"education science"

As the exclusive distributor of HI-MACS® in the UK and Ireland, James Latham recently supplied the highly versatile and extremely hard wearing acrylic stone material to our customer Paramount Interiors Limited who used it to create an outstanding environment at the Life Sciences Hub in Wales, which not only encourages activity and collaboration, but also makes a striking first impression.

A modern laboratory for educational use needs to perform every day. Students and researchers work under tight time constraints and must deliver high quality results. There is not much room for downtime if equipment fails or an incident happens. BROEN-LAB offers flexible laboratory solutions and emergency shower systems that work reliably for year after year.

Formerly the home of AstraZeneca, Alderley Park is a world-leading life science and innovation campus situated across 93,000 sqm on the outskirts of Manchester city centre. With a mix of new-build waterproofing requirements and existing roof refurbishments, the client appointed Garland UK as a roofing partner across the multi-building site. Alongside the refurbishment and new-build site works, Garland UK was also briefed to provide a tailored design specification for the Glasshouse Project, which would become the largest triple pitched standing seam roof in the UK.Garland UK's 3 system portfolio of high-quality bituminous membranes, cold applied liquid coatings and profiled metal ensured that each roof would get the right system for its unique challenge.

Space Park is one of our recent projects. Space Park builds upon the heritage and space-science excellence of the University of Leicester. Aspex have supplied and installed Salto solutions aligning well with the smart, innovative nature of Space Park.Location: LeicesterContractor: Bowmer and Kirkland LtdCustomer: Morecroft Electrical LtdAspex supplied: Salto access control and attendance monitoring system

Project:Red Kite Academy Client:Northampton County Council Contractor:Ash Construction Architect:Architecture Initiative Value:£7m Location: Corby Northamptonshire GIFA: 3,150 m² In Northamptonshire, there has been a 9% increase in the number of children attending a special educational needs school over the last few years. Red Kite Academy was created to deliver much-needed school places for children with a range of learning difficulties and special educational needs. The benefits of offsite construction were successfully realised when Innovaré teamed up with Architecture Initiative and Ashe Construction to create a new and innovative design to deliver a high quality, airtight, energy efficient building using Innovaré’s SIP System. Regular team meetings between Innovaré, Ashe Construction and Architectural Initiative meant that a robust schedule for delivery was agreed in advance and design for M & E services was incorporated within the manufacture of the panels to avoid onsite clashes. Delivered two weeks ahead of schedule, the development achieved a rapid build programme using advanced timber technology. The enhanced performance benefits achieved using the i-SIP System, will reduce ongoing maintenance and energy consumption costs across the lifecycle of the building.The Red Kite Academy provides an inclusive and welcoming environment for a hundred pupils with additional educational needs. Together with the usual educational provisions, the Academy includes a hydrotherapy pool, a sensory suite and a studio flat to help prepare pupils for independent life. The Academy is designed to be flexible and adaptable, providing the capability to suit pupils with additional physical and educational needs. Early design collaboration between Innovare, Ashe Construction and Architectural Initiative enabled the delivery of an efficiently designed scheme. The design teams collaborated to ensure that the design met the specialist requirements set out by the client.Donna Luck – Head Teacher said: “Watching this school grow into this amazing space, with these wonderful children and staff, is truly inspiring. We know that we are already making a difference, not only to our children, but to their families and the wider community” Tom O’Dwyer, on behalf of the trust, said: “We are thrilled to finally take this crucial step as we move towards providing a desperately needed resource for the children and their families. We look forward with immense anticipation to seeing Red Kite Academy take its place in the family of wonderful Northamptonshire special schools.”

The new £24 million purpose-built Torfaen Learning Zone is set to transform sixth form learning within the borough and brings education for the area into the 21st century. The campus, situated in the heart of Cwmbran, replaces all sixth forms in the Torfaen Borough, to give learners access to the best facilities and a community of further education learners.  The new state-of-the-art college has been built over five levels. Within the building, there are two stunning central atria which lead to modern classrooms, IT rooms, science laboratories, and an art studio. The facility also provides a performance hall, music and media suite, and a library. In addition, students can benefit from quiet rooms, chill-out areas, flexible working spaces, social spaces and a cafeteria.   Lusso worked in close collaboration with Interserve to ensure the project was completed despite the ongoing uncertainty around Covid-19 and challenging social distancing regulations. Lusso Atria Glazing was installed to create light throughout the building, giving the interior space a wow factor. Lusso 25 Single Glazed and Lusso 105 Double Glazed Partition Systems were used to create individual spaces for different needs of the learning centre. The overall effect is a bright, contemporary building that the Borough can be proud of. Students will be encouraged by their inviting, modern space, as well as benefitting from the new amenities and facilities. It is truly an inspirational educational environment for both teaching and learning, perfect for inspiring young minds.I

Through this project, a dynamic education hub is taking shape, with Ark Swift Primary Academy, Harmony Nursery, and the Adult Community Education Centre, all undergoing a revamp. A dedicated youth zone catering to the younger generation is also being developed. This regeneration project also introduces 132 housing units, comprising 55 one-bedroom and 77 two-bedroom apartments, tailored to the needs of local residents and essential workers, including teachers. The transformation extends further with the creation of a public square and pedestrian and cycling routes aimed at reducing travel time and enhancing access to nearby transportation nodes.Stofix products are being used in block C of this project – a 95,000 sq ft office building of the highest grade, complete with terraces, meeting spaces, and a crowning top-floor penthouse. This endeavor paves the way for a brighter, more interconnected community future.

CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPACLAD® 101 RANDOM rainscreen cladding system has been used to create a geologically inspired exterior for the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences’ new £2 million Colin Forbes Building. The new building, located at the Madingley Rise site and named after Dr Colin Forbes, a senior figure in the university’s Department of Earth Sciences until his retirement, allows the collections to be reunited in one place. The building, designed by Cowper Griffith Architects and built by RG Carter, provides fully climate-controlled conditions for the collection with storage systems that allow easy access to all the specimens.

Lockhart Campus, Red House and Roslin House is an educational facility designed with the vision to support students with Special Educational Needs, delivering inclusive education opportunities for students. Contractor: Morrison ConstructionArchitect: NorrProducts supplied: Ironmongery, Integra Commercial Doorsets, Access Control plus bespoke magnetic sliding stores/teaching boards 

The Faculty of Humanities and Arts is the third largest faculty in the Macau University of Science and Technology, The construction of the Complex Academic Building of College of Humanities and Arts – Block “R” includes a 2-storey basement and 7-storey above the ground floor. The height of the building is 30.75m. Caltite System has been applied in the basement slab, (B1 to B2), basement wall and water tank for long-term reliable waterproofing.

In the world of education, the physical environment plays a crucial role in shaping the learning experiences of students. To ensure that every child has equal access to education, the Department for Education (DfE) in the United Kingdom has laid down comprehensive guidelines for the design and construction of school buildings. Two key documents, BB103 and BB104, stand at the forefront of this initiative, setting standards to promote inclusivity and accessibility within educational settings.BB103 | Designing Accessible School BuildingsFor mainstream schools, BB103 mandates the inclusion of accessible facilities to accommodate pupils, students, staff, and visitors with disabilities. Crucially, this includes the provision of a specialist hygiene room equipped with either a fixed or mobile hoist, alongside ample space for assistants to facilitate the changing process.In primary schools, the hygiene room must span a minimum of 9m² and feature essentials such as a changing bed and accessible WC.Secondary schools, on the other hand, are required to allocate a minimum of 12m² for their hygiene rooms, which should additionally incorporate an accessible shower, sluice toilet, and changing trolley. These specifications are designed to ensure that hygiene rooms meet the unique needs of students across different age groups and educational settings.According to recent statistics from the DfE, approximately 14.1% of children in the UK have special educational needs, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring that school environments are inclusive and supportive.BB104 | Catering to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)BB104 further refines the standards for hygiene rooms in special schools and alternative provisions (APs). For non-ambulant special schools or units, the guideline stipulates the provision of one hygiene room for every 12 non-ambulant pupil places. These rooms must be equipped with a fixed hoist, a changing bed, a wash hand basin, an accessible WC, and an accessible shower, underscoring the comprehensive support required for students with profound disabilities.In ambulant special schools and APs, one hygiene room per setting is mandated, featuring either a fixed or mobile hoist, a changing bed, a wash hand basin, and an accessible WC.Additionally, all hygiene rooms are required to have facilities for waste disposal, such as a sluice or equivalent, to maintain hygiene standards and ensure the efficient management of waste.Conclusion | Building for a Brighter FutureAs educators and stakeholders in the education sector, it is our collective responsibility to champion inclusivity and accessibility in every aspect of school design and construction. By understanding and implementing the guidelines outlined in BB103 and BB104, we pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future where every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.How can we help? Our skilled team have many years’ experience of planning and installing equipment within public environments such as schools and universities. Please do get in touch if you need help or advice with your project or further support on the Government requirements for equipment that needs to be installed to support SEND students.

The University of Liverpool’s Materials Innovation Factory (MIF), an award-winning new build science research facility, is the latest high-profile development to feature an extensive specification of Neaco’s aluminium grille walkways. The MIF is a public/private partnership between the University and Unilever. The £68m scheme was designed by the Fairhurst Design Group and built by BAM Construction. Neaco’s Techdek walkways provide external maintenance access on four storeys of the 11,600 sq m BREEAM Excellent rated building. The facility won Development of the Year at the NW Business Insider’s Liverpool City Region Property Awards

When architects Scott Brownrigg were given a brief to create a new gateway to Cambridge Science Park they knew the building had to be impressive to attract the desired high tech and research and development companies. The design features a colonnade sweeping across the front of the building echoing the curve of the spine road and a new public space. The column spacing guides occupants and visitors to the entrance – a GEZE SlimdriveSCR curved automatic sliding door. Slimdrive SCR was chosen to fit with the building BREEAM Excellent rating. The circular entrance features two sets of automatic bi-parting curved glass sliding doors, creating a lobby that minimises heat loss or gain and so helps to contribute to the building’s environmental credentialsWhen architects Scott Brownrigg were given a brief to create a new gateway to Cambridge Science Park they knew the building had to be impressive to attract the desired high tech and research and development companies. The design features a colonnade sweeping across the front of the building echoing the curve of the spine road and a new public space. The column spacing guides occupants and visitors to the entrance – a GEZE SlimdriveSCR curved automatic sliding door. Slimdrive SCR was chosen to fit with the building BREEAM Excellent rating. The circular entrance features two sets of automatic bi-parting curved glass sliding doors, creating a lobby that minimises heat loss or gain and so helps to contribute to the building’s environmental credentialsIn addition the Slimdrive SCR automatic curved sliding door provides a light and airy all-glass lobby entrance which blends into the façade and the large glass atrium; it combines high performance with unobtrusive operation. Inside the operator’s deep canopy an integrated air curtain was installed to further minimise any heat loss and maintain the aesthetics of the building. The Slimdrive SCR automatic operator also provides uninhibited access and so meets the demands of Part M, BS 8300 and EN 16005, whilst the access control system ensures security. Shortlisted for office awardsRecognising the outstanding design of the building, the Cambridge Science Park has been shortlisted for the 2023 British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards. The BCO’s primary objective is to define excellence in office space. Ross Mcwatt, associate architect at Scott Brownrigg said: "We have worked with GEZE several times, they have the same focus as we do in terms combining sustainability, accessibility and aesthetics." Richard Richardson-Derry, national specification manager at GEZE UK added: "This is an outstanding building, that meets many demands. We were delighted to play a part in creating an entrance and achieving the criteria of the brief." 

Gradus has supplied a variety of wall protection systems as part of a refurbishment project at the University of Liverpool’s Small Animal Teaching Hospital based at the Leahurst Campus in the Wirral. The Small Animal Teaching Hospital is part of the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Veterinary Science and employs over 350 staff, including over 100 veterinary surgeons and 280 students. The facility is one of the largest and most innovative veterinary hospitals in Europe, teaching students the very latest theory and techniques.

Education at Queensmead is not limited to the statutorydelivery of the National Curriculum. It includes a wide rangeof extra-curricular activities which incorporates a busy sportsand performing arts programme.

Unit 25 Cambridge Science Park is a state of the art facility providing laboratories and office space for Bio tech and Med Tech companies. This BREEAM Good facility was built by SDC and features an external façade of glass, metallic panels and fins for solar shading. At each corner of the building a chamfered picture frame feature of curtain walling and panels, adds to the modern design. Metalline who manufacture a range of architectural fabrications worked closely with MTW Architectural the specialist façade contractor to ensure that all materials were delivered on time and to exact specification. They supplied in excess of 1000m2 of A2 Ultima insulated panels, Unity interlocking rainscreen panels, interlocking soffits, copings, pressings and cills for the project.The picture frame finish to the corners of the building were finished in a slate grey polyester powder coating. The horizontal rainscreen panels used to break up the expanse of glass shown on the front of the building were finished in tiger drylac 068/70764 PPC This finish mimics an anodised finish and features on all four sides of the building 

The London Science Museum is one of London’s major tourist attractions, attracting 3.3 million visitors annually. Now using, interior glass balustrade. The museums’ collections comprise of both permanent and temporary exhibits. So, when they design each exhibit, they must consider how easy it is to change and adapt the space for any new collections. Displays can be created from many things, including an interior glass balustrade. The Science Museum aims to provide inspiring exhibitions to its visitors. The museum approached Pure Vista while looking for a barrier to protect an extremely valuable exhibit, an original prototype of the Brougham carriage. They required an interior glass balustrade in this London location, that was secure enough to prevent visitors from touching the exhibit but didn’t spoil the viewing opportunities. This also needed to be easy to move and adapt. Knowing that Pure Vista specialise in easy-to-adjust glass balustrade for both interior and exterior projects, they approached us for a solution.Pure Vista proposed a POSIglaze solution for this project.The force loading required for interior light-commercial balustrade is 1.50kN, according to UK building regulations. Which can be achieved with POSIglaze using the right type of glass (19mm or 21.5mm laminate SentryGlas). The real benefit of POSIglaze is that it’s the most adjustable balustrade system on the market, all thanks to our patented screw-clamp technology. This meant that the museum could easily remove a panel of glass in order to move exhibits in and out of this space. The adjustment of this system doesn’t require special skills or tools. 

Over the last 12 months, partitioning experts Style, sole UK distributor for Dorma Hüppe, has seen a noticeable increase in demand for glass partitions from within the education sector. Combining transparency with exceptional acoustic privacy, glass systems create bright, open spaces which can be quickly reconfigured to meet the teaching requirements. Another trend in the education sector Style has witnessed is a shift towards fully automatic moveable walls, allowing teachers to change the space available at the push of a button. Automatic movable walls avoid any manual handling and ensure the most effective acoustic seal is formed every time.

Three Corners, Travelling Line and Ely Place from Milliken's enduring, carbon neutral Clerkenwell collection inject vibrance and dynamism into the workspace of this young, progressive tech firm. The dramatic angular forms and shifting blue tones of these three complementary designs create the perfect backdrop for the yellow furnishings and delivers excellent acoustic performance in the large open workspaces. Meeting and brainstorming rooms are defined in contrasting ochre and black/grey colourations. Earth Science LVT provides a hard-wearing, practical solution for the dining area.

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

The Science and Technology Facilities Council’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire is recognised across the globe for its innovative research across a number of scientific fields. The lab employs over 1600 scientists and, as its work has developed, it became clear there was a need for a new, flexible space for testing the latest equipment. Oxford Architects created an iconic, curved design for the R105 Facilities Support Building and, in a break from the standard metal-clad facades of the surrounding buildings, specified a colourful façade using Kingspan Day-Lite Klick wall lights.

Here at Trade Access Panels, we believe that school building designs should be much more than just designs of practical learning spaces; they should also inspire, encourage and motivate the students and teachers to help promote the best possible learning experience. However, unfortunately, costs are very tight for the Government who are searching for ways to renovate old dilapidated schools and to also build new educational facilities. We have a desperate need for more school places for the ever-growing younger population.

A functional, child-friendly washroom design featuring Genesis toilet cubicles was created for Rainbow Nurser. The nursery opted for Venesta’s Genesis toilet cubicles, a popular choice for early education settings due to it's versatility and many customisable features including low-level doors and curved partitions. The toilet cubicles were specified in High Pressure Laminate (HPL) making them ideal for nursery usage, allowing for easy cleaning and simple maintenance, meaning they really will stand the test of time.For cost savings and reduced installation times, our Vepps pre-plumbed panelling system was specified. In addition, low level vanity units were installed featuring semi-recessed basins. A favourite for our youngest customers as they don’t get the water from the basin on their clothes when washing hands. Read the full case study for more details.

“We used Venesta’s SGL range for a proven high quality, durable product from a trusted provider that we have worked with for years.” - Mark Norton, Chartered Construction Manager, Gray Baynes and Shew. A full height cubicle range, Unity provides a modern, durable washroom environment, with low floor clearance for maximum privacy. Emergency release mechanism indicator bolts were an ideal choice for education washrooms, where safety is paramount. Our Vepps (IPS) pre-plumbed panelling system, with Ideal Standard sanitaryware fitted and tested in our factory, made installation quick and straightforward without the need for specialist onsite skills.

Fireshield® vapour permeable membrane, which is designed specifically to improve the fire protection behind cladding has been chosen for a new Science Centre at Bevington Primary school in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London.The project includes a brand new Science Studio, plus before and after school club buildings.SIP Build UK was appointed as frame subcontractor for the project and chose the Fireshield membrane as part of the SIPS panelling system. Chris Duckworth from SIP Build UK explains: “We chose Fireshield as it provided the project with a number of really important benefits. Fireshield is a high-performance breather membrane which enables us to achieve the requirements in terms of fire protection without compromising on vapour control.Fireshield was also ideal because it is easy to use and allowed us to achieve the requirements in one process, using just the membrane, rather than the typical approach of two, cement board and a membrane.”Fireshield is the culmination of leading research to produce a vapour permeable membrane with a intumescent coated surface, which has a unique composition that actively reacts to help protect the materials underneath. The intumescent coating helps protect the substrate by reducing the risk of fire taking hold and significantly reduces the formation of droplets and smoke.The BBA Certificate awarded to Fireshield confirms that it has enhanced performance in relation to reaction to fire classification, will reduce the risk of interstitial condensation, and will have a life equal to that of the building in which it is installed.Fireshield complies with BS5250, BS4016 and NHBC requirements for vapour permeable walling underlays. It is installed and fixed to the substrate in the same manner as standard breather membranes using mechanical fixings. Applications include both commercial and residential buildings including apartments and student accommodation, as well as Rainscreen cladding and applications over 18m high (11m in Scotland).

A new education facility for Birmingham City University – STEAMhouse 2 - marries the restored frontage of a former Victorian industrial building with a brand new addition designed to promote interdisciplinary courses that bring together artists, scientists and engineers with input from industry.  The locally-listed red brick and terracotta façade of the 1899 Belmont cycle works was preserved after a disastrous fire gutted the building in 2007. That now fronts a new brick building the rear elevation of which boasts Corporate W20 windows in black plus two fire-rated Crittall windows and two fire-rated Crittall doors installed in a fire escape. Beyond this is a new four and five-storey building comprising workshops and teaching spaces. The new and reconstructed buildings are linked by an open central space, beneath a transparent roof, to encourage interaction between students and trainees attending the new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) – based university courses on offer.  The Crittall profiles are sensitive to the industrial heritage of the original building while complementing the 21st century ethos underpinning the STEAMhouse’s ambitions. 

The Centre for Astronomy Education and Outreach in Heidelberg is unique. The architects Bernhardt + Partner in Darmstadt were inspired by the Whirlpool Galaxy M51 which is located 28 million light years away. Being presented the Energy Efficiency Award 2013 not only acknowledges the excellent daylight concept and exemplary primary energy balance, as well as its outstanding architecture.Photos: Swen Carlin

The Project – Global HQ.This new build was a joint project between Leicester County Council and Loughborough University Science Enterprise Park (LUSEP). Together they delivered this stunning building which is to be solely occupied by The Access Group as their Global Head Quarters.Bathgate Flooring were engaged to manufacture, supply and install PSA grade BGM600 steel encapsulated panels throughout to provide the Access Group with Category A finish.Now completed – it will be home to more than a third of the global workforce for this leading technology company.Products UsedThe panels were specified to PSA Standards. The BGM600 Steel Encapsulated panel is medium grade PSA panel which suits most applications. This was used extensively in the installation.Testimonial“It was handed over to a very happy client and client team with some great feedback too. They think the building is great and are very pleased not only with the end product quality, but with the overall approach as a whole from start to finish– well done team LUSEP past and present, great work!  On behalf of the Wates Site Management team, I would like to thank you all for your proactive approach through all the difficulties that the past year has given to us all, you should all be immensely proud of the quality and passion that your workforce put into the project.Mike Martin – Site Manager,Wates Construction Midlands.Architect: Perfect CircleOwner: Leicester County CouncilContractor: Wates ConstructionLocation: LoughboroughSystem Size: 5664 sq. m.Completion: December 2020

Noise intrusion from the flightpath into London’s Heathrow Airport has been dramatically cut at Meadowbank Adult Education Centre in Cranford, thanks to Granada secondary glazing.To meet acoustic requirements, a 6.4mm acoustic laminated glass was specified with 19mm acoustic reveal liners. The result was a 53dB reduction in external noise – the equivalent of turning the sound of a diesel bus into a whisper.

Reflecting the critical role that moveable wall and folding partitioning systems play in allowing educational facilities comply with social distancing rules, Style has seen a dramatic increase in enquiries from with the sector for their operable wall maintenance and repair services. “Many educational facilities now benefit from one or more partitioning wall systems, allowing smaller bubbles of students to be safely taught in separate classrooms,” comments Julian Sargent, group managing director of partitioning experts, Style. “As with any product, the functionality, reliability and longevity of a wall can be dramatically improved with routine servicing and timely repairs.”

Project:St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy Client: Department for Education Contractor: Tilbury Douglas Architect:Hawkins Brown Architects Value:£12m Location: Derby, Derbyshire. Completion Date: June 2023 Innovare duration onsite 12 Weeks 2GIFA: 2300 m² Framework: This is a DfE pathfinder project – the UKs first Biophilic school. Sustainability: Net Zero Carbon in operation Innovaré System:Psi-FASTConstruction is complete on the innovative eco-building for St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby, following a fire that destroyed the previous school. This biophilic school is part of a pilot scheme for the Department for Education. Biophilic design increases occupant connectivity to nature, promoting physical and mental health, and the building is net zero carbon in operation. Innovaré Offsite supported the design, engineering, manufacture, and installation of the sustainable superstructure. The timber constructed school uses Innovaré’s Psi-FAST panels, designed for fire safety, thermal, and acoustic insulation, and loadbearing capabilities. Psi-FAST panels have an A1-rated non-combustible board and class 0 surface spread of flame rating, offering 60 minutes of standalone fire resistance. The single-storey school includes a primary school and nursery with pavilions arranged along a central canopy. Each age group has a shared learning space, and the entrance building features a hall and communal areas. The buildings are naturally ventilated with solar panels and heated via air source heat pumps. Green roofs enhance biodiversity and local ecology

The £60.5m education campus project comprises four new education buildings: Winchburgh Academy – a 660 pupil non-denominational secondary school, Sinclair Academy – a 660 pupil denominational secondary school, Holy Family Primary School – a 231 pupil replacement primary school with nursery and a shared community sports block.Delivered by Morrison Construction for West Lothian Council and its development partner, Hub South East Scotland Limited, the project was built in response to a significant new housing expansion in the area. Metal Technology Ltd performed an intrinsic technical role in the collaborative design approach with both Ryder Architecture and JM Architects, supplying its high performance range of architectural glazing systems via approved fabricator Albann Limited. Metal Technology products installed were: System 17 High-Rise Curtain Walling, System 5-35Hi+ Tilt and Turn Window, System 4-35Hi+ Casement Window, System 5-20DHi+ Doors and System 22 Brise Soleil. Two of the buildings have been shortlisted in the Scottish Property Awards taking place in February 2023 – Winchburgh Schools Campus is a finalist for Development of the Year while Winchburgh Sport and Well-Being Hub is a finalist for the Architectural Excellence Award. An impressive scheme to have been involved in, delivering brilliant new educational facilities for the young people of Winchburgh. Well done to everyone who contributed. (Photography – Cadzow Pelosi)

Sotech supplied Optima FC secret fix rainscreen panels andoised in Regency Gold 2 finish. The project won awards such as CEEQUAL 'Excellent' award, for being an incredible example of sustainable building, and the legacy sustainability award, from the 2015 constructing excellence in the North East (CENE) awards. The building include horizontal and vertical fins spanning out from each floor, created so that the gold anodised fins on the mid points of the panels hang over the floor creating a picture frame effect. We also saved precious site installation time by fitting the fins onto the panels at our manufacturing facility.

The XR Lab in the STEM Hangar at West Suffolk College is the most advanced augmented reality centre in the UK, predicted to lead the future of digital education.Windsor Patania Architects has created within an existing hangar a 700m2 structure that inspires and challenges from the moment students see it. Central to that impact has been the use of Arnourcoat’s SMG high gloss polished plaster on all exterior facades- including a dramatic three-dimensional geometric feature wall.The £2m design & build project, intended to re-shape vocational training in digital sciences as part of the College’s science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) specialist campus, was completed in just seven months. This was despite featuring numerous bespoke elements, and complex components- of which the feature wall was a significant part, with its combination of planes and angles.Architect Giovanni Patania originally intended the wall to be finished with metal- stainless steel, aluminium or zinc but it proved impossible to create to the standard required within the budget. Armourcoat’s superior luxurious SMG polished plaster delivered a practical, viable alternative, that met all Regulatory requirements for indoor air quality, zero VOC, low embodied carbon, fire resistance an thermal movement.SMG, with its rich, high gloss “lacquer” effect, could be accurately applied to create a seamless finish across the diverse facets of the entire XR Lab structure, building up the layers over the timber and plasterboard framework. In Armourcoat’s own dark grey colour palette, it reflects light to create a dark, reflective finish reminiscent of 2011: A Space Odyssey’s Monolith.The brief was to achieve something that was unprecedented and unique, that inspired future generations but made students feel it was a piece of alien architecture. I don’t think anyone expected the end result to be so impressive.“Armourcoat was superb in its level of support, from samples to being on site to give technical guidance on the plaster’s application. SMG is instrumental in achieving an opulent, reflective, futuristic exterior that inspires students to interact with and participate in the XR Lab experience."Giovanni Patania, Windsor Patania Architects

Project: Teeside University, The CurveProduct: Gustafs Linear Rib in OakArchitect: Austin-Smith:Lord, LiverpoolInstaller: BAM ConstructionArchitect: Austin-Smith:LordTeeside University, The Curve Teaching and Conference Centre.Photo by Martine Hamilton KnightSpecification: Gustafs Linear Rib Oak30 & 38mm Deep 22mm GapsQuantity: 6,535 linear metres 941m2LSA Projects Ltd are proud to share with you one of our favourite Gustaf Linear Rib projects; The Curve Building at Teeside University in Middlesborough. The new £20 million, 4 storey campus features classrooms, conference facilities, and space for exhibitions and events as well as a large lecture theatre.The new building, part of a £30m regeneration designed by Austin-Smith:Lord Architects of Liverpool, is raising the profile of Teeside University as a leading institution for higher education in the UK.The Curve precedes upgrading and refurbishment of the science and engineering facilities at the University as well as an extension of the health and fitness centre.Gustafs Linear Ribs are predominantly found in the main atrium and break-out space in The Curve, the natural Oak veneer and 22mm gaps (36% open area) provide the space with acoustic dampening as well as colour, warmth, and texture. The ribs make for a stunning contrast with the clean white walls and stairways and the glass facade fills the space with natural light.

In this case study, taken from Episode 30: Civic, Community & Culture - Well-being focused acoustical design - Adam Cossey - Hawkins\Brown we look at the growing trend for well-being, and the interrelated role of acoustics, in the design and build of commercial offices, educational libraries and town halls; with Adam Cossey, Partner at Hawkins\Brown. Adam shares his experiences working on:●    The new University of Bristol Library - a world class facility for all, to support and enhance the services offered by the University’s broader library and study centres network. It will strengthen the University’s ability to provide high quality study spaces, programmes and events, and services to reach out to an increasing number of new students, researchers and academics.●    The Grade II listed Waltham Forest Town Hall and Assembly Hall, along with the surrounding landscape, which recently, have sensitively been transformed into a place where council staff, local business and residents come together.