"lights"

We delve into Anna's inspiring rooflight replacement journey in her Hertfordshire home with a Vario by VELUX custom-made roof window. This stunning addition has wholly transformed her living space.At Vario by VELUX, we understand the importance of custom-made solutions to suit your unique needs, and our bespoke flat roof windows are designed to do just that. Anna's story is a testament to how our Vario by VELUX Rooflights can create a space filled with daylight, enhancing ambience and interior design.Custom Made Roof Window CollaborationAnna, who hails from South Africa and relocated to the UK almost 40 years ago, recognises the importance of natural light and how it can significantly impact your well-being. Having lived in her Hertfordshire home for many years, she knew it was time to replace her existing lantern rooflight due to a leak and a desire for a more modern design.When she reached out to her architect for guidance, he recommended Vario by VELUX, a decision that proved to be a game-changer for her home. Our team worked closely with Anna, making the bespoke flat roof window fit around the structural beam and seamlessly integrated with her living space. The result was nothing short of beautiful, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship, professionalism and flexibility Vario by VELUX is known for.What improvements have you seen between the old rooflight and the new one?“The design of the extension is better now than when we had the previous rooflight. The lantern that stood up always bothered my eye and now this flat roof is unobtrusive. When I look out of my windows upstairs I don't see anything, I just see the garden, it’s just opened up another dimension.Another thing is the rain, the sound is different - it’s softer and I like the pool of water you can see lying on it - the different little patterns. It’s a wonderful sound and view so I really recommend it.”The Impact of Unlimited Daylight on Your HomeWith the Vario Unlimited Rooflight installed, Anna's living space now basks in abundant natural light. This daylight not only brightens up the room but also enhances the overall interior design. Even on cloudy days, the room remains well-illuminated, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The difference is undeniable, and Anna couldn't be happier with the transformation, stating, “I had such a good experience, everything was done so professionally… the end product is beautiful.”Advantages of Flat Roof Windows Over Lantern Roof DesignsWhen considering the choice between a flat roof window, like Vario Roof lights, and a lantern roof design, it's essential to highlight the benefits that make the former stand out:Unobstructed Views: Unlike traditional lantern-style skylights, flat roof windows can offer a more discreet and clean design that blends seamlessly with the roof. This design allows unrestricted views of surroundings, creating a more open and expansive feeling within a space. Lanterns can provide a beautiful and artistic effect by breaking up the daylight with the lantern intersections.Balancing Cost and Style in Skylights: Choosing between flat glass rooflights and lantern skylights isn't just about style but also cost. Flat glass rooflights are a bit friendlier on your wallet and can even help lower your heating bills, thanks to their excellent insulation. But don't let that sway you if your heart is set on a lantern skylight! They might require more time and expertise to install, but the result could be well worth it. Ultimately, the choice is yours - both options bring daylight and elegance.Ventilation: Vario flat rooflights are designed to maximise airflow thanks to our upstand, contributing to a well-ventilated and fresh interior space. Lantern roof lights, on the other hand, excel in aesthetics, adding a distinct charm to any room. However, their ventilation efficiency may not be as high as that of flat roof windows. Both options present a blend of form and functionality to consider.Insulation Differences: Lantern skylights and flat roof windows both provide insulation but to varying degrees. Lanterns with multiple glazing pane joints tend to have poorer insulation, leading to more heat loss. Conversely, flat roof windows, with fewer connections, generally offer superior insulation.There are certainly pros and cons to both types of rooflight design. What matters most is that you are considering adding more daylight into your your designs!Experience the ‘Wow Factor’ With a Bespoke Roof WindowAnna's advice when considering a renovation is crystal clear: "I really don’t think you can do an extension without a rooflight." She believes it's essential for well-being and making your space more enjoyable. A rooflight adds the "wow factor" that can genuinely make your life better.Incorporating a Vario skylight into your project can be a game-changer, just as it was for Anna.

Rockfon was given the opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of its specialist ranges to meet the specific needs of a wide range of spaces while contributing to the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ environmental status of this stunning project.This new five storey medical school enables students to experience real life situations encountered by those in the medical profession. It includes lecture theatres, laboratories, a clinical skills suite with mock consultation rooms to simulate hospital wards or a GP surgery, a pro-section anatomy suite and bio-medical and health sciences library. Professor Mary Stuart was University of Lincoln Vice Chancellor at the time, “It represents more than just a building – it is a commitment to current and future communities in Lincolnshire to develop sustainable healthcare for the region.” HLM were the client architects, ‘The scheme has been modelled to create the optimal sustainable environment through informed decisions on site layout, massing, orientation, building fabric, elevational treatment and Integrated renewable energy systems. To further enhance student mental health and wellbeing, the scheme uses biophilic design principles including natural lighting and ventilation, visual links to natural landscape features and natural materials.’Meeting and exceeding client aspirationsShradha Mishra was Project Manager for the Estates Department at University of Lincoln. At its completion she said, “The Lincoln Medical School… has had a strong focus on sustainability throughout the design and construction process. With this in mind, the strategy for the building required exposed ceilings and therefore it was important to review and manage the acoustic requirements of the spaces to ensure a suitable working and teaching environment. Following extensive design and consultation with acoustic engineers, Rockfon were recommended for installation across the project which included a variety of both suspended ceiling grid tiles and acoustic baffles in open plan areas to support the absorption of sound.”BAM were main contractors for the project with BAM Design leading architectural design. Brebur Limited were responsible for the installation of ceiling and wall systems at Lincoln. Operations Director Vinny Lilley had this to say, “We have an excellent relationship with Rockfon. Their wide range of specialist products always ensures the architectural vision is achieved. They are always on-hand to offer technical advice and commercial acumen, with around 2,500sqm of tile and grid components being supplied by regional distributors.Acoustics reducing stress and enhancing healthAcoustic Rockfon Eclipse® islands are utilised within open plan areas where they are suspended on wires from the soffit, giving the illusion that they float. They can be specified in a variety of shapes with unlimited custom colour matching. Eclipse islands are perfect for thermal mass installations and where a traditional suspended ceiling cannot be installed. At Lincoln they are also present as wall panels to further control sound.Improved acoustics can increase focus by 48% and reduce stress levels by 27%, which aids learning and wellbeing (independent research). The high light reflectance characteristics of Rockfon ceiling and wall systems also help reduce the need for artificial light, saving energy and enhancing health.Elsewhere within the school, Rockfon Blanka® is installed. Available in a wide range of sound control and durability performance characteristics, its non-directional, anti-static surface prolongs product life. The range embodies Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection, >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation >26dB. Rockfon’s Chris Carr-Elliman, “All Rockfon ranges are made from inert volcanic rock (stone wool) which offers no sustenance to microorganisms and demonstrates outstanding reaction to fire. Most are available in a full range of formats including concealed, semi-concealed and visible grid options from our extensive Chicago Metallic grid systems.” Specialist ranges for every spaceHTM 60 compliant Rockfon Medicare was the perfect fit at Lincoln where it offers outstanding performance in terms of infection control. Simple cleaning and low particle emission (ISO Class 4) also mark it out as a first choice for healthcare specification, along with its Class A sound absorption and highest fire safety (Class A1). Also within the building, the superior moisture resistant properties and wipe clean surface of Rockfon® Koral™ were important considerations for its use. Affordable, Rockfon® Artic™ was also put to good use in several areas at the school. In common with other Rockfon ranges, both Koral and Artic offer excellent sound absorption and fire safety characteristics.Shradha Mishra continued, “Since completion of the building, we have had positive feedback from building users about both the aesthetic appearance of the Rockfon products along with the acoustic performance of them.” 

Schools, colleges and campuses with an ever-increasing intake of students often outgrow the buildings originally designed for them. As a consequence, our education sites can consist of increasingly disparate faculty buildings extending far beyond a central hub. These are usually connected by a network of outdoor walkways that get crossed many times a day, in all weathers. Shelter for these walkways is a necessity but innovative designs can offer much more beside.Queensmead is an ambitious school that is committed to seeking the best for all its students. The forward-looking and dynamic co-educational academy to over 1,400 students aged 11-18 was recognised by the Department for Education for being in the top 5% nationally for student progress in 2016.Consisting of 15 detached buildings spread across a large site, access to buildings requires students and staff to cross a number of interconnected covered walkways on a daily basis. When these concrete covered walkways needed replacing, Queensmead sought a cost-effective alternative with the functionality to shelter the network of walkways and the scope to offer increased covered breakout space for the students to meet, eat and relax together. Particular care was required for heating pipes and cables that needed to be protected during the extensive demolition phase and incorporated in to the new design.“We’ve been delighted with the insightful but flexible design process and the speed and efficiency of each installation phase for this complex canopy project. The modern design, with integrated lighting, has re-invigorated our walkways and the additional sheltered breakout space has been a big hit with our students.”David Patterson, School Business Manager, Queensmead SchoolStreetspace came up with an over-arching solution that met the site plan requirements and the broad scope of the project, allowing considerable changes in length and width of the canopies, and a single-source approach which ensured both time and money were saved. The bespoke product has enabled the evolving project to be completed in phases, with the third and largest phase of the canopy completed over a 5 week period during the 2017 summer holiday.The TRITON canopies are installed with an opaque triple-wall polycarbonate roof system allowing good light transmission without the glare of clear versions. The curved canopy design exceeds the shelter provided by the demolished walkway covers and their extended reach, factored in the designs, has generated significant amounts of sheltered breakout space for Queensmead pupils. Working to time frames factoring in school holidays, disruption for staff and pupils has been kept to a minimum.By identifying the latent potential of their walkways and working closely with our expert designers at Streetspace, Queensmead upgraded their archaic network of concrete walkways with a modern design; bringing cohesion and unity across the site. The inclusion of recessed lights added welcome security and the extended canopy design not only provided improved shade and shelter but year round social space.

Kroll (previously Duff & Phelps) operate within the risk and financial advisory sector, with UK offices based in Manchester’s Northern Quarter for which we had the pleasure of providing a Type G200 folding partition system during a recent refurbishment. The operable wall allows the space to be transformed from a large open plan area into two separate rooms as and when required.The Type G200 system offers impressive acoustic, achieving up to Rw 47dB when fully closed – minimising noise transfer between the two spaces, without compromising on light transfer. In this instance, a fully glazed, full height pass door allows for easy access between the two smaller rooms when the system is in use.

North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust, serving over 350,000 people in North London, has been a pillar of healthcare for a century. Embracing innovation, they recently expanded their services to include on-site electric vehicle (EV) charging, aligning with the government's Net Zero goals. In collaboration with Rolec, they installed 23 dual socketed BasicCharge pedestals, providing 46 EV bays in their new parking garage. Compliant with regulations and designed for accessibility, the solution includes LED amenity lighting and a Smart back-office management system for tailored charge point management and tariff settings. This initiative reflects the hospital's commitment to both public health and environmental sustainability.Click "view more" to read the full case study.

The Hurlingham Club is a green oasis of tradition and also internationally renowned. Recognised throughout the world as one of the more exclusive private members’ clubs, it retains its quintessentially English tradition and heritage, while providing modern facilities and services for its members. The Club continually looks at ways in which it can improve standard specifications for both current and future generations.We were contracted by The Hurlingham Club to resolve an issue with reverberation problems in one of its many hallways. The chosen solution was the Absorb-R GypLine αw system.Along with the installation of several feature down-lights, a shadow gap to the ceiling perimeter was incorporated, allowing the preservation of the original ornate cornice, a beautiful feature within the room and essential to the characteristics of the building.

Minimalist architecture and flexible design define the style of Casa Po, located in the Morobbia Valley. The architects designed the house with a principle of terraces, inspired by the historical vines and the mountain views.The top one is covered by a “regular, definitive and white roof, which covers the living area completely open to the panorama and orientated towards the light”, according to the architects.In this context, our O-Box roller blinds, located outdoors, help to create extra-outdoor spaces around the house. A type of in-between space is created when the shades are closed. Also, cable lateral guides allow an efficient operation and contribute to the sober aesthetic of Casa Po.O-Box system drops off the white rooftop as a key element in the project. 

Guido House is a private project located on Majorca island, a territory influenced by sunlight and sea breeze . For that reason, architect David Domínguez Rueda selected BSO system, roller blinds, and curtains for optimal solar control .This combination of Bandalux products allows for maintaining the interior temperature throughout the year, especially thanks to the Outdoors Venetian blinds (BSO) . It’s possible to achieve up to 10 % energy savings regarding the adjustable inclination of the slats, which allows them to be adapted to all solar incidence angles . They completely close the façade to light and heat . It’s also a highly resistant system to weather conditions and is made with durable materials .Inside the house, the architect installed roller blinds to complement the control solar functionality, and curtains as a perfect aesthetic complement .

One of the largest self-supporting display greenhouses in the world Following the renovation of the Grand Pavilion (das Große Tropenhaus, first built in 1906) at Berlin’s Botanical Garden, daylight enters through hundreds of small, heat-insulating yet highly light-permeable glass panes onto one of the world’s most significant collections of rare and endangered tropical plants. The inner panels used in the double-glazing for the overhead sections of the pavilion are made of laminated safety glass using stiff and strong SentryGlas® ionoplast interlayers. For the first time in Germany – following its “special approval” – a special “UV-transmissible” grade of SentryGlas® is used for this application, thereby sustaining the active growth of the plants and safeguarding their preservation

Project: Manufacture and installation of 10 bespoke concrete pendant light fittings for newly refurbished London gym and changing rooms. Materials used: Hand-cast concrete sphere shaped lamp shades with hand applied metallic internal finish and stainless steel fittings. We were asked to manufacture 10 bespoke extra large sphere-shaped concrete pendant lamps with hand applied metallic internal finish and stainless steel fittings. Product Spec: Size: diameter 47cm, shade height 28cm, maximum suspension height 120cm Weight 6.25kg Finish/ Colour: Rough finish – GREY Cable / cord : Herringbone brown linen Ceiling rose : Concrete GREY Colour temperature: 3000k LED WARM WHITE

The Ravello was chosen to complement the astonishing views and majestic surroundings of New Zealand’s Matakauri Lodge; a boutique hotel with 11 luxurious rooms, all with light-filled interiors and majestic alpine and lake views. Located a stone’s through away from the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the exclusive holiday retreat was awarded ‘best room with a view’ by Fodor’s Travel Guides.The Ravello bath is the embodiment of classical elegance, which is why award-winning interior designer Virginia Fisher included it in her vision for the refurbishment of the Lodge back in 2010. The Ravello has a form that combines bold lines with smooth curves, which perfectly complements the contemporary casual scheme of Matakauri Lodge.Architect: Sumich ArchitectsInterior Design: Virginia Fisher

When the Trade Council of Denmark exhibited a real world Danish Living Room at London Design Fair. The stand featured a curated mix of Danish brands to highlight Denmark’s strong heritage within quality design. Facilitated by the Embassy of Denmark in London and sponsored by Junckers, whose Hexparket flooring formed the backdrop to a host of iconic and promising contemporary Danish brands. Made in solid wood, the hexagonal design showcases Junckers’ long-standing tradition for quality and craftsmanship with a contemporary take on the classic parquet floor. The joint stand presented furniture, lighting, homeware, kitchen, TV and sound. Other brands included Fritz Hansen, Overgaard & Dyrman, Spekva, LOP Furniture, Arttiles, Møbel & Rum and Made by Toft. 

Ryno Signature Decking in ‘Silver Birch’ takes pride of place in this new Brentwood development. The apartment block has a bold red brick exterior, with simple anthracite windows and detailing.The glass balustrades of the balconies allow the maximum level of light to enter the apartments, while making the paved courtyard feel even larger and more spacious.Products UsedTerraSmart® Composite in Silver Birch was used across the private balconies. Silver Birch, from the Signature Range of premium ‘capped’ decking, has an elegant textured wood-grain finish.The terrace spaces had additional height build-up requirements, so fixed-head adjustable pedestals were used to raise the decking to the door thresholds.

With over 22,000 students on campus, the University is investing in its teaching, research and residential area. They employed the TerraSmart Rail system in their paved areas to help support this development.Systems Used - TerraSmart RailTerraSmart Rail was installed due to its light system weight and its lattice structure. Having a lattice structure provides multi-directional support across each paver which is ideal for high-footfall areas. ChallengesThe ground top surface that the system sits on has multiple level changes across the area. On top of this, the final finish also had to integrate with a traditional solid build-up. This meant ensuring that the rails were perfectly level across the finish.Location: University of LiverpoolCompleted: 2022Architect: BCALandscapes

The refurbishment of independent opticians and hearing specialists, Leightons, has used Forbo Flooring Systems’ Allura luxury vinyl tile planks alongside a host of other products to create a spacious looking interior that helps to minimise the spread of unwanted noise to the consultation rooms. Subsequently, the design won a Commended award in the Fly Forbo 2016/2017 competition.Leightons called on SKK Design for the design of their Reading store when it relocated from Oxford Road to the town centre, tasking them to give the branch a new lease of life and adapt the space into something that customers and staff would appreciate. The complete refurbishment saw new ceilings, lights, furniture and flooring throughout the main shop floor, staff areas and consultation rooms.

Kroll (previously Duff & Phelps) operate within the risk and financial advisory sector, with UK offices based in Manchester’s Northern Quarter for which we had the pleasure of providing a Type G200 folding partition system during a recent refurbishment. The operable wall allows the space to be transformed from a large open plan area into two separate rooms as and when required.The Type G200 system offers impressive acoustic, achieving up to Rw 47dB when fully closed – minimising noise transfer between the two spaces, without compromising on light transfer. In this instance, a fully glazed, full height pass door allows for easy access between the two smaller rooms when the system is in use.

Grantley Hall is a dashing 17th-century stately hotel, bringing Gstaad glamour to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Offering 47 exquisite bedrooms alongside Michelin-starred dining, the hotel has recently reopened after a four-year long and multi-million pound refurbishment. Bedrooms are decorated in elegant muted tones; soft shades of cream, gold and grey; button-back velvet armchairs; marble-topped bespoke furniture; and upholstered bedheads. There are shelves of modern hardbacks, televisions hidden behind paintings, decanters of damson gin, touch-button lighting, and even a bathrobe menu. Bathrooms are marble-clad, all with a beautiful freestanding bathtub and vast walk-in shower.Bathroom design and Supplier: Ripon Interiors

Lazenby’s Henley Buff Polished Concrete floor was laid in a new side and rear extension to this stunning property in Cheshire.A key consideration by the clients was that the polished concrete floor be a very close match to the concrete walls which had been cast by the main contractor. Lazenby provided numerous samples for sign off before the client confirmed Henley Buff as the selected colour.The architects wanted to use industrial materials such as concrete and timber throughout the project but still wanted to achieve a warm and homely environment. This was successfully achieved by a clever use of lighting and subtle tones within the materials.To create an ultra modern, flexible space, the polished concrete floor also extends out to the patio area where it connects seamlessly with the internal flooring

Artform Urban Furniture was appointed by Robertson Construction to provide a complete range of street furniture elements including seating, planters, cycle parking, and bollards to the external space of a newly built Care Centre and Library in the historic market town of Belper. We offered extensive assistance throughout the project including attendance at design meetings looking at materiality, cost, and installation demands which changed a number of times throughout the project.Although largely a new build, the existing façades of a former Thornton’s Factory have been retained, refurbished, and carefully incorporated into the scheme maintaining considerations of the UNESCO World Heritage Site status of the area.Artforms' premium selection of street furniture perpetuates the careful consideration for the site heritage as well as offering an inviting space for the public and residents of the home. As well as providing space for socialising and natural splashes of colour with plants, the concrete seating and planters echo the light stone of the new section of the development.The inclusion of Moka Bollards and Cubes in Corten provides elegant seating and pedestrian safety whilst coordinating with the restored red-bricked factory façades. The Corten products were supplied with a unique seal coating that significantly reduces the risk of any leaching - ensuring the surrounding paving maintains its clean light colour.The symmetry in the positioning and layout of these elements creates an inviting space leading to the building’s entrance.Finally, a shelter and a number of cycle stands have been provided to ensure people traveling to the space on bikes have secure parking spaces. The new Ada Belfield Centre & Belper Library was previously an unused and derelict building, now it is a space to offer high-quality care that is connected to the local community. Events can now take place bringing residents and members of the public together by utilising the new external space as well as the Library, which also features a café.

The Pyramids Centre in Portsmouth has had a new lease of life with a £2.5m makeover. The ageing facility is now a modern leisure complex offering a fun attraction to the local families. The new facilities include a state-of-the-art gym, trampoline, and soft play park.Helmsman was sub-contracted to supply the lockers and cubicles package providing a turnkey solution to create a modern and sharp changing room area with a comfortable feel.For the Pyramids Centre leisure project we manufactured, delivered, and installed modern laminate lockers of 3 and 5 doors. They are heavy duty and suitable for a wet environment. A row of three-compartment lockers have an integrated cantilever seat stand matching the Abet Walnut (616) laminate lockers and cubicles. The integrated seat stand on these lockers is a great space-saving solution and is perfect for this area.The front line cubicle range fitted the requirements for the toilet and shower cubicles, installed alongside the lockers. The Walnut laminate runs throughout these changing rooms as one of the dominant colours. The cubicle partitions are in Abet Light Grey (478) to separate each cubicle and bring light into the space to complement the rest of the interior.The vanity units and timber integrated plumbing system (IPS) panels are also manufactured from the matching laminate. The IPS in the toilet cubicles are the same colour as the partitions, giving a natural flow throughout. The wall to floor benches and free-standing benches are in Walnut laminate colour as laminate slats are perfect and protected in the wet areas.Most importantly Helmsman has a dedicated and experienced in-house design team supported by its on-site factory. From the outset, we bring a combination of skills and creativity to influence our clients’ decision-making to ensure that concepts turn into reality. From start to finish, we are committed to providing high standards and exceeding customer expectations.

Project:Turves Green School Client:Acivico Contractor:Balfour Beatty:Architect:Atkins Global Value:£23m Location: Birmingham Innovaré Completion Date: February 2021 GIFA m²: 6611m²NEED Located in Birmingham, Turves Green Girls’ School is a secondary school with 750 students. A feasibility study by Balfour Beatty concluded that the original school would not be able to obtain warranties to give the building a viable future. SOLUTION Architects Atkins Global designed a bright and airy new school, filled with natural light, with wide corridors to help ensure a calm and pleasant environment. Advanced offsite construction technology kept the build schedule on track despite the pandemic. Construction partners recognised the need for early engagement to enable the delivery of an efficient Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) approach. The construction strategy was for Innovaré to be involved right from the outset to bring the team’s offsite expertise to the fore. The building was designed specifically for Innovaré’s i-SIP system and a hybrid approach. To meet the performance and programme goals, an innovative hybrid design was developed integrating Innovaré’s BBA Certified SIP panels, hollow core concrete plank floors, and a lightweight timber cassette roofing system. This offsite hybrid technology has been proven to offer a radically quicker speed of build – reducing environmental impact, preliminary and overall costs. OUTCOME The new school has contemporary classrooms with interactive screens and stylish furniture, a dance studio, an immense sports hall, the main hall features a new sound and lighting system for event and performances – the purpose-built library is the focal point of the school. As Turves Green Girls’ School becomes King Edward VI Northfield School for Girls, the staff and students are determined that the wonderful building will now serve as a catalyst to transform opportunities, build aspiration, and further develop academic success

With beautiful views of the Belvoir Valley, the client wanted a contemporary architectural piece that would integrate comfortably with its surrounding landscape whilst maintaining a natural yet modern 21st century aesthetic.Sustainability was at the forefront of the client’s brief, who wanted a recycled material for the external cladding that would accommodate the robust, maintenance-free and high quality requirements of the build. With the sensitive and vast wildlife of its surrounding landscape in mind, the property needed to be natural, both in terms of its aesthetic and its components, embodying an effective fusion of sustainability and simplicity.The SolutionBuilt to embrace the panoramic views, this two-floored structure is fuelled by the natural light of its landscape with its beautiful vast windows and balconies. Our stone Pioneer cladding was chosen to accompany this natural appeal, enhancing the contemporary simplicity that the client desired. Installed alongside our edging, fascia and fasteners, we supplied the complete system for the cladded sections of this striking exterior, suiting the sustainable prerequisites of the project as well as the contemporary visual requirements.Using clean lines and sophisticated lighting, this building is both articulate and elegant, conveying an elevated piece of architecture that both stands out and blends in. Having won 2019 RIBA House of the Year, we are proud to have contributed to this stunning project.Customer Feedback“We decided to use EnviroBuild on the Belvoir Vue project because we liked the product in aesthetic terms but were also looking for a product that would perform with stability and durability. From the outset, the project was intended to be sustainable and, once again, the product was a perfect choice.”Project DetailsSize: 116 m²Product: Stone Hyperion Composite Cladding (The same finish can be achieved using our Sentinel Class B fire rated composite cladding)Client:  From Residential Architect: CBP Architects Location: Vale of Belvoir, Granby

Private Clinic Blomenburg stands for holism when it comes to the therapy and design concept.A haven in the middle of a beautiful environment in the north of Germany: The 19th Century Blomenburg („Burg“ for castle), is surrounded by a huge park. Away from the everyday hustle and bustle, offering 69 furnished in premium quality, spacious single rooms and suites. The modern bathrooms are equipped with KEUCO furnishings and complement the syntonic interior design. Here the guests can dedicate their soul to regeneration in a quiet and peaceful stylish ambience.The elaborate restoration of the building was carried out taking the historic importance and special use of the Blomenburg into consideration. The new building with its generous glass facade was constructed under the castle rock and now accommodates the guest rooms. Between the old and the new building, there is an approximately 800m² big spa and pool area engrafted in the topography of the castle rock. The historic buildings surrounding the castle yard are used for social purposes, medical fitness, healthy living and mindfulness training of the body, soul and mind. The exclusive design of the indoor rooms is not to be compared with the magnificence of the outside of the buildings.Noble materials and luxurious items of furniture in the guest rooms create an ideal setting for convalescence and relaxation. This temporary home equipped with KEUCO furnishings and accessories in the bathroom offer the guests plenty of storage space for personal care products. Not only do the PLAN vanity unit and tall unit in unobtrusive truffle offer generous storage space, but the light mirror with a frame offers additional storage space. The perfect light lets the windowless bathrooms appear brighter and friendlier. The integrated mirror heating makes it possible to look in the mirror after a hot and relaxing shower.IXMO fittings in a strong design offer intuitive use to reach the right temperature. Matching accessories nicely round-off the bathroom interior in a coherent way and perfectly match the high-class concept of the clinic.

A great example of 1930s Art Deco architecture, The Douglas Building sits on Great Titchfield Street in London’s West End. Formerly known as The Media Village, Douglas House was acquired by serviced office providers The Office Group (TOG) from landlords The Langham Estate in 2019. TOG together with Note Design Studio transformed the building with a colourful concept that blends the distinctive 1930s features and gives a sense of fluidity, openness and light throughout.As its former name suggests this area of London is a hub for local media and IT businesses operating out of the West End and the brief for the building was to create a flexible workspace where people can feel stimulated by their environment leading to greater productivity. Wellness was also a central focus and the building includes an oxygen room, a parents’ room and a roof terrace which are all integral to enabling and inspiring everyone who enters.Well ventilated and an abundance of natural light have become buzzwords in the COVID era and the more than 300 new steel windows from the Clement EB24 range which were chosen by office fit out and refurbishment contractors Parkeray perfectly facilitate both. Polyester powder coated in Pure White and furnished with Warren handles in a satin chrome finish the windows lend the building a contemporary look on the outside as well as supporting the 21st century ways of working inside.Peter Clement, Chief Executive of Clement Windows Group, commented:“As with all prestigious window replacement projects of this magnitude Clement took part in a competitive tender process. Whilst this was in play we understand that both Parkeray and the client’s team had the opportunity to compare our EB24 steel window to others being considered. We believe it was the quality and overall finish of EB24 combined with an attractive price and fine references that convinced them and the client to proceed with us.”

The Lanark Hydro Electric Scheme is a remarkable project. When it was completed in 1927 it was the first of its kind in the United Kingdom. The Scheme refers to two hydroelectric plants in Clydesdale, South Lanarkshire, Scotland: Bonnington and Stonebyres’ Power Stations. They both take water from the beautiful Falls of Clyde. Bonnington’s water comes from just above the Linn in New Lanark and Stonebyres from above Stonebyres Linn near Kirkfieldbank. The abundant supply of water from the River Clyde continuously spins the power stations’ turbines providing a reliable and sustainable source of renewable electricity. Combined, they create enough electricity to power over 17,000 homes in the UK.  The two stations have been exquisitely refurbished by our client Drax, who acquired them as part of a £702 million deal. Both Bonnington and Stonebyres are category ‘A’ Listed Buildings, the highest possible grading, as a site of national architectural importance. This means it was imperative the new steel windows were as close a match as possible to the originals. The Clement W20 steel window range with genuine T bars, was chosen for the two Power Stations. Polyester powder painted in striking RAL 6005 Moss Green. Lodsworth handles complement the windows with matching peg stays in Antique Bronze finish. Clement made around 120 steel windows for the projects, including nearly 400 individual fixed lights, but the most beautiful is perhaps the enormous curved head windows on both sides of the buildings, which look spectacular and let in masses of natural light.  Drax Group senior civil engineer Anne Kerr said “We are delighted with the service and quality of windows supplied and fitted by Clement. The new steel windows fitted in the refurbished building look stunning and exceed our expectations." 

The tile cladding at Lina Stores not only revitalizes the space but also demonstrates Terrazzo Tiles' capability to merge functionality with style in high-stakes commercial environments. This project underlines our expertise in delivering tailor-made solutions that meet both aesthetic desires and practical needs, setting a new standard in restaurant design. Terrazzo Tiles is proud to showcase our role in the aesthetic and functional transformation at Lina Stores in King's Cross. This distinctive restaurant cladding project spanned an area of 50 square meters, employing bespoke tiles that seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Eclectic Material Selection The project utilized a trio of sophisticated materials, each chosen for their texture and colour palette, to create a visually captivating environment: Pistachio Cement Tiles: These tiles bring a vibrant yet earthy feel to the space, ideal for creating a welcoming atmosphere. London Light Grey Terrazzo: Known for its subtle elegance, this terrazzo offers a light, clean look that enhances the brightness of the interior. Treviso Honed Terrazzo: With a smoother finish, this terrazzo provides a refined contrast to the more textured elements within the space. Strategic Design Impact Situated at Brill Place, the strategic use of these tiles at Lina Stores emphasizes our commitment to enhancing commercial spaces through high-quality materials. The bespoke size of 150mm x 300mm was specifically chosen to accommodate the unique architectural elements of the restaurant, ensuring a precise and aesthetically pleasing application. Sustainability and Durability In line with our dedication to sustainability, each material used in this project, from the Pistachio Cement to the Terrazzo varieties, is sourced and manufactured to minimize environmental impact without compromising on durability. These materials are especially suited for high-traffic areas, offering both resistance and easy maintenance, crucial for the restaurant setting.  

Part of the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Princess Anne Hospital opened in 1981 and is known as a centre of excellence for maternity care. Providing specialist care for women during pregnancy, as well as genetics and breast screening.Project Year: 2023Product: ASSA ABLOY SL500 FrameArchitect: Strata DesignClient: West End ConstructionProject Background: During the first wave of Covid, a piece of art named 'Game Changer' appeared at Southampton Hospital, this was a gift from Banksy to thank the 14000 staff members, as well as honour the work of NHS workers everywhere. The canvas was auctioned to raise money for NHS charities and organisations, raising a total £16.8m.Part of these funds have been used to improve the facilities, and this is where Landscape Architects Strata Design and West End Construction were engaged, to design and build a rooftop oasis for all the hospital staff, to have a place to enjoy and unwind.Solution: Working collaboratively and having surveyed the site where a window was to be turned into a door, FAAC Entrance Solutions proposed a framed SL500 bi-parting sliding door, in order to both maximise the opening width as well as keep the natural light into the building. Being a staff restricted area, access control was also a must, so this was integrated with existing staff passes to facilitate swipe access and with our QFlow traffic light system which regulates occupancy. The SL500’s framed system is a robust resilient door, making it perfect to manage high volumes of traffic as well Southampton coastal wind loads. Additionally, with its thermally broken profiles, additional tight-fitting brushes, it will contribute to keeping energy costs down in comparison to slimmer or manual door entrances.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

Junckers solid hardwood flooring has been installed at The New Library, Magdalene College, Cambridge, an award- winning new building by Niall McLaughlin Architects. An interior of cross-laminated timber and hardwood create a welcoming and modern study environment with interconnecting rooms and spaces. The New Library at one of University of Cambridge’s oldest colleges provides a wide variety of resources, both print and digital, including books, journals, and reference works. There are more than 90 study spaces across three floors with a mix of individual desks, comfortable seating, and window seats. The long-length Junckers’ 20.5mm Oak Boulevard Harmony plank flooring provides a warm and elegant backdrop, complementing the use of timber throughout the building. A series of brick columns echo the gabled buildings typical of the College’s architecture and carefully considered windows and roof lights provide plenty of natural light making the library a comfortable and inspiring place to study and work. A solid hardwood floor from Junckers has a crevice-free surface which cannot harbour dust or mites. It is easy to keep clean and contributes to a healthy indoor climate, one of the RIBA’s targets in its 2030 Climate Challenge for architects. Junckers floors carry the Danish Indoor Climate label, recognised by BREEAM, and have undergone extensive degassing and odour testing to ensure no harmful gasses are released into the room. Installing timber in an interior helps minimise static from electrical appliances and helps maintain an even temperature, an important consideration for a well-used library. The New Library by Niall McLaughlin has won several awards including the Wood Awards Gold Award 2021, the Civic Trust Award 2022, and a RIBA East Regional Award 2022. The Times newspaper named The New Library one of the coolest new buildings of the year (2021). 

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon has undergone an ambitious and exciting £112m project to install a brand new auditorium inside the skeleton of the art-deco original. The internal refit created some interesting acoustical challenges. One of the most important aspects of the project was to ensure that theatre performances were not disturbed by noise from other parts of the building. In particular, the gantry – from where scenery changes and lighting are managed – was identified as requiring a specialised acoustic solution, to stop the noise of people working behind the scenes from carrying through to the audience. This is where CMS Danskin stepped in.The SolutionAs soft flooring subcontractors on the project, Loughton Contracts installed CMS High Impact Mat in the gantry. Composed of reclaimed rubber, EPDM granulate and PUR binder, CMS High Impact Mat is a durable, environmentally friendly type of floor covering that reduces excess sound, prevents unwanted noise and has excellent impact reduction. CMS High Impact Mat is available in a variety of thicknesses and colours. Simple to install, LoughtonContracts fitted 573m² of blue, 10mm thick CMS High Impact Mat onto wooden, concrete and screeded floor areas in the theatre gantry. As a non-reflective, slip and tear resistant material that meets the highest safety standards, it provides a safe surface for an area of the theatre where there is constant movement of scenery, people and heavy lighting.CMS High Impact Mat also has other qualities which made it the preferred specification for this refurbishment. As well as providing high acoustic performance, it offers an aesthetic, ‘final floor finish’ which is warm underfoot and has anti-fatigue properties. It creates an attractive, comfortable and quiet working environment in the gantry, as well as contributing to the quality finish that runs throughout the theatre.

PROJECTCentral library in KAP 1, Düsseldorf [DE]COMPLETIONNovember 2021ARCHITECTSchrammel Architekten Stadtplaner PartGmbB & RKW Architektur + [ Düsseldorf ]LIGHTING PLANNERBartenbachPRODUCTSRectangular metal panels with torsion springs as a special version of S4.7 K-TS0.96 mm thickness of aluminium [DUROPLAN A], dimension [L x W] 1396 x 353 mm [approx. 400 m²]More than 135 years of history, always changing with the times: The municipal libraries in Düsseldorf can look back over an eventful time. At the end of last year, to reflect changing requirements, the central library in the KAP 1 cultural centre opened its doors on Konrad-Adenauer-Platz 1.Located directly in front of the railway station, this library extends across two floors with a total surface area of about 8000 m², attracting visitors young and old to browse, learn and linger.The ceiling design for the rectangular vestibule area presented a particular challenge to the renovation of this former postal service site. This called for a product that delivered precisely fitting angles while also bringing sufficient daylight into the library. An optimum daylight solution was provided by durlum.Made of highly reflective aluminium, these visually prestigious panels direct daylight effectively into the interior, contributing to the feel-good factor for visitors. The easy-to-install sprung system can either present a seamless appearance without joints, or can provide contrasting accentuation with visible joints. It was therefore possible to highlight this uniform ceiling pattern with joints 13 mm in width for light integration. There are also no obstacles to any revision work that may be required. The panels are quick and easy to swivel downwards and remove. Here, the position of individual elements is defined by the indexed mounting.

Working with architects, Broe & Co LLP, Style was specified to install a new folding wall system to the ground floor of the Bloomsbury Street Day Nursery in Brighton, creating a flexible environment where children are encouraged to learn, play and explore at their own pace.Allowing nursery staff to separate the room into two, Style recommended a Stylefold acoustic glass folding wall with a 44dB Rw rating, ensuring that activities either side of the wall can take place undisturbed. By choosing a glazed folding wall, staff can maintain a watchful eye on the children and the area continues to enjoy an airy and open feel, even when the wall is in place.This manually operated folding wall is light and simple to open and close, encouraging staff to change the room configuration to suit daily activities. The pass door means the wall can remain in place for longer periods if desired without hindering access between rooms.“For schools, day centres, and community halls the Stylefold folding wall is a really effective solution,” said Michael Porter, Style’s group sales director.“It can be opened and closed in seconds, the acoustics are superb – which means you can enjoy privacy either side, and this modestly priced folding wall solution is ideal for when budgets are tight.“A folding wall can also help cut energy costs by avoiding having to heat and light a large open plan area when the entire space is not actually required – something that is at the top of most people’s priorities at the moment.”As well as the glazed option, the Stylefold folding wall is also available in a variety of finishes, including painted, polished wood veneer or a wide range of standard or high-pressure laminates.It can also be installed with writeable white board panels, which is ideal in a teaching environment.

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is the biggest public procurement organisation the UK. At its busy offices in Norwich, Style worked with contractor, Sol Services Ltd, to create flexible space in one of the meeting rooms, enabling staff to configure the area into two smaller rooms or to completely open-up the area into one single space.The partitioning experts at Style designed a system that combines two glass folding partitions with impressive 42dB Rw acoustic ratings, alongside a Stylefold 120 solid folding wall with a 50 dB Rw rating, successfully delivering the level of adaptability demanded by CCS.With over 900 employees spread across four UK offices, CCS uses its commercial expertise to help buyers in central government and across the public and third sectors to purchase everything from locum doctors and laptops to police cars and electricity. The new partitioning moveable walls help ensure there is always the required room space available to accommodate the myriad of meetings that happen each week. “This is a great example of how a combination of solid and glass acoustic folding walls can create flexible meeting room space which offers light and visibility but is also very private,” said Steve Williams, sales director for Style Midlands.“These walls are so effortless and light to manoeuvre that the space can be reconfigured in minutes, which means different room options can be created for different meetings throughout the day.“The glass moveable walls also retain that feeling of having open plan space, whilst the impressive acoustic integrity of these folding walls means that meetings can take place completely undisturbed.”Further adding to the interior design of the room, graphics were added to the solid moveable wall with matching manifestations on the glass.

With a focus on the needs of the local community, the newly constructed St Philip’s Church Centre near Birmingham, has been designed to accommodate a wide range of activities, from regular worship to choir practice, toddler groups and Pilates.Adding flexibility to the open-plan, 350 seat Worship Space, partitioning expert Style worked with Kier Construction and architects, Robothams, to install a Dorma Hüppe Variflex solid moveable wall, dividing the area into two separate rooms, as required.Allowing light into both areas, the partition includes two Variflex glass panels as well as vision panels within the double door. With an impressive 52db acoustic rating, the moveable wall allows a noisy event to be hosted alongside say, a prayer group, without causing disturbance.St Philip's Church in Dorridge, Birmingham, reopened following a project to demolish the old buildings and replace them with a single, modern building with large open plan, flexible areas for worship and other community events. “This is an ideal solution for St Philip’s Church,” said Steve Williams, sales director for Style Midlands.“The moveable wall is so light and smooth to operate it can be opened and closed very easily, and its high acoustic rating means that different events can take place throughout the day without sound seeping through to the other side.“The double pass door means the moveable wall can be left in situ for extended periods, however thanks to its ease of manoeuvre, the Variflex can be opened up effortlessly when the entire space is required.”Style is the UK’s multi-award-winning market leading moveable wall specialist, and the exclusive UK partner to Dorma Hüppe, Skyfold and SWG. It offers a complete range of moveable, folding and partitioning walls for all requirements and budgets across multiple market sectors.

The £82 million redevelopment of Coventry’s rail station has seen the creation of a new entrance building and multi-storey car park, with Senior Architectural Systems playing a key role in its creation.Designed by AHR Architects, the West Midlands station is one of the busiest outside of London. The project is the latest to have been delivered by Senior and its long-term supply chain partners Elite Aluminium Systems and Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd.Senior’s slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system was specified for the main station building, helping to flood the concourse with natural light. Senior’s robust SD automatic commercial sliding doors were also installed to provide secure, safe and accessible access to the thousands of passengers who use the station every day. Additionally, the new-look station also features a footbridge to allow easier access to the platforms and bus interchange.Senior’s slim profile SF52 aluminium curtain wall system provided the ideal balance of aesthetics and performance by allowing copious amounts of light to enter the building and offering enhanced thermal efficiency. The aluminium frames were powder coated to boost durability and also complement the station’s feature grey and red cladding. Senior’s SPW501 aluminium commercial swing doors were also specified throughout to provide a safe and secure solution to such a high traffic environment.The extensive use of glazing on the building also pays homage to the original station building which is located nearby but owing to its Grade II status, could not be extended or developed to meet the increased demand on Coventry’s rail network. Ahead of the wider refurbishment of the original building, the large glazed panels have been used to frame various artwork from local artists and create another focal point for visitors to the city.

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

Cambridge University, Department of Civil EngineeringBauderBLUE STORMcell with BauderSOLAR G LightSynopsisThis new build project in the centre of Cambridge combines a Sustainable urban Drainage Solution (SuDS) with vegetation and renewable energy in a warm roof construction.The client for the Department of Civil Engineering at Cambridge University, R H Partnership, identified sustainability as being a key driver in the design of the roof, but also sought a single source supplier that could provide a guarantee for both workmanship and products. Bauder’s systems range encompasses products to meet all the sustainability objectives, and with our network of approved contractors carrying out the installation, we could offer the comprehensive guarantee that was required.Bauder Building BoardProject:Cambridge University Department of Engineering​Location:CambridgeRoof Area:1610m²Client:University of CambridgeSpecifier:RH Partnership ArchitectsMain Contractor:SDC LimitedApproved Contractor:Voland LimitedThe specificationTo meet the sustainability criteria set out by the client, the Bauder technical team designed a roof system combining an extensive blue roof, a green roof and a solar PV array. The first and most fundamental element of the roof system though is the waterproofing. Bauder Total Green Roof System (BTGRS) was selected as it provides robust and durable waterproofing with a life span in excess of 35 years, as validated by BBA Certificate 10/4744. The Plant E cap sheet has also been tested by the FLL to ensure long term root-resistance, making it ideal for use in conjunction with the BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system. The BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system is a unique way to combine rooftop vegetation with renewable solar energy. The PV panel mounting boards are held in position using the growing medium as ballast, meaning the waterproofing is not penetrated and therefore compromised. The mounting boards incorporate a water retention feature which allows a small amount of excess rainwater to be stored for short periods of time for the various plant species to feed from. The BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system’s unique mounting system lifts the panels above the vegetation allowing the plant life to grow freely and therefore qualify a greater area of the roof as biodiverse.In addition to the BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system, a blue roof was added to the build-up. Blue roofs are sustainable drainage solutions designed to manage stormwater on a flat roof to reduce water runoff rates and ease flash flooding and standing water in built up areas. The BauderBLUE Roof System attenuates water from a flat roof over a 24-hour period via a restrictive flow outlet. Calculations are carried out to determine the rate at which the water should egress the rooftop. This is determined by the local planning authority and is often set as low as 5-8 litres per second per hectare. With these calculations, Bauder can design each flow restrictorto meet the necessary runoff rate. For the Department of Civil Engineering, the main roof area of 1455.5m² required two flow restrictors, each with flow control holes to ensure the specified discharge rate of 0.77 litres per second was achieved. The maximum depth of water the roof is designed for is the H-max. When the water level reaches H-max, it will drain via the emergency overflow pipe. These overflow pipes are set at the same height as the H-max level. On this project the H-max was calculated to be 99mm. Although an unlikely scenario, this provision for a ‘once-in-a-hundred-years’ storm event will ensure that the structural integrity of the building is always preserved.Project challengesThe roof deck was constructed using a pretensioned concrete plank roof structure. Due to the large span of these planks, the dead load weight to the roof would be restricted. This being a blue roof with green landscaping and PV (a reasonably heavy build up), presented the issue of balancing the need of the roof design and the weight restriction of the supporting structure. To add to this challenging scenario, the pretensioned deck did not provide a completely flat finish. When installing a blue roof, a flat deck with no positive or negative falls is essential, as detailed in the 2018 update of BS 6229 – Flat roofs with continuously supported flexible waterproof coverings. To overcome this onsite challenge,the final deflection of the fully loaded roof was calculated and the concrete deck was screeded to give a flat finish.The resultBauder believes this project to be one of the first of its type in the UK to bring together so many rooftop systems in one space. Project management and clear communication was paramount in order to ensure a smooth installation. The Bauder project team consisted of green roof and solar PV product managers, area technical manager, technical design team, site technicians and approved installers for the waterproofing.With all the different elements being installed, green roof and solar PV product managers worked with our technical team to design the best possible PV array configuration for optimum energy generation whilst also qualifying for the maximum biodiverse area.Bauder site technicians worked closely with Bauder approved contractors, Voland Asphalte Ltd, to ensure works were kept to schedule and that a high quality of workmanship was maintained throughout.To ensure the landscaping is maintained, irrigation was installed by Access Irrigation Ltd. The system, Permadrip Pro, is a drip line irrigation system with anti-syphon design to resist clogging and pressure regulation. Due to the specialist nature of the irrigation system, Access Irrigation Ltd provided a bespoke design service.The result of this network of expertise was a multi-faceted support service for the client, specifier, main contractor and roofing and PV installers. System installedBauder Total Green Roof System (BTGRS)1 BauderPLANT E 42Green, 5mm torch-on root-resistant capping sheet.2 BauderTEC KSA DUOA self-adhesive, elastomeric, bitumen underlayer. This underlayer was used to ensure thorough sealing of lap joints in low temperatures when the roof was installed.3 BauderPIR FA-TETissue-faced flatboard insulation faced on both sides with aluminium foil to provide efficient thermal output.4 Bauder Super AL-ETorch-on air & vapour control layer. Once installed on the concrete pretensioned plank deck, it can act as a temporary waterproofing layer, allowing internal works to be carried out immediately which was a huge advantage on this new build project.BauderSOLAR G LIGHTThis BauderSOLAR G LIGHT system was a key factor in the specification of the project to meet the sustainability criteria specified by the client. 40 PV units were installed on the main roof area on the Departmentof Engineering. The forecasted energy generated for this arrayin its first year is 9.91MWh with a CO2 saving of 5.242 tonnes/a. BauderBLUE SR-B flow restrictorThe BauderBLUE SR-B flow restrictor is designed to be used in conjunction with a standard Bauder bitumen blue roof vertical outlet DN70. The flow restrictor is comprised of four parts; baseplate, overflow pipe, baseplate inner and baseplate outer seal. The polyamide baseplate fits within the 70mm vertical outlet, with the EPDM outer seal creating a watertight fit. The HDPE Overflow slots into the central hole of the baseplate with an inner EPDM seal preventing any leaks. The baseplate has a number (1-12) of 10mm restrictive flow holes bespoke to the project. The flow restrictor has no moving parts, hugely reducing the need for maintenance or risk of failure.