"fire"

Among many similar new-build projects completed or underway across the country, non-combustible Rockpanel is providing stunning facades for this eye-catching, contemporary urban living in Bracknell, Berkshire, while meeting the stringent regulations regarding fire-safety in high-rise residential structures.Consisting of 242 apartments divided across two distinct angular blocks of up to 11 storeys, this residential scheme promotes itself as heralding a new era in luxury living for the region. The wedge shaped blocks are placed at angles to create a broad, elegant thoroughfare where seating invites residents and others to linger and enjoy the landscaped surroundings. Stepped elevations allow for generous terraces to one block while the acute angle formed on another results in striking feature balconies. The mix of sleek white render contrasts well with the Rockpanel Woods facades which add a natural, organic warmth. Meeting challenges to create a landmark development The Building Design Group were architects for the project. With offices in Birmingham and Tamworth, BDG has evolved from its inception more than 45 years ago, in to a dynamic, forward thinking practice. Describing the development, they said, “BDG were appointed following a successful planning process to develop this project further to tender stage and beyond. The site itself presented numerous challenges in terms both of access and existing constraints located above and below ground. However, we believe we succeeded in progressing the technical design to the extent that our client's aspirations could be met, both in terms of cost and the desire to establish a landmark development for the future.”Vascroft Contractors Ltd were main contractors for the development. The London-based firm has grown from its founding in the 1970 by two brothers, into a thriving concern made up of four divisions working on projects across all major building sectors. Around 2500sqm of facades were installed at Grand Exchange, using a mix of Rockpanel Alder and Slate Oak surface designs from the manufacturer’s super realistic Woods range, along with RAL 2010 colour-matched deep orange accent panels. Versatile, resilient and sustainable design freedom Lightweight and highly versatile, and without the need for additional edge sealing, Rockpanel can be curved, perforated, engraved or routed, and will last for decades with minimal maintenance. Protect Plus further protects the panel surface from everyday wear and tear. The facades deliver outstanding performance characteristics which include fire safety, supreme durability, weather, temperature and UV. And when the time comes for a Rockpanel facade to be replaced, in fifty years or more, the removed panels can be recycled into new boards with no loss of quality. Versatile, resilient and sustainable design freedom Lightweight and highly versatile, and without the need for additional edge sealing, Rockpanel can be curved, perforated, engraved or routed, and will last for decades with minimal maintenance. Protect Plus further protects the panel surface from everyday wear and tear. The facades deliver outstanding performance characteristics which include fire safety, supreme durability, weather, temperature and UV. And when the time comes for a Rockpanel facade to be replaced, in fifty years or more, the removed panels can be recycled into new boards with no loss of quality. Stoneguard Managing Director, Nic Constantinou, spoke about the project, “Vascroft approached us early on in order to begin the design process and ensure the smooth delivery of panels throughout the build. The 11mm Rockpanel FX-Xtra System specified by the architect, with grooves at 300mm centres achieving the effect of wood planks perfectly, meeting the aesthetic requirement for the project, while offering the long-term performance and low maintenance advantages of Rockpanel. Although the majority of panels were cut off-site, the flexibility of Rockpanel meant the more complicated architectural features of the build could be cut to size on site easily. The lightweight nature of the material ensured it could be distributed swiftly around the complex shaped build.” The ultimate facade systemThe facades were fixed to a concrete frame with bespoke Protec SFS system infill, which Stoneguard design and manufacture themselves. The project also utilised FSI cavity barriers and ROCKWOOL Duo Slab® insulation, which offers great thermal and acoustic values and achieves European fire class A1. Combined with Rockpanel A2 and an aluminium or steel substructure it fulfils the most rigid fire safety requirements and is required in achieving A2-s1,d0 Euroclass rating to secure the ultimate protection and safety for the building’s users.Rockpanel facade panels and ROCKWOOL insulation products share common characteristics, including their inherent sustainability and non-combustibility, which is due to the naturally occurring and replenishing volcanic rock used in the manufacture of the stone wool that forms their core. Grand Exchange Building Manager, Adam Spiers, “I must commend the design team for their outstanding work on the facades of the building. The exterior looks stunning. The attention to detail and the architectural finesse are truly commendable. The residents are exceptionally pleased with both the building and its exterior. Their positive response reaffirms our belief that the Grand Exchange has not only met but exceeded expectations in terms of design and functionality.”Rockpanel offers specifiers design freedom, enabling virtually unlimited colour matching and an unrivalled range of surface design finishes, from the super-realistic natural Woods used at the Grand Exchange, through Metals and Stones collections to specialist ranges including unique, transformative Chameleon, which changes hue depending on the way light hits its surface and the angle of view. 

What used to be the site of the Cannon Brewery, dating back to the 1670s, and the home of London’s largest brewery, is now a modular arrangement of 198 apartments with a selection of one, two and three bedroom flats and five town houses built around a landscaped courtyard. The project was designed by architects Hamilton Associates and completed in 2022.Literally a stone’s throw from our Studio in Clerkenwell, London, this was a remediation project, where the existing timber was removed and replaced with our BalcaSmart Aluminium system, in order to make sure the building complied with new fire regulations. The rear of the building also features our TerraSmart Pedestal system.Our aluminium decking system is non-combustible, achieves Euroclass A2-s1,d0 to EN 13501-1:2018, is ideal for all steel, bolt-on and cantilever balconies, and most importantly ensures the safety of all residents. This is what futureproofing is all about.

In May 2017, the Main Building which housed the lounge, dining, reception area, and the Taphuis Bar, was gutted in a fire. Only the walls were left standing and all of its contents were destroyed. Because of the historic significance of the building, the project team needed to move through a strenuous process of permissions and approvals to start the rebuild. Part of the brief, was to ensure that as far as possible, original materials would be used, that would reflect the previous look and feel, making the sourcing and availability of crucial importance. This building in particular, dates back to the early 1700's and finding timber for the roof structure was a challenge. They decided to use Spruce.The biggest drawback of using Spruce is that it is a very light and pale coloured timber. To achieve the aged look and feel of the original timber, they used Rubio Monocoat's Pre-Color Easy and Hybrid Wood Protector.

The Lucent Development creates balance that boosts productivity and wellbeing.Lucent W1 is quite literally built around nature, with a tree towering in the central atrium and an internal green wall that stretches the full height of the world-famous external lights. The innovative Fletcher Priest design has created offices that are cocooned away from the surrounding city, while 20 terraces allow panoramic views across the capital.For this design, Selo used the Quarda Riser Door which are the most high-performance metal riser doorsets. 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.

Structural Repairs’ office space was beautifully and seamlessly integrated into one of Windsor’s iconic train station arches. This newly built office space boasts from its impressive structural logistics and boldly featured decorative and themed memorabilia at many of its cozy corners.Via a combination of the fire grit machine, TORC system (seen in the images and videos), water by pressure and a DOFF system, the carbon accumulated in the brickwork was removed. These methods, especially the DOFF system, work with high-pressure stream and extremely high temperatures.Brick cleaning is an arduous and labor intensive process by which a brick masonry, also known as a layer of brick which has been laid on the wall’s outermost surface, is cleaned. Brick cleaning is required at various different stages of a building’s life, and with our arch, a cleaning was more than overdue to restore it back to its original condition!

“From the materials used throughout the build process to how it’s powered, along with creating new areas of natural habitat to enhance the biodiversity of the site and local area, we’re bringing together skills and expertise from across McDonald’s and the partners we work with. From 2023 furniture and construction materials in new and refurbished restaurants will be made with recycled or certified materials and designed to be recycled or reused at end of life ”Construction Director, McDonald’s UK & Ireland The Absorb-R ToughSound acoustic-panels are environment friendly, fully recyclable natural components that offer optimal sound absorption and extensive resistance to fire. Surface applications include ceiling and wall mounting.Absorb-R ToughSound is a high performing high impact sound absorbing wood wool system, concept with excellent eco credentials which store heat from the ambient air.

Lucent W1 is a high profile mixed-use building comprising 111,000 sqft of CAT Acommercial space, 30,000 sqft of retail space and seven new residential units in WestLondon. The development is built with sustainability at its core, including a BREEAM‘Excellent’ rating and pending Gold WELL accreditation.The design of the building, behind the famous Piccadilly lights, meant that traditionalinstallation methods could not be used while maintaining the fire separation wall. Thisconstraint meant building could only commence from one side and required a newsolution. We designed bespoke wind posts and cut the boards to the exact anglesrequired so that they could be fitted from one side only. Combined with Specwall’sinherent firestopping properties, this made us the perfect choice to solve the designissues at Lucent W1.

Surespan manufactured and supplied over 86 different access hatches including;Hydraulic HIAC coversStainless Steel Internal HIAC coversStainless Steel Roof HatchesThe HIAC hatches were primarily 1800 x 1800mm and were rated FACTA Class ‘B’ vehicle loading. They were hand pump operated via hydraulic cylinders. A further 70+ covers were manufactured in stainless steel to fit 1220 x 1220mm with 50mm and 80mm recesses. The internal HIAC was 600 x 600mm and featured gas spring assistance, 20mm recess for marble and a polished stainless steel top trim.The Roof Hatches supplied were 800 x 900 and 600 x 600mm stainless steel and were fire-rated for up to 2 hours. They were powder-coated RAL 9010. 

PROJECT OVERVIEW We were awarded the prestigious project to provide our cleanroom system for a new Compound Semiconductor Innovation Centre which will provide a collaborative environment for innovation, testing and research. The world-leading Catapult Innovation Centre will drive advances in compound semiconductor technology and applications, enabling the UK to spearhead future technologies, including autonomous vehicles, 5G mobile networks, renewable energy and the Internet of Things (IoT).SCOPE OF WORKOur scope of work encompassed design and installation of our Mediline partitioning solid and glazed systems to create an IS07-classified cleanroom along with a number of laboratory environments, including a photonics lab, a power electronics lab, an advanced packaging suite, an evaluation lab, a radio frequency lab and a high-power lab. We also provided pedestrian doors, our Metal Pan Ceiling and fire rated vision panels.

The centrepiece of the building at 80 Fenchurch Street is a stunning glass atrium that spans the entire length of the core structure, flooding the lower floors with natural light and providing a breath-taking arrival experience when entering the building’s lobby.Radii AG were commissioned to utilize their intricate knowledge of glass to produce a dynamic, multi-storey frameless glazed atrium that matched the ambitious design intent.An additional consideration was for the atrium to accommodate the stepped, angular elevation changes due to the terraced roof gardens on the top five levels.The finished atrium at EightyFen epitomises Radii AG’s core philosophy of extracting the full capabilities of glass as a building material.Structural, acoustic and fire rated performance all formed a part of the finished installation, allowing Radii AG to provide a bespoke, technical solution alongside dramatic visual aesthetics.

Fowey Hall is a hotel located within a mansion on 5 acres of grounds overlooking the Fowey Estuary. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Fowey town centre and 8 miles from the Eden Project. The scheme comprises of a refurbishment, reconfiguration and extension of the existing four-star family hotel including rooftop extensions, this provides enhanced facilities including additional guestrooms, new creche and children's playroom, lounge area, and outdoor swimming pool with pavilion. Landscaping works, additional parking, and associated infrastructure. This project also includes associated infrastructure works and access roads.Cellecta’s HiDECK Structural 25 was specified by Jeremy Blake Architects due to it being a conductive structural floorboard and having outstanding acoustic and fire performance and low thermal resistance.Brady Construction Services was awarded this 320m² contract for this development in Cornwall.

Shard Place is a 26 story residential development housing 176 apartments from studios to three bedrooms and the third building in Renzo Piano’s Shard Quarter. Situated between St. Thomas Street and London Bridge Street and adjacent to The Shard, Shard Place was previously Fielden House before demolition. Shard Place is one of London’s most central and connected residences, a 28-minute train ride from Gatwick international airport and a short stroll to London’s South Bank. It encompasses five-star amenities, including a rooftop pool, fitness suite, cinema room and private roof garden.Cellecta’s HiDECK Structural 28 was specified by Renzo Piano Building Workshop due to to it being a conductive structural floorboard and having outstanding acoustic and fire performance and low thermal resistance.Mace was awarded this 12,000m² contract for this development in London.

When concealing external pipework, building services and utilities associated with low carbon district heating schemes or air-source and ground-source heat pumps, Pendock metal pipe boxing range provides effective protection against accidental damage while helping improve project aesthetics.Bespoke manufactured to the individual project specifications from 2mm aluminium, as standard, metal boxing is available in two styles. CHM is a three-sided channel profile, for securing to a single flat surface, while the MXM is a two-sided 90-degree design for fixing to adjacent surfaces, such as walls and ceilings.Both profiles are available with two fixing options for increased versatility – EFF profiles have an integrated external flange on each edge, enabling them to be readily secured with suitable fasteners, while IFA profiles are designed to be installed using separate, concealed fixing angles and fasteners.CHM and MXM profiles are also used to conceal fire sprinkler supply pipework mounted in open balconies, or externally to flats, to provide added security and weather resistance. In addition, as metal boxing is non-combustible, it is used in high rise residential blocks to conceal interior sprinkler pipework where no sprinkler heads are present, such as communal areas.Usually supplied with a PPC finish, which can be selected from any RAL colour to blend in or contrast with the surroundings, Pendock’s metal boxing profiles are available in lengths of up to 4.0 metres, as standard. Other lengths and material thicknesses are available on request, as well as options to include perforations and hinged access hatches.A range of dedicated accessories is included within the CHM and MXM metal boxing range, which includes internal and external corners, stop ends and joint covers, as well as fixing angles, access panels and TEK fixings, which can be colour coded if required.Pendock metal boxing is part the extensive Profiles range of pipe boxing and casings, which includes pre-formed plywood pipe and fire sprinkler boxing, as well as boiler pipe casings. A range of technical information is available online including PDF and DWG drawings as well as NBS specification clauses.

Project BackgroundThe Harrow Club in London W10 has been creating positive futures for marginalised young people in West London since it was formed in 1883 as The Harrow Mission Church. Through general youth clubs and specialist interventions, they aim to empower young people to complete their education, avoid anti-social behaviour and become positive contributors to society. They work with up to 500 young people each week across 6 clubs, helping them to recognise their full potential.The Harrow Club with high ceilings, period windows, and exposed beams has a large sports hall which is a preserved reminder of the Club’s heritage, plus a smaller dance studio, both of which were heated by an old continuous gas-fired radiant tube system that had ‘life-expired’.Project SolutionBuilding Services Engineering Consultants, SS and A of Great Portland Street were commissioned by the Harrow Club to explore options for the replacement of the old radiant heating system. They called on the expertise of Powrmatic to review possibilities and offer a solution.The installation of the new systems was expertly undertaken by Industrial Commercial Environments Ltd of East Sussex. Radiant heating is the most suitable form of heat for both sports halls and dance studios as the lower air temperature for the same comfort level is approx. 5ºC lower than with a warm air system, thus producing a beneficial environment for the activities. A new Powrmatic SRP-PCV+ continuous gas-fired radiant tube system was the proposed solution. This enabled the installation to follow the route of the existing thus minimising costs and disruption during the works.Project ResultThe new Powrmatic SRP-PCV+ continuous radiant heating systems in the two halls have provided the Harrow Club with energy-efficient heating for the next two to three decades. These systems deliver the comfortable environment crucial for the well-being of the young people that the club nurtures in their quest to improve their futures.The Harrow Club now benefits from the energy-efficient Powrmatic SRP-PCV+ systems, listed on the Carbon Trust Energy Technology List (ETL), reducing their fuel bills, carbon emissions and thus their impact on the environment.

Cedral Lap fibre cement cladding has been specified as the building material of choice by luxury developer Cedarmill Developments, adding real kerb appeal to its latest residential project in Hornchurch, Essex.Over 450sq.m of Cedral Lap in colour Pewter has been installed across a selection of three storey family homes, creating a contemporary visual appeal that perfectly encompasses the developer’s commitment to providing the highest standard in premium housing.Cedarmill Developments is dedicated to constructing residential and commercial properties across the UK’s Southern regions, offering clients first class functionality and style. The latest site in Havering consists of a combination of luxury detached houses, which will be completed in autumn 2019.Seamus Tattan, Senior Contracts Manager at Cedarmill Developments, said: “This is the first time we have specified Cedral Lap fibre cement cladding and we are already looking to utilise the material on a further two upcoming residential developments as we are so impressed with it.“Initially, we were looking for an exterior solution that offered the highest standards in aesthetics and fire performance, whilst offering the greatest value for money. Cedral surpassed these requirements, enabling us to create a resilient and stylish exterior that we are confident will offer the same impressive kerb appeal in years to come.”The properties’ ground floor is constructed of brick, with Cedral Lap clad across the first and second floors. This creates a contemporary New England style aesthetic that works in perfect harmony with the sleek black windows and doors.Seamus continued: “I cannot fault the Cedral team for their expertise and guidance, from the initial specification process, right through to final installation of the product. We look forward to working with Cedral on our upcoming developments as we continue to create beautiful homes.”Cedral Lap fibre cement cladding is a low maintenance alternative to traditional cladding materials, offering a minimum life expectancy of 50 years. Resistant to rot, attack from insects and the external elements, the easy to install solution is available in a wide range of shades and finishes and has a Class A fire performance rating.

American software giant Adobe has opted for C-TEC’s innovative SigTEL disabled refuge system at its impressive UK Headquarters in Maidenhead, Surrey.With its powerful controllers and extensive arrangement of fire telephone and disabled refuge outstations, the system is central to protecting the state-of-the-art UK offices of one of the world’s most successful software and technology-based companies. However, according to David King, Installation Manager at Niscayah Group, the company that completed the project at Market House, the installation was far from straightforward as the building already had a SigTEL disabled refuge system installed on one floor which needed to be connected to new equipment so to create one large system for the entire four-storey building.Said David: “The challenge was to interface an additional Master Controller and various outstations to the equipment already in operation. To achieve this we temporarily suspended the system and used C-TEC’s new EVC423 software to completely reprogram it once the new Controller and outstations had been installed.”Although specifically designed for the programming of larger SigTEL systems, C-TEC’s new EVC423 is also excellent for programming smaller disabled refuge/emergency voice evacuation systems.Said David: “The software proved to be a lifesaver on this particular project as it enabled us to program the entire system from scratch very quickly reducing system downtime. The fact that you can edit outstation/extension names using a PC makes programming so much quicker and easier”As a result, Market House now has a fully operational disabled refuge/emergency voice evacuation system. In an emergency situation, the system will enable clear two-way communication between building management and people located in the refuge areas to, firstly, assist rescue teams in finding people and, secondly, to let stranded people know that help is on the way.Based in London, Niscayah Group is a subsidiary of Swedish-headquartered Niscayah AB (formerly known as Securitas Systems AB). Specialising as an integrator, the company offers complete fire and security solutions for customers with high demands for security and efficient solutions.

When a major blaze swept through the sports pavilion at Verulam School in St. Albans, only one thing was left standing in the changing rooms - the Boyco fittings. Even after the roof had fallen in and flames had gutted the changing block, the Boyco benches and peg rails were still firmly in place. The suspected arson attack at the Sandy Pit Lane site caused extensive damage and the entire pavilion needed rebuilding. As a fire fighter at the scene explained "The pavilion was made of wood and concrete with a tar and bitumen roof so it was pretty flammable".Rebuilding the pavilion had to begin straight away to restore full sports facilities to the school. Boyco was asked to join architects Mouchel on the team tasked with building and fitting out new changing rooms – nine years after they designed and supplied the original fittings. Boyco and Mouchel already had a proven partnership having worked together on numerous projects in the past. The timescale was tight. The Boyco team had just a month to present full proposals and design and manufacture the fittings. The team’s made-to-measure design – a replication of the original one - incorporated benches with integral peg rails and shoe trays. The steel fittings were coated in-house at the Boyco factory using the company’s renowned ‘Hot-dip’ nylon technique, exclusive in this sector to Boyco. The coating, derived from 100% renewable castor oil, is four times thicker than other powder coatings and gives fittings superior durability and performance. ‘Hot-dip’ coated fittings offer astonishing resistance to damage, abrasion and, as Verulam School proved, fire. The surface is also exceptionally hygienic with anti-microbial power that reduces bacteria by 99.99%. For added visual impact, ‘Hot-dip’ designs come in wide range of colours. Timber parts of the fittings also bring together superb performance with impressive environmental credentials. Water-borne timber lacquers provide a high quality finish on our standard American White Ash which are non-toxic, anti-microbial and non-flammable. All timbers are sourced from sustainable, fully approved forests. 

Nestled in a secluded location, the village of Lavenham has been a picturesque place to live since its mediaeval origins. But with housing supply limited within the bounds of the existing village, in 2016 residents voted for a new development to go ahead – providing it was in-keeping with their historic homes.The designs of The Paddocks’ 25 new properties therefore draw on influences from the Tudor and Regency homes and cottages already lining the streets of the village, reflecting their style and materials. Ranging from two to four-bedrooms, each home has been gifted its own individuality, with traditional finishes, such as rendering and weatherboarding linking them back to the original properties. Attention to the quality and scale of landscaping around the site has also been factored in to mirror the countryside that embraces the site.However, while the new homes certainly have similar characteristics to the houses already in the village, they do not share their energy inefficiency. Beneath the traditional finishes are contemporary homes with ambitions to keep carbon emissions to a minimum. To do this, Hartog Hutton decided to take a two-pronged approach to reducing CO2 emissions: by installing solar panels and electric car charging points, and by using thermally insulative fabrics, including blockwork.For the structural foundations, the housebuilder therefore turned to Lignacite’s 100mm and 140mm Lignacrete blocks, which are designed for high-strength uses. With an A1 fire rating, Hartog Hutton could also ensure that future residents would have an additional layer of fire protection.Lignacite Ash GP blocks then form the bulk of the buildings. With strong and durable characteristics, these blocks are ideal for all kinds of applications. More importantly, they also have great thermal insulation of 0.298 m2K/W (for 1400mm blocks at 3% moisture), which satisfies all the latest requirements of the Building Regulations Approved Document L.The remainder of each structure uses Lignacite’s Fibo 850/950, which forms the substrate for the weatherboarding and rendering. They provide an excellent surface for these finishes while also adding to the overall thermal insulation of the property. A final advantage is that these blocks are extremely lightweight and can be put into place one-handed.

Hush Acoustics provided the acoustic floor and wall solutions for a development in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire involving the conversion of a former Woolworths store turned snooker hall, which was being transformed into a ground floor sports shop with nine first floor apartments above. In addition to meeting the acoustic performance requirements, the client was also keen to ensure the design would meet the fire regulations required.Following a site visit, the Hush HD1030 system was specified for the separating floors. This is compliant with UK Building Regulations Approved Document E and is suitable for refurbishment projects with timber structures that incorporate lath and plaster ceilings – all with the benefit of a 1-hour fire resistance at ceiling level.We worked closely with EH Building Contractors to ensure the HD1030 acoustic floor system was installed to the required standard. For the separating walls, Hush Twin Frame Metal Stud Party Walls were installed onto the plywood structural floor and isolated using Heavy-Duty Isolation Tape. The stud walls were insulated using the Hush Slab 100 Sound Absorber, ensuring the cavity between the two stud frames were kept clear.The client had initially discussed keeping the original existing lay in grid ceiling within the shop, however, in order to achieve outstanding acoustic performance, the majority of the perforated metal panels from within the lay in grid ceiling had to be removed. Some of the original ceiling could be retained, however, with higher performing ceiling tiles used to replace it in other areas, maintaining the original features as per the client’s request.Once completed, acoustic testing was carried out on site to determine the success of the acoustic design and installation. First of all, the twin metal stud wall was tested, which achieved an airborne performance of 56db (DnTw+Ctr). An airborne sound test was then conducted between the sports shop and one of the first floor apartments which showed a performance of 47 dB (DnTw+Ctr).All of the acoustic performance goals were achieved without any significant ceiling treatment and our client was happy with the results.

In May 2018, Australia’s visionary theatre, La Mama, was destroyed by fire. Thanks to the generosity and hard work of The La Mama Community, this iconic theatre has now reopened to the public and UltraScape are delighted to have played a part in its restoration.BackgroundLocated in Victoria, Australia, La Mama Theatre is home to responsive, inclusive and diverse independent theatre making. With a reputation steeped in visionary arts, La Mama Theatre is the number one destination for audiences to discover the next generation of theatre artists.The ChallengeA fire devastatingly destroyed this much-loved theatre in May 2018. The damage was so extensive, La Mama theatre needed to be completely rebuilt. Part of the restoration included an additional structure to the front of the theatre and new paved area.The SolutionThe incredible La Mama community raised over $3,400,000 to help restore the theatre back to its former glory. To grout the Recycled Brick Paving at the theatre, Instarmac International’s Australian partners, and specialist paving distributors, Prolific Stone International, supplied UltraScape flowpoint smooth.Greysea Group, the contractors completing the paving installation, have been using flowpoint since it was first introduced into Australia in 2020.UltraScape flowpoint smooth is a flowable grout which allows for large areas of paving to be grouted quickly. Suitable for joints from 3mm to 50mm and as deep as 200mm, flowpoint smooth has been developed over a number of years to provide a durable finish which will not crack or stain – even in the hot Australian temperatures.With an initial set after just 15 minutes, and a walk on time of one hour, it is unsurprising that flowpoint smooth has become synonymous with fast application, cost-effective and robust jointing.UltraScape flowpoint is available in four varieties – original, eco, smooth and fine – and two colours – Natural Grey and Charcoal. UltraScape have jointing solutions for all designs and tastes.ResultsLa Mama Theatre opened to the public in December 2021 with great applause. The newly refurbished theatre is fully accessible, has a dedicated rehearsal space, new bar, green room and mezzanine floor for their next generation of theatre artists to perform on.

As a consequence of the Grenfell tragedy, an assessment of the building envelope was carried out on the 275nr residential apartment block in the centre of Leeds. It was found to be non-compliant with current regulations and in urgent need of replacement.The VariAL-SF system was selected as it complied with an A2 fire rating, with EN13501-1 classification by third parties, and satisfied the detailed planning constraints.The importance of the cladding refurbishment and replacement on this high-rise residential building cannot be understated. The building was identified by West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service late in 2019 as being high risk from the perspective of residents safety, due to the fact it was clad in flammable panels and onus was placed on the building owner to take swift action to make the building safe. As such, an ambitious 52 week programme for complete removal of the existing cladding and replacement was set out and achieved by the project team, despite significant limitations in terms of access and logistical challenges.To the passer-by, there is barely any discernible difference in the aesthetic of the building’s new facade, the colour-matching of the panels is incredibly accurate and allowed for a seamless transition to a much safer environment for the building’s residents.The apartment block was in the middle of a built up residential area. The contractor needed to obtain road closures from Leeds city council for two main roads which ran the full length and one side elevation.Furthermore the other main elevation was a pedestrian walkway with access to the apartment block , a hotel and several commercial buildings therefore safe access routes and segregation had to be installed and coordinated with the various parties involved.In addition, the building had to be reclad using 125ft cherry pickers working off the main road and pedestrian walkways therefore protective tracking systems had to be laid over the tarmac and paving to protect the existing materials.Throughout the building refurbishment, which took exactly 52 weeks, access to all the various buildings was maintained and contractor site personnel worked closely with adjacent building owners and especially the management team of the apartment block which accommodated 270 apartments to ensure minimal disruption.

When the London School of Economics (LSE) sought an architect for The Marshall Building, it held an international competition to select a contemporary design that matches its global academic reputation.The winning design by Grafton Architects features striking pale stone rainscreen cladding that contrasts with the red bricks of surrounding buildings on Lincoln’s Inn Fields.At 10 storeys high, the building needed to conform with the changes to building regulations which ban the use of combustible materials on all buildings over 18m in England and Wales. As a result, Grafton Architects specified Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for the three external wall build-ups.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is BBA certified for use at any height and the broadest range of thicknesses and build-ups on the market. It has the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, is manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool and has a thermal conductivity of 0.034 W/mK.With U-values of 0.14 Wm2K, 0.20 Wm2K, and 0.21 Wm2K required for the different rainscreen wall build-ups, sub-contractor I&S Construction consulted Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team about the right depth of insulation. After conducting U-value calculations, 150mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was recommended for all three build-ups.As well as fire safety and thermal performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has excellent sound absorption properties.It is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binder, so it is more environmentally friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are also soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.Thanks to Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab, the Marshall Building will provide students and academics at LSE with a comfortable and quiet environment to facilitate their world-class academic work.

Tallest tower in London’s financial district uses market-leading SonaSpray for acoustic perfection.As well as dominating the skyline of London’s financial district with its striking 23-sided glass façade, 22 Bishopsgate has not only rewritten the rules of what a modern office space should look like but also how it sounds. Having become a ‘mecca’ for workplace wellbeing, putting individuals and employees at the heart of its design, it was important that the spaces sounded as good as they looked. With acoustics playing a leading role in delivering overall comfort to a space, partnering interior design studios DesignLSM and The Morris Project turned to experts, Oscar Acoustics, to control sound levels within its buzzing food and dining area - ‘The Market’ for pitch-perfect ambience.  Known as the ‘foodie heart’ of 22 Bishopsgate, its selection of bustling food counters makes it a hub for workers looking to drink coffee, take lunch breaks and host meetings. However, being a lively, open hospitality space, the clink of cutlery and energetic conversation would mean that the café space was at risk of excessively high noise levels, which left unchecked would create an uncomfortable drinking and dining experience for guests.  Karen Taylor, DesignLSM’s lead designer, said: “Providing a healthy environment that would enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of those working in the building was a top priority when designing the 20,000sq ft space. The building itself includes triple-glazed windows to reduce outside noise, but it was important that the internal acoustics were just as well considered to compliment the sense of balance and harmony throughout.  “As a multi-purpose space, The Market area is a dynamic part of the building where the Bishopsgate community can unwind, dine and socialise. Whilst the area needed to have a spirited ‘buzz’ to it, there would also be guests that wanted to relax and recharge, and therefore considering the people and their needs was always at the forefront of our design strategy.” As The Market includes an array of hard surfaces such as tables and chairs in-line with its open dining aesthetic, a solution was needed to counteract noise reverberation and echo, which causes sound levels to climb. To remedy this, DesignLSM turned to Oscar Acoustics’ SonaSpray acoustic spray range. Once applied to ceilings or walls the seamless acoustic finish absorbs sound energy instead of reflecting it, enabling designers to create serene and inviting spaces. In this case, its SonaSpray fcx acoustic plaster finish was used to reduce overall noise for a more calming atmosphere. With strict building deadlines and restrictions to adhere to, SonaSpray was also chosen for its efficiency as it can be applied quickly with minimum disruption, allowing work to continue as promptly as possible.  Importantly, it was Oscar Acoustics’ third-party safety certifications that caught the eyes of designers. With such a large building to consider, fire safety had to be a number one priority. With fire credentials that go above and beyond Approved Document B fire requirements (Class 0 to BS476 & B-s1, d0 fire rating), the SonaSpray range produces little to no smoke and absolutely no droplets – which can assist in the safe escape of occupants should an event occur.  As the first building in the UK to apply for the WELL Building Standard, the premium acoustic spray was a perfect fit due its contributions towards many sustainable design and health certification systems including WELL, BREEAM, SKA, Living Building Challenge and adds up to 17 points towards the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating of a project. It also boasts GREENGUARD Gold certification which shows it has met some of the world’s most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low emissions of VOCs into indoor air, aiding in the creation of healthier indoor environments. Ben Hancock managing director at Oscar Acoustics, said: “22 Bishopsgate has raised the bar in office design and it’s a real feather in our cap to be part of such a pioneering and monumental building.  “When we were approached about the project, we jumped at the chance. The design ethos of 22 Bishopsgate aligns closely with our own values – putting employee wellness and comfort above all else.  “It’s clear that our experience working on some of the UK's biggest office refurbishments has been put into action, encapsulating future thinking around work/life balance, to create a dining destination that offers maximum comfort without comprising on design. “We know from our own independent research that excessive levels of noise are a major deterrent for workers who want to embrace hybrid working – but this building proves that if it handled correctly, it’s possible to create a space where employees want to revisit time and time again.”Image credits to Tom Meredith Photography.

Wexham Park Hospital, an acute NHS hospital situated near Slough in Berkshire is protected by a network of 20 MxPro 5 fire panels.The 588-bed hospital is one of three managed by Frimley Health NHS Foundation trust, one of the top performing NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. As well as the main hospital building, the site has a large post graduate building, ambulance station, staff accommodation and a new £49 million, state-of-the-art, four-story Emergency Assessment Center. Responsible for the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the system was Advanced’s partner, Static Systems Group.In addition to the MxPro 5 panels, the system also comprises 18 MxPro 5 repeater panels and 2,000 Apollo field devices which are installed in a number of hospital buildings and departments including Intensive Care, Sterile Services, Radiology and its new 9,300 sq. meters Emergency Assessment Center.

The new clubhouse of the Machrihanish Golf Course has had its water management upgraded thanks to the installation of two Alumasc Rainwater products: Aqualine Box Extruded Aluminium Gutter and Flushjoint Aluminium downpipesThe golf course, founded in 1876, recently had its clubhouse rebuilt after a fire in December 2018 destroyed the original building. Local contractor McKinven and Colville Ltd carried out the work on the new clubhouse which was designed by G1 Architects. The building offers unparalleled panoramic views across the Championship and Pans courses.“For this project, two Rainwater products, Aqualine Box and Flushjoint were specified and installed for the new clubhouse on the golf course,” said Nicola McGowan, Area Sales Manager, Scotland. “It’s an elegant, modern building with stunning views over the Atlantic.“The Aqualine Box Extruded Aluminium Gutter and Flushjoint downpipes were chosen for their sleek, modern design, and durable, non-corrodible features.”

Roof with a message... CHALLENGEFor the renovation of the arena Antwerp Sports Palace the architect wanted to design a roof that gave a message. From the air people should see an “A” appearing. This A would be the A of the county Antwerp and not the A from the city Antwerp. Also with the possibility to have (solar) energy production installed on the roof. SOLUTION Six new colours within the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing range were developed specially for this prestigious project. The existing green coloured synthetic roof was used as substructure. The whole roof received extra insulation (thermal and acoustic) and the new RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing membranes were mechanically fastened following an installation plan. All the membranes for the Antwerp Sports Palace not only had a special colour but also a special finish with an invisible protective coating. All membranes have excellent fire resistance for roofs with a higher slope. On the south side of the roof amorphous solar panels were installed upon the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing membranes. 

SFS have partnered with a leading building envelope contractor,  on the construction of two iconic towers in the heart of Birmingham, one clad in brass, the other silver. The buildings will transform the city's skyline and deliver a mix of luxury apartments and retail space. The striking Left Bank development, in Birmingham's popular West End, will create the tallest exclusively residential building in Britain's second largest city.Alucoil larson® ACM FR - Brass Brushed panel, with a fire-rated mineral core, was chosen for the façade. This drained and back-ventilated rainscreen cladding system for Tower 1 is being fitted with an NVELOPE® bracket and rail system and powder-coated SLA3 frame fasteners, SLA5 fasteners, as well as SX3 and SX5 A4 (grade 316) stainless steel fasteners from SFS. The choice of surface finishes for the envelope demanded high quality fastening solutions that would stand the test of time, and perfectly complement the crucial aesthetic goals.

Nestled in the heart of London's prestigious Mayfair district.80 New Bond Street stands as a beacon of elegance and luxury. This iconic address is renowned for its exclusive boutiques, high-end galleries, and renowned auction houses, making it a coveted destination for discerning shoppers and art enthusiasts alike. With its historic architecture and contemporary allure, 80 New Bond Street encapsulates the essence of sophistication, offering a unique blend of heritage and modernity.Completed in 2024, it has created new office spaces and has incorporated a sophisticated, spacious reception area.Throughout the development, our flagship product Quadra + was used. It is 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.

Chatham Waters is a large development of 199 luxury apartments in Kent, with far-reaching views over the historic Chatham Docks. Each of the 199 homes features its own large balcony space with Euroclass A1 fire-rated aluminium decking and porcelain paving used interchangeably throughout the scheme to provide zoning and interest.Systems UsedBalcaSmart® Aluminium decking system with boards in RAL 7036 (Platinum Grey) passes beautifully into Quadro porcelain in the shade ‘Argento’. Selected for their low-height build-up, TerraSmart® Pedestal and BalcaSmart® Aluminium decking systems utilise very similar low-height non-combustible RP-FR and RD-FR pedestals, which work together to achieve a seamless transition between zones. DetailThe contrasting external flooring is mirrored in the intermittent placement of the brass screening throughout the buildings in the scheme, providing a distinctive and luxurious appearance.

Radii create a bespoke glass partition system design for BCG Digital Ventures, with new dies manufactured especially for the project at our in-house manufacturing facilities.Previously, Radii had worked at 80 Charlotte Street for BCG to produce a stunning timber-framed partition system across 257 meeting rooms and offices in the floors directly above the Digital Ventures site. This new installation was designed to match our original work for BCG and create a synergy throughout the space — but with aluminium framework used in place of timber.The final installation used 100mm wide single glazed partitions and joinery with consistent mullion details. Furthermore, bespoke dies were also created for black powder coated aluminium light portals that were installed around some partitioning elements with integrated LED lighting.Radii also provided some fire rated glazing from the FirePro range, certified up to Ei120 rating for screens and Ei90 for doors.

The brand-new Skills and Innovation Centre at South Staffordshire College takes pride of place on the college’s town centre site. The architects envisaged a facade of long vertical fins giving the appearance of timber. Maple supplied the extensive vertical fin façade and Powdertech Wood Finish (PWF ™) was selected as the most appropriate powder coating. Wood Finish is formulated to match the natural variations in colour, grain density and grain pattern of wood. Importantly, Wood Finish meets fire reaction classification A2-s1, d0. We coated 4000 metres of aluminium, comprising mainly rectangular sections of extruded aluminium, of sizes 200mm and 100mm x 50mm. The stunning facade combines the strength and longevity of metal with the warm, natural appeal of a wood finish.Powder coating satisfies green credentials as it contains no solvents, no VOCs and produces no hazardous waste. Maintenance is simple – just a wash down with water every 6-12 months.

With several stops marked out on the future Crossrail route, new-builds on the rise, and an impressive range of ‘Outstanding’ schools, this culturally diverse borough of Ealing is becoming more popular than ever. To meet this popularity new-build property is on the rise however there is strict guidance on design of new buildings. Licata Building Systems in partnership with Build-Therm Services Limited were commissioned to specify and supply the façade systems for The Vale apartments. A prestigious block on Connell Crescent, The Vale was subject to planning guidance that insisted the block remained in-keeping with the more traditional neighboring blocks. The system installed is Licata FireSafe Brick slips. Using a 7mm extruded brick slip the system is one of the lighest systems available on the market. Coupled with class A2 fire performance and a U-value of 0.039W/mK, the apartments not only met all NHBC and local planning design criteria but provides the occupant a safe and energy efficient environment.

The interior fit-out of the POST Headquarters is the largest contract to date for the Lindner Group in Luxembourg.Lindner installed the FLOOR and more®, FLOOR and more® comfort and NORTEC hollow and raised floor systems with modern carpeting. The glass partitions Lindner Life Freeze 137, Lindner Life Pure 620 and Lindner Life Stereo 125 as fire protection glazing in EI60 provide an elegant separation of the offices. The wooden partition wall Lindner Logic Timber with long-lasting varnish, on the other hand, acts as an antagonist to the transparent glass elements.Perfectly matched to the partition walls, the associated doors were also made of wood or glass.Completed WorksPartitionsPartition Systems GlassLindner Life Freeze 137Lindner Life Pure 620Partition Systems Full PanelLindner Logic 100 TimberCalcium sulphate panelsFLOOR and moreFLOOR and more comfortNORTEC

Chartek 7 was specified for this project, as an epoxy intumescent coating with an outstanding track record of protection against hydrocarbon fires dating back to 1995. The PFP system had to be able withstand explosion loads in excess for 4bar while maintaining its integrity, and Chartek 7 easily met these requirements. Using Chartek also provided productivity benefits, due to its high build and simple meshing system, along with a low weight per unit area, helping to reduce transportation costs for pre-fabricated units.Pre-fabrication played an important role in this project, due to the harsh environmental conditions and remoteness of the site. Steel components were constructed at locations across Europe, with the emphasis on minimizing installation and delivery costs. The ability of AkzoNobel to provide standardized global products and a high level of technical support helped to streamline and add value to this process, complementing the productivity benefits of Chartek.

300 m2 of Optima XTR Contour in 6063 T6 Aluminium Extrusion and 3000 m2 of Optima TFC+ in Aluminium 3103 Grade has been used in the completion of Bromley-by-Bow in East London.Bromley-By-Bow is a visually striking array, comprised of five high rise residential blocks with community spaces and commercial areas at ground level.Sotech’s newest system innovation – XTR Contour – was chosen as it allowed the design team to mimic the pre-cast concrete fluted panels in a consistent manner.In order to form the fluted decorative areas below the windows, a new extrusion profile was developed – XTR Contour Concave. The profile of the design was a copy of the pre-cast concrete façade panels which are fluted in the same general locations.Whilst systemised testing wasn’t carried out on this project, the design team invested significant time in 3D printing profiles to prove concepts prior manufacturing the physical die. This saved time and money in the overall project scheme.Mohamadrez Jenaban, Technical Lead at Sotech “I have undertaken a number of simulation analyses for this project to ensure panel safety, adequate performance and stability under the given conditions. We were able to determine 1- number of stiffeners required for these panels to keep deflection below CWCT recommendation 2- the maximum fixing span to keep the stress below the material permissible stress value”. The main challenge on the scheme was implementing a cap to the XTR Contour profiles upon the request of the Fire Engineer. On such a shallow profile this is challenging as there is little room for any form of fabrication works. In response to this challenge, we therefore developed internal screw ports within the extruded profile. This allowed us to mechanically fix plates to the head and the base of the profile and conform the Fire Engineer’s requirements.Sotech’s was able to provide key advice and guidance in the creation of the XTR profile, as well as key guidance on how to rationalise the arrangement to standardise die quantities, shape and size.TESTIMONIALSJamie Smith, Commercial Manager at Sotech: “The extrusion process has some restrictions and requires knowledge of the extruding process to determine what can be manufactured through a die. Flow rates of aluminium, hollow elements and wall thickness all play a significant part in the final die composition. Sotech’s technical team are able to remove the risk to the client and advise on what is physically capable, saving time and money through failed dies.”“The Optima XTR Contour – Concave systems gives an aesthetically pleasing visual and the powder coating enhances the system giving more definition to the fluting vs the contrasting brickwork surround. Our Optima TFC+ system, finished in Axalta Textured Powder to the recessed balconies, mixes well against the pre-cast concrete. The discrete fixing of the system is perfectly suited for this type of application when secret fixing systems by be burdensome in confined spaces.”Reece Barnes Commercial Director at Alliance Facades said: “Bromley-by-Bow is our flagship project and largest to date, providing over 500 homes, and requiring over 3,000m2 of rainscreen cladding…We worked closely with Sotech to deliver phases 1 and 2 of the mixed-use development, selecting the Optima XTR Contour and TFC+ range respectively.“XTR Contour was the perfect solution for the scheme as it’s extremely hardwearing and versatile, and enabled us to conform to the fire engineer’s requirements. The design team at Sotech proved themselves again and again in the way they rose to the challenges of this scheme and found innovative solutions. The project looks fantastic – well done everyone!”

BackgroundBelfast City Council designed Walkways Community Centre with the local community in mind, providing them with places to both work and play. In this £1.37m project, the original portable modular building was demolished and replaced with a new 575 square metre build. The two storeys include a creche and soft play area, a 250sqm sports hall and a series of multipurpose rooms for meetings and courses aimed at the local people. Main contractor, McKelvey Construction led the project and worked alongside Michael Whitley Architects to design and deliver the most appropriate solution for Belfast City Council and the local community. K Systems provided on-site technical support and installation guidance throughout the build which resulted in delivery of a modern, aesthetically pleasing facility that achieved the target U-value of 0.18W/m ² K. Our ServiceHaving originally specified rainscreen cladding, K Systems technical team worked with the architect to design a bespoke engineered system with the drained cavity to suit the metsec frame. Regular site visits from our team ensured support was available throughout the build. The Centre is located on a busy street with limited surrounding space, so we had to manage a very congested, condensed site with deliveries planned and arranged by appointment only. We worked closely with McKelvey Construction to manage such challenges and ensure that local access for residents was uninterrupted, as well as ensuring the overall safety of the site area. From design advice through to installation, we offered a partnership approach which ensured a smooth installation process with minimal disruption, and the delivery of a fantastic community centre for the local area to enjoy. Technical Project Details Originally rainscreen cladding was specified for the Walkways project. However during the construction process, due to spiralling material costs and budget restraints, this was deemed too expensive so alternative solutions had to be sourced. It was decided an external insulation system would be used and a ventilated cavity system was required, as this provides a secondary defence in commercial buildings like Walkways. The K Systems Exicco E drained cavity façade system was specified as it ticked all the boxes. Exicco provides excellent protection and can offer an excellent fire rating of up to A2-s1,d0, providing high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility. The drained cavity behind the insulation in the Exicco system will ensure that any interstitial moisture will escape without detriment to the performance of the system. As EWI was not originally specified for the project, no metsec frame had been designed. This is a crucial element for the Exicco system, which meant a bespoke metsec frame had to be designed specifically to suit our system. The Exicco E system for Walkways used Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation boards that were mechanically fixed and attached to 12mm BBA Approved sheathing boards to create a 25mm drained cavity. EPS boards are extremely light-weight and the system offers a great fire rating of B-s1,d0. It is a high performing, economical system that generates high levels of thermal performance and ensured the target U-value of 0.18W/m ² K. was achieved. For the finish, Silkolitt+ silicone renders ensured a clean, crisp contemporary finish that offers protection to the exterior of the community centre. The flexibility of this finish provides resistance against cracking and increases the durability, ensuring a long-lasting finish for Walkways.