"glass"

Based in Somerset, Taunton School was founded all the way back in 1847. While the building’s stunning exterior has been immaculately preserved in the years since, the interior has of course been routinely upgraded during that time in order to support the ever-evolving demands of educational environments – including the recent installation of our Type G100 movable wall system.Type G100 is a glazed partition system that provides effective protection again sound transfer when fully closed, achieving up to Rw 54dB. This particular system is comprised of 10 panels, with half being glass and the other half sporting a solid matte black finish – all housed within a sleek black painted aluminium frame.Thanks to the Type G100, the school’s cafeteria layout can changed within minutes, offering the choice between a large open plan space, or a pair of smaller rooms. A fully solid system would not allow for the transfer of natural light to the smaller of the two spaces created when the system is in use, however the glazed panels mean this is not an issue. A pass door also allows for access between the smaller spaces when the panels are being used.

To design with people at the heart, acoustics and aesthetics played a key role in the system specification for this project. Helping to achieve the forward-thinking brief, Komfort’s Polar 54 slimline double glazed partitioning, acoustic Sonik doors and bespoke pivot doors were installed.Polar 54 was specified as part of the design due it to its slimline frame and acoustic ratings of up to 47dB (Rw); providing a flexible design solution that doesn’t compromise on performance. The minimal trackwork helps to create the impression of space and a seamless and high-end finish.To complement the design and performance of the Polar 54 system, Komfort’s Sonik doors were installed. The Sonik door range has been designed for ease of installation and integration with all of Komfort’s partitioning systems. This system also ensures high acoustic insulation is maintained through the use of an automatic drop-down seal.Aligning to the design brief of creating an innovative and memorable space, Komfort designed and installed an oversized pivot door. When the pivot door is pushed to, it creates the appearance of a glass wall dividing the dedicated space. This statement feature demonstrates Komfort’s capabilities for purpose-built systems which are tailored to meet design and performance requirements.

The Canaletto residential tower at 257 City Road in London is located halfway between Old Street and Angel Stations in Islington, alongside the regenerated City Road Basin. It comprises a 31-storey tower with 190 luxury one, two and three bedroom apartments built to the standards of Code 4 Sustainable Homes Level 4.The tower is concrete frame and has a curving facade of metal and glass that breaks the volume into a series of three-to-four storey clusters. In turn, each cluster contains grouped balcony terraces, which are a striking feature of the building. The balconies are of steel construction connected to the concrete frame and as always with cantilever construction elements of this nature, one of the early design considerations had to be the prevention of thermal bridging.For the high specification Canaletto project the Schöck Isokorb® T type SK offers the ideal solution. It is a concrete-to-steel connectivity module that sits between the outer and inner structural connection points and blocks the outflow of heat through the use of high quality polystyrene insulation foam. The Isokorb® T type SK provides a clean and unobtrusive connection detail, minimises on-site assembly time and enables a high level of prefabrication.

When the government instructed people to work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, the gym where Wirral-based personal trainer Megan Hewitt worked closed down. So, Megan and partner Dan decided to build a fitness studio in their garden to allow her to conduct video personal training sessions during lockdown. To ensure the 6m x 3m timber frame building would be suitable for use all year round, it was essential to insulate the roof and walls.The couple researched various types of insulation online and narrowed it down to Mineral Wool because of its thermal performance and fire safety. They had three other considerations: it had to be good at blocking noise, have excellent sustainability credentials, and be easy to install, as they planned to fit it themselves.Just one product for all applicationsTheir research showed that Knauf Insulation 50mm and 70mm OmniFit Slab ticked all the boxes. It is a multi-application slab, meaning the couple didn’t need to purchase separate products for the roof and walls. What’s more, it offers a higher level of thermal performance than alternative versatile slabs on the market.It is manufactured from Glass Mineral Wool and is non-combustible with a Euroclass A1 Reaction to Fire Classification, meaning it will not add to the development or spread of a fire should it occur.Keeping quietAs any exercise fanatic knows, a good workout needs a strong soundtrack and Megan wanted to motivate clients without becoming a noisy neighbour. OmniFit Slab provides excellent levels of acoustic performance thanks to its open fibre structure that absorbs sound waves.Insulation that doesn’t cost the earthSustainability was another important factor for the couple. Like all of Knauf Insulation’s Glass Mineral Wool insulation, it is manufactured from up to 80% recycled content, mostly used glass bottles and jars that would otherwise go to landfill.It is also manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder, which contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. ECOSE® Technology is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally-friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and have been awarded the Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold Standard.Its softness was a benefit that Megan noticed during installation. She said: “I remember helping my Dad with our ‘old-school’ Mineral Wool loft insulation when I was younger and it was horrible, it irritated my skin for 24 hours after. But the OmniFit was fine – there was no irritation whatsoever.”Installation was no sweatA tight fit between joints is essential to eliminate gaps that can reduce thermal and acoustic performance, but with some types of insulation it can be difficult to achieve the high quality installation required. OmniFit Slab is manufactured to provide friction fitting to ensure all joints are sealed correctly. Despite having no previous experience, Megan, Dan and a friend fitted the 40m2 OmniFit Slab themselves over the course of a day.“Before fitting the insulation, we watched an installation video on YouTube,” said Megan. “We followed the techniques shown and it was really easy to install. We had no problems at all.”“I’m delighted with the finished result. When the fitness studio was finished, we kept turning up the stereo to see whether the insulation really was soundproof – even at full blast, you couldn’t hear the music outside. It’s amazing.”“Before we put the insulation in, I was exercising in winter gear with the radiator on full – now the studio is lovely and warm. I’m back in vests and I haven’t had to put the heating on at all.”Thanks to Knauf Insulation OmniFit Slab, Megan and her clients can enjoy a high energy workout in a warm, safe environment – without disturbing her neighbours. What’s more, the insulation is sustainable and will ensure the studio’s energy consumption and carbon emissions are low over its lifetime. Note: Megan, Dan and her friend maintained social distancing guidelines during the insulation install. Megan continues to follow government guidelines for the operation of gyms and exercise facilities, conducting her sessions online when in-person training is not possible.

Wrexham General Station is a main line railway station and the main railway station serving Wrexham, north-east Wales. The station was first opened in 1846 and expanded in 1912. It comprises four operational platforms with two disused bay platforms at the southern end of Platform 1. Until the early 1980s what is now Platform 4 of Wrexham General, was a separate station: Wrexham Exchange.After working with MPH Construction on a number of station refurbishment projects across Wales, the Principal Contractor approached Twinfix to carry out the survey for the canopy refurbishment at Wrexham Station as well as designing, manufacturing and supplying the replacement roof glazing for 3 of the platform canopies at the station. The panels were installed by a third-party roofing company.The work spanned 532 square metres and comprised of the innovative Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) system glazed with 6mm Georgian wired polycarbonate.Each panel of the innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF system comprises of a powder-coated aluminium frame and fitted with polycarbonate glazing. The panels are built completely off-site in a quality-controlled factory environment, reducing the risk, and cost, of site mistakes, and are delivered on-site fully glazed and ready for rapid installation. The system has a unique linking design feature that results in incredibly quick installation times, making the system very much suited to rail work due to its restricted possession times.The Multi-Link-Panel NF system is an innovative roof glazing product that has been well utilised for many years on station canopy roofs, and it has been thoroughly tried and tested in that time.It was the chosen system for this project for a number of reasons:sustainability– these panels are virtually unbreakable in manufacture, transit and in situ, meaning that, unlike glass, maintenance costs will be eliminated.safety– Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) conforms to the HSE recommended test method ACR[M]001:2019 (as outlined in document HSG33) and achieves a ‘B’ Classification.off-site construction– The panels are pre-assembled in Twinfix’s factory ensuring strict quality guidelines are adhered to, which is not always guaranteed when roofing products are assembled on site.ease of access– The Multi-Link-Panel NF system can be fitted with In-Line Access Hatches, to allow cleaning of gutters and roof. These hatches are hardly visible and allow safe access through the glazing without needing to get on the roof.weight– The Multi-Link-Panel NF is light in weight and due to its modular format, it is very quick to install which allows for short rail possession works.appearance – The Georgian wired polycarbonate glazing combines the appearance of Georgian wired glass with all the material benefits of polycarbonate. As well as improving the overall environment in a lighter, brighter station, the addition of the Twinfix Georgian wired polycarbonate at Wrexham General Station has preserved the building’s unique appearance and character, while providing modern levels of safety for passengers and staff.

Central M40, a 70 acre industrial estate situated off J11 of the M40 in Banbury, comprises six warehouses totalling over 1 million sq ft of accommodation – equivalent to roughly 17 football pitches. The estate was developed speculatively by db Symmetry*, who specified CA Group’s robust Twin-Therm® Built-up Roof and Wall systems.A key component of the Twin-Therm® building envelope system is Therma-Quilt, a bespoke high-performance Glass Mineral Wool insulation. It is manufactured by Knauf Insulation specifically for CA Group and is the result of a long standing partnership between the two companies.Therma-Quilt is ideally suited for non-residential cladding applications. It offers outstanding performance and functionality available in different thicknesses to support the Twin-Therm® system, delivering enhanced thermal U-values as low as 0.09W/m2K. It is non-combustible with a Euroclass A1 Reaction to Fire Classification, meaning it will not contribute to the development or the spread of a fire.Therma-Quilt is also a high-performing acoustic insulation. In Twin-Therm® roof applications, it helps reduce the drumming effect of rainwater, while in Twin-Therm® wall applications, it aids with sound reduction and can minimise the reverberation of internal sound when used in conjunction with perforated metal liner sheets. Therma-Quilt has been developed with water resistance in mind and uses materials that help prevent water ingress.The Twin-Therm® system has been designed with sustainability in mind and Therma-Quilt is no exception. Knauf Insulation’s Glass Mineral Wool products contain up to 80% recycled materials. This saves on virgin raw materials and energy demands, cuts carbon emissions, and reduces waste going to landfill.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 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.In total, more than 70 tonnes of Therma-Quilt insulation were used on the six megasheds on the Central M40 development. While the industrial estate was built speculatively, its strategic location has previously attracted premium occupiers including Hellofresh, Prodrive Motorsport, TVS Supply Chain Solutions and Rinkit.Thanks to the Twin-Therm® system with its Therma-Quilt insulation, the warehouses have achieved BREEAM ‘Very Good’ ratings, while the businesses using them will enjoy more comfortable, warmer and safer working environments – and lower energy costs. *db Symmetry has rebranded as Tritax Symmetry

ChallengeThe much acclaimed architect Zaha Hadid created the design for the Riverside Museum, which has already been dubbed ‘Glasgow’s Guggenheim’.The new riverside Museum provides an exciting new home for Glasgow’s transport collection. The development has a riverside location on a site where the River Clyde meets Glasgow’s other main river the Kelvin, and is adjacent to Glasgow Harbour.The dynamic new Riverside Museum displays Glasgow’s rich industrial heritage, which stems from the River Clyde. The Tall Ship is berthed alongside the Museum, creating a fantastic experience in this stunning setting.The brief for design and build roofing specialist Varla (UK) Limited was to find a flexible insulation that could meet the demanding U - value of 0.20 W/m2K that was continuous over both the walls and the complex 18,000 square metre roof. The Glasgow Museum of Transport is a complex, heavily engineered design and was the first major UK project for the renowned architect Zaha Hadid.Specialist Roofing contractor, Varla (UK) Limited started the search for a suitable material by contacting many insulation suppliers and holding supplier seminars at Varla’s Chester offices, challenging suppliers to propose a solution to meet the demanding specification for this unique project.SolutionVarla (UK) Limited chose to use Knauf Insulation’s FactoryClad Roll 32, a flexible insulation that meets the demanding U-value of 0.20 W/m2K across both the roof and walls.Rigid foam boards were ruled out early on, as they could not be fitted to the building’s complex curves. There was also a limited cladding zone that could not be altered. Many types of insulation were considered, but glass mineral wool roll provided the best thermal efficiency. The key to Knauf Insulation’s products being specified on this project was its ability to provide in-depth technical support, including complex three-dimensional heat flow modelling calculations. This allowed Knauf Insulation to produce a solution that met all of Varla’s insulation requirements by using a double layer of 100mm Knauf Insulation FactoryClad Roll 32. This is a flexible, lightweight roll of resilient Glass Mineral Wool with exceptionally high tear strength and a thermal conductivity of just 0.032 W/mK.In addition, Knauf Insulation FactoryClad Roll 32 is ideal for limiting the spread of fire since it holds a Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification for non-combustibility and will not burn. Nor will it give off toxic smoke or suddenly ignite in a fire due to ‘flashover’. For public buildings such as this, superior fire performance is crucial.Once Varla (UK) Limited had decided on Knauf Insulation, it leaned on them heavily for technical support, utilising the unique 3D heat loss calculation support service, which ensured the correct product thickness was specified to meet the demanding project requirements.

The University of Salford’s new Science, Engineering and Environmental (SEE) building features a white RainScreen façade, punctuated by contrasting red window reveals with a sloping sill to form recessed windows. While this creates an impactful design statement, it proved challenging when it came to evaluating the RainScreen insulation performance.The thermal performance challengeFrom the outset the designers, in conjunction with the University, outlined a desire for non-combustible insulation. But the feature red reveal details meant there were restricted cavity widths near the windows, which would affect the depth of insulation that could be installed. Several Mineral Wool insulation manufacturers had been unwilling to undertake U-value calculations. This was because it was challenging to understand the weighted U-value across the different façade build-ups and determine the U-value uplift required to compensate for the shallower window reveal areas.Architects Sheppard Robson had previously worked with Knauf Insulation and engaged its Project Specification Team to discuss the challenge and develop calculations.After receiving the plans, Knauf Insulation undertook 3D U-value calculations and confirmed that they could meet the required thermal performance – and crucially it would mean no changes to the design or impact on the cavity widths.Accurate 3D U-value calculationsSo how could Knauf Insulation meet the brief when other manufacturers could not?The crucial factor was the type of U-value calculation used. Most manufacturers use the standard method, which calculates the U-value for the build-up without the metal substructure. Because this method doesn’t consider the effect of the metal penetration through the insulation, a blanket correction factor is added, which can lead to the under- or over-specification of insulation. Either way, it means that the insulation used in the finished project may not deliver the thermal performance that has been specified. And in the case of the SEE building, calculating the weighted U-value to prevent this was critical.Knauf Insulation uses numerical modelling (also known as 3D U-value calculations) as standard for all RainScreen façade projects. This methodology thermally models the build-up taking into account the complex interaction between the insulation and the bars and brackets of the steel framing system (SFS). As a result, it creates the most accurate available picture of how the build-up will perform thermally after construction.For the SEE building, the team undertook several different calculations changing elements of the build-up, including the substructure material and insulation widths, until they determined the optimal combination.High performance insulationBy using this rigorous calculation method, Knauf Insulation was able to meet the brief with a combination of 50mm and 160mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab, along with 200mm OmniFit® Slab 35.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is a Rock Mineral Wool slab that is BBA certified for use at any height and for the broadest range of thicknesses and build-ups on the market. It has a thermal conductivity of 0.034 W/mK.OmniFit® Slab 35, a Glass Mineral Wool slab with a thermal conductivity of 0.035 W/mK, is ideal for use in the SFS.Both Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab and OmniFit® Slab 35 are non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification so they will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. Thanks to their sound absorption characteristics, critical for low mass rainscreen structures, they will help create a quieter environment for the computer and science labs.A sustainable solutionThere was one other specification factor to consider – sustainability. The SEE building had been designed to minimise its environmental impact in line with the University of Salford’s campus master plan.Matthew Taylor, the project architect from Sheppard Robson, noted: “From early on, sustainability has been high on the SEE building agenda, including becoming one of the first all-electric University educational building.” The building will also be supported by photovoltaic panels on the roof.But while the use of renewable energy sources and high performance insulation will help lower the building’s operational carbon, it was important to keep embodied carbon to a minimum.Here Glass Mineral Wool scores highly too because it has the lowest embodied carbon of any mainstream insulation material.Knauf Insulation has proactively reduced the embodied carbon in its products over the years, as part of a broader set of activities to reduce its environmental impact. Specific actions to minimise its carbon footprint include initiatives to reduce road miles in both sourcing and distribution.For example, its Glass Mineral Wool products are manufactured using up to 80% recycled content, including glass collected from the local communities around its factories. The finished products are then compressed by up to 10:1 to fit more product into each lorry reducing transport related carbon emissions.Another innovation is ECOSE® Technology, its unique bio-based binder 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 binders, 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.Ongoing supportThe through-wall build-up was installed by Metclad Contracts. As this was the first time they had worked with Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab, they also turned to the Specification Team for installation advice. They wanted to know whether the insulation should be fixed into the sheathing boards or the SFS.Knauf Insulation provided details of the fixing pattern together with the installation guide. They also facilitated meetings with their fixing partner to provide specialist technical support about pull out values and requirements for fixing into the substrate.Thanks to Knauf Insulation’s extensive technical expertise and ongoing support, the vision for the University of Salford’s state-of-the-art SEE building has become a reality – without any compromise on thermal performance, fire safety, acoustic or sustainability.

A careful combination of A2 fire rated soffit panels, rainscreen cladding and mesh screens from Proteus Facades has helped band together the impressive new £42m Sciences Centre at Durham University. Based within the grounds of the Upper Mountjoy Campus, the new Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science building has been developed to create synergy between the two departments, which have been earmarked for significant growth within the Durham University Strategy – 2017-2027. The building features state-of-the-art teaching facilities and office space, including a specialist IT Lab with a designated server room, a 120-seat tiered lecture theatre and tutorial rooms. While a café and breakout spaces, as well as four enclosed courtyards make up the communal areas. Creating a bright space for students, staff and visitors to meet and relax, Proteus Facades manufactured striking 2.0mm Aluminium Proteus IP interlocking planks with a PPC Traffic White Matte (RAL 9016) finish for use on the façades of the four internal courtyards. GSS Architecture chose the Proteus IP aluminium PPC in Traffic White because it accentuates and reflects natural light creating an enhanced ambience in the teaching spaces that face onto the courtyards, whilst complementing the glass curtain walling system.

This premium retailer required security shutters for their icon building on the corner of South Molton street, that still afforded passer by a view into the store when it was closed to showcase the incredible products in-store.The ChallengeThis premium retailer required security shutters for their icon building on the corner of South Molton street, that still afforded passer by a view into the store when it was closed to showcase the incredible products in-store.Bosideng was created in 1976. Devoted to down jacket research, design and production, and now available in over 72 countries including their UK London flagship store on South Molton Street.Given their their premium apparel and high level of interior design/merchandising, led them to the Tube & Link product. Bosideng was created in 1976. Devoted to down jacket research, design and production, and now available in over 72 countries including their UK London flagship store on South Molton Street.The SolutionThe Tube and Link security shutter uses small steel components to create large openings, for very high levels of vision through the shutter while it is closed.It is commonly installed on shop fronts, either indoors as a standalone barrier (such as within shopping centres), or behind glass on a street front scenario. This version benefits from an aluminium box and guide system.

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

Our client, One 17 Design, acted as Architects, Interior Designers and Project Managers for this superb project with involvement from inception through to completion. Their brief was to create a home office / garden room in the grounds of an existing detached home, which was done by extending the detached garage.The material palette for the garden room predominately featured oak and steel. Blackened oak cabinetry and steel fenestration provide a striking contrast against the natural oak frame and cladding. Clever detailing in the relationship between the oak frame and steel doors adds a contemporary twist. The bricks for the outside of the building were selected to match the brickwork of the existing bungalow. Bespoke Clement steel windows and doors from the W20 range were chosen for the project, including an interior door, fitted with reeded glass that leads to the bathroom. All handles were powder coated black to match the steel frames.The project won “Best amazing space” at the 2022 Northern Design Awards.Freddie Garside, Partner and Director at One 17 Design, said:“We and our client were delighted with the finished doors and screens. The narrow framed black steel doors complement the natural oak frame perfectly. Clement were very professional, efficient and responsive throughout the whole project.”Photography: Joe Cotterill

The owner of this house wanted to build a purpose-built home to meet the needs of his growing up family.  He wanted to live in the village he grew up in but at the same time it was important that the design embraced new concepts and ideas. The end result is a stunning contemporary luxury home that incorporates large glazing areas throughout. There has been a careful use of traditional stone, wood and also unique metal cladding detail with the external design. Internally the feeling throughout is minimalistic clean lines, with the furniture being a perfect complement to the end result. With the exception of the switchable privacy glass for the window adjacent to the front door, the inclusion of completely concealed fully automated blinds to all other windows are the ’Grand Finale’ to this beautiful home.  When not required the blinds are completely concealed but at the press of a button or using their mobile devices, blinds appear as required – providing shading, sun protection, privacy or blackout blinds as required.A feature of interest is the large gable window in the master bedroom.  Here Honeycell Duette® blinds have also been concealed within the sloping ceiling and again appear from their hiding places when required showing that irregular shaped areas can benefit from the Blindspace headboxes which can be made to conceal almost any blind available on the market.

The owner of this house wanted to build a purpose-built home to meet the needs of his growing up family. He wanted to live in the village he grew up in but at the same time it was important that the design embraced new concepts and ideas. The end result is a stunning contemporary luxury home that incorporates large glazing areas throughout. There has been a careful use of traditional stone, wood and also unique metal cladding detail with the external design. Internally the feeling throughout is minimalistic clean lines, with the furniture being a perfect complement to the end result.  With the exception of the switchable privacy glass for the window adjacent to the front door, the inclusion of completely concealed fully automated blinds to all other windows are the ’Grand Finale’ to this beautiful home. When not required the blinds are completely concealed but at the press of a button or using their mobile devices, blinds appear as required – providing shading, sun protection, privacy or blackout blinds as required.  A feature of interest is the large gable window in the master bedroom. Here Honeycell Duette® blinds have also been concealed within the sloping ceiling and again appear from their hiding places when required showing that irregular shaped areas can benefit from the Blindspace headboxes which can be made to conceal almost any blind available on the market.

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

111 The Strand, is an eight storey landmark office and retail building in central London. The property occupies a corner position on the Strand with a return frontage to Savoy Place. The majority of the 30,549 ft² office space is let to CVC Capital Partners.The iconic building is well-known for its contemporary appearance. The limestone façade with metal frames with curved bays of stone and glass, and a stone relief depicting the surrounding area truly stands out.With the recent acquisition of the long leasehold office building, the private equity firm CVC Advisors Ltd found it time for a complete refurbishment. The existing reception area and office floor 1 to 6 were stripped and upgraded to Category-B Standard. This is inclusive of new MEPH installations and a commercial kitchen fit out to service the meeting room suites and dining areas.Stravifloor Channel, a floating floor system using isolated steel channels with proprietary elastomeric pads, four layers of plywood, and a special damping layer was installed in the catering kitchen on the 5th floor of this fit-out project. The isolated steel batten system with enhanced stiffness was designed to minimise the transfer of impact noise to the office floors below.During the installation, an elastic Perimeter Strip was applied around the floors’ perimeter, to completely decouple it from the building structure.

The combination of old and new architecture provides unusual views and insights.This was certainly the case with the extension of the Batelease Farm owned by the Moody couple in the English county of Devon.The original Batelease Farm was built back in the 15th century and the building has been changed and extended over the centuries. Because the Batelease Farm is a Grade II listed building everything had to be approved by the responsible heritage officials.The modern extension to the old farmhouse creates a contrast between old and new and combines the two - quite literally. Because the goal wasn’t merely to create a new build - it also had to be accessible and enable barrier-free access between the old and new building.This will allow the client, a wheelchair user, to navigate between the buildings independently and to move between the centuries, so-to-speak.A glass structure connects the main house and the new build and covers two floors, including a lift. Barrier-free access has been created between the buildings on both the ground floor and the first floor. There is also an entrance and exit here, which enables the client to enter or leave the building independently at any time.A Guldmann GH1 ceiling hoist system is used in the client’s bedroom with the rail system integrated subtly into an exposed timber beam, so that the practical aid is almost invisible.

New corporate headquarters for a growing independent distiller called for the perfect blend of outdoor infrastructure to reflect its strong local identity.Ian Macleod Distillers (IMD) embarked on the new HQ project after outgrowing its nearby Russell House head office.The £4.5 million development features two prominent glass towers representing the traditional ventilation shafts of Scottish whisky distilleries.And when it came to the design and creation of the building's outdoor spaces, Broxap's Litchard range provided a similar timeless yet unique aesthetic for the site.Working for Clark Contracts, Broxap designed, manufactured and installed a suite of furniture including two Litchard Picnic Units and 16 Litchard Benches.Our teams collaborated with the project leaders to create 8 Litchard Seats, as well as tables and short benches, to specific dimensions to enable unique group seating configurations.A Palisade Brise Soleil adds another dimension to the breakout space. Door barriers, complete with tapping bars to meet Scotland’s disability access standards, completed the project.The main building delivers 10,000 sq ft of office space for IMD and is the commercial hub for the independent family firm which owns brands including Edinburgh Gin, Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Smokehead.

Gent Sint-Pieters railway stationCHALLENGE Gent Sint-Pieters, the main railway station in Ghent, is undergoing a spectacular metamorphosis today. The listed main building, constructed for the 1913 World Exhibition, has to remain untouched. Behind the old building however the platforms, waiting rooms and the central passengers corridor are being entirely refurbished. Architect Voncke’s objective was to create a pleasant atmospheric site with a 35,000 sqm open and attractive central hall, broadened and completely covered platforms and renovated rails. Functional, well-designed and above all spacious! As the 12 rail tracks had to stay on ground level, the passengers alley was excavated to a lower level under the railroad tracks. This necessitated permitting considerable daylight to enter the underlying levels.SOLUTION Transparent canopies, featuring large glass sections and translucent floors were all designed with this purpose in mind. To gain even more light the architect chose RENOLIT ALKORBRIGHT for waterproofing the platform canopies. The six long rectangular platform blocks, differing in height, are interconnected and make one large roof. The white highly reflective RENOLIT ALKORBRIGHT membrane on top of the construction reflects the daylight through the high side windows. A clever way to add extra day-light to the underlying areas. 

The Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation Trust is looking to improve its Adult Mental Health Inpatient services and Dart Valley Systems provided products for its new Sherwood Oaks unit. The new unit aims to give patients, staff, and visitors the best form of services and level of care by providing single accommodation and en-suite facilities that will improve privacy and dignity for patients. The products provided for the project are as follows: • 72 x VR01-030 High security V2 basin with integrated backplate (not including sensors) • 72 x SH07-040 High security shower head 30 degree • 36 x VR01-072 High security WC pan less abled with grey top • 36 x VR01071 V2 high security WC pan with grey top • 72 x VR07-004 Washroom control system kit – for DVS High Security backplate & WC Our high-security and ligature resistant products are virtually unbreakable and create a safe solution within all mental health facilities. The Sanitaryware, basins and accessories are manufactured from GRP (glass reinforced polyester) which is cost-effective, vandal-resistant, and completely shatterproof. Complete with a high-grade polyester gel coat finish, GRP provides a more domestic and familiar feel to the room creating a more therapeutic environment for those requiring an inpatient stay.

The custom-made KEUCO washbasin board with truffle-coloured glass has a cleaning-friendly finish and offers ample space for setting things down. With their slender exteriors, the EDITION 400 two-handle fittings look like sculptures soaring over the ceramic washbasins. The continuous LED lighting of the matching light mirror extends over the complete wash area, brightening the room. And for a closer look, the illuminated iLook_move LED cosmetic mirror offers the guest five-fold magnification. The flexible swiveling arm means the mirror can be adjusted to any position.Linearly arranged KEUCO accessories can be found around the WC that perfectly match the symmetry of the room. The toilet paper is found under the cover of the COLLECTION MOLL toilet paper holder. The matching chrome-plated brush set with its easily removable insert is extremely easy to maintain.Awaiting the guests in the showers are the minimalist IXMO fittings from KEUCO. The suites and rooms feature combinations of shower head and hand shower or the innovative IXMO SOLO shower fitting, which combines single-lever mixer and hose connection in only one module. With its motto "less can do more", IXMO from KEUCO combines multiple functions in the smallest of spaces, and features a designer look. All in all an enticing choice of interiors, which makes a stay at Le Méridien Munich an unforgettable experience.

TRC were appointed by Wates Construction Limited to design, supply, and install 212 Traditional Spring Sash windows and Flush Casement windows and door sets in hardwood timber for Signature care homes in Barnet.Signature at Barnet, lying mostly within the historic county of Middlesex, provides exceptional care giving its residents a safe, happy and fulfilling living environment.Over the course of a 36 month long contract, we installed 212 Traditional Spring Sash windows and Flush Casement windows and door sets for the care home in Barnet. The installed windows are attractive, low maintenance and thermally efficient and also a premier choice when looking for timber alternatives.This isn’t the first care home we have added our spark to. Having previously worked on the gorgeous Homes of Compassionate Care building in Thames Ditton, we have a proven track record in delivering products that are highly suitable and meet the exact needs of elderly residents by meeting the most up-to-date thermal, acoustic and security requirements.The windows installed for Signature at Barnet had to comply with the below specification requirements:Double glazed to achieve overall Uw-value of 1.2-1.4 w/m2kCombi Neutral 70/40 Solar Control GlassPas24 Enhanced Security element for Ground Floor WindowsVALUE£850KCONTRACT DURATION

The buildings around Clerkenwell Green in London feature a mixture of architectural styles. The area is designated a Conservation Area and some properties are listed. During the nineteenth century it was a busy centre for specialised crafts and manufacture and the buildings at No 10-11 were originally constructed as warehouses.The Uniform Clothing & Equipment Company (Uniquip) occupied the two buildings from around 1910 to the 1990s and was a well known supplier of band uniforms.Stagg Architects obtained planning permission to refurbish and extend the original 13,000 sq ft building by an additional 7,000 sq ft. The renovated building comprises a new roof extension, flexible spaces on the ground and lower ground floors and offices at the upper levels.A four storey side extension infill was constructed and Clement Windows Group were selected to manufacture the new and replacement steel windows and doors throughout the building. It was very important that the new windows were in keeping with the original building and did not detract from the character and appearance of the surrounding Conservation Area and adjoining Listed Buildings.Windows and doors from the Clement EB20 steel window range were chosen and powder paint coated in black with the accompanying hinges and handles painted to match the frames. The huge wall of steel windows to the side of building includes a patterned glass which allows light to enter while also providing privacy for the neighbouring properties.Photographs taken by Matt Chisnall, @mattchisnall

Located in Edinburgh’s prestigious Charlotte Square,these former National Trust for Scotland offices havebeen refurbished and redeveloped into commercialaccommodation.Originally designed by Robert Adam in 1791, the restorationof these 6 A-listed townhouses sees the architecturalintegrity of these neo classical facades, fully restored. Aswell as restoring the buildings exterior and interior, MorganMcDonnell Architects have also redeveloped the areabehind these old Georgian houses, linking the 3 centraltownhouses to a contemporary lightweight glass and ETFE(a fluorine based plastic) covered courtyard to provide32,000 ft2 of grade A office space.The balanced contrast between the old exterior andmodern interior is reflected throughout the building’s fabric,especially it’s ironmongery. A traditional oval design wasapproved for the knob handles as it provided the mostgrip available. A polished chrome finish was chosen asMorgan McDonnell Architects wanted a modern feel to thehardware whilst being traditionally sensitive to the age ofthe building. Initially Morgan McDonnell Architects wantedto use lever handles, but due to the listed status of thebuilding and the design of the doors (many of the originaldoors were refurbished) a knob handle was deemed themost suitable.Working with Morgan McDonnell Architects, Allgood Plcprovided a combined ironmongery and access controlpackage that included: hinges, door closers, locks, kickplates, signage and concealed electromagnetic locks. Allitems Allgood provided were delivered on time and withinthe clients budget.

Mann Island is where cutting edge architecture and modernurban living meet English history. Situated at the heart ofthe Liverpool docklands, the £45 million ‘Building 3’ wasbuilt for commercial use and has since been leased byMersey Travel.The UNESCO world heritage site was once the startingpoint for millions of emmigrants on their journey to the ‘newworld’ countries of America, Australia & New Zealand.Now an architectural hotspot, Mann island has becomeone of Liverpool’s most vibrant and upcoming areas.Comprising of office space and apartments, the waterfrontdevelopment attracts over 25,000 visitors per day alone.Allgood were employed to supply high end ironmongeryand an access control package. Mersey Travel wereparticularly concerned about providing facilities that wereaccessibile to people of all ages and disabilities. To meetthis specification, Allgood Trio both supplied and installedunderfloor and overhead operators in addition to magnetlocking systems to create automatic doors.Allgood provided a full hardware package that incorporatedstainless steel signage, kicking plates and lever actionflushbolts to match the buildings modern interior design.Allgood also worked with the client to design andmanufacture specially made pull and lever handles in orderto match the range of glass, oak and walnut doors.As always, Allgood delivered on time and exactly to theclient’s requirements, ensuring that the building’s interiordesign and functionality were to as high a standard as thearchitecture.

Surrounded by rolling fields, wetlands and a riverbank, Wraxall Yard is situated in the heart of the West Country. Clementine Blakemore Architects were entrusted to convert and rebuild a collection of derelict barns for this not-for-profit organisation, run by a father and daughter team. The philosophy behind this project - to create a multifunctional development with accessibility for all; with an educational farm, community space and a series of holiday cottages. As the collection of buildings sat within the West Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it was essential the buildings were sympathetically restored, retaining the agricultural aesthetic. The Neo Rooflights played an instrumental role in creating cross ventilation in conjunction with the doors, ensuring the spaces were not only light and bright, but also well-ventilated for the comfort of its guests. Accessibility at the core of the project was the driving factor for requiring motorised opening rooflights with rain sensors, allowing visitors to have full control of room temperatures with ease. The concealed jamb motors, unique to The Rooflight Co's Neo design gave the architect the ability to achieve a clean flush installation externally, frameless lining to glass installation internally, and unobstructed views out to the fields beyond.In total 7 Neo Rooflights were specified to create the airy, tranquil, and peaceful spaces both the architect and the owner wanted to achieve. Testimony to the design and quality of the project is the High Commendation received by Clementine Blakemore Architects in the 2023 MacEwan Awards and winning the 2023 AJ Retrofit Awards.

For its architecturally striking Orwell House scheme in Bethnal Green, London, Bell Phillips Architects (BPA) has specified hand-formed, multi-coloured Antro bricks from Vandersanden, the brick maker renowned for its innovation, craftsmanship and sustainable manufacturing practices. Antro provides just the right balance of colour, texture and contrast for this affordable housing project, designed by BPA for London Borough of Tower Hamlets and forming part of the Berthold Lubetkin-designed Dorset Estate, originally constructed in the 1950’s and 1960’s.Comprising 20 flats in total, Orwell House is a new, wedge-shape, in-fill development, just off Colombia Road, to the North-West of the Borough. BPA’s imaginative design for this six-storey building features balconies and a roof terrace that look out across Ravenscroft Park with the steel-framed volume of Orwell House contained by Vandersanden’s multi-coloured greyish brick envelope. On the two shorter sides, this brick envelope is fronted by balconies clad in pink, glass-reinforced concrete (GRC) panels. This bold chequerboard patterning echoes the tones and patterns used by Lubetkin to animate facades on buildings across the existing estate.Completed in July 2020, Orwell House is a Finalist in the Housing Awards 2021. To find out more about the bricks used in this project or to see the wide range of high-quality bricks available from Vandersanden, click on the 'View more' link 

The scope of work at 217 Bath Road combined a full-scale structural refurbishment and fit-out of the internal space along with extensive landscaping works around the building.Landlords EPIC UK sought to revitalise the site into four floors of highly desirable Grade A office space — all to be done with a strong emphasis on sustainability.With a view to make the most of the available floorspace, a partially-filled atrium design was submitted by architects Stiff + Trevellion.Radii AG’s experience in providing structural glazed atrium solutions saw them work closely with the architects and main contractors Overbury and contribute their considerable expertise to bring the design to life.The initial atrium design at Bath Road was to be comprised of system partitions that were installed ‘slab to slab’, with spandrel panels then covering the glazing.After careful consideration, Radii AG proposed an alternative solution that would see all glazed elements and spandrel panels installed in one continuous plane.This evolution of the design would ‘value engineer’ the build and improve overall aesthetics by ensuring clean lines throughout.Furthermore, Radii AG were able to work closely with our western contracting office, who were tasked with supplying the abutted glass partitioning systems.The installation of free issue spandrel panels ensured a seamless aesthetic transition to the adjoining glazed partitioning from the industrial-style partition system.

To achieve the high-performance requirements, specialist contractor Allied Ireland, developed a solution and provided a range of Komfort’s new partitioning and door systems which offer market-leading acoustics.Komfort’s Polar 100 double glazed partitioning system achieved acoustic ratings of up to 51dB (Rw) and was installed across the meeting rooms to ensure privacy. This frameless glazed system with its bubble joints and minimal framing creates a high-end aesthetic that maximises natural light.This system was complemented by Komfort’s acoustic Sonik doors, which also achieves a high acoustic rating of up to 40dB (Rw). The striking black aluminium framing of the doors creates an intriguing and contemporary contrast to the white surroundings. The curved walls also add another dimension of interest to the design to help soften the surrounding space.In today’s increasingly demanding workplace, privacy is essential for a host of reasons. This, coupled with intelligent technology being an integral component of any leading commercial space, Komfort’s partitioning systems were made compatible with room booking systems for enhanced user experience and Komfort’s SwitchGlass.Allied designs using Komfort’s SwitchGlass technology removed the need for blinds. The glass turns from opaque to transparent at the flick of a switch, allowing for instantaneous privacy. This is an efficient, space-saving and innovative way to add privacy to any meeting room.

At The Sash Window Workshop we have been replacing and renovating timber windows and doors for various properties across London and the South for over 25 years.We were approached by an interior contracting company who were looking to replace the timber windows and doors for a property in South West London.The company requested new windows and doors which fitted the following specification:New traditional windows to match the existing style and be period appropriate;The highest possible thermal and acoustic performance;The maximum amount of light transmission possible through the glass;Bespoke window ironmongery;Painted internally to meet the customer’s specific paint colour requirements.Upon receiving the request for a quotation, one of our trained surveyors met with the architect for the project to discuss their requirements and advise how we could help. In total they required over 20 new sash windows and timber casement windows, and 4 new external wooden doors.As all of the new windows and doors that we manufacture are bespoke, we were able to ensure that their replacement windows and doors exactly matched the original designs, meaning that they fitted in with the surrounding properties and retained the aesthetic look and feel of the property.Due to the location of the property, all the new windows had to be carried up through the property by our experienced installers to be fitted.Both the customer and contractors were very happy with the work carried out, which helped transform the property into a beautiful home.

Under the national program of revitalization of FRAC (Fonds Régional d'Art Contemporain), the Central Region, in the heart of Orleans, opened a modern building with innovative architecture in September 2013. With the aim to better meet the needs of contemporary art lovers while promoting the historic military supply depot.The architect firm, Jakob + MacFarlane, wished to capitalize on a strong aesthetic in the heart of the urban environment. Built in the old building Subsistances Military, the structure is based on a geometric distortion by the emergence of a dynamic set of three volumes of glass. These three "Turbulence" are wrapped in a metal mesh on the outside and fabric inside. The project architect's intention for FRAC Centre is to create a place of constant change through a "live" and interactive architecture that combines image, light and information. A system of diodes positioned on Turbulence will highlight program FRAC through an animated game designed by Electronic Shadow artists.To ensure complete isolation of the building, the complex architecture and its metal frame, the thermal breaks, Schöck Isokorb® T type S were integrated to treat energy loss at the connection of the frame with the outer skin. Schöck Isokorb® T type S is a steel to steel thermal break connection that takes the bending moment and shear force in cantilevered metal structures.Read more about The Les Turbulences FRAC Centre, featured in Architectural Record.

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."

Fulham is the oldest of the ten London Premier League football clubs. Founded in 1879 by the Reverend John Henry to offer the young workers of the neighborhood an alternative to less healthy temptations, since 1896 it has had its home in the mythical Craven Cottage.The site and the club have evolved dramatically since. Located on the banks of the River Thames, very close to the refined London neighborhoods of Chelsea, Kensington and Chiswick, the stadium is one of the main tourist attractions of the London capital due to its significance in the history of football, and its extraordinary location on the banks of the Thames.The south-western part of the British capital is now undergoing an ambitious redevelopment plan that includes the demolition and new construction of the legendary Riverside Stand, adjacent to England's most important river. The scheme is being led by the club itself, appointing Buckingham Group as main contractor and Populus as its lead architect. As part of the wider scheme, an URSA specification has been made to ensure all thermal and acoustic targets are met. The project will see the redevelopment and expansion of the current Riverside Stand to increase its capacity from 4,689 to 8,650 whilst increasing the overall capacity of Craven Cottage to 29,600 seats. Creation of a new public riverside walk as well as new restaurants, cafés, bars, corporate hospitality and event space forms an important part of the scheme. Below ground, a new basement will provide ‘back of house’ facilities, club and lounge area whilst nine serviced apartments will be made available on site.Partnering with distributor, Encon and liaising directly with the installation team at Grant Plastering, the project used URSA TERRA glass wool slabs to insulate the ceilings and soffits. Normally used behind rainscreen cladding systems, URSA WALLTEC 32B was chosen because of its class leading thermal conductivity of 0.032 W/mK, acoustic performance and ease of installation.In addition to the low thermal conductivity, the slabs have exceptional acoustic absorption and are non-combustible (Euroclass A1), so they do not contribute to the propagation of fire, an advantage that is fundamental in an installation of this type, designed to house thousands of people.Another noteworthy aspect is the sustainability that they bring to the buildings in which they are installed, and which are recognized by the most prestigious European certifications. URSA's range of glass wool insulation products are completely recyclable and use less energy in their manufacture, transport and installation. Ian Claydon, URSA UK Technical Manager, commented; “This is an incredibly important development for the capital that sees a huge amount of investment in one of the UK’s oldest football clubs. The site location and wider ambitions of the project make this an incredibly exciting development to be part of.“We have worked closely with the project managers technical team and installers to ensure they made the very best specification. Opting for one of our core products, we have managed to fulfil all of their wider needs in terms of the insulation specification.”The works will include an increase in capacity and new amenities, but also seek to enhance the space for residents, fans and tourists, with a public promenade running along the banks of the Thames, commercial spaces and new meeting rooms underneath the grandstand.  

Barr Gazetas worked closely with BW: Workplace Experts and Glazing Vision on the remodelling of this contemporary yet classical office building which involved creating an accessible private terrace for staff and clients to enjoy the views of central London, as well as providing the 6th floor with natural daylight. Utilising a terrace in densely populated areas such as London is a great way to provide a building with more accessible space. Originally the 6th floor offered 2,821 sq ft of space, but with the addition of the terrace area, this increased to 3,790 sq ft.Not only does an accessible terrace supply you with extra room, but, in London, the presence of a roof terrace typically adds 12% to the value of a property, rising to as much as 25% in coveted Chelsea. Other benefits of access rooflights include improved natural ventilation, control of interior temperatures, and the result is also beneficial to the aesthetics of a building such as 6 Duke Street. Barr Gazetas chose Glazing Vision not only due to our vast experience in designing and manufacturing access rooflights, but also for our ‘start to finish’ service. All of our rooflights are designed and manufactured at our HQ in Diss, and we even offer an installation service via our sister company, Glazing Renovations, which provides our clients with peace of mind.Box rooflights are a great way to gain easy access to any roof terrace. Operated at the touch of a button, the user simply climbs the stairs whilst the rooflight is retracting into its open position and walks straight out onto the terrace. Our three wall box configuration is one of the most popular and can offer an almost seamless integration into the fabric of your building. On this particular project, the sliding section when open provides a clear opening of 1927mm on the left side when viewed from the outside and is glazed on the front and top with a built-in fall of 3 degrees, and mounted to walls at the rear and two sides. The rooflight also includes the optional extras of a proximity detector and a battery back up. The rooflight was crane lifted to the terrace so that installation could be carried out by Glazing Renovations.Our Multi-Part Walk On Rooflight has supplied the 6th floor with a large amount of natural daylight which is proven to boost vitamin D, help improve sleep, and can help boost focus. The rooflight also includes Enduro Shield glass protection which provides superior resistance against contamination caused by moisture, hard water, all types of dirt, lime scale, salt spray and pollution, and also helps protect against degradation, staining, corrosion and etching. Our standard glass specification on our Flushglaze Walk On Rooflight is designed to withstand regular foot traffic in domestic applications with uniform loadings of 1.5kN/m² and concentrated loadings of 2.0kN in accordance with EN 1991-1-1-1:2002.The two rooflights perfectly complement each other and work together to provide a vast amount of natural daylight whilst creating a visually impressive, accessible terrace area.“The Walk On Rooflight was key to providing as much light to the floor below as possible, and the box rooflight was a great feature to the terrace, providing easier access than a ‘hatch’ access product.” Pradumn Pamidighantam, Senior Architect, Barr Gazetas.

Project DescriptionThe refurbishment of the historic Central Bank site into the iconic Central Plaza, which is a multi-phase scheme, is one of the largest and most prestigious construction projects being carried out in Dublin city centre, Ireland.Partel was playing its part since the early stages of the restoration, and this year brought again its expertise in fire-rated vapour control systems, supporting the latest expansion scheme of the building with a two-storey glass-roofed structure, that completes the existing tower.Teaming up with Castle Group, the plan for roof expansion involved passive fire protection measures and an appropriate airtightness strategy, using Partel’s IZOPERM PLUS A2 vapour control system.Steel Roof Structure and Internal WallThe design of the new steel roof construction has a complex geometric structure, following the exposed suspensions of the building – with cantilevering triangles. It consists of multiple steel RHS that are connected to each other by hidden connections. The contemporary structure is a monolithic steel frame without expansion joints. Quite a challenge in regard to thermal expansion. For this project, fire protection of the roof structure and internal wall assemblies were top priorities, considering the specific requirements regarding stability, structural integrity and fire safety in the building.Airtightness and Fire ProtectionPartel’s Euroclass A2-s1,d0 product system – IZOPERM PLUS A2 membrane and ECHOSEAL ALU FR adhesive tape – were used in order to improve the fabric performance. The solid walls had to be airtight, insulated, and fire-resistant in order to ensure that what was designed could be delivered.The team chose to deliver airtightness measure to external walls with an appropriate fire-rated vapour control system, such as IZOPERM PLUS A2, with high durability, mechanical strength, and moisture management properties. With unrivalled low emissivity of 0.05, the reflective surface can dramatically improve the thermal performance and prevent heat radiation. The team wanted to make sure a tested and compliant solution will be implemented, and the products will perform in a scenario where the building is exposed to a fire.In addition, fire safety in this tall, high-risk building with a large number of visitors and tenants, with open spaces and mobility consideration, the IZOPERM PLUS A2 fire-rated membrane plays a crucial role when incorporated into the wider fire engineering strategy. The membrane offers superior levels of fire performance and a very limited contribution to fire, furthermore, during a fire it will not pose a risk of smoke inhalation for people, as it produces minimal to no smoke and does not release flaming droplets.Sealing the membrane overlaps using Partel ECHOSEAL ALU A2 non-combustible adhesive tape, secured the level of airtightness and fire-resistance. This aluminium foil tape provides excellent cohesion, adhesion, and thermal stability, serving as an excellent barrier against moisture, and flame.The steel roof construction was covered with 152 glass units to facilitate maximum light.Designed by the Henry J. Lyons Architects, the rooftop venue incorporates a 360° viewing terrace of 15,500 sq ft, a crowning touch of this modern restoration project.The previous phase scheme of the Central Plaza redevelopment improved the energy efficiency of the building, airtightness and thermal performance using the ECHOFOIL IZO membrane together with CONEXO MULTISEAL adhesive tape.

While concrete walls and Armco barriers are conventionally used to help protect drivers and spectators at motor racing circuits around the world, products from the range of FIREFLY have been specified to provide the necessary fire protection periods within an East Midlands venue which has become a focus for E-sports enthusiasts in the UK.The work at The Metronome in Nottingham is being carried out by one of FIREFLY’s approved installers on behalf of the venue’s operator, Confetti Media and is making extensive use of the manufacturer’s FIREFLY Zeus Lite 90:30 barrier, along with the Collaroll product to create compartmentation throughout a basement area, and as parts of The Metronome are also used by Nottingham Trent University and its students as a recording and production studio, Krasi Fire Protection Ltd.’s contract is in fact being phased – with work due to complete to work around the academic year. The Contract Manager for Krasi Fire Protection Limited, Daniel Oldacre, commented: “We began using the FIREFLY barriers a couple of years ago instead of mineral wool based systems and have been getting very good training, specification and on-site support from the company. In the case of the contact here for the company which operates The Metronome, we put forward the FIREFLY Zeus Lite 90:30 as the best product to create the necessary fire barriers as part of a major refurbishment and FIREFLY’s Technical Manager, Dave Allen, assisted in supplying the necessary compliant details.  He is also attending site regularly to carry out the required inspections. It is quite a large and complex contract during which we will be installing barrier across the soffits and walls as well as protecting services such as ductwork.  While some of the spaces are confined, FIREFLY is easy to cut and fix in place and saves us a lot of time compared to conventional systems and although we are not installing horizontally here, we did have all 10 of our operatives trained up on FIREFLY’s Horizontal systems as part of the annual update on installation of the systems.”  FIREFLY Zeus Lite is ideally suited to this type of application, comprising a flexible woven fabric fire barrier that has been specifically developed for the vertical separation and compartmentation  of extensive concealed spaces within buildings.By offering 90 minutes integrity and 30 minutes insulation, FIREFLY Zeus Lite 90:30 exceeds the minimum requirements regarding fire barriers under the Building Regulations’ Approved Document B (Fire Safety).  The specially treated glass fibre fabric is strong and resilient as well as flexible while, crucially, the system’s certification covers the inclusion of service penetrations which some products do not. Manufactured from woven and non-woven glass, the FIREFLY range is designed to optimise resistance to flame and smoke as well as offer heat protection in a wide range of scenarios.  The barriers are easy to install horizontally or vertically using a full selection of FIREFLY ancillary products to ensure a fully tested and certified installed system.Images shown are taken during installation and some sections of the installation might be incomplete.