"light"

Knowle C of E Primary School in Solihull has undergone phase two of their major washroom refurbishment. Phase two of the refurbishment included additional washbasins, taps and final installations such as lighting and flooring. As one of the chosen washroom manufacturers in the final phase, Franke Water Systems provided:·        1 x SOLX1800T Miranit washtrough ·        3 x F3SV1001 self-closing tapsThe washtrough and taps were provided to complete the final phase of the project. Maintaining a high standard of hygiene is a key element to consider when specifying school washrooms. Franke’s composite washtroughs and basins are seamlessly moulded in Miranit, an advanced resin and granite composite with a gelcoat, providing a non-porous, robust and hygienic finish. Miranit is several times stronger than ceramic, highly impact-resistant and virtually shatter-proof, making it ideal for busy school washroom environments. Also provided were three F3 self-closing taps, the F3S range of taps combine functionality, robustness, and maintenance-friendly design which is ideal for highly frequented school washrooms.  

Privacy glass on a balcony is becoming a more frequent request. This installation by AC Fabrications in Cornwall on a domestic property perfectly displays how a glass privacy screen can be used. The partially frosted glass increases privacy for those on the balcony, people at ground level will not be able to see them. The non-frosted section allows the residents to enjoy their view from the privacy of their balcony. Taller glass on one side extends the privacy even more, and also will act as a windbreak. Frameless glass balustrade is often used as a windbreak on balconies, the solid pane of glass protecting those on the balcony. The installer has used POSIglaze base fit Silver brushed channel. Designed to provide the greatest possible adjustment opportunities, this system enables each panel to be perfectly aligned during, or even after, installation. POSIglaze is the perfect choice for residential to light commercial installations where up to 1.5kN frameless glass balustrade is required. This innovative patented and market leading screw-clamp technology locks glass panels into position effortlessly, with four immobilising fasteners per meter of channel. 

New air quality sensor provides confidence in operation with its traffic light design It is compact, intuitive and notifies you as soon as the indoor air quality deteriorates: the new air quality sensor CheckAER from SIEGENIA. Reliably and considerably faster than human consciousness, it registers when the indoor air becomes too highly polluted and it is time for it to be exchanged. As well as high CO2 values, this can also be due to total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), which frequently arise as a result of vapours emitted from furniture or cleaning agents. The risk of viruses in the indoor air also increases when there is insufficient ventilation.Easy and intuitive operationEasy and intuitive to programme and operate, CheckAER is the ideal solution for living spaces, schools, kindergartens and office buildings because it can be used free-standing on a table or be mounted on a wall. Programming is done easily and straightforwardly via Plug & Play with the aid of the USB cable included in the delivery, which is also a plus in terms of data security. In addition, it includes an automatic calibration to optimise the sensor accuracy. 

Hale Brown Architects were appointed to redesign 6 Middle Street with the brief to redevelop it into a modern office space that incorporates new sustainable design elements.Set within the narrow cobbled streets along the eastern boundary of the Smithfields Conservation Area this refurbishment included demolition of existing roof structure and replacing it with a feature glazed roof, creation of a mezzanine floor and installation of a cantilevered staircase. The concept was to open up the space to create free-flowing natural light throughout all floors, open up views, create natural ventilation and maximise ceiling heights while incorporating a timber slatted raft concealing service.3v provided a full ironmongery service for this project which including a mixture of brass and matt black products. Black products were used on timber doors and bespoke textured brass pad handles on black frame glass doors, the pad handles were chosen to compliment the detailing in the timber slatted ceiling raft and wall panelling. We think they work seamlessly together! Photography: Neil Kenyon

Edgingtons Architects were appointed by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead to design and deliver a new build sixth form building for Windsor Girls School. The external detailing of the brickwork takes inspiration from a mature oak tree that sits in close proximity to the building, ground floor representing the tree trunk and first floor the texture of the branches and leaves. Internally the building follows a simple layout with a neutral palette of cream, grey and light wood finishes.The ironmongery brief was to specify a simple, robust and affordable ironmongery scheme that would stand up to the typical heavy use of an education setting while ensuring the products were chosen to ensure a long life span. The scheme centres around our Vieler 522 safety lever handle and matching straight pull handle finished in stainless steel. We also supplied all door signage including stainless steel and black door discs denoting room numbers. The simple shape and finish of the ironmongery compliments the project aesthetics beautifully, creating the perfect educational space.Photography: Neil Kenyon

Long house is a modern interpretation of a Derbyshire Dales longhouse and houses three generations of their respective families. It was built to Passivhaus standards and to have minimal visual impact on its rural surroundings and featured in a September episode of Channel 4’s Grand Designs. On the ground floor, a combination of floor-to-ceiling windows and a completely open-plan layout fills the house with sunlight and creates a feeling of space and tranquillity. A shared sitting room for Sarah and Mike’s mothers is known as the ‘lady chapel’ and its oversized windows provide spectacular views across the valley.Energy efficiency, thermal performance and sustainability are all key when building to Passivhaus standards. The couple were also keen to meet the Royal Institute of British Architects 2030 Challenge targets for operational energy use, water usage and embodied carbon. Durability and security were also priorities.‘The windows are the stars of the show. The whole house feels full of light and life. The views are spectacular and in every room we feel part of the landscape, but without having to put a jumper on!’

Now reimagined as The Edinburgh Grand, the formerA-listed RBS head office built between 1938 and 1942 is animpressive building situated on St Andrew Square. With manypieces of Victorian antique brass and pewter ironmongeryand hundreds of original period doors throughout, theironmongery solution had to accommodate the traditionalaesthetic and be fit for the many demands of a modern hotel.Allgood was commissioned by the project’s architect andinterior designer, both long term partners of Allgood; KarenBrown of Chris Stewart Group and Eirini Christodoulou ofMorgan McDonnell. With such a striking, but unusual finish,finding coordinated hardware was a challenge. Severaloptions were assessed before settling on a brass finishapplied to the Allgood door closers, cylinders and joinerysubcontractor’s hinges.A collection of classic Frank Allart handles was chosen for allapartment front doors, which also integrated with the hotel’saccess control system. To match the patina of the agedhandles, a satin nickel-plated surface was given a light bronzefinish to produce an aged nickel silver appearance. Thisunlacquered, ‘living’ finish, will oxidize and patinate naturallyover time.

Spearheading an ambitious programme of regeneration, Canada Water Library resembles an inverted ‘ziggurat’ – a terraced pyramid of successively receding storeys – that partly overhangs the Canada Water basin.The £1.4m building sits at the edge of a civic plaza and a stretch of open water. The expanding pyramid form integrates a compact footprint at ground level with progressively wider floors above. The building is clad in light bronze anodised aluminium panels with sequined perforations, interspersed with recessed curtain wall screens. This design gives the project a sculptural appeal and a striking visual effect.Finished in bronze anodised aluminium, the structural sealant glazed facade and commercial doors were specified for the ground floor. A Visible Grid Facade has being used for the strips of curtain walling to the three upper floors, with top hung concealed vents and aluminiumdoors providing access to the balconies.The library forms part of the vibrant quayside at Canada Water - a historic Docklands that was once a bustling port. It was designed to exemplify the importance of the library, education and community facilities for local people and focus on the new phase of regeneration.

Working in close co-operation with the building envelope and façade contractor Colorminium, Metalline have produced a range of bespoke 3D twisted fins that will when complete take centre stage on the exterior of the redeveloped Minories Hotel in the City of London. This stunning feature was the brainchild of ACME architects who in collaboration with The Murphy Façade studio have designed a series of full storey aluminium fins that clad the existing precast frame and create a bridge between that and the unitised glazing. Fabricated offsite at Metalline’s state of the art manufacturing facility in Cannock, these 42 metre height fins were produced in 3.5 metre lengths with a depth of over 800mm. Manufactured in 2 parts, each element was assembled using a combination of aluminium stud welding and bonding techniques developed by Metalline. The fins were then fitted to the glazed panels using an aluminium bracket support system to ensure structural integrity. Finished in dark and light bronze PPC to mimic an anodised effect, the fins will create shading for the hotel’s occupants as well as an iconic architectural vista for this stand out landmark project.

The Bourne Business Park in Weybridge Surrey has recently completed two new attractive office spaces totalling over 90,000 square feet. This smart office space built for La Salle Investment Management by Volker Fitzpatrick features new thinking in office design and features a range of metal fabrications on the external envelope manufactured and supplied by Metalline. Using high grade J57S UP aluminium, Metalline manufactured and supplied a range of aluminium pressed components. These included a specialist fascia panel that incorporated bespoke internal supports to ensure that the front face of the panels remained extremely flat together with heads, jambs and cills, for the window pods. To accentuate the flat clean lines of the building, Metalline produced a special secret internal dual toggle, which guaranteed that each panel was aligned correctly and there was uniformity across all the panels. Designed to attract the eye these smart office spaces feature panels and pressings finished in a specialist Regency Gold 2 anodised finish together with glazed in panels in RAL 7035 light grey that were also supplied by Metalline.

application area: commercial ventilationuse type: offices, choir roomsproject scope: reline with minimal access to ductadded value: 25-year guarantee on air-tight and one-piece linerBackgroundThe 12 existing chimney flues had to be lined to be made suitable for ventilation to serve the newly refurbished building. From each room the flues were lined with VentilFlex-25 Green up to the attic level and out the top of the chimney. The team had to carry out a precision job in a confined space with minimal access to the duct.Statement of workVentilFlex-25 Green was chosen for this project because of its versatility and its long life span. The liner is light and comes as a soft and folded tube, which makes it easy to transport and to lower into the ventilation duct. Once in position, the liner is inflated and heated up, gradually assuming and maximising the internal dimensions of the existing ventilation duct. The resulting one-piece liner is corrosion resistant, completely air-tight and it carries a comprehensive 25-year guarantee.

Our expertise in the student accommodation sector has led to our aluminium fenestration systems being used on this new riverside scheme in Nottingham, which has been designed by architects Maber and built by main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland.Managed by student housing provider Student Roost, the new Deakins Place development is located within close proximity of the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee campus and offers stunning views of the River Leen. These views have been perfectly framed by our patented low U-value PURe® aluminium windows which have been installed by specialist contractor HKL.Specified with flat casement vents, our thermally-efficient PURe® aluminium windows have been installed to each apartment to increase the flow of natural light and to reduce heat loss. The slim aluminium fames have been powder coated to provide additional protection from the elements and to complement the wider façade design which features a stunning mix of natural building materials and colour palettes.

Having purchased a beautiful plot in the Sussex Countryside, our client designed a luxury basement health suite with spectacular lighting effects. Sauna360 UK was invited to provide a specially designed bespoke sauna and steam room to complete this home spa.Bespoke Sauna: Our client came to us with a design idea for a modern, sleek sauna interior that did not use traditional horizontal or vertical wall panelling. Sauna360 UK was able to bring the client's ideas to life using bespoke sauna boards to create a clean, contemporary look that is just as efficient and comfortable whilst also achieving the desired aesthetic. A full glass fascia was used to complete the sauna allowing the client to enjoy a spectacular view of the indoor pool and bespoke space wall art beyond; featuring real still footage captured by the NASA Hubble Telescope!Bespoke Steam Room: Sauna360 also installed an opulent, bespoke steam room alongside the sauna. Finished in a deep blue glass mosaic with generous, sweeping roll front benches, the client is able to relax in comfort and style. 

Working in Conjunction with Southway Housing and Urban Construction, JELD-WEN were delighted to provide the interior doorsets for 36 shared ownership apartments in Monton, a suburb of Eccles, in Greater Manchester. The Foundry is a stunning new apartment neighbourhood located in the heart of Monton, one of the fastest growing property hot spots in the North West. The Foundry comprises 36 beautifully designed one and two-bedroom apartments each with an open plan layout to maximise space and natural light, along with clean modern finishes and a high specification throughout. In line with the clean, contemporary interiors, JELD-WEN were delighted to supply the Newark ReadyFIT interior doorsets to the project, primed in white complete with satin hardware. To finish off the apartments, security and fire ratings were not compromised with providing the SecureFIT Flat Entrance Doorsets. In addition, the communal hallway doorsets were provided in a Paintgrade Premium door design with an FD60 fire rating.Project Address - Lansdowne Road, MontonClient - Southway HousingCustomer (Subcontractor) Urban ConstructionValue - £5.1mStatus - Complete

Our southern contracting team worked closely with McLaughlin & Harvey to provide a glazed partition package for the state-of-the art critical care unit at King’s College Hospital — one of London’s busiest and largest teaching hospitals.With valuable design input from Dr Tom Best MBE, Clinical Director for Critical Care at King’s, it was important that any solutions were durable, offered privacy to patients and allowed natural light to flow through the space. The key was to create an environment that aided patient recovery while also aiding visitors and staff alike.PURE20 single glazed partitions were used for glazed fronts with double sliding EclipseTec doors providing access to patient treatment rooms.Double glazed PURE100 partitions with integrated bottom-up blinds were utilised between individual patient rooms, offering full visual privacy to complement acoustic performance up to Rw 54 dB.Finally, FireStop Ei60 and Ei30 fire rated glazed double doors offered exit route protection through the main corridor and lobby.

Two shades of blue, light and dark, formally in glass panels, needed to be replicated when the glass was removed and replaced within areas of the rainscreen façade and spandrel panels across all levels of a student accommodation tower block in Kings Cross, London.Powdertech was sent shards of blue glass from the old windows, to match with a powder coating both in shade and gloss level. Working in close contact with the client Powdertech directed one of its powder manufacturers to make two unique shades of blue to match the old glass in both colour and gloss. Powdertech coated 4500 sq m of aluminium spandrel panels of sizes ranging from 350mm by 2500 mm to a larger size of 900mm by 4500mm.The non-combustible cladding panels are designed to help prevent fire damage quickly and easily spreading as part of the system. They perform to technical criteria, sound insulation and thermal performance and reduce environmental issues. Powdertech’s powder coatings and application techniques all conform to reaction to fire rating A2-s1,d0, thus contributing to the fire safety of the panels

Working on the Ground Floor Lobby, First Floor Gym, Level 10 and Level 17, Planet’s southern contracting team provided an extensive range of fire-rated and non-fire rated partition and door solutions to Building D of the Nine Elms development in Battersea.In the Ground Floor Lobby, non-fire rated single-glazed automatic bi-parting sliding doors were installed along with with 3150mm high LOFT20 XL partitions with reeded film. IsoPro doors (40 dB Rw) provided access to co-working spaces and meeting rooms.FireTec Ei30 fire rated doors and LOFT transom bars provided exit route protection on Level 1 in communal areas and on Level 10 along with a FireTec Ei60 window.On Level 17, two FireTec Ei30 double door sets with overhead panels provided access to the indoor lounge area and bar area, while a single LOFT20 screen offered additional natural light passage between the lounge and adjoining demonstration kitchen.

Delivered an elegant Green (Living) Wall at the iconic One Hyde Park building using a a combination of Jakob’s high-quality stainless-steel ropes, rods and planters.Our green wall has been installed to the eastern edge of the One Hyde Park building; where it lines the route of a new pedestrian walkway (Serpentine Walk), just a few steps away from Harrods. The wall creates a stunning green corridor between Hyde Park and the nearby Harrods store and 80 luxury apartments.The Jakob Green Wall system was chosen due to its aesthetic appeal suiting the architectural design of the building and the 21st century trend of city greening.The green wall provides both a visual and physical link between the expansive open spaces of Hyde Park and the busy street scene along Knightsbridge. The greening is also a taster of the views from the opulent penthouse suites above.Alongside the LED lighting, the green wall makes the building unique and distinctive. Ensuring that it looks great, both day and night.

Waddesdon School, a secondary school in Buckinghamshire, had issues with poor behaviour from students in their toilets and there was a shortage of girls toilets causing further problems to the schools. They approached Brookhouse for a solution.Our SolutionAfter visiting the school, our designers determined that the best solution was to create a open unisex washroom. By turning the washrooms into one washroom and creating an opening to the corridor meant that supervision and visibility into the area reduced the behaviour issues. This along with our unique school floor to ceiling cubicle system made in solid grade laminate and bolt through hardware, we were able achieve the durability required. By making the washrooms Unisex also spread out the demand and unutilised all the cubicles.We ProvidedWashroom DesignSpace Planning/3D VisualsProject ManagementDividing Wall Removed & Corridor Opening CreatedNew Waste ServicesFloor to Ceiling Solid Grade Cubicle IPS SytemDecoration & Hygiene Wall CladdingSuspended CeilingsVinyl FlooringElectrics and LightingIndividual Vent to each cubicle

Nearly 500 square meters of Flotex Planks form the basis for a relaxed soccer experience for almost 400 VIP guests in the VIP lounge of the Benteler Arena in Paderborn. Christian Schuster from Freiraum Planungsbüro was responsible for the feel-good ambience. Here, the sports club's holistic interior design concept includes not only a fancy lighting installation but also the creative design of the floor surfaces. "The unique feel of the flooring and its sound-absorbing effect decelerate the atmosphere in the room, " says Schuster, who particularly appreciates the combination of functional and design aspects for Forbo Flooring. It was precisely this combination of the exclusive look of the textile surface and high durability of the flooring that also convinced the sports club SC Paderborn to give preference to the flock flooring. While Flotex planks in a herringbone pattern in three harmonious colourways in the main area, a calm grey tone was chosen for the adjacent lounge and a radiant red tone for the new media lounge. With around 90 colourways, Flotex's broad colour selection offers the opportunity to set colour highlights.

Whitethorn Village is an attractive residential scheme positioned adjacent to the centre of Naas. The contemporary development led by Cairn Homes PLC includes a mix of spacious family homes and two apartment buildings. These comfortable, sustainable residences offer the very best in terms of quality and energy efficiency.Developer Cairn Homes collaborated with Horizon Offsite to deliver the impressive 5-storey residential blocks in Whitethorn Village, benefiting from off-site fabrication, accuracy, and rapid completion within a tightly controlled cost plan.The apartments were constructed using an offsite fabricated light gauge steel (LGS) structural system. The external LGS wall panels and floor decking used in this system incorporated a number of Partel’s low carbon building envelope solutions. This included the advanced fire rated components EXOPERM MONO DURO 200 breather membrane and ECHOSEAL ALU FR airtight and windtight tape, the multi-purpose adhesive VERBOND, and also the phA Class Passive House Certified components IZOPERM PLUS vapour control layer and VARA SEAL smart airtight tape.

We've met Nick & Vicky Architects at Holloway & Holloway, when they’d just finished their rear and side extension. As their family is now bigger, they decided to create a brand new loft extension.You’ve just finished remodelling your home. Congratulations! Tell us what was the timeline from buying the house to now?Well, it’s been quite the journey! We bought the house over 4 years ago now. We always bought it as a project, so we knew that it was going to be something that would take a number of years to complete.The house needed a lot of work from day 1. In fact, I have a photo, taken at 9 am the morning after we moved in with my wife sledgehammer in hand, knocking a wall down. I quit work shortly after we moved in and I spent the next few months working on the house, mostly getting the first floor fit for us to live in, but also fixing the kitchen and other areas.We basically took the first floor back to brick work and joists. We fitted new plumbing and electrics, installed a new bathroom, new floors and so on. I managed to get a new kitchen from free-cycle which so we could replace our one, which wasn’t really in a working state.Once that was done, we had a home that we could live in and work from and that was around the time that we started our practice, Holloway and Holloway.As we got busier with work, we started to get a bit more hands off with the actual building work and allow people who were more qualified than I was to start helping us out, and we focused more on the design work.The next stage was the side and rear extension which we did a couple of years later, finishing in early 2021. The idea being that we would have a nice entertaining space for us to spend time in with friends and family before we had children! A couple of weeks after we finished, Covid hit, and that dream didn’t become a reality. It was amazing to have a really lovely space for us to spend lockdown in though.The loft conversion was timed with us wanting to start a family. When Vicky fell pregnant, we started more serious arrangements to start this final stage of the works. It was finished (or mostly finished at least) the same week that our son was born, so we did manage to come home to a quiet house at least.Why did you choose to do the renovation in staged phases?It was mostly to do with money really. There were certain elements that we needed to do straight away to live comfortably in the property, but after we were settled, it was a question of saving up to be able to do the works. As we weren’t in need of extra bedrooms at the time, it seemed that we would get more immediate benefit out of the works to the ground floor so that is why we started there.Even if there wasn’t a need to save up we would likely have tried to do the work in phases so that we could stay in the house during the works. Moving out adds even more to the cost of the works, and as it was just us two in the house at the time, it was easy enough for us to adapt to moving around the house and living through the noise and dust of building works. It would have been a very different story with little ones to take care of as well.Why did you choose to add a loft extension to your home? And what are the most important things to keep in mind when designing a loft extension?For us we needed to build the loft extension to move our office space to the top of the house so that we had somewhere quiet to work. But regardless of our working situation, it is a great thing to do to maximise the space in your home.Converting a loft space or adding a dormer extension, is generally the most cost-effective way to add space to your home, especially in tight urban settings. For us, we were able to add two bedrooms and a bathroom to our home, which is vital for our growing family to expand into. By doing this work, it extends the life of our home for us, now we have a great sized family home, where otherwise we would likely have had to move in the future to get extra space as our family grows.We’ve designed and built lots of loft extensions as architects, so it was really interesting for us to try and take out what we thought were the most important lessons from the experiences we have had and put them all into our own project.Firstly, it is worth noting that our council will override planning policy in some circumstances, in favour of good design, so by using high quality materials, in our case the dark metal cladding, we were able to get permission for a larger extension than would have been allowable otherwise. So, though the cladding material was more expensive, we gained more space, and hence more saleable floor area.The next was insulation, this was a gamble for us as we know the theory about its benefits, but when you are having to balance costs on your building project it seems an easy place to cut back on and save money.Building regulations require a certain level of insulation, but you can go far beyond this, and more insulation means that your home will take on less heat in summer, keeping it cooler, and will let out less heat in winter, keeping it warmer. We decided to go well above the basic requirements, and we have found that just as the theory states, our loft is a much more comfortable space throughout the year than our neighbours, which we know gets uncomfortably hot in summer, to the extent that they struggle to work in the loft in mid-summer.The last lesson would be good ventilation. Though the additional insulation helps keep temperatures steady, when temperatures soar in the UK, it can still get very hot in your loft. This is compounded by the fact that all the warm air in your home will rise up to the top of the house. Adding an openable rooflight over the stairs is an incredible tool for thermally controlling your entire home. Opening it acts as a chimney letting all of the hot air out of the roof and pulling new fresh cooler air in at low level, creating a really nice through breeze in the home. The added benefit is that you also get loads of natural light over the stairs, which trickles down all the way to the ground floor.You’ve chosen to introduce both Vario by VELUX bespoke rooflights, regular VELUX windows, and VELUX curved glass rooflights. Why?There is method to the madness. Over the stairs, we wanted to have a rooflight that was sized to evenly fit the shape of the room, with an even offset from all the walls, so for that we needed the bespoke sizing of a Vario by VELUX flat rooflight.For the bedroom, we wanted to have some light come in from above, and although it would have been visually amazing to have a large rooflight here, we felt the VELUX Curved Glass roof window was more appropriate, as it had integrated blinds that would easily make the window blackout at the touch of a button, which Vario be VELUX will start offering as of December 2021.The VELUX windows are necessary to get light in from the front façade of the property via the pitched roof. These were the only way we could get light into the bathroom, and for our office, it enables the room to be dual aspect, which gives constant direct daylight and also fantastic through ventilation.We love the new studio roof window that VELUX has launched recently, but I just love the way the top hung light open, I think it looks so impressive. Also, as I’m fairly tall, the Top hung windows are great as I can walk underneath them when they are open easily. What impact do the rooflights and roof windows have on your everyday life at home and especially in relation to the thing you do at home?To be honest, we worked from home pre-pandemic, and so we spent a lot of time in our home even before the lockdowns came along and working practices began to change. We are firm believers that you need to make your home work for you rather than be set up for others and that really came to the forefront over the pandemic to a lot of our client’s minds, as they were suddenly not hosting people as much or at all and they had less spaces in the wider world they were able to visit. So, they started to think more about how their home could meet all of their needs.In practice, this could be as simple as putting a sofa bed into the spare room instead of a fixed bed that limits the space and is only used infrequently. This then allows you to turn the rest of the space into an arts and crafts room, or a cinema room for family movie nights. It's about trying to get the most use out of the space that you have.As far as the rooflights go, I’ve already mentioned the practical benefits of ventilation and natural light, but in many ways, I suppose the biggest impact they have is how they change spaces from what could be quite standard spaces into light, bright, modern spaces, they make you feel like you’re living in some sort of architectural magazine, and it is a lovely feeling that doesn’t really dampen over time.  

GEC Anderson stainless steel worktops were included in a recent Cornwall kitchen refurbishment, designed and installed by George Robinson Kitchens who produce hand crafted, bespoke kitchens, near Penzance. For homeowners, Mr. & Mrs. Bull, the choice of materials was pivotal to the design of their home kitchen, particularly, as their long-term plan is to use the space as a cookery school. Stainless steel was therefore a key element and was chosen not only for its visual properties and low lifetime cost but also for its ability to withstand heavy usage, to be heat resistant and to remain germ-free. From a visual perspective, the work surfaces make up a significant proportion of the colour and texture in the room. In this Georgian property in Cornwall, the materials and textures chosen make for an eclectic yet functional space. The inherent durability and unsurpassed hygienic properties of the brushed stainless steel elements from GEC Anderson will make it perform extremely well as a professional kitchen. The Tulip wood and Oak wood with its different painted finishes together with the white Silestone quartz top on the central island top provides a striking contrast to the stainless steel in one corner, giving a light and pleasant, contemporary, feel.The L-shaped brushed satin stainless steel worktop and integral sink is made to measure and benefits from being manufactured in one continuous piece thus maximising the use of space in the corner in which it is situated. Furthermore, with no joins at the sink bowl, edges and upstands, the surface remains germ free as well as being free of visual clutter and noise. One side of the L-shape includes a generously sized (500x400mm) single bowl and draining area, whilst the other, provides useful and practical work surface. A 100mm high, integral, back upstand was also specified, providing a neat, practical and watertight junction to walls.Owner Dr Matt Bull says, “My wife and I liked the toughness of the stainless steel and the fact that it can take hot and cold, doesn't stain, reflects light and provides an hygienic surface that is easy to clean. Stainless steel also gains character as it ages, where many surfaces will deteriorate, so that’s a real bonus.” He added, “We struggled to find anyone locally who could manufacture the stainless steel elements of the kitchen to a sufficiently high standard. The neatness of the welding and the configuration of the shape, drainer recess etc. were key to what GEC Anderson could offer.”GEC Anderson stainless steel worktops are supplied fully sound deadened, plastic protected 

JT Atkinson, a family owned independent builders' merchant in the North of England, needed a lightweight yet robust drainage solution for their new branch in Stokesley. They required a reliable and durable solution which would be installed quickly, to ensure their 30th branch opened on time.  The branch yard would be a highly trafficked area, so the JT Atkinson team were seeking a drainage solution that could withstand large loads and constant heavy traffic of forklift trucks and articulated lorries.Technodrain is an advanced, linear drainage channel, providing versatility whilst being economic, light and quick to install. Constructed of High Density Polyethylene (HD-PE), it delivers long life with low whole-life cost. Having used Clark-Drain products at their other branch sites, the JT Atkinson team knew first-hand the quality of Clark-Drain’s products and customer service.Designed for surface water management, the versatility of Technodrain enables it to be used across all construction environments as a light, robust, solution for run-off surface design. Technodrain’s size-to-weight ratio maximises its savings in transport and installation costs, and this installation was within the limits set by the HSE manual handling guidelines for a one person lift.Chris Gilbertson, Project Manager for JT Atkinson, says: “We were looking for a quality drainage product which would be easy to install, able to withstand F900 loads, and be long lasting. Technodrain from Clark-Drain is the ideal solution and doesn’t disappoint. Not only does it provide us with the drainage we need at a competitive price, the installation was extremely easy thanks to its lightweight nature.”Technodrain was installed at the Stokesley branch of JT Atkinson in October 2019.WHY THIS PRODUCT WAS CHOSEN Hard wearing – Constructed of High Density Polyethylene (HD-PE), Technodrain delivers long life with low whole-life cost.Easy to install – Tongue and groove joints allow for ease of installation and the connection of multiple channels. Preformed lateral and vertical channel outlets also provide quick and easy connection to discharge pipes.Cost effective – whilst providing a safe environment and a highly efficient system for surface water clearance. BS EN1433:2002 – Load handling performance is rated at 90 tonnes, making it durable with strength to spare in an area used by a range of vehicles from forklift trucks to artic lorries.Hydraulic performance – With maximum through-flow of 8.25 litres per second and a water way area of 372cm2, it has more than enough capacity for JT Atkinson.Bolted locking system – Technodrain features a bolted locking system, with 4 bolts in every 500mm to avoid grating movement.

At Twinfix, we’re not just about installing canopies; we’re about revolutionising airport environments with our innovative solutions. One such solution that has significantly impacted passenger safety, well-being, and overall airport sustainability is our Multi-Link-Panel NF system. Let’s delve deeper into how this product enhances the airport experience: Enhanced Passenger Safety and Well-being:The Multi-Link-Panel NF system is designed with passenger safety as a top priority. Its robust construction and high-quality materials ensure durability and stability, even in the most challenging weather conditions. By providing sheltered walkways and waiting areas, the system enhances passenger comfort and well-being, reducing exposure to harsh elements such as rain, wind, and excessive sunlight. This contributes to a more pleasant and stress-free airport experience for travellers and staff alike. Versatile Applications:Our Multi-Link-Panel NF system isn’t just limited to walkways; its versatility allows for various applications throughout the airport environment. From covered passenger drop-off points to outdoor dining areas and baggage collection zones, the system can be tailored to suit the specific needs of each airport. This flexibility ensures that every space within the airport is optimised for functionality and passenger convenience. Sustainability Focus:At Twinfix, we’re committed to sustainability, and our Multi-Link-Panel NF system reflects this ethos. Constructed from recyclable materials and designed for longevity, the system minimises environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency. Additionally, the natural light-transmitting properties of our canopies reduce the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours, further reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Key Benefits of our products:Durability: Engineered to withstand the rigors of airport environments, ensuring long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance requirements.Aesthetics: Sleek and modern design enhances the visual appeal of airport surroundings, creating a welcoming atmosphere for passengers.Customisation: Tailored solutions to meet the unique requirements of each airport, ensuring optimal functionality and efficiency.Safety: Designed with passenger safety in mind, providing shelter and protection from the elements.Sustainability: Environmentally friendly materials and energy-efficient design contribute to airport sustainability goals. From Belfast to Bristol, our Multi-Link-Panel NF system is transforming airports across the UK, setting new standards for safety, sustainability, and passenger experience. As we continue to innovate and evolve, we’re committed to partnering with airports to create spaces that prioritise safety, comfort, and environmental responsibility.

When Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace planned a London venue for its roller-skating experience, it needed a durable, sprung hardwood floor that could withstand the heavy traffic of a busy roller-skating rink. The choice fell on Junckers SylvaSport beech flooring, a trusted floor system suitable for a multitude of activities. Working closely with the designers 93ft, the experienced team at Junckers’ approved flooring contractor Hutchison Flooring devised the optimal layout and choice of flooring system for the best roller-skating performance possible. A meticulous installation plan which encompassed working alongside all trades on site was formulated and consequently followed to the letter in order to bring the project in on time and budget. The building for the new venue is a Grade II listed former power station, which meant there were restrictions on fixing to the original fabric of the building. The brief was that no alterations to the substrate were allowed, nor could the floor be fixed down, the entire flooring system had to be floating. The existing surface to build the floor from was a concrete substrate that was not completely level. To overcome the problem, Hutchison Flooring used a low-level New Era cradle and batten system from Junckers, which provided a laser-perfect level floor surface. Hutchison Flooring lay a polythene membrane with a 150mm overlap and taped joints to ensure sufficient vapour barrier followed by the cradle which involved carefully packing to the exact tolerances for every sprung cradle to ensure a perfectly level and flat floor for the skating ring. 22mm battens where laid in the cradles, brick bond staggered to create a perfect and reliable bond to the floor when nailed onto the battens. Junckers SylvaSport beech flooring was laid using a compression nailer on every batten on every row and 0.4mm spacers were included on every row to allow the correct expansion within the floor. Inspiration for the interior came from the original Flipper’s venue run by Ian Ross in the late Seventies and early Eighties. The client brief was for an immersive roller-skating experience with world-class sound and lighting. Central to the state-of- the-art indoor rink was a jet-black floor, an element the client insisted on. The black surface amplifies the atmosphere by maximising the reflection of the overhead lights, LED screens and mirrored panels on the sides. Junckers black-stained beech SylvaSport flooring has the desired jet-black, matt finish to provide the perfect backdrop to Flipper’s logo which is placed in the centre of the rink. Specialist court marking company MJ Courtmarkers custom made CNC laser cut vinyl templates of the logo which was painted with Junckers’ HP Sportsline line marking paint before being overcoated with HP Sports lacquer. 

Arwel House, a mid-twentieth-century brick-built house nestled in the Staffordshire countryside, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Originally constructed in the 1950s, the house had lost its charm over the years due to wear and unsightly alterations.Gowercroft products used:Peveril Lift and Slide DoorsMelbourne DoorsHardwick Casement WindowsAccoya®Initially considering demolition, the owners consulted architect Benjamin Machin, who proposed a more sustainable and cost-effective approach. Machin envisioned a retrofit and remodelling process that would highlight the house's character and unique details, re-establishing its connection with the surrounding gardens and agricultural landscape.The interior rooms were refurbished, and a new two-story extension was added to provide additional living and bathroom space. The outdated veranda and sunroom at the front of the property were removed, along with their degraded PVC-u windows and joinery.A striking garden room now graces the south-facing elevation, featuring an imposing white façade that interacts with the shadows cast by nearby trees. Gowercroft Joinery played a pivotal role in this transformation, manufacturing large timber-framed windows and sliding doors for the garden room. White timber-clad columns, reminiscent of the original veranda, complement the overall design.Two covered external spaces adjacent to the garden room serve as pleasant sitting areas, bridging the gap between indoors and outdoors. Gowercroft's oversized timber-framed lift and slide patio doors, French doorsets, and classic casement windows flood the house with natural light. Their slim profiles harmonise with the surrounding materials and colours, seamlessly blending the transition from brick and quarry tiles to stone paving outside.Throughout the project, one set of Peveril lift and slide doors, three Melbourne French doors, and 22 Hardwick casement windows were installed. Manufactured from sustainable Accoya® wood and equipped with energy-efficient double glazing, these windows and doors ensure a comfortable interior environment while requiring minimal maintenance.Thanks to Benjamin Machin's bold design, Arwel House has been revitalised into a contemporary, light-filled, and inviting family home. The transformation has garnered love and appreciation from the entire family, breathing new life into this once tired and unremarkable 1950s house.“Gowercroft’s windows and doors strike the right balance between low maintenance, energy efficiency and innovation and a heritage rooted in traditional joinery and craftsmanship. Their slim profiles have an elegant simplicity with carefully considered sightlines that complement the overall design.”Benjamin Machin

Armourcoat’s Perlata architectural coating brings a pearlescent quality to Wakefields in Horsham, enhancing the fine gemstones, jewellery and watches on display in the Sussex store.Wakefields has a family heritage spanning more than 100 years and four generations, focussed on delivering personalised service to match its fine jewellery and iconic watch brands.To coincide with expansion of its Rolex showroom, Wakefields invested in a full store redesign. The objective was to elevate the customer experience and create a luxury boutique feel whilst retaining the warmth and charm of the store. Retail design consultant Innovare Design blended high-end design details to deliver a theatrical space, balanced with creation of a series of discreet personal consultation rooms.The choice of Armourcoat’s Perlata architectural coating in neutral shades has helped to deliver the ambience demanded. The subtle shimmer of the coating, achieved through inclusion of pearlescent pigments, highlights the contemporary, luxury feel without overpowering accent features, transforming light within and enhancing the pieces on display.Explained Innovare Creative Director Lloyd Blakey:“We explored different finishes that would exude a contemporary, luxury feel that would sit comfortably alongside the Wakefields offer. It needed to enhance, and add to, the layering of details of the scheme rather than overpower them."“Quite simply, Perlata was the right finish for the project. Its beautiful iridescent quality transforms the light as you move through and around the store. The finished scheme looks stunning and Perlata is one of the finishes that helps deliver the ‘wow’ factor the client was looking for."“Armourcoat was very helpful and supportive, especially bearing in mind much of the shop-fitting took place during and in-between lockdowns.”Added Wakefields Managing Director Dominic Wakefield:“Perlata was the perfect system to achieve a luxury wall finish to compliment the rest of the store. We like to create theatre and stories when our customers come in; Perlata gives us a chance to talk about the application and sparkle, which customers have loved.”Armourcoat Perlata is an architectural coating system available in 96 colours. Created from a matte basecoat and multiple pearlescent topcoat layers, Perlata is formulated to prevent mould, mildew and bacterial growth making it suitable for use in most internal environments, including bathrooms and swimming pools. It has a low VOC and is stain resistant and can be scrubbed/wiped clean.Project: Wakefields Jewellers, HorshamInterior Design: Innovare DesignPhotography: TobyPhillipsPhotography.co.uk

A complex project with a sympathetic renovation for its usersIssueThe North Tyneside Area Command Headquarters in Wallsend, Newcastle Upon Tyne, was a new £23m development incorporating office facilities, custody suite and police HQ serving the local community on this 6-acre site.ApproachConsiderable effort was made to ensure that all requirements were met in terms of durability, performance requirements and design. Bespoke blends and colours were developed to ensure that the finishes matched both DDA requirements and those set by home office guidelines as well as matching the concept of such a modern building from a design and colour perspective.SolutionThe colours selected by the designers create a stunning, bright, clean environment for those in custody. The building’s focal point, the central atrium, is spherical in shape which allows a large degree of natural light within the building, whilst other areas are designed to be functional and yet modern. High ceilings and wide width corridors also provide a significant feeling of openness and space.Altro Proof™ eliminated delay in the programme by tolerating damp, difficult surfaces and suppressing moisture on all the internal surfaces. This allowed subsequent full opacity coverage with a single coat of special Altro Tect further reducing project cost and time.Altro Seal reduced the gloss levels to provide the necessary diffused light reflectance and low glare to facilitate the necessary CCTV operation.Altro Screed™ 4mm variant and Altro Screed™ 3mm vertical variant were provided in standard and bespoke colour-ways for the flooring and rendered surfaces to meet the particular regulatory and design needs.The Altro Proof collection gives you the ultimate in easy-to-apply damp-proof membranes. An effective single coat application provides protection across a range of moisture contents from relative humidity of more than 75% to 97% wet, (surface dry).Altro Tect is a solvent-free high-build epoxy resin and offers a robust gloss finish. Available in a wide variety of colours, it gives good chemical and abrasion resistance.Altro Seal water-based matt variant is a resin seal that is easy to apply and provides a cosmetic clear matt finish when used over Altro Flow, Altro Screed and Altro Mosaic.Altro Screed is a solvent-free epoxy resin system providing a good level of chemical resistance.Altro Flexiflow can handle impact yet be flexible enough to move with your building.

Birkdale supplied its innovative DuraPost fence post system for a series of up-market new-build properties located alongside the scenic Hamble River. Specified for its modern style and durability, the powder coated galvanised steel solution also helped to overcome a series of specific onsite challenges due to its light weight.SPECIFIED PRODUCTSProperty developer Kevin Smith at K & J Contracts Ltd, based in the picturesque Hampshire village of Hamble-leRice, needed a high-quality fencing solution to apply the finishing touch to the construction of four new premium residential homes. While visiting his local Strutka Group builders’ merchants, Kevin was impressed by a display of DuraPost fencing products installed on site by contractors Silvervale Ltd.Following a discussion with Silvervale, Kevin specified DuraPost gravel boards for use between the brick piers in the front gardens of the four new homes, and he chose intermediate DuraPost fence posts for the rear gardens, to be used together with prefabricated fence panels. DuraPost fence post caps and capping rails were also specified, with all of the products in RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey tocomplement the windows, doors and gates of each property. The systems were supplied and installed by Silvervale, which is one of Birkdale’s Elite Stockists and trained installers.OVERCOMING ONSITE CHALLENGESHowever, there were a number of onsite challenges, which Silvervale had to overcome during installation. The properties are located on a narrow residential road, so access to the site proved to be an issue. Likewise, the early stages of the project took place in adverse weather conditions, resulting in a potential injury risk from slipping in the excavated mud.Fortunately, the light weight of DuraPosts meant that the Silvervale team could easily and safely transport the specified products in fewer trips, enabling them to get everything onsite quickly and to get on with the installation, irrespective of the weather.STYLISH, VERSATILE AND DESIGNED TO LAST“DuraPost is an excellent, stylish and versatile fence post solution,” commented Murray Moggach, Managing Director at Silvervale. “Not only is it easy to install, but its durable qualities also give you peace of mind that you are installing fence posts that have been designed to last.”The four-property development is now complete and the homes are all sold. Property developer Kevin concluded: “If you are looking for a fencing solution that offers a unique and modern appearance, DuraPost is ideal. I’m delighted with the finished fencing and how it perfectly complements the properties’ overall design.”

A new crematorium facility for Huntingdon Town Council, Huntingdon Crematorium is a collection of buildings equipped with ceremonial spaces and the appropriate crematory functions. The specification of Vandersanden’s Perla and Morvan bricks has resulted in buildings that have made a striking contribution to the landscape of the greenfield site while also helping to change the accepted perception of crematorium buildings. “We were looking for a way of making the process of going to an end of life ceremony uplifting and hopeful,” explains Mark Doohan, managing director at Benchmark Architects. “We had the idea of creating a curved, white, brick building within which there are beautiful, light filled and airy spaces.” When envisioning the scheme, the team at Benchmark Architects realised that by inserting a black brick wall across the site they could create a ‘canvas’ that provided the separation between the front of house and working areas of the crematorium. Against this, on one side, they packed three curved white brick volumes to create the key spaces, adjusted in height according to the hierarchy of their importance: the entrance lobby, waiting room and chapel. Out of sight, behind the wall, are the cremators, plant rooms, offices and other functional elements. The design focuses on a central drum flooded with natural light. The main building contains the ceremonial hall for 125 people, waiting rooms and crematory with capacity for two cremators. A second building contains a multi-purpose function room - that can be used for wakes - and a café with associated catering facilities and administrative offices. Having created the design vision, the choice of appropriate bricks was crucial. Good white bricks are hard to come by, often they’re tinged with yellow or beige; finding black bricks that are not simply colour coated or are a dark blue is equally hard, says Doohan.“We were delighted when we were able to find the Vandersanden bricks. We genuinely love the texture and through colour quality of Vandersanden’s white Perla and black Morvan bricks. They set off our concept perfectly, with the white brick capturing the light in the way that we envisioned when first sketching out the idea.” A double soldier course heads the windows to form a band around the building and is repeated close to the top of the main drum. There is also a recessed course 500 mm off the ground that creates a scored line at the base, bringing additional balance to the building. This is achieved by setting one course back by some 25 mm. Another advantage of the Vandersanden bricks is that they can be used in the ground below DPC level, visually rooting the building to the landscape. It was essential that the volumes were homogenous in feel so a good mortar match was vital. Lime mortar was selected and was aesthetically important due to its colour, texture and because its flexibility reduced the number of movement joints required. The lime used, NHL 3.5, was naturally white; for the black brickwork it was pigmented. When seen from a distance, only the overall form of the building is perceived but, on getting closer, the brick details start to stand out. Then, when really close, the contribution that the texture, pattern, shape and almost handmade quality of the individual bricks makes to the quality of the building becomes clear. We’re always keen to specify products where we get really good technical support, notes Doohan. “Vandersanden were excellent at providing advice and technical backup whenever we had a question. Since becoming aware of Vandersanden products, they are our go-to source for brick. As architects, we’re image-based creatures so the website is incredibly helpful. It’s an excellent way of being able to see the bricks in loads of different and inspiring building types. Many brick suppliers don’t show that connection. Most importantly, our client for Huntingdon Crematorium is delighted with the brickwork.”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

Fastlight Direct have undergone a refurbishment of their washrooms and chose Franke Water Systems as one of the chosen washroom manufacturers. Products provided included:2 x ANMW411 single Quadro Miranit Washbasins1 x ANMW421 double Quadro Miranit Washbasin 4 x F3SV1001 self-closing tapsMaintaining a high standard of hygiene is a key element to consider when specifying any washroom project. Franke’s Miranit composite wash basins are seamlessly moulded in Miranit, an advanced resin and granite composite material with a gelcoat layer, providing a non-porous, robust and hygienic finish. Miranit is several times stronger than ceramic, highly impact-resistant and virtually shatter-proof, making it ideal for busy washroom environments. The F3S self-closing taps are perfect for reducing water consumption with its proven piston-free self-closing water control. These highly durable self-closing F3 taps have been tried and tested over a million times, ensuring a long-lasting solution. The push cap is light and easy to use, with adjustable flow stop time for a one push operation.

This newly renovated block is a new executive apartment scheme based on Duhamel Place, St Helier.With completion in Q4 2023, this selection of modern new build apartments come to the market offering spacious living, whilst allowing plenty of natural light throughout. The design of the apartments has been done by Page Architects and finished to a high specification by Park Homes.Build-up 1: 5mm laminate flooring (Carpet in bedrooms) – 25mm GenieBoard 302 – 5mm GenieMat RST05 – 18mm plywood – 185mm steel joists – 150mm acoustic insulation within joists – 2No 15mm FireLine board – Suspended metal frame ceiling incorporating GenieClip LB – 12.5mm wallboard – skim finish.Build-up 2: 5mm laminate flooring (Carpet in bedrooms) – 5mm GenieMat RST05, 175mm concrete slab, GenieClip RST ceiling - 12.5mm wallboard – skim finish.The post completion testing demonstrates that the environmentally friendly construction has exceeded residential requirements by 3dB in airborne (achieving DnT,w +Ctr 48dB in situ) and 7dB in impact (achieving L'nT,w 55dB in situ) while offering a quick and simple install. 

Stainless steel splashbacks, by GEC Anderson, were recently deployed in an apartment kitchen, overlooking London’s Hampstead Heath. The specification was a little challenging due to the shape and size of the required pieces. In particular, the curved corner within the kitchen gave the project very much a one-off feel. Rather than merely being an internal feature, the curve follows the outer form of the brick building.The subtle blend of colours exudes calmness but does not appear cold. This is probably due to the lighting as well as the contrasting colours in the adjacent spaces, notably, the red bench seating but also the dark bookshelf that also follows the curvature of the room.The stainless steel splashbacks were made to measure, to precisely suit the design and requirements and were produced in GEC Anderson’s standard brushed satin finish. Measuring and installation was also undertaken by GEC Anderson.GEC Anderson (founded in 1962) specialise in purpose made stainless steel sinks, worktops, cabinets, shelving and splahsbacks. Their products have been specified in a great number and variety of projects, ranging from residential kitchens to commercial and public spaces, including health, education, infrastructure, retail, offices and the arts.

After almost 30 years, Bellway Homes has relocated to a new purpose-built headquarter office building. Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, the company have settled into the newly formed energy- efficient Airview Park adjacent to Newcastle Airport.  The company were previously based in a small, listed property with cellular offices that were no longer fit for purpose. With light and spacious open-plan office space, the move was the perfect opportunity to support the company’s growth.  The facility houses 100 staff members and include high-spec welfare facilities including a gym, breakout room and a roof terrace. The state-of-the-art office space also features a new training hub providing educational facilities for Bellway Academy. Benefitting from a rich landscape setting, the overall design concept was to create a ‘Pavilion in a Park’. With this in mind, the external design was equally as important as the building itself. Various Tobermore block paving and permeable paving products were used. The hard landscaping featured Tobermore’s award winning paving product Braemar. The premium product fulfilled both aesthetic and design aspirations. 

Despite their newly built facilities, St Peter’s were facing a tricky problem: the lack of shelter for pupils in their outside recreational areas. A courtyard adjoining the dining hall was an ideal location for a new covered area, but the odd rhomboid shape and tricky access made finding a suitable solution somewhat difficult. The transmission of natural light to adjacent classrooms also needed careful consideration.Areas like this are simple to cover with Streetspace’s flexible canopy designs, so we installed a stunning 15.5m x 14.5m Orion Barrel vault tensile membrane canopy which provides a covered yet still fresh air space where students can socialise at break and lunchtimes. The structure was installed on a very quick turnaround during the summer break, ready for the new academic year.The school are extremely pleased with the completed project. Chris Sharples, the site manager commented that “both staff and pupils love the design and the practicality of the canopy, and we now have a space where large numbers of pupils can shelter in adverse weather conditions. Our design brief and additional needs were met 100%.”