graduate centre. With the ageing existing waterproofing exceeding its life expectancy, the roof garden terrace was in need of a replacement roof system.As an accessible area which will experience a significant amount of foot traffic, the Bauder Hot Melt was determined to be the best solution for this roof. With a durability to match the expected life of the building and a self-healing system, the Bauder Bakor Hot Melt System is ideal for use on protected roofs such as inverted, paved, ballasted and terrace roofs.The resultApproved contractor Deane Roofing & Cladding carefully removed 439m² of the existing waterproofing, stripping the rooftop back to the concrete deck surface before installing the different layers of the Hot Melt system.The completed roof terrace now provides a modern and peaceful garden area where graduate students can relax and socialize between their work periods. Following several site visits by Bauder’s expert Site Technicians and a final leak test, a 20 year guarantee was issued for the roof terrace.System installed1 BauderPLANT E 42Green torch-on root-resistant capping sheet.2 790-11Hot melt rubberised bitumen asphalt with a percentage of post-consumer recycled materials that infills and fully bonds to all minor deviations in the deck.3 DeckPrimed concrete.

Over the Summer of 2018, Cyclehoop installed first batch of Bikehangars in Salford, Greater Manchester.Transport for Greater Manchester’s  overall aim is for the proportion of journeys made by bike to increase from 2 per cent today to 10% by 2025. This target has been broken down in to a package of proposed improvements for the region, partly funded by two Cycle City Ambition grants, awarded by the government and the Local Sustainable Transport Fund.Lack of secure cycle storage provision has been a barrier in realising this goal. At Cyclehoop, our commitment is to break down barriers that prevent people from cycling.In June this year, we installed 11 of our award-winning Bikehangars in June on residential streets in Salford. This will run for a test period of approximately 12 months. Cyclehoop’s team installed these 6-space units over the course of a week, primarily to provide cycle parking for residents with little or no internal space to store bikes.The Bikehangar has a galvanised sheet steel body that protects up to 6 bikes from the elements and vandalism. Along with a lockable, gas-sprung door which can only be accessed by registered members. Crucially, all of this is achieved in just half a car parking bay.If the Salford pilot is successful, Salford City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester plan to roll out the scheme to other areas. To find out more on the current Bikehangar locations, pricing and how to apply, please click here.Cyclehoop were praised for their delivery of the project and the fledgling pilot scheme has been received extremely well across the board.Councillor Antrobus, Lead Member for Planning and Sustainable Regeneration said:“Many people say they would like to cycle but have no space to store a bike at home. These new Bikehangers solve that problem and are already proving extremely popular. It’s all part of our commitment to encourage more people to cycle in Salford – either for commuting to reduce congestion on the roads or for pleasure and health benefits”While Infrastructure Manager for Cycling and Walking, Catriona Swanson commented:“The bikehangars look great and have generated a lot of interest from cyclists. We’ve had a lot of positive comments from cyclists and cycling campaigners for piloting the scheme in Greater Manchester.”

OverviewThe BP2 office building was constructed on reclaimed land at the eastern gateway to the Canary Wharf estate and comprises 14 stories above ground, plus three basement levels. The building’s design places a strong emphasis on energy-efficient performance, so this was an important criterion in the selection of ventilators.OverviewThe BP2 office building was constructed on reclaimed land at the eastern gateway to the Canary Wharf estate and comprises 14 stories above ground, plus three basement levels. The building’s design places strong emphasis on energy efficient performance, so this was an important criterion in the selection of ventilators.Project BackgroundAir Design Systems Ltd provided a full design and build package for the client. This included installation of local control panels and electrical wiring, as well as micro-switches to allow a positive signal that each ventilator is fully open prior to the pressurisation system starting up. Air Design Systems Ltd also supplied and installed numerous continuous louvres to the plant wells that rise through the building and terminate at roof level.Project SolutionPowrmatic supplied a large office building ventilation solution with a combination of single and double flap Skyvent ventilators to provide natural and smoke ventilation at the BP2 building in Canary Wharf, East London. Each of the 13 BS-EN 12101 ventilators was installed by Air Design Systems Ltdonto existing upstands with insulated lids and bodies and polyester powdered coated to RAL 9007 matt.Project ResultSkyvent ventilators are designed for both smoke and natural ventilation and are available in single and twin flap versions to suit the needs of each project. They can be installed on upstands, roof sheeting and into glazing systems. They feature very low air leakage when closed, and are weatherproof when closed, as tested to BS Parts 1 & 2. Insulated options can achieve U-values as low as 0.17W/m2/K.Skyvent ventilators are available with optional aluminium (single skin and insulated), polycarbonate or glazed lids in polyester powder paint finishes to any standard BS or RAL colour. A full range of accessories is available including bird guards, security guards and insect mesh.

Twinfix have been working their magic to help Network Rail restore Kettering Railway Station to its former glory. They have been helped in this project by the Railway Heritage Trust (RHT). The Railway Heritage Trust was created in 1985 by British Rail on the advice of railway heritage campaigners following the destruction of Derby Midland Station. The RHT is an independent company which assists the operational railway in its preservation and upkeep of listed buildings and structures. Network Rail and National Highways (Historic Railways Estate) sponsor the work of the RHT which currently holds an annual budget for restoration work, ensuring that high quality and the best materials are used to restore and preserve assets. Kettering station was opened in May 1857 by the Midland Railway, on a line linking the Midland to the Great Northern Railway at Hitchin. The Midland later gained its own London terminus at St Pancras Station. In 1857 the leather trade was in recession with over half of Kettering’s population on poor relief. The railway enabled the town to sell its products over a much wider area and restored the town’s prosperity. Originally the station had a single platform but in 1879 the station was quadrupled, and three new platforms were built. The Midland Railway commissioned waiting rooms, cast-iron columns, spandrels, and canopies for the new platforms to match the original 1857 design by Charles Henry Driver. In the 1970s, the glass canopies became a maintenance headache for British Rail, who proposed removing the glazing along with the cast-iron column heads and replacing it with sheeting. Thankfully, Kettering Civic Society intervened and saved the canopies and columns. 50 years later these important architectural elements needed some refurbishment but faced another threat. The Midland Mainline electrification programme meant that structural changes would be needed to the canopy structures to allow the overhead line electrical equipment to be installed above the tracks. Once again, the canopies were under threat but this time it was Twinfix which came to the rescue. Twinfix, the Warrington based pioneers of polycarbonate were the specified experts in the Network Rail business plan for the station refurbishment. Having already helped bring new life and importantly light into old stations as part of refurbishment work, Network Rail stipulated using Twinfix’s polycarbonate roofing panels and their mounting system to keep the overall aesthetics of the station but add a much-needed resilience to the canopies.  Twinfix recommended their Multi-Link-Panel glazing with 6mm solid clear polycarbonate to help the restoration project. The Multi-Link-Panel is an innovative, modular system that is incredibly quick to install and outperforms more traditional systems in terms of cost, performance, and appearance. Multi-Link-Panel canopies consist of pre-assembled modular glazing panels, manufactured to size for each individual project. Each panel comprises aluminium structural bars that are glazed with lightweight, yet tough, solid polycarbonate. The aluminium can be powder coated to a range of colours for a rust and maintenance-free life. As panels are pre-assembled in a controlled factory environment possible contamination and errors in installation caused by on-site cutting of the glazing sheet are avoided. These properties can result in saving two thirds of the time taken to install traditional split bar glazing systems. This can save on labour costs and drastically reduce any necessary premises shutdown time required while work is carried out overhead.  The team at Everlast roofing who installed the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel were a great partner in this installation process and this partnership resulted in a great finished roof.Handling during installation is easier and safer than with traditional glass systems as panels are constructed from materials that are both strong and light in weight. The reduction in weight compared with glass systems has the added benefit of lowering the overall weight of the roof construction, decreasing the stresses on the existing fabric of a building, especially important where a roof refurbishment is being undertaken. It is this weight reduction that removed the need for reinforcement of the original columns and resulted in the restoration remaining faithful to the original design. As Twinfix manufacture the multi-link panel system they are in an ideal position to be able to help with designing out potential problems. Each roofing system is unique and bespoke, so Twinfix took advantage of their deep understanding of their product and the legislation covering such projects and added access hatches to the canopies which allow access above the glazing for maintenance, finally curing that 50-year-old headache. Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix said; “The result of the restoration is truly breath-taking. Kettering Station is now awash with natural light and the platforms are a light airy place to wait for a train and shelter from the elements.” Tim Hedley-Jones, Director of the Railway Heritage Trust, says of the project: “It’s a great example where the use of modern materials helps to protect and sustain a truly beautiful historic station. Our grants have helped Network Rail to preserve Kettering Station using Twinfix technology, to continue to make it fit for purpose for today’s rail passengers.” So, if Charles Henry Driver were able to see the station today, he would instantly feel a sense of familiarity and be proud of the restoration work on this piece of railway treasure. CREDIT: Photographs taken by Paul Childs, Spheroview

OverviewCryfield Village, Warwick University, is a state-of-the-art student accommodation development, replacing outdated residences. Built as a series of townhouse-style apartments and studios, the village will eventually house around 830 residents. The new residences are fitted with photovoltaic panels that convert the sun's energy to electricity, supporting the University's aim to reach net zero carbon by 2030. The designers were keen to make a statement with the village properties and to impart a warm and welcoming feeling for the first year students.The SolutionWithin our “Collections” we have a number of terracotta-coloured finishes. The client particularly liked the tones and texture of ‘Cracked Clay’ from our Evolution range, and the 25 year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion was an important consideration. As do all our powders, Cracked Clay meets the Reaction to Fire Standards for fire classification A2-s1,d0, suitable for use on multi-storey residential buildings.We coated 900 m2 of aluminium cassette panels for the façade and roof of the phase 1 property which will house around 383 first year students. .The appealing, warm and eye-catching finish is (we think) a marked improvement on the existing building as one of these images shows.Benefits of Using PowdertechPowdertech has over 30 years’ experience in professional architectural powder coatingColour, tone and texture are our passion and we have the expertise to develop bespoke finishes.The Evolution range has a 25 year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion.Powdertech's rigorous pre-treatment system will help to keep the panelling free from corrosion for up to 40-years.Powdertech’s flexible plant can coat a wide variety of shapes and sizes of architectural metal work and fabrications.

Four residential blocks on Albert Road, North London, have recently undergone renovation, including removal of wooden screen shutters across the frontage of each apartment. The sliding shutters create an attractive appearance as well as performing shade from direct sunlight, but over recent years the wood has warped and deteriorated. Warping meant that the screens no longer travelled smoothly across the windows, and deterioration was causing the louvres to loosen with the danger that they might fall on people walking below. A refurbishment would also provide the opportunity to refit with materials conforming to current fire safety regulations. Considering the refurbishment, the developers were keen to retain the screens and felt that the appearance of wood was appealing, giving the apartments something of a continental appeal, albeit in north London. The blocks were developed and are managed by L&Q, a housing association that aims to deliver high quality affordable homes, and in their own words ‘better places to live’. The screens could easily be replaced using aluminium for the frame aerofoil blades and the look of wood could just as easily be delivered by using a shade from our Wood Finish (PWF™) range. PWF30, a dark shade, was closest to the original wood. In total Powdertech pre-treated and coated 9500 linear metres of extruded aluminium, each individual foil being 1.22m in length. Using aluminium brings the obvious benefits of strength combined with lightweight. The screens will not warp and need only minimal maintenance. Our Wood Finish conforms to the required reaction to fire specification for residential buildings of this type, A2-s1, d0, and the metal itself is non-combustible thus solving a number of issues in one, Wood Finish on aluminium is a winning combination.

Fearnach House on The Black Isle in the Highlands of Scotland was designed by architect Iain Macbeath, and built by the firm’s sister company, Thermopassive.The house is a 190m² new house, built to the architect’s “Thermopassive” specification with larch timber and render walls and profiled metal roofing. It has PV solar panels with a “diverter” heating up water and charging an electric car. High levels of thermal capacity storage in an insulated concrete floor slab (so it stays warm and flattens out rapid temperature fluctuations) and very good air tightness.There are no cold bridges (which is more important than you would think) and also a heat recovery ventilation system for fresh air.This project uses FAKRO top hung and pivot window preSelect MAX and L-shaped combination windows.When asked, why Fakro roof windows were specified for the project, Ian McBeath told us, “We have been specifying and buying Fakro roof lights for many years. They are well-priced compared with competitive products and of excellent quality and design.The positioning of the handles at the bottom of the window is also a major factor. It makes it much easier to operate a window with the handles at the bottom rather than the top of the window, which is often out of reach of many shorter and disabled people. The windows are also very well insulated and airtight.”The windows have helped achieve an extremely energy-efficient home as well as flooding the upper floor rooms with an abundance of natural light. And the client loves the internal and external finishes.Based in the North of Scotland, Thermopassive Ltd is an architect-owned company which specialises in highly insulated buildings (better than passive house standard) constructed in Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS).

SituationBoasting a prime location within the regenerated southern gateway to the city, First Street North is a flagship £500m creative and commercial development in Manchester. The four-star 11-storey Innside hotel, which is part of the internationally recognised Melia chain, is the first of its kind in the UK.isoweld® is an innovative induction welding system for the attachment of single ply membranes. Suitable for both PVC and TPO membranes, the isoweld® system uses heat induction to weld the membrane to a specially coated metal stress plate located underneath the membrane which is mechanically fastened to the substrate; a sophisticated field fix solution which allows for higher wind loads and offers economic installation costs.By using the isoweld® system with runs of 20 magnets, this significantly reduced the application time required at the Manchester site. Combining this with a requirement for only three FI-R-20 sleeves and three TIA-T25 fasteners per square meter on the complete installation, certainly made order procurement and site management much easier and helped to significantly reduce costs for the project.With the North West region being renowned for mixed weather conditions, mechanical fastening is a stronger, safer method for fixing single ply roofs and is unaffected by most of the site issues that traditional adhesive membrane applications face.The isoweld® 3000 tool also features a very useful "search and control" function, which allows you to identify whether the inductor is correctly positioned over the stress plate. This means we can ensure absolute accuracy, because the welding will only begin when the tool is correctly in place.

When building their forever home, Cibes Lift UK’s latest customers decided on including a Cibes Air platform lift. Guaranteeing they future-proofed themselves and their property from any potential mobility issues was a key consideration of their projected build.The customisability of the Cibes Air allowed for a perfect fit within the clients’ aesthetical palette and has since become a focal point of their new entrance hallway.Having the opportunity to design their home from scratch they benefited from a smarter, cleaner, and more flexible blueprint with the unique ergonomic design of the Cibes Air fitting effortlessly within their space. Simultaneously complimenting their lifestyle with its timeless Scandinavian design.Thanks to the modular design of The Cibes Air, your lift can be installed in as little as 2 to 3 days, with minimal structural intrusion making it perfect for renovation projects or just like our latest clients, building a home from scratch.The couple were able to find the perfect combination of colour and texture to fit in with their style, finishing their Cibes Air with a granular bamboo back plate and surestep black seagrass flooring.The panelled glass door fits seamlessly with the other modern architectural features of the home and supports in accentuating natural daylight throughout the property.A combination of intuitive design and timeless elegance makes the Cibes Air the perfect choice for a future-proofing endeavour. The Cibes Air home lift comes with a breadth of personalisation to ensure you can create the lift of your aesthetical dreams.Designed with wood, fabric, and metalClose to 300 different coloursLift shaft with panoramic glazingAvailable in 17 platform sizesReduced work and building costsMinimal interruption of your daily life

When building their forever home, Cibes Lift UK’s latest customers decided on including a Cibes Air platform lift. Guaranteeing they future-proofed themselves and their property from any potential mobility issues was a key consideration of their projected build. The customisability of the Cibes Air allowed for a perfect fit within the clients’ aesthetical palette and has since become a focal point of their new entrance hallway. Having the opportunity to design their home from scratch they benefited from a smarter, cleaner, and more flexible blueprint with the unique ergonomic design of the Cibes Air fitting effortlessly within their space. Simultaneously complimenting their lifestyle with its timeless Scandinavian design. Thanks to the modular design of The Cibes Air, your lift can be installed in as little as 2 to 3 days, with minimal structural intrusion making it perfect for renovation projects or just like our latest clients, building a home from scratch. The couple were able to find the perfect combination of colour and texture to fit in with their style, finishing their Cibes Air with a granular bamboo back plate and sure step black seagrass flooring. The panelled glass door fits seamlessly with the other modern architectural features of the home and supports in accentuating natural daylight throughout the property. A combination of intuitive design and timeless elegance makes the Cibes Air the perfect choice for a future-proofing endeavour. The Cibes Air home lift comes with a breadth of personalisation to ensure you can create the lift of your aesthetical dreams. Designed with wood, fabric, and metal Close to 300 different colours Lift shaft with panoramic glazing Available in 17 platform sizes Reduced work and building costs Minimal interruption of your daily life.

With the aim of making a somewhat dated house welcoming and comfortable for a young family from Vilnius, the architect Ieva Prunskaitė of the Prusta studio redesigned the interior. The minimal, clean design combines functionality with beauty. Its focus is on simple lines and light spaces, devoid of clutter. Wood, plaster and cement are the three elements that are used throughout the house.The predominantly white walls with ECLISSE Syntesis Flush Hinged white doors contrast beautifully with the wooden flooring. There are also wooden accents across the white kitchen cabinets and wooden panelling defining storage areas and a cloakroom between the main door and the living room.The interior is also interspersed with accents of grey and black in the form of the black marble worktop and black chairs in the kitchen, the minimalist wood burning stove, grey accent wall and grey sofa in the sitting room and a decorative black metal screen with a geometric design separating the master bedroom with the ensuite.The minimalist style of the ECLISSE Syntesis Flush Hinged doors integrate perfectly into this interior being almost invisible, whilst being accented with sleek black handles echoing the colour scheme throughout.The ECLISSE Syntesis® Flush Hinged Door is part of the Syntesis® Flush Collection. This is a range of flush or architrave free products that work in harmony with each other. The collection features a, the concealed hinged door frame (available as a door set or frame only), pocket door system without jambs or architrave and a flush skirting board adapter. The emphasis is on uninterrupted, clean lines for an interior without fuss, where less is more.Architect: Prusta studioProduct: ECLISSE Syntesis® Flush Hinged Door

Addagrip Terraco were delighted to see our BBA approved Terrabound Resin Bound porous surfacing installed at Constitution Hill as part of the new East-West Cycle Superhighway. The project will run through central London from Tower Hill to Lancaster Gate. The installation of this new stretch of the cycle path runs alongside Green Park to provide a safe route for cyclists from Buckingham Palace to Wellington Arch.BBA approved Terrabound Resin Bound surfacing was selected to provide over 2,200m2 of smooth, seamless, porous paving that would be hard wearing and provide good slip resistance for the cyclists. The natural aggregate finish in a 6mm Rhine Gold complements the location alongside Green Park and will provide a low maintenance surface in this very busy location.Working for Transport for London, F M Conway carried out the installation over a 9-day period working in one of the busiest tourist areas in Central London and during a period of very hot weather. The team started at Wellington Arch/Commonwealth Memorial end of Constitution Hill and finished the last 185m stretch outside Buckingham palace on Friday 8th July. Whilst the crowds gathered to watch the Household Cavalry ride up Constitution Hill from Wellington Arch, St James’s, London to Buckingham Palace there was also much public interest in seeing the team’s coordinated system of installing the resin bound surface and watching the transformation as it happened.The work was completed alongside the existing path that runs along Green Park so a metal edging detail was used, separating the Resin Bound surface from the hoggin surface around the mature trees that line the roadside.

The new Halcyon Way school was constructed for the community in Oldham - a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school for just over 150 children to grow, learn and develop in a caring and encouraging way.ChallengeMetal roofing and cladding contractor Decron Ltd were contracted to provide the façade for the new school. Turning to Fixfast for a solution for the support system to secure the façade, Fixfast assisted with the intricacies of the project itself - including the large letters that spell out 'Halcyon Way School' at the front of the building.SolutionFixfast were able to provide a detailed façade calculation for Decron, which included details and advice on using our SPIDI Max bracket and rail support system for the wall façade.SPIDI Max is a one-bracket design system that emphasises strength and simplicity - just one bracket can be used in vertical or horizontal applications and can be used for both fixed and sliding points within a façade.The brackets are available in a range of sizes to allow for contoured elevations, and to accommodate a range of cladding zone/cavity depths - from 80mm to 600mm in wall applications, and up to 946mm in soffit applications.Supplied in aluminium or stainless steel to cover a wide range of applications, the unique ribbed bracket design puts strength and ease of use first."Decron extends its sincere appreciation to Fixfast for their invaluable support. Fixfast's expertise in providing a detailed façade calculation and guidance on utilising the SPIDI Max bracket has been instrumental in the project's success. Fixfast's commitment to excellence and innovation reflects the high standards we uphold in our collaborations. Thank you for being a crucial part of our team."Ian Wallbank - Director at Decron Roofing & Cladding

Ouvane, Sutton, Co, Dublin. The original property on the site of these 3 new wonderful properties, was a 3,500m2 house which was built in the 1960’s. This was sold to MKN Property in 2016. The original building was demolished and its place 3 new homes built, called individually Ouvane, Shoreline and Seascape. The project architect, Fred Wilson of Fred Wilson Architects knew from the outset that metal was to be used for the façade. After some research he quickly decided upon PREFA PREFALZ standing seam in P.10 Anthracite colour. Since he had already come into contact with PREFA products in other projects, he knew about their durability: "The paint lasts longer and we also wanted an environmentally friendly solution," explains the architect. In the Ouvane project, the façade and the windows were to be the same colour – not only to do justice to the overall design composition - ( while the three houses stand out from their architectural surroundings, they merge with the surrounding landscape due to their dark colouring in a view of the coastal section ). Depending on the weather and time of day, the façade takes on different colours – from a cloudy grey to a dark shimmering blue. Each home has gate at the bottom of its garden that leads onto the beach. While there are lots homes in Ireland facing the sea, there are currently fewer than 100 properties that back directly onto the sea. The properties sit on the tombola that connects Howth with the mainland, and command 180 degree views of Dublin Bay and North Bull Island. Photography by Gareth Byrne Photography, DublinArchitect. Adrian Hill Architects, DublinInstallation of PREFA PREFALZ. Pad Roofing, Dublin

PROJECT OVERVIEWWorking with BES, we have successfully completed a refurbishment of an existing space into new quality assurance (QA) laboratory for a pharmaceutical blue-chip client. The fundamental requirement was to deliver a purpose- designed laboratory, located at the heart of the client’s busy manufacturing site, to run robust microbiological analytical activities for the next 25 years.SCOPE OF WORKTo meet the project requirements, we utilised several products, including 100mm Mediline partitions, metal pan ceilings, walk-on ceilings and various types of doors. Our in-house team became involved at an early stage of the design process. Working closely with the main contractor and end-users, we were able to recommend different products which would benefit the client’s processes and flow of the building. One of the key solutions we offered was Norwood’s automatic hermetically sealing sliding door system with large vision panels. This specifically designed doors not only saved space but also provided users with an open feel of the facility. It is due to this project that Norwood became a member of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association – (ADSA). Not many companies hold an ADSA membership and being associated with ADSA promotes the highest standards in automatic doors and gives Norwood operatives the qualification for certifying their own automatic doors to BS 7036: 1988. We delivered a modern and energy efficient facility, compliant with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements, within a controlled budget. The laboratory was finished to the highest standards, with a great attention to detail throughout.This project demonstrates that by involving Norwood at the early design stages, we can add real value, advising on the most suitable solutions, tailored to the specific needs of our clients.

Childcare Center, Bruges CHALLENGE Day after day, De Kleine Wereld (The Small World), a building complex composed of 4 separate blocks, is buzzing with activity. Hardly surprising, since this Social Welfare building has been housing a childcare centre for many years. As the building was expanded with a modern new-build extension, it was decided to replace the roof of the existing building as well. After barely 10 years the weathered zinc roof with a solar panel installation was ready for refurbishment. It looked as if the carrier system for the PV panels on the zinc roof could not withstand the high wind load: the zinc had been torn o from roof structure. This resulted in moisture and condensation problems in the building below. Owner, Mintus, was looking for a durable, waterproof and aesthetic solution for the curved roof, and, above all, a reliable system for installing photovoltaics. For the architect it was important that the appearance of the existing metal roof was somehow preserved, preferably with a slightly more modern touch. In-addition there was an important practical issue as well: under no circumstances could the childcare facility be moved to another location during the refurbishment works. So, fi re safety was paramount as well. SOLUTION Building owner, Mintus, fi nally opted for the mechanically fi xed PVC-P roofi ng membrane RENOLIT ALKORPLAN F. The main and decisive reason behind this choice was the innovative RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Solar system, a secure, ultralight and versatile carrier system for mounting photovoltaics. RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Solar has been active on the market for over 10 years without the slightest issue. Direct proof of the reliability and durability of this unique RENOLIT system. For Mintus, the benefi ts were clear.