"water"

BackgroundK Systems’ retrofit of the REEMA non-traditional construction Properties in Swindon, South-West England, is a stellar example of the company’s ability to harness years of expertise with forward-thinking innovation to meet the needs of its clients.Swindon Borough Council had a development of 50+ properties in Upper Stratton all with aged facades and poor thermal qualities, some with U-values as inadequate as1.59W/m ² K.K Systems supported Swindon Borough Council, led by Projects Surveyor John Black, to completely refurbish this residential development and deliver on five primary objectives:- Improve the thermal performance rating of each home (SAP rating)- Deliver greater thermal comfort for residents- Choose a solution with acoustic benefits and non-combustable benefits- Reduce tenants’ energy consumption- Deliver an attractive aesthetic that would uplift the areaHaving a good reputation for matching systems with finishes to deliver its clients’ visions, K Systems partnered with approved installer, Rateavon Ltd, to scope out theproject and specification in fine detail, with particular focus on insulating properties and aesthetic.Our ServiceK System worked in collaboration with Swindon Borough Council and Rateavon Ltd to upgrade these poorly insulated houses and deliver a total revamp of the properties, resulting in thermally efficient homes.One of the primary requirements was to improve the performance rating of each home, with a target U-value of 0.30W/m²K. In fact, K Systems exceeded that in the project delivery by achieving a U-value of 0.29W/m²K.The project was completed with minimal disruption to existing residents, and due to forward planning and regular site visits by an experienced K Systems project manager, where processes and progress were monitored and evaluated, the project was completed within the agreed timescale.Digital technology was deployed from the very beginning to produce models and CGIs (Computer Generated Imagery) to not only assure Swindon Council the finished project would meet its specific requirements, but to also guide the design process and ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.Regular inspections and site audits were carried out alongside Swindon Council to ensure the same level of care and attention to detail that applied when specifying theproject was being applied during its implementation and delivery.Technical Project DetailsOn initial inspection, K Systems found a problematic substrate. The REEMA hollow panel non-traditional construction properties are constructed of a concrete frame with thin concrete panels to the exterior façade. This type of thin panel construction created a significant challenge for the team to find a suitable EWI fixing, but with the help from Rawlplug, one of our EWI fixings suppliers a robust and safe fixing solution was found, without compromising the existing REEMA construction.Harnessing years of EWI system design knowledge and unrivalled expertise in this field, K Systems worked closely with Rawlplug and a structural engineer to identify a suitable fixing detail and pattern which would not only be robust but also suitable for this type of substrate.With a structurally strong solution agreed, focus then turned to the appropriate insulation solution.After a comprehensive scoping process taking into consideration client requirements, project objectives, budgets and timeframes, K Systems specified the industry proven K Systems M, Mineral Wool EWI system to not only significantly boost thermal performance of the buildings but also reduce noise pollution for the tenants.K Systems 100mm Mineral Wool insulation has an industry-leading ability to generate exceptional thermal performance. That made it the perfect choice for the refurbishment as it would combat the increased heating costs faced by residents whilst retaining the solid foundations of the existing building and reducing the risk of condensation or mould damage.Other technical benefits which made the K Systems Mineral Wool system the ideal specification for this refurbishment include:- non-combustibility, A2-s1,d0 fire rated- its excellent acoustic properties, reducing noise pollution- its environmentally friendly composition as the insulation is free from gases with ODP (ozone depletion properties) or GWP (global warming potential)- its workability and easy to cut format, reducing labour time across the board for the team.Having identified solutions that improved structure and thermal performance, K Systems then offered the best quality finish for the properties – an aesthetically pleasing, cost effective combination of VBriQ+ clay brick slips and Silkolitt+ silicone render that both Swindon Council and the residents would be proud of.VBriQ+ is a lightweight, highly durable, clay brick slip system and a more cost-effective finish option in comparison to tradition brick systems without compromising on quality, weather resistance, workability and durability. This made it perfect for a project of this scale – a project which required maximum and long-lasting impact without incurring maximum costs.The Silkolitt+ silicone render finish rejuvenated the properties’ exteriors and massively enhanced the area’s overall aesthetic, making it a much more appealing place to set up home.Yet again going the extra mile for clients to ensure unrivalled workmanship and longevity, K Systems finished all 52 properties with K Pro - a water-based protective treatment used to provide long term enhanced water repellent properties to external render and other masonry surfaces, helping combat the problems associated with water intrusion including efflorescence, frost, water-soluble pollutants and algae growth meaning the substrate will stay clean and dry for longer.K Systems and approved installer Rateavon Ltd delivered an excellently designed and expertly executed refurbishment, that exceeded the expectations and requirements of the client, Swindon Council, and the residents of the newly improved homes.John Black, Projects Surveyor at Swindon Borough Council, said:“Throughout the project K Systems have supported Swindon Borough Council agreeing all detailing to ensure current day Building Control Regulations were met. They supported resolutions throughout the project lifecycle and were really reactive, visiting site and supporting when required. They carried out weekly detailed spot check reports with photographic evidence and also checked batch numbers of materials. They delivered a great service. A really successful project.”

CHALLENGEIlam Park was a popular tourist destination in the Peak District with a parking problem. The main car park is paved with asphalt but their sloped overflow car park suffered from rutted, unsafe and uneven surfaces due to poor drainage and puddling. More asphalt would create water runoff and drainage problems elsewhere so a permanent and durable permeable paving solution was required.SOLUTIONHanpaveTM was chosen as it’s a freedraining system that’s tested to bear almost any vehicle. There are no more problems with rutting or uneven surfaces. It’s also highly durable, weather-resistant and made from 100% recycled plastic. When installed on a properly engineered permeable base (no pipes or ducting required!), it can be in-filled with gravel or grass for an attractive, stable base that becomes virtually invisible to the average user.CONCLUSIONHanpaveTM was installed in 2019. We called in on a very wet day in November 2022 and the HanpaveTM grids were in excellent condition. Surfaces were even, rutting was gone and, even in torrential rain, puddling could only be found in areas paved with asphalt – not HanpaveTM. Despite some extremely hot summers, Hanpave’s unique expansion absorbing design and professional installation have given Ilam Park an effective, longlasting and attractive solution to their overflow parking problems.

Owner: Aberdeen Asset Management Principal Contractor: Cemplas Waterproofing & Concrete Repairs Ltd Main Products Used: EMSEAL SJS systemCemplas has recently completed repair works at the Elmsleigh Shopping Centre in Staines, which included the replacement of deteriorated and failing mechanical movement joints in the service decks. The Centre’s retail units are supplied via ramps to these service decks, which carry the delivery traffic above the stores, plus the decks are also used for car parking, meaning that in addition to being fully exposed to weathering, they are subject to almost continuous dynamic loading from traffic up to and including heavy articulated HGV’s. Unfortunately, despite past attempts at repair and resealing, there had continued to be water ingress through these joints, both into the structure and into the retail units that are directly below, resulting in disruption, damage and cost for everyone involved. The innovative Emseal SJS system that includes integral cover plates, but with no mechanical fixings required, was selected by the Project Engineers as being ideal to accommodate the necessary movement, seal the joints and withstand the traffic loadings. Additionally, as access was only required from the top deck to install the Emseal SJS System, Cemplas was able to carry out the works quickly and keep disruption to an absolute minimum.

REQUIREMENT: Compliant ramped access to the recently built outdoor classroom. END RESULT:The ground in the front of the entrance is split between tarmac and a barked area. The tarmac is slightly higher and solid, whereas the barked area is a soft surface. Due to this, weed membrane was rolled over the barked area, and the ramp feet on that side were fixed to concrete slabs.All legs were adjusted accordingly to achieve a level walkway with a compliant gradient of 1:15.The ramp fully complies with Document K and M of the Building Regulations.FEATURES INCLUDED: Infill Handrail - this product prevents users from climbing or falling through gaps.Telescopic Legs - these can be adjusted to accommodate different threshold heights.Yellow Tread - this is a safety feature designed to help those with impaired vision identify the nose of the ramp and any level changes.Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends of a Rapid Ramp to prevent clothes catching.Mesh Platform - the self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.1100mm High Rail – these handrails attach to any level sections.Continuous Handrail - this handrail system ensures users always have support to hold onto.Standard colour: Black - Ramps are powder coated black to create a durable finish that is tougher than conventional paint.

Royal Arsenal Riverside sits at the heart of Woolwich and occupies a prime location along the River Thames.The development is delivering 562 apartments and ground-floor commercial space on a 1.1ha site that forms part of the wider Royal Arsenal Waterfront. The scheme comprises three buildings of varying heights over a common single-storey basement.The ambitious waterfront scheme transforms an underused parcel of land into a new, thriving neighbourhood that enhances its surroundings. It is located at the end of the new linear park which aspires to establish a unique relationship between town and water; linking the town centre in the south to the river frontage in the north.Our high-performance metal riser doorset, Quadra was used throughout the development. Perfect for concealing fire-rated riser doors, access panels, and internal doors in corridors, landings, and other access areas; Quadra+ is supplied as an integral, four-sided frame and door system, pre-constructed to form a single robust unit. Ideal for hidden commercial access solutions, Quadra+ is designed and manufactured to the highest standards.A design innovation – Quadra+ is the original riser doorset from Selo, now featuring an Adjustable Frame to enhance installation speed and fire compliance. The screw-operated adjuster bolts allow for simple and secure Quadra+ frame installation.

Client: Cheval ResidencesLocation: Edinburgh, ScotlandSector: Hotel, Leisure & HospitalityYear: 2021Project Size: 150 m²System: vebroscreed Renovatevebroscreed Renovate, from Vebro Polymers, bonded to marine ply and concrete, has been installed across the ground floor reception and concourse leading to the bar area and restaurant.vebroscreed Renovate is a single part, fibre reinforced, cementitious smoothing underlayment screed, incorporating a blend of graded fillers, fine cements, and polymers, with excellent flow properties. The material is mixed with a cold-water addition to deliver a fine flow slurry that can be both pump and pour applied. The material has been used to level the existing concrete surface prior to the installation of terrazzo and ceramic tiles, which have been chosen in keeping with the listed building’s new interior scheme. Incorporating a specially formulated fibre technology, vebroscreed Renovate aids application and strength resulting in a strong, sound and even base that is ready to commence the tiling process after only 8 hours.All screeding on site has now been completed and the site turned over to the tilers, who are on track to complete ahead of building’s opening in a matter of weeks and to coincide with Scotland’s relaxation of international travel restrictions. 

Lakeside Developments is a unique development offering a selection of six to seven storied apartments, semi-detached and detached houses situated in Coleraine. The homes have been designed to exceed expectations of modern buyers. A cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable facing brick was required to complete the scheme.The exclusive housing development has been ‘highly commended’ in the sustainability category at the Placemaking Awards which celebrates projects, plans, people and organisations that are making places better.The unique project, described as one of the most unique and visionary civil engineering projects ever attempted in the UK, has transformed the 42-acre redundant quarry into a modern housing development with a lake, which was formed using water that had been pumped out of the site.According to Alan Patterson Design the project demonstrates its environmental credentials through its ‘engineering initiative and excellence’ in the re-use of the redundant basalt quarry to meet present day housing needs.AG’s facing brick Woodward in Ashbrooke Smooth was chosen due to its hard-wearing capabilities and long-lasting colour retention. The smooth finish of the brick gives a modern appearance to the houses.Additionally, Homepave Cobble Paving was selected for the walkways and garden of the new development. Due to its rumbled surface, it provides a charming additional to the scheme

The Project A new Leisure Centre at Dudley is part of a multi-million-pound Leisure Centre program and regeneration of the area. The new facility will include a 25metre swimming pool, teaching pool, four-court sports hall, gym, exercise studios, soft play area, and caféDudley Council has committed £17.4 million to the project in the heart of the town centre. Working in partnership with Alliance Leisure, through the UK Leisure Framework, the council will create a vibrant modern hub for residents and workers to enjoy a range of physical activities.The ChallengePropose a system suitable for a wet, high humidity environment including Cubicles, Ducts, Vanities, Lockers & Benches. Ensure the material used and the system proposed is suitable for a high traffic environment. Changing cubicle divisions to have increased height at the rear of the cubicle to prevent users standing on the bench and peering over. Fully framed cubicles to be free standing & self-supporting, positioned in centre of the changing area. Create a locker area suitable for use by wheelchair users. The SolutionSolid Grade Laminate was used throughout the scheme. 12mm core boards, self-supporting, highly durable and impervious to water penetration.Hydroline system installed as a fully framed island constructed cubicle with profiled division panels at 2400mm.

Wensleydale Cheese has been made in Wensleydale, Yorkshire since 1150 when monks settles and lived at monestary at Forsnear Hawes. Today cheese is till handcrafted with the original recipe at the two Wensleydale Creamery sites using milk from local cows.Wensleydale Creamery required floor finishes throughout production floors which would be hygienic and very durable to provide a long term solution. Excellent chemical resistance was required against regular spillages from dairy produce such as whey.Dairy production procedures mean that floors are subjected to heavy duty use and impact from fork lift trucks and storage equipment.SystemThe system chose was FasTop TG69 polyurethane floor screed which has been applied throughout the two creamery sites. The system provides a completely seamless finish which is ant-slip even in wet conditions and which can be cleaned to the exacting conditions required in a modern food factory.Coved skirting has been formed around perimeters of all production and storage areas to create a 'tanked' finish which can be cleaned with hot water processes such as steam cleaning. The product has been tested and certified by Campden BRI as a non-taint product and is certified by HACCP as a food grade material.

Globe Point, a six-storey office building in Leeds, designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, exemplifies sustainable architecture. It features beautiful brickwork, energy-efficient design, and a community focus, merging aesthetic appeal with environmental responsibility.Sustainability was central to Globe Point’s design, achieving an EPC A rating and a BREEAM Excellent rating. Features include water-efficient fittings, low-energy lighting, high-efficiency boilers, carbon dioxide sensors, and a building management system that monitors energy usage. The site uses no fossil fuels, resulting in 27% lower energy consumption compared to average buildings. Responsibly sourced materials were used throughout.Globe Point makes exemplary use of its brickwork. The building’s facade is constructed with Freshfield Lane’s First Quality Multi bricks, which were chosen for their warm, earthy feel and timelessly authentic stock sandfaced texture, as well as their sustainability. The bricks were also chosen for their thermal properties, which further help to regulate the building’s temperature and reduce energy consumption.Globe Point also serves the local community with a ground-floor café and community space, encouraging social interaction. Its location supports sustainable transportation, providing easy access to public transit and bike storage.

Kirstine Roepfstorff, is an internationally renowned Danish artist who has developed the integrated art piece Hydra for Kanalbyen. Hydra uses water, light and plants to give life to the multi-storey car park that will house the residents’ cars. “Art creates value, and what Kanalbyen has done is both brave and forward-thinking,” says Roepfstorff. “Car parks are essential, but they’re usually lacking in life and a place people don’t consider as anything more than convenient, but actually they can be spaces where people meet each other and experience something,” she explains. The roof of the parking lot will have rainwater collectors creating an organic system within the concrete building. The huge facades will be covered in concrete murals, making for an interesting focal point in a building that is otherwise mostly ignored. Kanalbyen in Fredericia, a beautifully located previously industrial city with views over Lillebælt and with fortifications from the 17th century still surrounding the city. Kanalbyen is, and will be, an integrated, modern, inclusive and sustainable part of Hydra Parking House, Fredericia Harbour, Denmark, where locals and newcomers alike will benefit from how well thought-out the planning process has been. It is bound to be one of the most interesting developments to follow over the coming decades. Featuring EQUITONE [lunara] in Pebble

Even if your sun beds have spent the majority of the British summertime inside, it’s still vital to give them a good clean before applying any kind of finish.Net-Trol, is a fast-acting and powerful wood cleaner, neutraliser and colour restorer, that will effortlessly remove any surface or ground-in dirt on your untreated sun beds, leaving the wood looking vibrant and bright. Designed to remove all traces of weathering that have been caused by UV rays, pollution and mildew, Net-Trol’s main purpose is to prepare your sun beds for their finish.One of the great things about Net-Trol is that it is non-aggressive, so it’s harmless to your plants. We think is an essential element of any product that is going to be used in the garden. Plus, it’s biodegradable and doesn’t contain bleach or solvents.Even better, it works in as little as 15 minutes and using it should mean that you won’t need to undertake any time-consuming, backbreaking sanding. You can just sit back and relax while it works its magic.Applying Net-TrolBefore starting, you will need to wet your sun beds with fresh, clean water.Then, simply apply Net-Trol with a synthetic brush or roller and scrub your sun beds with a stiff synthetic brush.Leave it to work for 10-20 minutes. If you notice that the surface starts to dry, you’ll need to dampen it with a mist of water.If your sun beds were particularly dirty, you may need to repeat the procedure.You’ll now need to let your sun beds dry for at least 48 hours before applying any kind of finish.One of the great things about Net-Trol is that you can clean your tools with soap and water. There is no need for any white spirits!Finishing with TextrolTextrol, our penetrating oil finish developed for weathered wood, is available in 7 different colours, so you can give your sun beds a finish to suit your garden.This product has been developed so that it penetrates and protects wood from within, so it won’t form a film that could crack, peel or flake. Additionally, Textrol has in-built UV protection and will also protect your sun beds from moisture damage.As well as keeping your furniture safe from the British weather, Textrol will also enhance the natural beauty of the wood.One of Textrol’s main selling points is that it can be applied ‘wet-on-wet’, so you won’t have to wait for coats to dry during application.The maintenance is also extremely easy, with local touch-ups and no backbreaking sanding necessary.When you first apply Textrol to your sun beds, it will give them a rich, matt colour. This should gradually lighten over time to give you your finished look.Applying TextrolTextrol is applied in ‘wet-on-wet’ coats. Apply your first coat of Textrol then leave it for 15-30 minutes. This will allow time for it to penetrate into the wood but not to dry.Then, apply another coat of Textrol and leave it for another 15-30 minutes.You should repeat this process until the wood of your sun beds will not accept anymore oil. Then, wipe off any excess oil that hasn’t penetrated into the wood. This is important to ensure that you avoid shiny spots.It’s vital that you don’t allow Textrol to become touch dry between coats.That’s it – you’re done!Can I follow the same process if my sun beds are treated?If your sun beds have been treated in the past, you will need to use Aquanett or Dilunett before applying Net-Trol, in order to remove any previously applied treatments.Aquanett is our solvent-free wood oil remover, which will help to prepare your sun beds for their new coating. Aquanett is suitable for environmentally sensitive areas and as it has a gel-like consistency so it won’t run everywhere.After using Aquanett, it’s important to treat your sun beds with Net-Trol while they are still wet. This is because you need to neutralise the wood.If your sun beds have been painted, you should use Dilunett, our solvent-free paint remover, to prepare your sun beds for their makeover. Dilunett has also been developed with a gel-like consistency. This makes it ideal for use on the legs of your sun beds and underneath, as it won’t run onto the floor.Again, after applying and removing Dilunett, you should immediately treat your sun beds with Net-Trol, while they are still wet. This is to neutralise the wood.

This Grade II listed windmill in Blakesley was built in 1832 and bought by the current owners 25 years ago. Since then, they have been keeping up with the restoration of the property.The owners stayed in a lighthouse during a vacation and read up that KEIM had been used on lighthouses due to its hard wearing and durable formula. They specified KEIM to their decorator, who subsequently got in touch to arrange a site visit.Dave Smith, Senior Sales Executive of KEIM Mineral Paints, visited the property in May 2018. It had various different coatings applied over the years, including limewash, none of which were particularly successful and the most recent limewash was patchy. The owners were looking for a long lasting, durable but breathable coating.The building was sand blasted to remove the existing coatings and allow for KEIM Silan Primer to be applied to give protection against water ingress. An extra coat of KEIM Silan Primer was applied on the top third of the building as this area was most exposed.The KEIM Royalan system was applied as it withstands harsh weather conditions and is specified for exposed locations. Its advanced formulation makes it ideal for coating hard substrates such as brickwork. The owners commented “we are very happy with the level of service provided. Dave came out to visit us a few times and was extremely helpful, explaining what was required.”

Overlooking Lake Windermere, England's largest lake at 10.5 miles long, sits this impressive Victorian country house, High Wray Bank. Months of meticulous planning was needed involving the National Trust and Friends of the Lake District in order to organise and project manage the restoration and development of the site including the historic villa and barn, external works and underground swimming pool.Locally based Hyde Harrington who managed the restoration, contacted KEIM Mineral Paints at the start of the project back in 2021. They required a specific quality of paint that was both durable, and breathable. Paul Milligan, Senior Sales Executive for the North of England visited the project to complete a site survey and comprehensive specification.KEIM Universal Render was applied onto the existing stone building and blockwork extension as a base layer, followed by KEIM Mineralputz; a high quality, mineral rough plaster with a grain size of 5mm.All surfaces were lastly coated using KEIM Royalan in colour 9339, an off-white shade which compliments the new grey stone extension. KEIM Royalan was ideal for the location of this project with wetter lake district climes. It offers water resistant properties and withstands harsh weather conditions. This is a beautiful transformation and shows what can be achieved using KEIM products, which are durable, breathable and long-lasting. 

Ellis Guilford has over 1,300 hard-working and enthusiastic students studying under their roof. The school promotes a supportive and engaging environment where pupils can express their individuality, ambition, and drive. The school was looking for a washroom revamp that would keep with the school’s core values. Inspired Washrooms, a Nottingham-based fit-out company, designed a set of vibrant, contemporary, and practical washrooms with a range of specified KWC DVS products. The full range of products provided are as follows: • 4 x SOLX2400 Washtroughs with four wash places • 8 x DRYX600 Hands-in dryer Our Miranit range is durable and stylish. Our High Speed “Hands-in” hand dryer is suitable for wall mounting and made of an antibacterial ABS plastic, ideal for educational environments where a pupil’s hygiene and safety are paramount. Silver in colour, the dryer is modern in design, with an impressive drying time of 7-10 seconds, which is beneficial in areas of frequent use. The product is easy to clean and maintain thanks to an auto shutdown after 25 seconds feature and a separate water tank. Chris Kightley, Managing Director of Inspired Washrooms, commented, “We work with KWC DVS on a recurrent basis and can always count on them to provide us with quality products. A trusted partner, we’ve worked on many projects together. Their Miranit composite range and their Hands-in dryer were perfect for the colourful and functional washroom refurbishment the school was after.”

Areas around Torbay have recently been provided with outdoor sanitiser stations in the hope to encourage hand hygiene for shoppers in the high streets. Dart Valley, the southern division of Franke Water Systems UK, are specialists in hygienic solutions and adapted one of their current stainless steel hand sanitising stations to provide a bespoke solution for areas around Torbay. The technical team at were proud to be part of a local project and spent a significant amount of time designing the bespoke sanitisers to ensure all requirements were met. The finished product was a touch-free, automatic free-standing sanitiser station, manufactured from 2mm grade 316 stainless steel, which is weatherproof and an ideal solution for an outdoor product. 316 stainless steel contains an addition of molybdenum that gives it improved corrosion resistance, a key design factor for an outdoor product in a seaside town. Stainless steel is robust and vandal resistant, meaning it can withstand such heavy use and help prevent any potential damage. The robust body of the sanitiser station also features a maintenance hatch with high-security tamper-resistant screws, so that the stations can be regularly refilled. The touchless dispensers exceed the design of those seen in most supermarkets and stores, which can often be found grubby with overspilling. Such design considerations as touch-free and using easy to maintain materials should be at the forefront of any hygienic product, particularly in busy areas.

PROJECT BACKGROUND: Patients, staff, and visitors for the Oxford Road site of Manchester Royal Infirmary use the linking Hathersage Road Car Park daily.REQUIREMENT:A compact internal ramp for the level 2 and level 7 entrances.END RESULT:Two small internal ramps with bespoke yellow handrails and a 1:15 gradient were installed within a few hours. Our ramps come in components that were small enough to be carried into the carpark lift and onto the levels.The ramp feet were bolted into the ground to keep the systems securely in place.FEATURES INCLUDED:Standard Handrail - this handrail system ensures users always have support to hold onto.Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends of a Rapid Ramp to prevent clothes catching.Mesh Platform - the self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.Powder coated Finish – rails are coated with thermosetting powder to provide a non-conductive, non-slip and scratch resistant surface.Telescopic Legs - these can be adjusted to accommodate different threshold heights.EXTRA FEATURE INCLUDED:Yellow Powdercoated Handrails – yellow is one of the easiest colours to see because of its ability to reflect light.Yellow Tread - this is a safety feature designed to help those with impaired vision identify the nose of the ramp and level changes.

REQUIREMENT: A modular step unit and upper landing to the basement goods lift.The new system would replace the narrow concrete steps, which were concluded to be unsafe and didn’t have handrails to prevent falls.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:A site survey was carried out, and an in-house 3D ramp design was drawn to suit the space.The drawing shows that the air conditioning unit above the step unit would need to be moved 200mm away. END RESULT: We installed a yellow modular system straight over the existing steps within a few hours.This approach prevented the concrete steps from being removed and saved the client the extra time and money involved in hiring another trade to complete the enabling works. A bespoke platform joins the upper landing, and the feet were fixed into the concrete floor to keep the system securely in place.FEATURES INCLUDED:Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends of a step system to prevent clothes catching.Mesh Platform - the self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.Standard Colour: Yellow – one of the easiest colours to see because of its ability to reflect light. The handrails are powder coated to create a durable finish that is tougher than conventional paint.Standard Handrail - this handrail system ensures users always have support to hold onto.

External door hardware face constant environmental challenges, enduring exposure to pollution, corrosive salt air in coastal regions, and the relentless elements. Unlike their internal counterparts, external hardware requires special attention to maintain optimal functionality and appearance.PROACTIVE MEASURES FOR LONGEVITY:ortunately, these issues can be easily avoided with a proactive approach to care and maintenance. Implementing regular tender loving care (TLC) with the right products can make a significant difference in preventing complications and ensuring customer satisfaction.HOW TO MITIGATE COMMON ISSUES:TEA STAINING AND FLASH RUST ON HARDWARETea staining, a common cosmetic issue on the surface of stainless steel, doesn’t compromise structural integrity but can affect the hardware’s aesthetics. To address this concern:Regular Cleaning: Tea staining can be avoided with routine cleaning. Use a soft cloth and mild soapy water to gently clean the hardware.Proper Drying: After cleaning, ensure thorough drying with a clean, soft cloth to prevent residue accumulation.Correct Cleaning Technique: Rub or wipe the hardware in the direction of the brush or polish lines to maintain its appearance.By incorporating these simple yet effective practices into your hardware maintenance routine, you can extend the lifespan of your external door hardware, promoting customer satisfaction and minimizing the need for costly call-backs. Remember, a little care goes a long way in preserving the integrity and aesthetics of your hardware.

An adaptable, modular balcony system with a range of balustrade, floor finishes and drainage options.Levitate is manufactured off-site in accordance with our Quality (ISO 9001) and Environmental (ISO 14001) Management Systems. The foundation of Levitate is the steel frame cassette with the anchoring locations to house our balustrade system, enclosed aluminium soffit and finished floor. Concrete floor tiles come as standard but aluminium decking is also available.Levitate comes with controlled drainage, including a drip edge which prevents water from cascading onto the balcony below. Piped drainage can also be incorporated into the balcony.The first part of the installation process can be carried out safely from the scaffold, where stub connectors are installed to the cast-in anchors, which once extended, can allow completion of the external façade works. Once completed, the installation of the Levitate arms can be undertaken as the scaffold is being struck. Levitate then then slides easily onto the Levitate arms and automatically locks into place.The methodology ensures improved efficiencies on-site and a reduction in crane time due to the ease of installation.Features and benefits:When using concrete tiles, the balcony system is available as standard in twenty-one different sizes.Choose between seven different widths and three depths. Bespoke sizes are available by using the optional aluminium decking.

Moy Construction Co Ltd were awarded a contract to refurb the swimming pool and changing areas at Perseid School in Surrey. The school offers an educational provision for children with difficulties and/or physical/sensory difficulties, and therefore, safety was paramount. As part of the refurbishment a hardwearing, slip-resistant flooring system that offered longevity was essential. The floor has been previously tiled, but due to water ingress, kept failing and required frequent repair. Rising maintenance costs and risk of slips prompted the school to look for alternative solutions, with resin being an obvious choice. An MMA resin floor provides a seamless, hardwearing and impermeable finish that will offer years of service. Moy Construction Co Ltd removed the existing floor tiles and installed a new screed prior to the installation of the resin system.From the offset, achieving a floor finish with a suitable slip rating was non-negotiable. The Degafloor QTA system is a quartz trowelled system which can be laid to falls. The system, which is broadcast with a quartz aggregate, provides excellent slip resistance, even in wet conditions, ensuring high levels of safety are maintained at all times.The project, which included the swimming pool surround and adjoining changing rooms, totalled 145 sqm and 135 lm of coving. The installation was completed over 5 days and to the satisfaction of Moy Construction Co Ltd, who were happy to have the project completed to a high standard, on time and within budget.

We have collaborated with spacelab_ to bring the beauty of ESCREO writable walls at Clerkenwell in London just ahead of the 11th edition of Clerkenwell Design Week. All of you can now visit our new showroom to experience first hand the joy that our CO2 neutral whiteboard paint brings before installing it in your office, kids room, school or commercial space. According to Felix Clarke, Operations Manager of Spacelab_ Collaborative Studio, the focus of architects and interior designers is slowly but steadily shifting towards sustainable materials and spaces. So is theirs and they now look for such traits in their partners. He adds: "ESCREO shares our values and fits perfectly in our offering: a European manufacturer with a focus on specifying products which have the environmental issues in mind. (...) ESCREO’s whiteboard paints are water-based, carbon neutral and the team plants trees on behalf of their clients. This is simply amazing!”. We have been rapidly growing in the UK online space but we are also seeing the potential of the UK offline market. This is how we decided together with spacelab_ to now have a dedicated part of the depot_ where our potential clients can experience first-hand the practicality and convenience of our writable walls. They can also see how our whiteboard paints transform any surface into a world of possibilities.

This prestigious new development is comprised of 11 superb, terraced townhouses & cottages. Nestled just a stone’s throw away from the beautiful Ballycastle Marina, the exclusive development of The Quay Road Residences showcases a mix of stunning terraced townhouses and cottages.AG’s HomePave Cobble in Auburn was perfect for the new development adding character and warmth to the homes entrance and exterior. Complementing the stunning appearance of the house the driveway creates a bright and charming first impression for homeowners.Rumbled to give a rustic appearance, HomePave Cobble is known for its beautiful finished and distinctive colour with hard-wearing capabilities and exceptional long-lasting colours. Also available in a smooth finish, HomePave paving is extremely popular with homeowners and developers.The driveways benefit from HomePave’s tight joints which make it easy to install and maintain while also helping to prevent weeds. HomePave Cobble is supplied in a single size unit and also a mixed pack of three different sizes. A permeable and smooth option is also available.We understand the importance of sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. That’s why AG’s paving was chosen, meeting high sustainability standards. Our eco-conscious approach ensures that the townhouse development not only looks incredible but also minimises its impact on the environment, with 100% renewable energy used and 90% recycled water used in the manufacturing process, as well as being 100% recyclable.

This prestigious new development is comprised of 11 superb, terraced townhouses & cottages. Nestled just a stone’s throw away from the beautiful Ballycastle Marina, the exclusive development of The Quay Road Residences showcases a mix of stunning terraced townhouses and cottages.AG’s HomePave Cobble in Auburn was perfect for the new development adding character and warmth to the homes entrance and exterior. Complementing the stunning appearance of the house the driveway creates a bright and charming first impression for homeowners.Rumbled to give a rustic appearance, HomePave Cobble is known for its beautiful finished and distinctive colour with hard-wearing capabilities and exceptional long-lasting colours. Also available in a smooth finish, HomePave paving is extremely popular with homeowners and developers.The driveways benefit from HomePave’s tight joints which make it easy to install and maintain while also helping to prevent weeds. HomePave Cobble is supplied in a single size unit and also a mixed pack of three different sizes. A permeable and smooth option is also available.We understand the importance of sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. That’s why AG’s paving was chosen, meeting high sustainability standards. Our eco-conscious approach ensures that the townhouse development not only looks incredible but also minimises its impact on the environment, with 100% renewable energy used and 90% recycled water used in the manufacturing process, as well as being 100% recyclable.

AG was appointed by Meegan Builders for the provision of hard landscaping products in the construction of a brand-new office and manufacturing building for Combilift, Co. Monaghan.AG supplied its premium Plaza paving in Salt and Pepper for the front of the building structure; a popular 600x200x50 granite water-etched paving, which offers long life with minimal maintenance. AG’s Plaza paving offered the correct power and durability to be fit for purpose, without sacrificing on aesthetics. Plaza is manufactured using extremely high-quality aggregates, giving it uncommon durability and excellent slip resistance that truly lasts under areas of high traffic and pressure.A colour mix of Salt and Pepper was selected to contrast with the lighter building structure and to offer a hard-wearing alternative to traditional granite composites. AG’s Plaza paving is produced in the UK using locally sourced aggregates, with a high percentage of recycled materials in the base mix. 100% renewable energy is used during the production process, something AG has been committed to introducing throughout its product ranges.AG also supplied Steintec products to complement its Plaza paving; in this instance, Tufftop, a high-performance jointing mortar designed for modular paving was selected. This free-flowing grout makes paving surface cleaning very straightforward and when used in conjunction with AG’s Plaza block, ensures longevity and minimal maintenance for Combilift’s new manufacturing base.

Manchester Museum, part of the University of Manchester, has recently undergone a partial renovation program that includes a mulit-faith prayer room. Wudu foot wash troughs were required to complete the necessary facilities.Architects, Wilson Mason were charged with designing and overseeing the works that were carried out by, contractor, Warden Construction. GEC Anderson were specified to provide two purpose made foot wash troughs in stainless steel. One single user and one two user trough were required and were included within a very confined space.The design of the troughs was completely bespoke and stainless steel was the material of choice. GEC Anderson were able to provide the solution that is both highly practical but also completely practical and durable. The ergonomic requirements were important and the flexibility of custom stainless steel allowed for the creation of the special troughs to suit the precisely prescribed design. Each trough includes its own, trapped, gully to promote rapid discharge of water.Founded in England in 1962, GEC Anderson has pioneered the development of made-to-measure stainless steel products. Today, the company’s range also includes standard and modular stainless steel options. Products include sinks, worktops, cabinets, shelving, splashbacks, doors and sanitaryware for use in domestic, commercial and specialist environments. All products are manufactured to ISO 9001 and backed by a comprehensive support service from planning and product specification to installation and maintenance.

Saffron Walden County High School is an outstanding academy with over 2100 students on roll. Having already installed a large canopy in 2016 to provide a covered area for students to eat, increasing student numbers put increasing pressure on the existing catering facilities and by 2018 the school were desperate for additional dining capacity.Attention turned to the school’s derelict open-air swimming pool – a dangerous and unattractive area located between the sports hall and tennis courts. Archer Building Consultancy, a long-term provider of the premises services to the trust, proposed and delivered a scheme which involved emptying and removing the swimming pool along with the associated buildings and equipment, filling and levelling the area and installing a food pod and large covered seating area.Streetspace were contracted to design, manufacture and install a huge 25.0 x 15.0 m Triton Maxx clearspan polycarbonate roof canopy. With a symmetric form, the canopy provides covered seating for over 200 students as well as plenty of queuing space for the remote servery station. Integrated gutters and downpipes are connected to surface water drainage to help keep the area as dry as possible.A canopy of this size has many possible uses in addition to dining and social space – it could be used for assemblies, sports activities or as a parent waiting area, creating a truly multifunctional space. Windbreak cladding can be added as required in exposed locations to enable year-round use.

Architectural glazing systems by Kawneer were specified for their “robustness and quality” for two linked 16-storey apartment blocks on the last plot to be developed in one of Britain’s fastest-growing property hot spots - the £37 million BTR (Build To Rent) towers at Erie Basin in Salford Quays, Manchester, a stone’s throw from MediaCityUK.Kawneer’s AA®100 curtain walling features as strip curtain wall to copper-coloured rainscreen areas of the towers at Erie Basin. In addition, AA®110 curtain walling features on link bridges and as floor-to-ceiling screens facing the water. While the AA®100 system uses 50mm sightlines, the AA®110 system uses 65mm but both in this case were zone-drained. They are complemented by AA®541 open-out casement window inserts and AA®720 ultra thermally-efficient entrance doors.The Kawneer systems were installed over eight months by a team of up to 35 from approved specialist sub-contractor FK Group for main contractor GRAHAM and client Glenbrook, the privately-owned property development and investment company, who acquired the site from the Peel Group.The prominent dockside development is GRAHAM’s second project with Glenbrook, with work also underway on another £27 million BTR project in Ellesmere Street, Castlefield, Manchester, which also features Kawneer systems.

The 'HOOLA' in Tidal Basin Road in East London, gateway to the soon-to-be regenerated Royal Victoria Docks area, has transformed a brownfield site into two rippling 23 and 24 storey glass towers, that offer 360 apartments with a mix of studios, along with one, two and three-bedroom units.The buildings are super-insulated and the concrete frame will act as a heat sink – absorbing heat on warm days and releasing it back into apartments when it cools. An innovative link-up with the neighbouring ExCel Exhibition Centre will also see excess heat piped directly into the two towers. This will provide all the necessary heating and hot water requirements and significantly reduce maintenance costs by doing away with the need for individual boilers. A critical design requirement for such a super-insulated building was the avoidance of any risk of thermal bridging at the many concrete-to-concrete balcony connectivity points – so highly efficient structural thermal breaks were required throughout. The preferred solution was the Schöck Isokorb® T type K for cantilever balconies.Luke Smerdon-White, Technical Director at Thorp, takes up the story: "We had to design, manufacture and deliver 1410 precast concrete balcony sections that had to then be cast integrally with the in situ concrete structure." "The exposed front-face is curved, with almost 50 different dimensional configurations, while the internal face has a facetted line that had to correlate with the glazing line and opening doors."

wedi Primo completes luxury in central London Hotel.The Apex Temple Court Hotel is a luxury 4 star hotel, just off Fleet Street central London. Full architectural and interior design was by Ian Springford Architects, Edinburgh.A key factor in the selection of the wedi shower units for each of the 184 bedrooms was the requirement to achieve a high performance quality waterproof bespoke solution capable of adapting to the on site conditions. Ian Springford Architects has specified wedi shower units since 2004 and Apex Temple Court is the fourth Apex hotel where they have been successfully installed. Bespoke pre-fabricated shower units - Fast installation. The key benefits of using wedi were that the Fundo shower design provided simple, fast adaption to the individual shower configurations on site, as well as the detail of enabling the units to extend under the shower door to promote drainage back into the shower area from water falling off the door when in use.Complete prefabricated shower units allow fast dry and accurate construction in ONE integrated product system rather than a combination of different individual manufacturer’s products creating the risk of potential failures between the different systems during assembly and installation. The finished result was a fast track installation of a factory prepared shower system capable of on-site adjustment, delivering a completely waterproof system backed by warranty.

Commercial to residential, it may be last orders for some of our great British pubs, for other’s its discovering exciting ways of transforming commercial structures into luxury residential dwellings.  The growing trend of converting old inns offers new homes a unique history whilst being packed with character and features.Delta Registered Installers, Advance Property Preservation Ltd were engaged to assist on a troublesome vaulted basement to a property, based in central London which had already been converted into high living accommodation.Just off the basement area were two large vaults around 12m long. Made from brick barrel construction, this below ground space had previously used for storing kegs of ale!One of these vaults had previously been converted into a spa area with jacuzzi and steam room, the other was used as a storage area. The owners had previously had the storeroom tanked with a Type A, render system, however this approach repeatedly failed, allowing for substantial water ingress which was causing damage to items stored in this area.With Structural Waterproofing one of the major contributors to project failure lies with the design. When hiring contractors, ensure the design, procurement of materials and installation is undertaken by one specialist will naturally reduce these known and associated risks. A specialist contractor will always be able to offer quality assurances.

Interaction strives to create flexible, accessible spaces for their clients prioritising the wellbeing of those who use it, and allowing users to work in the way that suits them best.To support in creating these modern workspaces, Interaction partnered with BRITA VIVREAU to cater to the hydration needs and overall workplace wellbeing of their clients.Following the completion of a hassle-free specification process, Interaction partnered with BRITA to install the signature Extra C-Tap water dispenser in multiple corporate offices and co-working spaces across the country such as TCN Newark Works in Bath, Runway East in London, and in one of UK's most sustainable office buildings The Halo for Osborne Clarke, an international law firm based in Bristol.Todd Groves,Contract Account Manager, Interaction UK"The BRITA brand heritage, quality of the products and the ease of understanding our technical capabilities were our top 3 reasons for partnering with BRITA. We’re always mindful in our choice of suppliers and look to partner with brands who consider the impact they have on the environment. The BRITA Extra C-Tap was an easy choice as a hydration provider for a number of our clients. In addition to meeting filtration needs and becoming a focal point where employees can take a tea or coffee break or just chat, it is so versatile and dials up the aesthetic of any building project."

Liberty Point is a large student accommodation building positioned in a prime location in Southampton, close to the marina and city centre. The old asphalt and felt coverings had begun to display defects including splits, blisters and delamination; through which water ingress was occurring.The property management company responsible for the maintenance of the buildings decided to act quickly and find a permanent solution to the leaking that could be installed without disruption to the busy students living there.The SolutionPolyroof’s Protec System was decided upon as the best option due to the numerous details that would have to be encapsulated on the roof area. There is no liquid system that can do this quicker or more effectively than Protec; its unique RapidCure technology sees it turn from a liquid to a robust and flexible membrane that can be walked on after 30-60 minutes following application. Furthermore, its ability to coat an old roof without the need for stripping existing means that installations can be carried out within stringent time frames and with minimum disruption.CompletionWilliams Roofing Contractors Ltd, a highly experienced Polyroof approved contractor, carried out the installation. The quality of the workmanship coupled with the right choice of roofing material made for a superior refurbishment solution that remedied all the existing issues. The client was delighted with the finished roof and will have guaranteed peace of mind for decades to come.