"glass"

MODERN COASTAL ARCHITECTURE CREATED USING TECHNAL SYSTEMSLayered recessed glazed facades, created using TECHNAL aluminium systems, maximise occupant views and deliver a sleek seafront architectural focus for new, luxury apartments overlooking the beach at Gorey in Jersey.Designed by Jersey-based Morris Architects, the development called The Beach comprises six apartments across four floors with undercroft car parking. Constructed by main contractor, Camerons, the glazing package was coordinated by installer Style Windows who worked with fabricator Bonam and Berry Ltd to develop the specification. “Using layered glazed balconies and recessed facades, the building takes on a stylish streamlined appearance. A sweeping corner provides an open, translucent structure, which minimises impact on the adjacent cottages and the beach. Secondary vertical columns have been used to help articulate the horizontal curved form of the balconies.”Ricardo Marques, architectMaximising the beautiful view for the building’s occupants using minimal profiles was a priority for the design team, without compromising the façade’s weather performance at this exposed location. This was achieved using a range of aluminium systems from the extensive TECHNAL range.  For easy access to the balcony area on the seaside elevation, the TECHNAL C160S Lift & Slide aluminium door system has been installed to each level, combining minimal sightlines and high thermal performance with a user-friendly slide action that glides, effortlessly. One of the door sets is an impressive 4.5m wide x 2.4m high, comprising only two panes, both of which are sliding. "Coastal developments always require a diligent approach to glazing specification. The architect had a clear vision for the building and the facade required a precision specification to achieve the right balance between aesthetic and performance in relation to the building's exposed location. Whilst installing beach-side was challenging, the finished facade looks impressive."Dave Sutcliffe, Style WindowsTo achieve the curved glazed corners at each storey level, TECHNAL Elegance 52 ST Curtain Walling has been fabricated to the specified quadrant, with an external radius of 1.9m, resulting in an impressive glass arc width of almost 3m. Combined with the 2.4m floor to ceiling height, the Elegance 52 ST system has allowed for a truly breathtaking sweeping curve to the building. Internally, the mullion of the curtain walling aligns perfectly with the adjacent Lift & Slide doors, giving the façade an elegant, continuous flow across the elevation."This is the beauty of TECHNAL systems. Even with the high wind loads of this exposed location, we have been able to create a sleek facade solution."Ricardo Marques, architectOther TECHNAL systems used on the project include four single doors and one double-set from the Dualframe Dualsecure 75mm range as well as its STII Doors to the entrance and escape doors. A selection of Dualframe 75mm SI windows in top hung, side hung and pivot configurations have also been installed throughout the building.Taking advantage of the dual colour facility and to combat the extreme weather conditions of this coastal location, externally the systems are anodised to Anolok™ Umber 543 in contrast with the white rendered walls. Internally, a white powder coat finish has been used to maintain the light bright design inside the apartments.To the north facing elevation, standard low-e toughened glass was specified with the rest glazed using solar control glass."Bonam and Berry has supplied TECHNAL architectural aluminium products continuously for over 40 years, and uses the complete range of systems for residential, commercial, educational and all public and private sector applications."Andrew Spencer, Commercial Director at Bonam & Berry

Made-to-measure stainless steel worktops, by GEC Anderson, were recently specified by Munkenbeck and Partners at the highly desirable city space known as 55 Gee Street, Clerkenwell.The funky, new build, mixed-use development comprises offices, shops and six, high-end apartments. Four flats have two bedrooms, a two bedroom duplex occupies ground and basement levels whilst the 150 m penthouse has three bedrooms. Previously the site was occupied by a building belonging to Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.Outside, the distinctive street facade resembles a Jenga block game, made up of extruded airbricks, randomly assembled. The bricks allow natural cross ventilation through the wall without having to make the glass panels move.Inside, the contemporary living spaces are high tech and high quality. Concrete, wood, stainless steel and glass dominate the open, elegant and functional spaces. The continuous and expansive stainless steel worksurfaces blend-in perfectly within their neutral and effortless surroundings. Formed in one piece, the GEC Anderson custom stainless steel worktops include integral sink bowls and edge detailing. Full height splashbacks are included to alcove worktops whilst the striking penthouse kitchen includes a stainless steel island element.Stainless steel worktops and splashbacks still are often associated with only commercial kitchens. However, discerning specifiers have always recognised stainless steel as an interesting, practical and versatile worktop material for residential kitchens. GEC Anderson, with its high quality, brushed satin, stainless steel worktops has helped to promote the popularity of stainless steel within this environment, since the early Sixties.Alfred Munkenbeck, Munkenbeck and Partners, chose GEC Anderson worktops because they could be made in one piece, to the exact size and shape required and with the desired edge profiles, sink bowls and details. The highly specific requirements and details are matched by the quality, appearance, design honesty, integrity and practicality demanded by the apartment settings.GEC Anderson stainless steel worktops and splashbacks are made to order in any shape or size, with seamless finish and no visible joins or junctions. The Touch kitchen units, from OIKOS, were supplied by Eurobath Trading UK. A full measuring and installation service was provided by GEC Anderson for main contractor, Morgan Sindall.

A community space in the heart of central London has been completely transformed and by 6a architects. The new building, incorporating an old basement gymnasium, is home to Holborn Community Association, has a 100-year history which has been sensitively referenced in artwork created by artist Caragh Thuring on the façade of the building. What was solely an old basement gymnasium has been rebuilt as a light-filled, naturally ventilated, low energy space, extending upwards with two new public-facing floors. 6a architects specified Junckers solid Oak Harmony Driftwood Grey two-strip flooring, a pale shade of grey. Suitable for multi-purpose use, the sprung floor fitted in the gym as well as in the club rooms, will enable the community centre to maximise earnings through hires, being able to offer a safe space for everything from various sports to arts and social events. Said Stephanie Macdonald of 6a architects: “The floor looks fantastic and really unusual, a beautiful warmth of timber and colour for the gym and the clubrooms which is going to allow them to be used equally well for hires and events - a really beautiful set of spaces for community use”. Throughout the building, an emphasis on pale, light-reflecting colours and materials minimises reliance on artificial lighting. The light-coloured Junckers Driftwood Grey Oak provides the centre with a durable floor which helps maximise natural light levels. It can be sanded and refinished up to ten times without loss of performance and will serve the centre well for 60 years plus. Junckers floors carry the Danish Indoor Climate Label, which is recognised by BREEAM. Having undergone extensive degassing and odour testing to ensure there are no harmful chemicals, a Junckers floor will help maintain a healthy indoor climate. Stirling Prize nominated 6a architects worked closely with Thuring whose artwork features throughout the architecture. For the etched glass façade which runs the width and height of the building Thuring drew on stories from the community and local area which are inscribed onto the glass alongside irregular mortar lines of the original brickwork. For the gymnasium, Thuring created a bespoke woven fabric, echoing the brickwork motif of the façade, which lines the acoustics panels on the upper walls. The flooring contractor was Junckers Approved Contractor Hutchison Flooring. 

Falco has completed the fifth cycle hub installation at Telford Town Park Visitor Centre as part of a new tranche of secure cycle hubs located at key areas across the borough.The scheme which got underway last year involves the design, manufacture, supply and installation of bespoke cycle hubs coupled with associated FalcoLevel-Eco two-tier cycle racks to allow commuters, residents and visitors to quickly and conveniently park their bike whilst on the go.The latest 4m x 4m cycle hub as shown here at Telford Town Park Visitor Centre, is based upon the UK’s most popular cycle hub design – the FalcoHub, which is manufactured from a combination of a hot-dip galvanised steel frame with reinforced safety glass cladding.FalcoLevel-Eco two-tier cycle racks have been installed providing secure accommodation for up to 18 bikes.A convenient FalcoFix 2.0 cycle station has been supplied allowing cyclists to inflate tyres and carry out basic cycle maintenance whilst on the go.The secure cycle hub also comes complete with proximity LED lighting, eye-catching ‘Travel Telford’ branding graphics and powder coating in an Anthracite Grey RAL colour.In addition to the cycle hub here at Telford Town Park Visitor Centre, Falco has also manufactured and installed four other cycle hubs for Telford & Wrekin Council, with other cycle hubs located at The Telford Langely School, Rampart Way – across the bridge from Telford Central Station, at Wellington Civic & Leisure Centre – to the right of the car park entrance, next to the Wellington Town Council building and at Oakengates Station – situated to the right side of the main entrance.The FalcoHub, as shown here for Telford & Wrekin Council, is a contemporary cycle store manufactured from a combination of a galvanised steel frame and reinforced safety glass, designed to be sympathetic to the surrounding area. The FalcoHub was developed by Falco’s in house design team to ensure it met the client’s specification including structural calculations so that the whole design meets the UK/European CPR regulations EN1090 and is CE marked.For more information about the scheme here for Telford & Wrekin Council or how Falco can assist your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

Hale Brown Architects were appointed to redesign 6 Middle Street with the brief to redevelop it into a modern office space that incorporates new sustainable design elements.Set within the narrow cobbled streets along the eastern boundary of the Smithfields Conservation Area this refurbishment included demolition of existing roof structure and replacing it with a feature glazed roof, creation of a mezzanine floor and installation of a cantilevered staircase. The concept was to open up the space to create free-flowing natural light throughout all floors, open up views, create natural ventilation and maximise ceiling heights while incorporating a timber slatted raft concealing service.3v provided a full ironmongery service for this project which including a mixture of brass and matt black products. Black products were used on timber doors and bespoke textured brass pad handles on black frame glass doors, the pad handles were chosen to compliment the detailing in the timber slatted ceiling raft and wall panelling. We think they work seamlessly together! Photography: Neil Kenyon

Non-Conductive, Anti-Slip Flooring and Walkways | Case StudyArena Events Group chose Dura Composites to supply the tiered structure stadium decking for the seating and platform areas, manufactured from our high quality and corrosion-resistant Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) Dura Slab 40 and 20 products which provided an anti-slip, fire-tested and load-tested alternative to the Buffalo® Board and traditional plywood used previously. Dura Composites’ ability to be able to meet a range of stringent test requirements including flare resistance tests and FEA analysis made us the ideal choice for this high profile project which not only allows for future changes to seating configurations, but also improves access to amenities on the concourse. The two types of Dura Slab used on this project are precision engineered GRP structural flooring systems that provide an incredible strength to weight ratio. High strength fibreglass composite is pultruded in one mass to produce a consistent quality flooring structure that is also non-corrosive, chemically resistant – and has an anti-slip walking surface.

A large commercial client of EnviroBuild required a contemporary and low maintenance decking solution for their purpose built flat refurbishment project in South London. The decking would be supported over a flat roof surface, plug on balconies and garden decking areas, so required a versatile decking bearing system.The SolutionThe project used 400 m² of Hyperion Granite Pioneer decking installed on a sub-frame made of non-rot Manticore recycled plastic lumber. To support the decking over the low profile balconies and taller flat roof sections, adjustable decking supports were used. The various sizes of pedestals, allowed both very shallow decking heights and other sections to be supported securely with minimal installation time.Customer FeedbackThe client loved the look of the Granite Pioneer decking against the classic redbrick building. Combined with the modern glass balustrade, they created the perfect outdoor living spaces.Project DetailsSize: 400 m²Product: Granite Hyperion Composite DeckingSubstructure: Mesa Adjustable pedestals & Manticore Plastic LumberLocation: London

The new HMRC regional hub at the Arena Central complex in Birmingham has provided over 240,000 sqft of grade A commercial space over its ground and 13 upper floors. The building features an external envelope of geometric glass and aluminium facades that create an iconic feature to this area of central Birmingham. Working closely with the façade contractor NACWL, specialist architectural metal fabricator Metalline have manufactured and supplied over 9000 m2 of aluminium Unity Rainscreen Panels from their recently extended facility in Cannock. Delivery which commenced in September was completed within 10 weeks. The specification also included over 5000 m2 of Ultima Insulated Spandrel panels along with soffits, column casings and transition panels. The detailed design of the building’s façade demanded a uniformity of colours which was achieved using a single ingot of J57S Up aluminium. The Ultima Insulated Spandrel Panels were finished in a black polyester powder coating. The individual Unity rainscreen panels were supplied in a two – tone specialist 1934 and 1953 Unatex silver anodised finish.

Designed by Shawn Hausman Design this hotel features a retro interior style which some may call kitschy or ‘hippie’ style. But there’s no doubt that this hotel is unlike any other, bursting at the seams with bright, vibrant colours and minimalist furniture and décor reflecting a somewhat 70’s glam style. While the interior might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the exterior is quite a sight to behold. With its brutalist-style architecture, it draws on the curved windows that cover the building as the main focus of the design. Originally built in 1974 as an office block and public library Orms were responsible for retaining this stark exterior. The hotel was heightened by a glass extension across the top of the building that holds a restaurant and club.Perhaps the coolest feature of the hotel, the red pill lift. A single external red pod, contrasting vividly with the plain white concrete frame, that transports its guests to all the 266 rooms and the rooftop bars.Selo provided simple, sleek riser doors that fit in perfectly with this modern look, and allow the eye to be drawn to the more important design features of the interior.

The Glass Yard is a prestigious mixed office and retail development in Chesterfield, on the site of what was the once the largest manufacturer of domestic glassware in the UK. It has been designed sustainably and ergonomically by developer Blue Deer Ltd. for an open plan, daylight filled environment. The client approached Tarmac’s representatives looking for a safe, practical, durable and visually distinctive finish for the main external walkways and first-floor balconies that would complement the modern design and sustainable ethos of the building. After providing advice and number of samples, the client chose TOPTINT Glow a unique, glow in the dark decorative concrete that uses light sensitive chippings to help illuminate areas such as footpaths, cycleways and pedestrian areas. The glowing aggregate provided a passive and energy efficient form of demarcation to help guide clients along the balconies and walkways at night-time and in low ambient light conditions. This fitted with the building’s sustainable design ethos. The gentle glow provided by the light emitting chippings also provided an ambience that was sure to be a talking point for customers and would help put the new development on the map.

One Crown Place is the latest high rise addition to London’s skyline. Home to 246 luxury apartments, high-quality office space, a boutique hotel and members’ club, it is located between the City of London and Shoreditch. Designed by internationally renowned architects Kohn Pederson Fox (KPF), the development features two prismatic towers of 28 and 33 storeys.For the apartments, interior designers, Bowler James Brindley specified custom designed kitchens by Italian company Arclinea featuring a dark lacquered finish with engineered stone worktops and glass fronted cabinets.The Fire regulations which apply to high-rise living accommodation meant that the open plan kitchens in each apartment would require a fire suppression unit complete with sprinklers to be fitted. These units need to be installed and maintained by a specialist engineer and can also cause damage within a property should they be activated due to a fire.  Therefore, the team of architects, designers and builders were open to the idea of an alternative, unobtrusive design-led fire prevention solution, such as the Firechief Kitchen Stove Guard.

Working through our Midlands contracting office, Planet provided smoke sealed extended height PURE20XL glazing to floors 2 to 7 of the building’s internal atrium. 6.7m high Schueco Jansen Viss screens were placed on ground level, while PURE20XL was also utilised along with rebated 1.5 leaf IsoPro doors (Rw 36 dB).Extended 3.3m LOFT100 screens (Rw 47 dB) with back-painted glass above transom level were placed in the 300-capacity auditorium with double IsoPro doors. Finally, banded LOFT20 partitions and matching IsoTec acoustic doors (Rw 38 dB) and double glazed LOFT54 (Rw 45 dB) with IsoPro doors were installed for the client’s meeting rooms and phone booths respectively.The Unity Place development is a great example of a people-first workplace design that hopes to be a catalyst for the regular return to the office for many of Santander’s staff. The building is set to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating for sustainable performance, aided by Planet’s EPD documentation for our LOFT and IsoPro solutions.

The Anchorage Gateway in Salford Quays is a new multi-storey building in the centre of Salford. The main wing is 29 storeys high whilst the lower tower tops out at 19 storeys. The ground floor contains almost 400m2 of commercial space and the upper floors contain 290 residential units and 800m2 of amenity space.The building is reputed to be one of the highest brick clad buildings in Europe, Kinlan Brickwork being specialist sub-contractor.Domis Construction is the main contractor on this scheme. URSA UK Ltd was chosen as the preferred insulation manufacturer. We supplied over 11,500m2 of 100mm URSAPAN BLACK - a unique glass mineral wool rainscreen cladding insulation slab;·      Euroclass A1 fire rating (non-combustible).·      Thermal conductivity of 0.035 W/mK.·      BBA Certified. Kate Fox, Area Sales Manager for the Midlands stated, ‘Following the success of this initial partnership URSA are now the preferred supplier of rainscreen insulation and our products have been used on Fifty5ive Queen Street in Salford with others in the pipeline including Derwent Street’.

Britannia Leisure Centre is a new multi-sport community complex in Hackney. A key driver for the client was that the building should have a compact footprint. This was achieved by stacking the facilities, creating a rooftop MUGA with tennis courts and 5-a-side football pitches.Lang+Fulton supplied the external steel mesh panels which crown the building and provide panoramic views of London. These were made from their Terra-34 grating which features an anti-climb aperture. The tall slender panels were designed to continue the architectural theme of the building’s columns and vertical elements and were finished in a graphite grey ppc to compliment the neutral palette of stone, concrete and glass.In addition a grating screen was supplied to secure the upper levels of the stairway providing natural daylight and through visibility to the entrance atrium and cafe area.The steel grating also conformed to the requirement for material durability and low maintenance which were key specification considerations.The Britannia Leisure Centre has received multiple awards including Overall Building of the Year (New London Architecture).

The Friedrichscarrée is a modern office and retail complex in the center of Stuttgart.Named after the former king of Württemberg, Friedrich I., it is characterised by its modern architecture and glass front. In addition to numerous companies, it now also hosts retail, catering businesses and event spaces. The good access to public transportation and the close proximity to restaurants and cultural institutions, make Friedrichscarrée an attractive location for businesses and visitors.As the general contractor for the expansion, Lindner carried out an extensive interior construction - ranging from drywall work to floor systems and wall cladding. In addition to high-quality floor coverings and also partly automated partition walls, the special construction of the hollow floor FLOOR and more® for the pedestal in the barista bar was a central element of the revitalisation. Lindner hallway ceilings LMD, heating and cooling ceilings and acoustic sails were also installed to optimise room acoustics.Furthermore, GiB mbH supported Lindner in upgrading the existing fire protection. The entire conversion was carried out during ongoing business, which required precisescheduling of noise-intensive work.

When Formby Point Construction needed to specify the insulation for The Gables, an exclusive housing development in Crosby, the project had multiple objectives. Firstly, the company wanted to go beyond the thermal and acoustic requirements outlined in the building regulations. Secondly, with such a large number of applications across multiple construction types, Formby Point Construction wanted to use one manufacturer and supplier to specify the correct product for each application. This would ensure ease of installation and ensure the project was delivered on budget.With this in mind, Formby Point Construction, consulted Formby-based builders’ merchant, Huws Gray, who referred it to Knauf Insulation.For the separating floor applications, Knauf Insulation recommended Knauf Insulation OmniFit® Roll 40, a versatile, non-combustible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification Glass Mineral Wool insulation that provides both excellent thermal and acoustic performance. Knauf Insulation also recommended Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 for the masonry cavity external walls, Knauf Insulation Masonry Party Wall Slab for separating walls to comply with Document E and Knauf Insulation Loft Roll 40 for the insulation of the loft.As well as considering the comfort of the homeowner, Formby Point Construction considers the welfare of its employees as part of its decision making. In addition to excellent thermal and acoustic performance, Knauf Insulation scored highly on this aspect thanks to the ECOSE® Technology, its patented sustainable bio-based binder. Products manufactured with ECOSE® Technology contain no added phenol or formaldehyde, and they are 70% less energy-intensive than products manufactured with traditional formaldehyde-based binder. They have no odour, are softer to touch, making them much more pleasant to handle and install. They have also achieved the best possible Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort, contributing to a high level of indoor air quality for installers and homeowners alike.Once the specification had been agreed, Knauf Insulation then worked with Huws Gray to price the project and take advantage of volume discounts. This meant that Formby Point Construction had some additional budget for insulation. The company therefore decided to install Knauf Insulation Acoustic Roll within the stud walls between all rooms, going above the minimum standard required between bathrooms and bedrooms outlined in Document E.Thanks to Formby Point Construction’s commitment to going above and beyond the regulations, and Knauf Insulation’s high performance Glass Mineral Wool insulation, homeowners at The Gables will enjoy quieter, warmer homes. To see how Knauf Insulation can help with your insulation needs, check out our Housebuilders Hub.https://www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/Housebuilders-hub

DAYLIGHTING TAKES OFF AT HEATHROWThe ageing glass skylights of Terminal 4 at London’s Heathrow Airport were in need of repair. The challenges for the project’s main contractor was finding a way to keep the project moving with little disruption to this busy terminal and also maintaining the airport’s security protocol.The answer was a single-source solution presented by Structura UK, the curtainwall engineers who are the exclusive distributor of Kalwall products in the United Kingdom and Ireland.18,836 square feet (1750 square meters) of Kalwall Skyroof® cladding were used above the terminal’s International Departure Lounge and check-in desks to replace the 30+ year old glass skylights. The Kalwall translucent sandwich panels are fully Aviation Security in Airport Development (ASAID) compliant with regards to blast performance and improve the solar control and insulation for the space below. In fact, Kalwall 100™ panels were specifically chosen to exceed code requirements, therefore future-proofing the project.The whole retrofit was completed externally using a custom moving scaffold and during evening hours, meaning there was no disruption to the inside of the building. And, as far as value, the lightweight translucent panels allowed for the existing substrate to be adapted and reused – a savings of nearly $9 million (£7m) in project costs and more than a year off the build timeline.“Structura UK was a new supplier to the major capital projects programme on the Airport (and) they delivered a flawless installation despite multiple challenging circumstances including adverse unseasonal weather, unexpected contaminated materials and multiple design changes,” says Ben Hooper, Senior Project Manager at Heathrow.Structura worked in conjunction with Structural Engineers Webb Yates for a scheme designed by Pascall+Watson architects. The project proved so successful that main contractor Balfour Beatty named Structura as their ‘Most Promising New Supplier 2018’. Kalwall offers complete line-of-sight protection, maintaining privacy for the security screening area and departure lounges while bathing the interior with diffused daylighting, regardless of the weather. Apart from providing the visual protection, its inherent strength and heavy-duty impact resistance make it ideal for secure locations such as this. It offers the highest protection in terms of windbornedebris and resistance to impact, abrasion and point loads. Not only is it man safe, but Kalwall achieves S:AA (BS 476 part 3) and Broof(t4) to EN 13501 part 5 for external fire performance.The exterior face is colour stable and includes a UV resistant, self-cleaning surface. This means that normal rainfall helps to keep the surface free of dust and dirt while at the same time retaining its original colour during the weathering process.

OverviewKEA Dublin is a 2787m² shopping centre in Ballymun Ireland which required a full smoke ventilation system from Powrmatic.Project BackgroundIKEA Dublin is 30,000 square-foot shopping centre in Ballymun Ireland which required a full smoke ventilation system from Powrmatic.Project SolutionPowrmatic supplied 73 Roof Opensky smoke ventilators to the new IKEA store in Dublin. Specified and installed by Air Design Systems Ltd, the installation is providing full smoke ventilation to five separate areas within the store.The second area is the show room and café which were naturally ventilated by louvred ventilators and split into zones using a fixed smoke curtain. A similar approach was taken with the self-serve warehouse and checkout area, which was also naturally ventilated using louvred ventilators and fixed smoke curtains. Polycarbonate blades are used on the louvred ventilators to allow natural light to enter the spaces. Additionally, the escape staircases were ventilated using louvred ventilators at the head of the stairs and a local control panel with an emergency break glass.Project Result“We were involved from the very early in the design stages of the project, using our knowledge and experience of installations within other IKEA stores and warehouses to engineer a suitable, cost-effective solution,” recalled  Air Design Systems Ltd Director Alan Clare.“Within these works we have had to include for three separate main control panels, all electrical wiring run in fire-protected cable, local control panels with emergency break glasses and a mimic control panel linking all smoke ventilation zones. We also provided rain sensors, roof access hatches, and head of lift shaft cowls,” he added.Due to the success of the project, there was a requirement within a year of opening to extend the warehouse area. Air Design Systems Ltd was awarded the sub-contract to extend the system into the new space and link back to the existing control system. In total, a further 14 Powrmatic ventilators were installed in the warehouse roof & walls and at the head of the two additional emergency staircases.Powrmatic’s Roof Opensky ventilators are attractive, low-profile units that have been specifically designed for both smoke and heat exhaust and natural ventilation applications. The Opensky can be roof or wall mounted for exhaust or inlet and can be supplied with a hinged base for use as an access hatch. They are tested for use as smoke ventilators to BS EN 12101-2.

Project: Creative Centre, York St John UniversityClient: Tate+Co ArchitectsScope of project: Design and supply 24 bespoke-sized rooflights for the roof of a triple-height atrium to fit within apertures in a glulam timber grid.Products: 24 bespoke sized em.glaze rooflights, some with concealed actuator smoke ventsThe ChallengeThe roof of the striking 14m, triple-height atrium, which forms the centrepiece of the newly opened Creative Centre at York St John University, features a glulam timber roof grid. Architects Tate+Co wanted to punctuate that grid with bespoke sized rooflights to bring even more light into a space which is used as an exhibition, teaching and theatre space, as well as somewhere for students to mix and relax. The rooflights had to have a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, in line with the overall design intent of the atrium and, because almost all the services in the atrium are hidden, needed to be available with matching concealed actuator smoke vents.The SolutionWhitesales designed and supplied 24 bespoke-sized em.glaze rooflights which suited the specification perfectly. The flush-glazed glass-to-edge design of the em.glaze units with flat sealed glass units fitted within a fully welded, thermally broken aluminium frame achieved the lean, crisp look the architects were looking for. The fact that they were also available with fully concealed actuators in the smoke vents supplied by our affiliate business Sertus was an added bonus. All the rooflights were supplied for the project complete with preformed 300mm PVC splayed upstands, which enabled them to be fitted directly into the glulam grid, saving the contractors time on site. They were also fitted with specially coated glazing which allowed for a degree of solar gain and contributing to the low energy requirements of the BREEAM Excellent rated building.‍The BenefitsAs well as the meeting the design specification, Whitesales’ technical team helped to ensure that the em.glaze rooflights could be installed quickly and efficiently by the main contractors Kier Construction. We estimate that our recommendation to supply the units with preformed 300mm PVC splayed upstands saved the roofing team at least two weeks on site because they didn’t have to construct the upstands themselves and the integrated splay made waterproofing the roof a lot easier. Tate+Co Director Andy Baker-Falkner is delighted with the em.glaze units: “We liked the lean, crisp design of the Whitesales em.glaze units, particularly with the clean white reveal and option for fully concealed vent actuators.”

University of BournemouthProduct: Two Bespoke Kensington Solar CanopiesCanopy Colour: Anthracite Grey RAL7016Canopy Size: 21.9m x 4.9m eachInstallation Date: September 2017The project in briefAs part of a major infrastructure development Bournemouth University created a new transport hub to connect the University to the wider area. Shelter for waiting passengers was part of the plan. Uniquely it had to fit in with the wider design themes of the development and deliver on the University’s sustainability goals by utilising solar technology. To meet those requirements Able Canopies created a bespoke canopy design based on our stylish Kensington system. The addition of solar panels, effective drainage, plus seating and under canopy wind protection, were all elements that the adaptable Kensington can handle. The result was a standout look for a practical transport hub that provides effective weather protection and longer term pay back via renewable energy generation.Growth at Bournemouth UniversityThe new Talbot Campus development at Bournemouth University is an important and prestigious project, not just for the University but for the local area which benefits from the success of the University and its students. The £3 million investment in new campus buildings and other infrastructure is a long-term commitment that will see the University widen its learning provision and all-round facilities. Part of the benefit for students, and the wider Bournemouth area, is the construction of a new transport hub that will provide joined up public transport connecting the University campus to Bournemouth itself.  A key part of the new transport hub is the weather protection provided to passengers as they wait for buses. To ensure that this essential part of the development met the standards required of the project Able Canopies entered early design discussions with the University. This evolved and in April 2017 Mildren Construction awarded Able Canopies the works for the new bus hub.Project Proposal & InstallationThroughout the development and design process we thought that our Kensington Dual pitch would be the ideal product for this installation. The more the design developed and requirements were added, such as the solar roof panels, the more convinced we were that it was perfect for the client’s needs. The Kensington is a robust, steel frame system that will stand up to all that the weather has to throw at it. Its architectural good looks mean that it makes a strong aesthetic statement, which was a key requirement here. We worked closely with the solar panel provider Polysolar who had overall control of the installation. Their panel fitted perfectly into the Kensington roof with some minor alterations to our working method to provide clean, efficient and sustainable energy for the transport hub. In addition, we had to consider how all cables were concealed and accessed at later dates. To achieve this access panels were installed in the 2 higher posts, one dealt with DC cables from the solar panels and the other with AC cables for the lighting. The final 2 lower posts on each canopy were designed to be integral rain water pipes and dispersed all water from the roof into a drainage connection below the paving.The Finished CanopiesAs the images show, the canopies look great and they are doing their job effectively in the transport hub which is now up and running. The solar panels are producing energy efficiently and help to provide a safe and comfortable shelter for the Campus’s transport users.The Tech SpecsMain Structure 21.9m x 4.9m overall canopy size (each)Powder coated and hot dip galvanised steel frame Inclined from 3m low end to 4m high end126 PS-CT Series Solar Panels per canopy (8mm thickness)Bespoke laminated glass end panelsMicro connectors to all solar panels to ensure all cabling was discreteSabre Architectural LED lightingBespoke underground drainage connectionsBespoke electrical access panels18kw system in totalGalvanised steel cable trunking & aluminium cable trays Underside Windbreaks10mm toughened glass windbreaks fixed to heavy duty steel frameGalvanised steel & hardwood benchesStainless steel glass clamps

Armourcoat’s Sculptural three-dimensional wall finish features in the ground floor foyer at One Blackfriars residential tower in London’s South Bank. The building designed by Simpson Haugh and Partners is a compelling architectural achievement, with a stunning arc of glass taking inspiration from Sarpaneva’s Lansetti II vase.Inside the building the curves continue with a vast, immaculate resident foyer and lift lobby by London based luxury interior design studio, Goddard Littlefair. With their signature quality and attention to detail it provides the feeling of a five-star hotel entrance. Armourcoat’s seamless ‘Fluted’ Sculptural design was specified by the studio for the flanking feature walls to provide a sense of scale and grandeur on entering the space.Armourcoat Sculptural wall designs are created using a combination of traditional hand sculpting and computer aided design to ensure total accuracy during installation whilst retaining the essence of hand crafting. The panels are mineral based and incorporate up to 30% post-consumer recycled content. They are non-toxic and completely non-combustible. Once the panels are installed, each design can be finished in a range of decorative surface finishes. Photography by Franklin & Franklin

This multiple RIBA Award-winning spectacular home by Loyn & Co Architects is located on a sloping hill with spectacular views of the Wye Valley. With glass-fronted living spaces and light wells on the uphill side of the house, the architect wanted shading that didn't interfere with the overall design. Therefore, blind housings were custom finished to match the glazing structure in floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights. For the windows, fully automated roller blinds were specified to ensure protection from glare and solar heat gain, while allowing daytime visibility. This was accomplished using high-performance Blenheim 5% screen material.Throughout the house, the artists own art and furniture give this concrete house a very luxurious feel. Below, a single 13m long motorised skylight blind provides both light control and protects artwork from UV fading. At the rear of the house, purpose-designed studios use large lightwells with electric blinds to control the light and keep the environment comfortable.  To provide privacy, bottom-up cord-tensioned Honeycell Duette® blinds were installed in bathrooms with all hardware matching doors and windows.

Buildable"Glass Fibre Concrete (GRC) was identified early on as the ideal material for the project to achieve the desired civic aesthetic but also to avoid adding significant stress to the existing structure." - Nat Keast, Associate, Wilkinson-Eyre.DesignableThe project is an AJ Retrofit Higher Education & Campus Award 2023.The lightweight, three-dimensional GRC cladding panels featuring a stylisation of LSBU’s “sail” emblem give the building a welcoming, civic quality."We worked closely with subcontractor Tellings during the design phase to develop the three-dimensional panels, as well as vertical slats and horizontal bands. Alongside the 100% white bromo brick with white grout used for the existing concrete stair cores and shear walls, GRC helped change the perception of the building."We had to fight hard to keep the GRC through various value engineering exercises, but the university supported us and was able to appreciate the impact of the new facade." - Nat Keast, Associate, Wilkinson-Eyre.SustainableThe building has received a very good BREEAM rating and by retaining the existing structure, total embodied carbon is half of the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge target benchmark.

Geraint Thomas House in Crawley is a 9-storey new build development of 91 modern homes, designed to impeccably high standards by Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt and Claylens Mills with the additional aspiration of setting a future benchmark for other developments in the area.The apartments have been designed to meet the needs of modern families, with spacious living areas and plenty of storage space. Two-thirds of the apartments are available through shared ownership schemes, making them more affordable for local residents.One of the key features of the development is its incredibly detailed brickwork. The brick façades provide a striking contrast to the glass and steel of the surrounding buildings, and playful patterns create a distinct and detailed façade that stands further sets it apart from previously built local projects. Delicate shades of bronze are prevalent amongst the building’s rain-screen cladding and balustrades.A bespoke blend of Blockleys Sterling Grey and Black Wirecut bricks adds a premium sheen to a project that already oozes impressive aesthetics and cuts a unique shape into Crawley’s existing architecture. Geraint Thomas House was recently shortlisted in the Medium Housing Development at the 2022 BDA Brick Awards.

Developed by Willmott Dixon and designed by Corstorphine & Wright as part of Devon & Cornwall’s Police and Crime transformation plan, this state-of-the-art police centre and operational hub is the base for up to 450 officers across the area. The project was developed with the intent to improve custody areas for detainees and provide a comfortable, modern working facility for its staff. During the development of the project, suggestions were taken from custody sergeants to help create a better space for staff and detainees.To provide the facilities necessary for 21st-century policing, attention was paid to integrating assets such as a virtual court system, and technology to monitor the health of vulnerable detainees and allow for crisp, modern meeting spaces that cater for a multitude of police functions.Local suppliers were engaged with the project and through training schemes, the project has been able to offer valuable experience to apprentices. Utilising 314sqm of Solar panels also means this build generates a substantial amount of green energy.Blockleys Synthesis S14 was used to create a strong, dark belt around the building which then blends smoothly into vertical strips of glass and contrasting white facades.

Project DetailProject: The ShardLocation: London, UKProduct: TS.9205 & TS.11204 Cam Action ClosersProject DescriptionBuilt to shine across the London Skyline and provide an icon to visit, to stay at or just to have lunch. Know for its unique Steel and Concrete structure that towers some 310m (1016 ft) and covered in a glass facade.Levels 4,5 and 6 enjoy the beauty of the well known Rutland brand of door closers and enhance the doorways where ever they control.Whether you are a patient in the Private Hospital on floors 4,5 or 6, or you are a visitor to the viewing platform on level 68 to 72, or work on one of the floors in the Shard you will enjoy the benefits of the doorways that have the Rutland softclose door closers.It was important that the door controls not only work well but were guaranteed for many years. Both the TS 9205 and the TS 11204 Cam Action door closers were used extensively on The Shard as the importance of frictionless customer care and ease of operation was paramount.A Door Closer is a small element of building design, which makes an enormous difference to its operation.

Designed by architects from Qatar, this complex villa has a very different design from the usual house models; Clean and angular forms which are broken up with massive section of timber structures. These structures are not ordinarily large section of timber. They are created in house at Technowood and serve as a “reduced timber option”. Furthermore, with only using 2% when compared to using sold timber for the same project.Stone, metals and glass are the main texture of the design. These white tones of concrete structured against panels of natural timber, it’s most eye-catching feature. Located in Dohada, one of the most modern cities of Qatar, this futuristic house is also accompanied by the tranquil nature of the pool and the wooden sunbathing areas surrounding the secluded exterior.When working with designs for projects, Technowood allows the Architect to think big and realise big at the same time. Unsupported beams of this natural material can span up to 12 metres unsupported… imagine this section in a hard wood, the weight would be tonnes in comparison to the lightweight Technowood option.Credits and Further informationLocationDohada, QatarMaterialsCantilevered Bris Soleil, solid forms and cladding in TechnowoodProjectPrivate Villa

The £45 million world-class School of Management is the flagship building of the University of Bath. The seven-storey building brings together the entire school under one roof and is a place to inspire new levels of collaboration and showcase the excellent learning, research, and industry partnerships available.The three principles of the design are flexibility, transparency, and collaboration. At the centre of the building is an impressive atrium with a feature steel staircase.   Within the atrium is the pavilion, a double height space flooded with natural light has been designed as a hub of activity where great minds meet. The buildings two arms emerge from a central node, each wing housing an array of academic and research space. The design brief called for openness and transparency which was achieved by the use of Lusso glazed partitioning throughout. The Lusso 25 glazed system and Silenzio doors were used to enhance and divide up space which at the same time allows natural light to filter through the building and encourage connectivity. Where the design required glass partitions in excess of 3.5 metres height the Lusso 105 glazed system was selected to meet the structural requirement which has created a visually impactful atrium.

A new state-of-the-art Jaguar Landrover showroom was built for the Helston Group in Taunton. The facilities reflect the latest corporate identity concept and comes complete with a new workshop, multi-storey rooftop parking, and an interactive showroom configuration with display systems.The showroom features wide open spaces and a large sales area to provide the customer with a first-class experience. It also affords staff members greater visibility throughout the showroom and forecourt areas. Lusso were appointed by main contractor, Acheson Construction, to provide internal glazing throughout the showroom and workshop area. Lusso 25 frameless single glazed partitioning system and complimentary Lusso glass doors were installed to form individual offices which allow privacy when needed, whilst still maintaining visibility of the showroom. Lusso 105 double glazed frameless partitions were installed to provide a barrier between the showroom and workshop area.The use of stylish internal glazing as part of the backdrop to the stunning Jaguar Landrover range certainly makes an impact. The end result blends functionality and aesthetics, providing a stylish and contemporary showroom worthy of the prestigious Jaguar Land Rover brand.

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.

The ChallengeMade up largely of two 19th-Century coal warehouses, the site needed to be drastically re-thought to evolve into a new retail complex comprising more than 50 shops and restaurants.With high levels of footfall anticipated, the safety of individuals would need to be a primary factor in its redesign.As well as this, creating light-filled spaces to attract shoppers from across London would be integral to the project’s long-term success.As a result, specifying materials capable of balancing safety requirements alongside aesthetics and practicality was critical.The SolutionSupplying in excess of 150 square metres of Pyroguard Protect toughened fire-rated glass to various classifications – including E60, EW120, and EI60 – to the project, Pyroguard was able to fulfill the architect’s safety requirements, while delicately balancing the need for aesthetic excellence to contribute to the repurposing of these historic buildings.Working closely with Propak Architectural Glazing who were enlisted to design, manufacture and install a large range of steel glazing systems for the project, Pyroguard created a bespoke thickness of 31 mm, instead of the traditional 25 mm for the EI60 requirement, to perfectly complement the systems.

Fifty5ive Queen Street, Salford is a new 18 storey, 220-unit residential building in the centre of Salford for local developer Salboy.It includes modern, high-quality 1-, 2- & 3-bedroom apartments and duplexes, amenities include private resident workspace, gymnasium, yoga studios, resident cinema room and a terrace garden. Domis Construction is the preferred construction partner for Salboy on this scheme. In early 2022 they approached Encon Insulation in Chorley looking for a more readily available alternative to the stone wool product already specified. URSA UK Ltd was chosen to fill the void and keep the scheme on track. We supplied over 4500m2 of 100mm URSAPAN BLACK - a unique glass mineral wool rainscreen cladding insulation slab; ·      Euroclass A1 fire rating (non-combustible).·      Thermal conductivity of 0.035 W/mK.·      BBA Certified. Kate Fox, Area Sales Manager for the Midlands stated, ‘Following the success of this initial partnership URSA are now the preferred supplier of rainscreen insulation and our products are currently being used on Anchorage Quay in Salford with others in the pipeline including Derwent Street in Salford’.     

Located in Tower Hamlets, Gayton House and Sleaford House are managed by housing association Poplar HARCA. Following amendments to Building Regulations, which banned the use of combustible materials in external walls of high-rise buildings above 18m, StoTherm Mineral K was specified to replace the existing EWI system.BBA-certified, StoTherm Mineral K comprises mineral fibre insulation boards and the system is classified with an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire in accordance with BS EN 13501-1.Working on behalf of Westminster Building Company, Square 1 Architectural Solutions was responsible for removing the existing EWI and installing the StoTherm Mineral K system onto four elevations on each 23-storey block. The non-combustible mineral fibre insulation boards were secured to the existing concrete substrate using adhesive and mechanical fixings, and without the need for additional expansion joints.A StoLevell Duo Plus reinforcing coat embedded with Sto-Glass Fibre Mesh was then applied to the face of the insulation boards. This was followed by the application of 1.5mm stippled StoSilco, a silicone resin render that provides high levels of water repellence to protect the walls from weathering.

Armourcoat's three dimensional Sculptural Barcode wall finish has been specified at a high profile office fit-out in Eastpoint Business Park, Dublin. The project interior, designed by Meehan Associates, includes a series of ‘huddle rooms’ and meeting spaces with wonderful use of bold accent colour to help orientate staff. The colours also act to highlight the clean, crisp detailing of the linear ‘Barcode’ design used to link the spaces. Armourcoat Sculptural creates seamless wall surfaces with impactful designs and cast relief. Each design is created from cast GRG (Glass-fibre Reinforced Gypsum) panels, CAD generated to enable a continuous pattern or unique decorative effect.Over 600m2 of Armourcoat’s Sculptural Barcode finish was applied to achieve the seamless finish to walls, together with banded polished plaster finishes in various colours throughout the building.The project was delivered by Meehan Associates to meet USGBC LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards.The architects were keen to specify sustainable materials to ensure their positive contribution to the project. In keeping with the eco specification, Armourcoat finishes include 40% pre-consumer recycled marble and no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

The Cambridge University Faculty of History required a solution to level the existing flat roofs of the historical Stirling Building. The aim was to create a vibrant and attractive area, mainly used as a throughway, it was paramount that the tiles would match the existing colour of the surrounding building.Our Castlepave GRC Promenade slab (450x450x38mm) was selected, and a custom-made colour was created to blend effectively into the existing architecture. We manufactured various test batches each with a different shade of red, and hand finished aged effect. Once the colour was selected from the various test batches, they were manufactured by hand to the customers specification and delivered to site.We assessed the fall and height tolerances of the roof to determine the number and size of pedestals required to provide a completely level finish. Adjustable Pedestals ranging from 30-120mm,10mm fixed height stackable pedestals, levelling shims, and self-levelling heads were used.The outer row of slabs was cut to size on site, using a circular saw. As shown the results are a flush finish that minimizes the gaps between the slabs and the exterior perimeter. The glass reinforced concrete composition of the slabs mean they are strong and easy to work with on site.The Client was very happy with this stylish and unique finish.

Orbis OS211 Glass Infill Top FixOrbis OS231 Perforated Infill Top FixOrbis OS200/OS201 Vertical Bar InfillBorn from Havering Council’s vision to improve the sports and fitness facilities available in the borough, the £28 million investment is set to be a catalyst for regeneration in Romford.Named in honour of the Sapphire anniversary of Queen Elizabeth ll’s reign, the centre comprises of an eight-lane competition pool, gymnasium and first floor 56m by 26m ice rink.Appointed by contractors Willmott Dixon, Delta Balustrades were responsible for the supply of 579m’s of balustrading and 246m’s of handrails throughout the entire complex.With two extreme environments coexisting the specifications for the balustrade finishes were of upmost importance.Balustrades and handrails in the warm, chlorine filled air of the swimming pool environment received our Ultra (Marine) finish, providing a bright polished surface to prevent corrosion.First floor ice rink balustrades received our HiBuild powder coating finish, which boasts a ‘warm to touch’ feature that doesn’t allow the transfer a cold environment to bare hands.A visually striking, stainless steel staircase with perforated panels connects the floors within the ceiling void atrium spanning four floors.