"bedroom suites beds bunks"

Client: NHS HighlandLocation: Inverness, Scotland, UKYear: 2023Project size: 400 m²Vebro systems: vebrobound StoneAn attractive, slip-resistant alternative to tarmac was required for the outdoor areas surrounding an elective care centre in the heart of Inverness Campus.NHS Highland, one of the fourteen regions of NHS Scotland, provides physical and mental health services across the Highland and Argyll and Bute Council areas, covering an area of 32,500 km² and serving a population of 320,000 people.NHS Highland has opened a new elective care facility at Inverness Campus, a hub for world-class research and development in the life-sciences sector.The National Treatment Centre, based at the Inverness Campus, comprises an ophthalmology outpatient department, ophthalmology and orthopaedic theatres, inpatient wards, an imaging and diagnostics suite, as well as collaborative spaces, educational facilities, and office spaces.Not only does the centre cater to local needs, but it also goes beyond by fostering innovation and research, enhancing the scope and impact of clinical services provided.Vebro Polymers has supplied vebrobound Stone, a fully permeable, SUDs compliant resin-bound aggregate system that is ideally suited for use in public-facing external applications like hospitals and healthcare facilities. The permeable, seamless polyurethane resin bound aggregate system is designed for installation directly onto tarmac or concrete on terraces and external areas of commercial and institutional venues and delivers a stylish and low maintenance alternative to loose gravel, block paving or concrete.Available in a range of attractive aggregate blends, vebrobound Stone can complement existing structures to deliver a stunning welcome to institutional facilities such as this.Hendersons, established over 40 years ago and based in Moray in Scotland, provide first class resin flooring installation throughout Scotland.The company, who also offer a range of other services including painting, decorating and industrial cleaning, deployed their dedicated resin flooring team to transform Glenturret Distillery. Hendersons prides itself on the continual training of existing staff and development of trainees across its business, ensuring it continues to offer an unsurpassable service.

Comfortable space created for parents and babies at university hospitalIssueLa Paz University Hospital in Madrid is a national centre of expertise in neonatal care. They wanted to transform the Neonatal Acute Unit, to allow families to stay together with their babies while they are receiving treatment and care. In total, 24 units were created to accommodate and make this visit more comfortable.ApproachA homely, family-friendly space was needed that was also hygienic and reduced the transfer of noise. Víctor de las Casas, Architect at EACSN studio, said: “We wanted to modernise the neonatology area: not only in terms of materials, but in the very “neonatal concept” of La Paz, which wants to encourage parents to be with their children in the most normal and welcoming way possible”.SolutionSandra Fuentes, Maintenance and Works Technician at La Paz said: “The professional high standards of the medical team had not been reflected in the quality of the neonatal unit, and that was frustrating.” The flooring needed to be able to cope with foot traffic, hospital beds, trolleys and wheelchairs. It also needed good looks and design flexibility. The hospital team opted for robust Altro Operetta flooring, which provides 4dB impact sound reduction, comfort underfoot and ease of cleaning.Altro Operetta is a robust floor perfect for medium to high traffic areas and is easy to clean and maintain. Designed in line with the Bauhaus ethos that style is as important as function, it has multiple attractive, natural colours and finishes to fit in your interior design scheme."Altro Operetta gives the same warm feeling that carpet does, but also provides safety to both staff and patients." Sandra Fuentes Maintenance and Works Technician, La Paz University Hospital"Basically, all the technical issues have been resolved and the floor has provided more comfort for families staying in the unit." Víctor de las Casas Architect, EACSN Studio

Yeoman Shield’s new Guardian Twin Handrail was installed as part of the ward refurbishment project recently undertaken at Barnsley Hospital, South Yorkshire.A 350+ bed hospital built in the 1970’s and serving a quarter of a million people in the Barnsley area, the hospital demands a constant regime of maintenance throughout its premises.Maintaining its high standards, Barnsley Hospital have improved the surroundings and facilities in 6 of the hospital wards, including the discharge unit, female trauma and elective orthopaedic unit.As part of the refurbishment project Yeoman Shield were employed to remove the old bump rail and handrails and replace them with the dual purpose Guardian Twin Handrail to corridors and waiting areas throughout the 6 wards.The twin handrail was supplied with a 50mm dia. PVCu upper handrail for support to those who need it and a lower 125mm deep protection rail which, standing slightly forward of the handrail, offers protection to both the wall décor and the handrail itself, minimising on repair and replacement.Supplied in a Pastel Blue colour with contrasting accessories in Pebble Grey the Guardian Twin Handrail from Yeoman Shield was complemented with matching 200mm protection strip and corner protection angles.A member of the nursing staff on the discharge unit commented: “Previously down the corridors in this ward we just had a protection rail but now it has been replaced with a system that offers a handrail as well and we have found it a great help to our clients who attend the unit.”Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust commented that they have worked with Yeoman Shield previously and have always found their products and workmanship to be of a high standard.For further details and options on the Yeoman Shield Guardian Twin handrail and the new Guardian 50mm dia. Handrail range go to www.yeomanshield.com/handrails or call 0113 279 5854.

An eco-friendly development targeting the Passivhaus Low Energy Building Standard, Castle Hill House provides undergraduate accommodation for students of St Peter’s College, University of Oxford. To ensure the scheme sits comfortably within the historic environment adjacent to Oxford Castle, Design Engine Architects specified Vandersanden’s Chaucer Suffolk and Majestic bricks.The prestigious scheme provides 54 bedrooms on a challenging site. On one corner is Canal House, the Master’s residence with a large garden, on the other, the Law Centre. It is bounded by New Road, a main route into Oxford, and Bulwarks Lane; between the two, there is a one-storey level change in the topography.To address the level change, a podium was created across the site which houses a bike store, plant rooms, toilets and offices. On top of the podium are the two residential blocks with the front building standing three storeys above the podium and the rear four storeys, the building stepping up as the natural ground gradient increases. Between the two is a central courtyard with bedroom windows of both buildings facing across it. This space also allows connection to the main university campus on the other side of Bulwarks Lane. The scheme is in a conservation area that includes listed buildings and Castle Mound, a scheduled ancient monument. Quite a variety of materials are evident in the surrounding buildings but, within the material hierarchy, brick was the most appropriate and Chaucer Suffolk was an ideal match to the ashlar, ‘Oxford’ buff colour of Canal House and the Law Centre. Vandersanden’s Majestic brick matches the greyer rusticated base of Canal House, so was ideal for the podium that runs into the wall at the rear of the site. “We were struggling to find bricks of the right colours, particularly for the grey bricks where we were looking for a very specific match but, once we found Vandersanden’s Majestic, we didn’t look back, they’ve been incredibly successful,” explains Richard James, associate at Design Engine Architects. “The Chaucer Suffolk provided exactly the right buff colour, not only matching the existing stone of the surrounding buildings but having the texture and tonal variety that gives it a warmer feel.”A fairly natural mortar colour was used throughout for both brick types, helping to blend them together and add a little more warmth to the overall tone of the two bricks.A variety of brickwork details have contributed to the success of the scheme. Within the brick piers of the faceted facades are areas of hit-and-miss brickwork that leave out the headers. These allow the window panels in the bedrooms to be left open to create natural ventilation and also provide some rain protection and security. Panels of hit-and-miss brickwork have also been used to fill in and repair existing walls, including the old stone wall on New Road. A staggered zigzag pattern was employed to replicate the texture of the very rough old stone walls on Bulwarks Lane.The buildings follow the site’s irregular shape so a large number of ‘cut stuck’ brick specials were employed to deal with the changes in direction of the walls. Pre-cast, brick-faced lintels and support units were also used at various points across the facades.The development targets the environmental standard ‘Passivhaus Institute Low Energy Building’. Passivhaus buildings are characterised by especially high levels of indoor comfort with minimum energy consumption. This is achieved by significantly improving the building fabric in terms of thermal insulation and airtightness, thereby minimising energy loss to a level that minimum space heating is required. “We’re really pleased with the bricks, the colour match has been even better than expected and the quality of the brick is probably one of the best I’ve seen,” enthuses James. “They’re not the cheapest brick on the market but the effect and the quality is much greater than their expense. Vandersanden will be the starting point for future projects requiring this level of quality.”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

Profab Access adds a five star finish to Cardiff’s newest luxury hotelLeading riser door and access panel solution supplier, Profab Access, has proven its first-class credentials once again as part of the recent completion of a major specification at Cardiff’s new 5-star Parkgate hotel. Located next to the Welsh Capital’s famous Principality Stadium, the Parkgate hotel has been designed to provide a luxurious experience for rugby fans, in addition to city dwellers visiting the country all year round. Widely coined as Cardiff’s most lavish new location, the hotel includes 170 guest bedrooms and suites, a signature restaurant and bar, a traditional tea lounge and a rooftop spa overlooking the city skyline. As part of the prestigious build, a unique collaboration between the Welsh Rugby Union, property developer, Rightacres, and The Celtic Collection, the hotel required an extensive riser door specification, with safety, high performance and aesthetic appeal key considerations.In total, 310 Profab Access VEGA 1500 Fire Rated Riser Doors were specified for installation by Hazelwood Carpentry throughout every part of the building, including communal areas and the hotel’s vast range of luxury guest rooms and suites.The VEGA 1500 Series Riser Doors offer the highest standards of fire safety, extensively tested by Efectis in France and Ireland to provide a bi-directionally fire tested product that is available in both single and double door configurations.  This means the riser door sets are fire tested from both sides to 60 minutes, providing the specifiers, contractors and hotel guests residing within the building with confidence the critical fire integrity products offer the highest standard and most up to date evidence for fire safety performance.The range also features a slimline, neat construction, whilst its proven technology ensures permanent, safe access to mechanical and electrical services housed within the riser core. This provides first class functionality and safety, without compromising the overall interior concept.The steel riser doors also streamlined the installation process, as the quick release pivot hinge and light weight enabled easy handling, allowing Hazelwood Carpentry to complete the job quickly and optimise overall project efficiencies.Jamie Homer, Senior Site Supervisor at Hazelwood Carpentry, said: “As a remarkably impressive build designed to bring a new age of modern luxury to Cardiff’s historic setting, it was important we used the most innovative, highest quality products.“From the start it was clear that there was no contender to Profab Access and its unrivalled capabilities when it comes to high performance, quality fire rated riser doors.“The Profab Access team recommended the VEGA 1500 Series, which proved a fantastic choice, as it was incredibly easy to install and offers a superb finish, whilst ensuring the highest standard of fire integrity. Plus, being manufactured in the UK ensured quick lead times, which was essential in keeping the project on track for its opening this autumn.“As usual, the team, who we have worked with many times before, were incredibly helpful and quick to respond to any queries. Needless to say, we look forward to working with Profab Access again on future projects to come.”In the event of a fire, the VEGA 1500 Series Riser Door sets will maintain the frame and integrity for up to 60 minutes, preventing the spread of fire throughout the property for this period of time.The riser doors are 31dB acoustic rated, smoke sealed and airtight to Part L, whilst also featuring intumescent smoke seals that enable occupants to safely exit the building. By specifying bi-directionally fire tested VEGA 1500 Series Riser Doors, the development is actively future proofed as the comprehensive testing certification provides a complete and transparent audit trail of due diligence that evidences the products are not only fit for purpose but meet the duty of care required to ensure legal compliance.Marcus Parnham, Commercial Director at Profab Access, said: “At a time when the hospitality sector has been subject to so much disruption, the Parkgate hotel will play a key role in attracting rugby fans during the peak international season and revitalising the city’s appeal to visitors looking for the ultimate luxury stay.“The pedigree of our VEGA 1500 Series fit the brief perfectly. Combining functionality and visual appeal, the specification has enabled great performance without comprising aesthetics. More importantly, the specification of our bi-directionally fire tested line ensures the building features the highest levels of riser shaft fire protection currently available on the Irish and UK markets.” Profab Access’ diverse portfolio of riser doors and access panels are supported by a wide range of BIM Level 2 and CAD files to aid the specification process and streamline the initial design stages.Manufactured at Profab Access’ Atherstone headquarters in accordance with ISO 9001, the 1500 Series Riser Doors can be specified and installed in a range of configurations to meet each project’s specific measurements and requirements. For further information on Profab Access and its range of access panels, riser doors and steel doors, call +44(0)1827 719051 or visit https://www.profabaccess.com.

In collaboration with Wynne Construction, BOYCO assisted in renewing Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi’s facilities including their classrooms, drama studio, IT suites, and science labs. We provided several bespoke fittings, tailored to fulfil the needs of this Secondary school community.Project ScopeSituated near Afon Teifi, Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, (Cardigan School), fosters the motto of ‘every pupil will succeed’. Affirming this statement, the school worked closely with local authorities to initiate the refurbishment of current facilities, and a new build part of the school. The BOYCO Way BackgroundThe goal of the project was to increase the capacity of the school, due to it catering for pupils from Secondary to Sixth Form level. The newly developed learning environments were designed with enough space for staff to teach and support the development of pupils.We worked closely with both our supply chain partners, and Wynne Construction to ensure the running of the project went as smoothly as possible.To support overall sustainability and social value efforts, and to align with our values, we sourced fitters as well as materials local to the project site. This ensured a streamlined installation process for our customer and showcased our commitment to supporting local businesses and the communities that surround our project sites.Fitting to the school’s aesthetic, our in-house designers, in collaboration with architects, worked meticulously to craft products that looked visually appealing and balanced comfort with functionality, adapting to different subject needs and classroom environments.This ranged from the Drama Studio requiring a Teacher Wall to provide an interactive focal point for classroom activities, to Science Lab Worktops robust enough to withstand daily usage by students. Quality Bespoke ProductsIT SuiteCatering for over 650 students, Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi requested that we placed a high emphasis on space saving, and making classroom space usable to the full extent.For the IT Suites, we implemented 'Sawtooth Benching’. This layout angles towards the front of the classroom, providing an ergonomic and optimal view for students, reducing strain. This creates a more comfortable environment for students working on screens.Incorporating this forward slant allows students to effortlessly turn to each other, creating a collaborative environment that positively enriches their learning experience.Considering practicality in daily school life, the benching was designed to facilitate cable management, with dividers positioned in the middle of the table to keep the workspaces tidy and organised. This adds safety for those that use the IT Suites. Science LabWhen designing the Science Laboratories, special considerations were made regarding the worktop surfaces. Due to potential exposure to various chemicals, liquids, and heat, the material needed to be suitable for heavy-duty use and therefore a long-lasting solution was selected. Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) worktops were utilised due to their heavy-duty scratch and wear resistance, impact resistance, and ease of cleaning.A solid material with smooth machinability, it has hydrophobic properties preventing dampness, something traditional tabletops cannot provide. Perfect for bespoke fittings, it was tailored to the specific needs of the customer, whilst also providing an optimal surface finish. For Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, this created an aesthetically pleasing environment whilst positively contributing to student safety.Following the theme of utilising space, the depths of the worktops were adjusted by BOYCO to align with side walls enabling greater aisle space between the Lab Benching. Enhancing manoeuvrability within the Lab reduces the risk of accidental collisions or spills, and facilitates ease of equipment sharing, contributing to a cooperative learning space. Staff RoomIn conjunction with ensuring an amazing space for students, this project also placed staff spaces at the forefront of works. The staff break out room was renovated to emulate a relaxing, resting space. As per the School's requirement to utilise all space, our in-house designers crafted a Tea Point fixture for Teachers and Visitors to access refreshments.An Econotop Worktop was favoured with its laminate coating, achieving an easy clean surface perfect for food and drink preparation. Customisable by colour, Oak Laminate doors were added alongside the worktop, enhancing the finished structure, and fitting with Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi’s bespoke requests. Project SuccessTeam BOYCO successfully completed a full design, manufacture, supply and install service for this project. Our teams visited the site often throughout the project, ensuring that each element of the works exceeded expectations of all those involved and aligned with our ‘Built to Last’ ethos.We are proud to have worked with Wynne Construction on this refurbishment. We look forward to continuing our ongoing relationship and can’t wait to get started on our next project.

The Dixon Hotel has been created by conversion of the former Tower Bridge Magistrates Court and Police Station, with the historic façade retained, and it is named after John Dixon Butler, the original architect. The redevelopment was carried out by McAleer & Rushe and consists of a 200 bedroom, 5-star hotel, with prestige bars and restaurants, plus business conference facilities, and all just 200m from Tower Bridge. This complex redevelopment project necessitated skillful integration of the historic façades and the original courtroom inside, with a new modern structure having to be built behind and around these original features. This integration meant that it was necessary to seal wide and variable width, external joints running vertically between the historic façade and the new modern structure. This required a movement joint system that could accommodate these different widths and still maintain a watertight seal with up to 100% joint movement capability. Emseal’s innovative Colorseal system was the engineers first choice as the ideal solution to meet these requirements, with the additional advantages that Colorseal is bonded into position, so requires no invasive mechanical fixings to be drilled into sound areas of the historic structure, or indeed, into the new façade panels. 

Harmer Building Drainage, part of Alumasc Water Management Solutions, has been specified for the luxury apartments at Chelsea Bridge in Battersea. The project is the latest phase of Battersea Park Development, Vista. It is a landmark development, designed by Scott Brownrigg and built by Berkeley Homes, consisting of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments, with the remaining properties ranging from £895,000 to £1.910 million – and they are selling fast. There is extensive outdoor landscaping and each group of apartments benefit from feature terraces and private balconies so they can take advantage of spectacular views over Battersea Park and towards the River Thames.Harmer’s expertise and existing relationship with Architects Scott Brownrigg and Berkeley Homes were major factors in winning the contract. Both were aware Harmer could supply a high-end product in an achievable lead time. Constant open dialogue with all parties helped get the project off to a smooth start. Accurate specification, with Harmer’s in-depth knowledge of products and issues, and close involvement at every stage, means any challenges during the project are quickly rectified. The development is due for completion in 2018.

Stapehill Abbey is a unique estate of 45 two to five bedroom homes. Set within beautiful gardens and grounds, the recently converted Grade II listed refurbishment looks magnificent.The original Abbey House was built in the early 19th century, with the monastic buildings dating back to the 1840s. The twin chapels were designed by Charles Hansom in 1847 and the buildings were completed in 1851. Founded by a small group of nuns led by Madame Augustine de Chabannes, the Abbey was home to The Cross Abbey order of Cistercian Trappist nuns between 1802 and 1990.Dorset based developers Ankers and Rawlings worked painstakingly to retain the original artefacts and period features of this historical site. They chose over 60 Clement Conservation Rooflights for the project including both slate and tile profiles in sizes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.  Garry Hunter from Ankers and Rawlings said  “The homes at Stapehill Abbey have a mixture of slate and tile roofs, we chose Clement Conservation Rooflights as we needed a product that would look perfect in both. We are really delighted with end result and hope to use Clement rooflights again in the future”.

Described as Dorchester’s most iconic building, the Brewery – once the source of the much-quaffed Eldridge Pope ales – has been transformed into a high-end residential setting with Crittall windows playing a central role in retaining the heritage aesthetic of this historic structure.For nearly a century and a half the building, with its tall chimney, towered above the Dorset town as a symbol of local industry and prosperity. Designed by architect WR Crickmay, the brick building was completed in 1880.  At a staggering 13% the brewery’s Thomas Hardy Ale once featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the strongest commercially brewed beer in the country.The brewery eventually closed in 2003 and the site remained unused until, in 2007, planning permission was granted for a new public square overlooked by the impressive building, restored to its former glory containing 29 one, two and three-bedroom apartments.LMA Architecture of Bournemouth has retained many of the unique features of the original building including riveted steel beams, cast iron columns and exposed brickwork.Crittall W20 steel windows and doors were a natural choice, glazed in small panes to replicate the original configuration of the tall brewery windows.

Perched on an elevated plane above the tranquil Suffolk village of Rattlesden, Rising Sun Hill is a bespoke residential housing development that seeks to blend in with its surroundings while standing out among other new builds for its character.The 22 homes include eight that will be offered as affordable housing. Individually conceptualised, the homes feature finishes that draw on traditional materials and designs, such as weatherboarding and rendering. To reflect the space of the surrounding countryside, the homes (which range from 2-4 bedrooms) are roomy, both inside and out. Large, landscaped gardens, stone paths, patios and generous planting of shrubs and trees complete the idyllic setting.But attention to detail hasn’t just been dedicated to aesthetics. Consideration has also been given to the homes’ long-term sustainability, with each home being fitted with an air source heat pump and well-designed insulation.The very fabric of the buildings, from the blockwork to the timber frame, has been scrutinised too. For developer Hartog Hutton, it was just as important to use high-quality materials as it was to give each building its own individual flair.

Historic music hall renovationLindab Rainline has been used by Forrest Construction on this new-build residential development project, Queens Court, which comprises of 17 one and two bedroom apartments, each with access to open space.The scheme sits on the original site of the historic Queens Hall where musicians including The Beatles and Stone Roses once played. The hall closed its doors to the public in 2004 and was demolished by the council in 2012 following a fire at the site.Architect, Denovo Design; appointed to the project by Halton Housing Trust; specified galvanised steel rainwater drainage for its durable and recyclable characteristics and to coordinate with safety railings on the upper terraces.Neil Ashworth, head of new build at Forrest said: “The development has seen us regenerate the entire Queens Hall site with new affordable homes built to a high specification of sustainability and energy saving standards”.The project received high critical acclaim, going on to win the Building Excellence Award for Best Small New Housing Development, and the Green Apple Awards Bronze Award for the Built Environment and Architectural Heritage. 

Chelwood House by Napier Clarke is a clean, modern building in Chesham Bois, Amersham. It was built to replace an existing suburban house and is located within an area of special character meaning it was vital to seamlessly blend into the local area.Napier Clarke elected to use local brick and charred timber to ensure the house’s materials were able to sit visually well within the immediate area. Chelwood’s impressive size (5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, living space, snug, kitchen/ dining, play area, garage, utility room and an attic yoga room) and modern visual leanings were expected to be a challenge for local planning authorities. However, the building’s sympathetic materials and centrepiece vaulted roofs were inspired by the local area and the proposals were accepted.Chelwood introduces a cantilevered brick upper floor to its design which contrasts the simple design of the ground floor. Internally, the same materials used in its external spaces are repeated, creating a series of truly dynamic focal points.Chelwood uses legacy Michelmersh products in its production and recently won the Individual Housing Award in the 2022 BDA Brick Awards.

Project DetailProject: Motel One – ManchesterLocation: Manchester Piccadilly, UKProduct: TS.9000 range of architectural closers for main reception and TS.3000 range of contract closers for apartmentsProject Description“Manchester has got everything except a beach,” said Ian Brown, lead singer of The Stone Roses. The city in the northwest of England is known as a party and music capital. Bands such as Oasis, The Smiths or The Chemical Brothers have their roots here. However, if you want to experience all the different aspects of this diverse city it would be best if you booked a longer stay at your cheap and centrally located Motel One Design Hotel in Manchester.Brand new and built in a very tight but friendly spot the Motel came as no surprise requiring a couple of door closers for its Hotel and resting overnight stay accommodation. The TS 9205 were chosen for heavily used entrance area and the TS 3204 were chosen for their bedroom doors because:They are supported by an established companyHave excellent right up and guaranteesVery easy and fast to fit and adjust making them the perfect answer for the contractor and door manufacturer.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council is transforming Marketfield Way, Redhill, with a brand-new leisure, retail and residential development. The 0.59-hectare site will turn the western side of Marketfield Way into a vibrant destination for both property seekers and visitors to the local area. It is made up of the Council’s former Marketfield Way surface car park and a group of retail and commercial buildings fronting 18-44 High Street.Features of the scheme include:A new multi-screen cinema hosting 7 screens11 new units for restaurants and shops on the ground and first floors150 new one- and two-bedroom homes to be privately rented within buildings up to thirteen storeys in heightLandscaping and public space improvements including a ‘galleria’ pedestrian route through the site flanked by shops and restaurants.The waterproofing and gas proofing of the new mixed use scheme basement area and ground floor was a crucial element of phase 2 of the project. Reigate and Banstead Council therefore called upon contractor Vinci Construction to undertake the waterproofing works, utilising Sika’s solution provided through subcontractor Oliver Connell & Son Ltd

Fifty5ive Queen Street, Salford is a new 18 storey, 220-unit residential building in the centre of Salford for local developer Salboy.It includes modern, high-quality 1-, 2- & 3-bedroom apartments and duplexes, amenities include private resident workspace, gymnasium, yoga studios, resident cinema room and a terrace garden. Domis Construction is the preferred construction partner for Salboy on this scheme. In early 2022 they approached Encon Insulation in Chorley looking for a more readily available alternative to the stone wool product already specified. URSA UK Ltd was chosen to fill the void and keep the scheme on track. We supplied over 4500m2 of 100mm URSAPAN BLACK - a unique glass mineral wool rainscreen cladding insulation slab; ·      Euroclass A1 fire rating (non-combustible).·      Thermal conductivity of 0.035 W/mK.·      BBA Certified. Kate Fox, Area Sales Manager for the Midlands stated, ‘Following the success of this initial partnership URSA are now the preferred supplier of rainscreen insulation and our products are currently being used on Anchorage Quay in Salford with others in the pipeline including Derwent Street in Salford’.     

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home was established in 1860 by Mary Tealby as the Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs. Since it opened, the charity has cared for more than 3.1 million dogs and cats. To increase capacity at their old Windsor site BDCH are adding a new wing.The animal charity required specialist doors for a new intake building which includes 27 kennels and 4 maternity kennels.Dortek supplied hygienic hinged doors with Stainless Steel frames throughout the new building. Some doors also had automations and access control locks for ease of access and increased security. Fire doors with 30 minutes certification were also supplied for the protection of animals and staff throughout the facility.The GRP construction of Dortek doors makes them easy to clean, waterproof and extremely robust. They are ideally suited to animal care facilities requiring a low maintenance design.

Year: 2015Location: Croydon, UKProduct: CladdingFinish: PaleArchitectural solutions: Architectural panelsProject type: ResidentialThe Woodview Mews residential complex, in the Croydon district of London, is a unique housing concept with a unique design. It is a 1,337m2 development that can be configured as flats, duplexes, family homes or even offices and commercial units.The three-floor units can be modified to suit the demands of both the property owner and the housing market. For example, the top two floors of a family home could easily be reconfigured to be let as rental properties. Or, each unit could be let as separate commercial spaces.The complex’s PARKLEX PRODEMA Rustik cladding offers protection against UV rays, atmospheric agents and inclement weather. The panels are maintenance free and sustainably sourced, which helps the project meet high design standards, including Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 as a minimum.

Facing the necessity of establishing a functional serving window for seamless paperwork exchange with drivers, our client sought to upgrade from their standard UPVC residential-style window. Recognising the limitations of the existing setup, we proposed a tailored solution to meet their specific operational needs.In response, we engineered a robust commercial-grade aluminium horizontal sliding window, meticulously designed to streamline the paperwork exchange process. This innovative window system allowed for effortless sliding, enabling staff to quickly and efficiently pass documents to drivers with ease. Unlike traditional push-out UPVC windows, which were ill-suited for regular use in such contexts, our solution featured enhanced locking mechanisms and draft sealing, ensuring optimal security and insulation. By prioritising durability, functionalist, and user convenience, we provided our client with a vastly improved window solution perfectly tailored to their operational requirements.

Architect/Designer: Chu AssociatesLocation: LondonProject Overview: Complete refurbishment of existing high-end client meeting suite, scope included a complete ironmongery package for all new full height timber & double glazed doors.ServiceFull hardware scheduling & bespoke design service.Project Details3v worked closely with Chu Associates on this project to provide discreet stainless steal ironmongery that enhanced the beautiful full height walnut doors and thin profiles double glazed doors.As well as providing complete hardware scheduling for the whole project we also worked with the team to customise both the size and finish of one of our existing pull handles. These custom made 1800mm straight pull handles with Firenze black leather grip were coordinated well in advance with both the joinery and glazing contractors to add the perfect finish touch to this high-end design scheme.

Pembroke House is an assisted living home located in Camberley. The home had a conversion of the second and third floors and construction of a 2 story roof extension to provide 116 affordable apartments, as well as 20 in a dedicated dementia suite. Facilities include a private dining room, lounge areas, restaurant, cinema, library, café, spa bathroom, bistro, library, beauty salon and activities room. Located in the city centre, the building has underground parking, garden terraces on the 4th Floor, and a porte cochere providing outdoor space for residents to enjoy.Cellecta’s DECKfon Batten 70 was specified by PRP Architects as they have been rigorously tested and are robust detail complaint for steel, concrete and timber separating floor applications. The battens consist of a layer of recycled, low resonance, open cell, flexible polyurethane foam bonded to an FSC/PEFC certified timber batten.Wates Construction was awarded this 2,880m² contract to construct this development in Surrey.

Mrs Ballard has recently undertaken an extensive refurbishment and extension project at her traditional 1890s Hertfordshire farmhouse.Replacing the original windows at the front of the home as well as specifying new timber sash windows for the new extension, a stunning new front door was also included as part of the project. Mrs Ballard chose a stunning ‘Lydford’ timber front door from the Dale Joinery range, finished in the shade of ‘Chrome Green’.To complete the look at the front of her home, PVD Stainless Polished Brass door hardware from the Coastal range were specified, including the DKB192 Doctor’s Front Door Knocker, REG090 Regent Lever Door Handle and LP400 Sleeved Letter Plate. The PVD Polished Brass finish was the perfect, complementary choice to the dark green finish of the door, and suits the traditional façade.The new front door really is a statement piece, and has added an extra level of beauty to this stunning countryside property.

The £25 million redevelopment of the hospital includes a new emergency department. Working alongside our clients Willmott Dixon Interiors Ltd, GDL were appointed to manufacture and supply the Acoustic Louvres and the Clip-on Louvre screening as part of the 23 hour assessment and A&E refurbishment. Our acoustic Louvres are designed to attenuate medium and high frequency noise breakouts from ductwork and plant room openings and were selected for the existing plant area along Pond Street. This product can be manufactured to suit any bespoke size requirements and is available in single bank or for higher levels of attenuation, double bank.  Our Louvre screening can be located at basement, ground, mid or roof level and can be fixed in a conventional 45º angle or inverted depending on the privacy requirements of the designers and architects. We can also supply single or double leaf doors providing secure access to the screened areas. 

Junckers solid wood flooring has been installed at Spanish City in Whitley Bay as part of major refurbishment works. Architects ADP brought the seaside pleasure building back to its former glory by carefully restoring original decorative features in the Grade II listed building. The works included revealing the magnificent dome in the rotunda by removing a mezzanine floor, restoring the triple height ceiling to create a large, circular space. The grand room required a complimentary floor and the choice fell on Junckers’ Black Oak, which has been fitted in a striking concentric dodecagon pattern. Installed by Junckers’ Approved Contractor Stenhouse Flooring, the project features mitred joints which require a high level of skill and experience. Junckers’ solid wood flooring was also installed in several other areas in the building, which now includes bars, shops, restaurants and a suite of rooms for events, conferences and weddings. 

Our client wanted to renovate their family farm and transform it into a more contemporary style, bringing an essence of the Mediterranean to the English countryside. Stoneworld talked through each phase of the project with the client, making sure their dream result was achieved. For this project, our White Mint honed Sandstone was perfect for creating the contemporary feel that the client wanted. Stoneworld worked very closely with the client, in order to meticulously produce bespoke copings and features to the stone design. We drew out every element of the project to ensure that the client was satisfied and we provided expert advice to help them decide which products were best suited to the results they wanted to achieve.One of the most prominent features of this project is the Roman End of the swimming pool, giving a beautiful, modern and sophisticated feel to the pool. This bespoke Roman End was digitally templated and produced to measure specifically for this client, in the workshop at Stoneworld, using White Mint Honed Sandstone.

A global construction, energy and infrastructure organisation required a durable, chemical resistant floor coating solution with an anti-slip profile that would withstand the daily wear and tear of its internal vehicle repair and maintenance facility. VINCI Construction is part of VINCI Group, a multinational enterprise with operations in the energy, infrastructure and construction industries. Founded in 1899, the company now has a presence in over 120 countries with a global team of around 220,000 people. The Widnes facility is one of ten VINCI Construction UK locations and houses, among other facilities, a vehicle maintenance workshop where the company ensures their fleet of general and specialist vehicles. The industrial unit that houses the workshop previously had a concrete paving slab floor that proved to be uneven, unsafe, and difficult to maintain.  Not only did the new flooring solution need to address these concerns, it also needed to be both slip and chemical resistant as well as feature clearly marked automotive bays and provide enough durability to withstand frequent wheeled traffic as well as the impact of dropped tools and the weight of heavy equipment. Installed in a combination of RAL 7037 Dusty Grey and RAL 6024 Traffic Green, vebrores EP HBC was installed across the 332 m2 vehicle workshop, with the Traffic Green used to mark out the facility’s six automotive bays, before being outlined using vebrodeck PU Linemarker in Yellow. Prior to the installation of vebrores EP HBC SR – a system comprising an initial layer of vebro EP Primer followed two coats of vebro EP Universal with a broadcast of 52 mesh silica sand after the first coat for an anti-slip profile – the pre-existing concrete paving slabs were first coated with an epoxy DPM and a 20.0 mm screed to level the surface. vebrores EP HBC SR is a pigmented, solvent-free, slip-resistant high build epoxy floor coating system that is best suited to floors in medium duty processing areas where a textured, hard-wearing, chemical resistant finish is required. Available in a wide range of BS 4008 or RAL matched shades, the system is ideally suited to areas where there is a need for navigational demarcation and zoning. 

Rhodes House is set in a large garden on Oxfords South Parks Road, it was designed by Herbert Baker in the 1920s and is the base for the Rhodes Trust – a charitable trust founded by imperialist Cecil Rhodes which offers scholarships to the University of Oxford.To enable the trust to more forward and offer more scholarships Stanton Williams’ set about “architecturally liberating the building, to unlock its potential as a diverse and inspiring platform for ethical, creative and courageous people across geographies, cultures and disciplines.” The project included restoring the original building as well as creating 40 ensuite bedrooms, improved office accommodation, a range of meeting spaces and a hall for 300 people in the basement.3v worked in partnership with Stanton Williams and Beard Construction to develop the perfect Ironmongery scheme to work with both the old and new elements of the building using a mixture of antique brass for refurbished areas and stainless steel for new accommodation. We also undertook an extensive review of all existing doors and hardware and upgraded hinges, closers and signage to meet current UK fire regulations. Our products work seamlessly with the architects design aspirations helping to create a wonderful collaboration of old and new.Photography: Neil Kenyon

THE PROJECTAbel Homes is an independent, family-owned business that specializing in developing energy efficient low-cost homes. Their homes are built with efficiency and style in mind, with high quality finishes, Solar PV in every home, sustainably sources materials and interior design based on low maintenance and a contemporary feel.These individual homes in Norfolk range from bungalows to 4 bedroom detached homes, all triple glazed windows as standard, flooring throughout and EPC A ratings.THE PRODUCTAbel homes wanted individual numbered mailboxes to be mounted on the walls outside of each home. This allows you to remove the letterflap from your door and create a more energy efficient home. They chose to have both the MEFA Pear and MEFA Ruby, which are both front entry and front retrieval mailboxes.These idyllic mailboxes are powder coated in the very stylish colour of Basalt Grey (RAL 7012) and all these individual mailboxes have white large vinyl lettering for easy identification for both residents and the postman.Incorporating mailboxes into individual residential homes is becoming more and more popular as we look to remove the letterflap from doors. These convenient mailboxes help towards the sustainability and energy saving goals for residential homes.

Five new towers at the University of Brighton’s Moulsecoomb Campus are now protected by a fault-tolerant network of MxPro 5 fire panels from Advanced.The 13 networked MxPro 5 panels have been installed to protect the five student accommodation towers varying between eight and 18 storeys, which will provide more than 800 student bedrooms as well as ground-floor fitness facilities and amenities for the students’ union. Responsible for the fire system design, supply and commissioning were West Sussex-based Southern Fire Alarms (SFA) Ltd, who installed the equipment alongside mechanical and electrical engineers J&B Hopkins.The fire system is integrated with multiple third-party interfaces, including automatic opening vents (AOVs), sprinklers and access control. Careful consideration was given to the complex cause and effect programming that needed to be applied across the site. Each building is configured with a six-minute investigation period, with sounders on the floor of origin initiated after a single device activation. A single subsequent device activation will escalate into full evacuation of the specific tower. A master key switch has also been introduced, to allow for full evacuation of all towers if required.

Luxury hotel The Ro, Windermere, has 87 tranquil guestrooms with case goods fabricated in EGGER H3403 ST38 White Mountain Larch, from our Feelwood range. The decor creates a finish in the rooms almost indistinguishable from solid timber, giving a high-end appearance.The Feelwood decor has been used in mixed matching materials 18mm MFC, 38mm MFC, and matching edging.APM Design's Project Director Dean McCluskey spoke to EGGER about the design scheme:"The Ro interiors throughout have been designed to reflect the tranquility of their natural park setting. White Mountain Larch was the perfect choice to create a contemporary yet soft look in the bedrooms, where guests can feel at ease."Explaining why EGGER materials were chosen, Dean told us: "The materials are excellent quality as expected from EGGER. APM have worked with EGGER for years. Their team are extremely passionate and knowledgeable about their product range, which acts as a great sounding board for ensuring material suitability."H3403 ST38 White Mountain Larch in mixed matching materials was used for wardrobes, desks, headboards, bedside tables and complementing picture and mirror frames.

Built on the site of Warranty House, a now demolished office building, Middle Yard is a residential development located on Dudden Hill Lane in London. The regenerative development consists of 136 new homes set back from the road, creating a much sought-after sense of privacy and space. In addition to the 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, there is also a communal garden, pool and onsite gym for Middle Yard’s residents to enjoy.Designed by Union Developments and Lynas Smith Architects, the development was completed in 2022 and has been extremely popular amongst buyers, with multiple apartments being reserved before completion. The brick-centric homes align with the bricks’ proven record of high durability and low maintenance, and the location is extremely convenient for commuting into central London with multiple transport links extremely close by. The development is also close to a number of amenities, including schools, shops and parks.Middle Yard has provided much-needed new homes in northwest London. The timeless brick construction and eye-catching modern design have helped to regenerate an area of the city. Freshfield Lane’s eye-catching Lindfield Yellow bricks provide unmistakable character to the project and help settle it into the urban environment.

Material Store is part of The Old Vinyl Factory, a 17-acre site in Hayes.The four ‘warehouse’ blocks of Material Store rise above a podium and surround an oasis of private patios and a large common garden. The parking below the podium is concealed behind 3-bedroom town houses that animate the street with their steps and ‘front’ doors.The roofs of all fours blocks are landscaped as communal gardens. The extended articulated parapet to the tallest block creates an outdoor room and emphasises the building’s position as the tallest element of the masterplan.The 189 build-to-rent homes enjoy generous shared facilities that promote a sense of community in the context of private rented sector (PRS) tenure. These include play areas, a function room, picnic tables, allotments, a concierge service and an onsite maintenance crew. Commercial uses, which front onto the spine street, are intended for sharing with the wider community.The Arriva doorsets plays a key part in this development to create a seamless design. The Arriva system features a split-type EZYJamb®, specially designed to seamlessly integrate with finished wall constructions like stud and plasterboard. This innovative system is ideal for those seeking flush doors with an invisible door frame for a modern and integrated aesthetic.

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 Dundee-based architects Jon Frullani wanted to refurbish their own Grade B listed office they turned to international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply 250m2 of their Creation 70 LVT Dryback vinyl flooring in ‘Deep Forest’.Creation 70 LVT is a synthetic, decorative, flexible, antistatic abrasion group T floorcovering available in tile or plank, with bevelled edges. It consists in a 0.70 mm thick transparent wear layer, a design film, and a Resilient Comfort Core to provide softness and comfort surface.The LVT flooring has been used throughout the practice including the offices, communal areas including corridors, staff break-out areas, recreation space and the kitchen.Jon Frullani, Architect, and Company owner commented, “We specified Creation 70 LVT from Gerflor as it was the most suited product for our bespoke requirements. In fact, there is not one level floor in the entire building and the Creation 70 LVT has coped very well in this challenging situation.”

THE PROJECTRoché were asked with helping refurbish the Critical Care Unit at Aintree University Hospital by providing a suitable shading solution for their critically ill patients who rarely get chance to leave the ward. The project was part of a £35 million development and marked the completion of the project.THE CHALLENGEThe key design concern for the awnings was ease of use as well as keeping the area aesthetically pleasing for patients and visitors.THE SOLUTIONThe Markilux Syncra Uno Flex freestanding awning frame was installed outside the Trust’s Critical Care Unit. This particular solution is used in cases where fixing options are limited with boxes at the base to stabilise the frame. Larger bases were specially designed to create weighted flower boxes for a unique outdoor effect. The Markilux 6000 full cassette awning was then secured onto the frame keeping the fabric completely enclosed when retracted. Grey fabric was chosen to suit the modern aesthetic of the building with the added benefit of UV protection and water resistance.

Two New Bailey is the 188,500 sq ft state-of-the-art of office development in the heart of Salford, Manchester.The building is designed to provide flexible working environments full of character; referencing the spirit of Salford’s industry and the site’s setting on the River Irwell. The unmissable red steel structure is exposed and brought to the outside to provide solar shading for the elegantly fabricated façade, created using Reynaers bespoke EF 86 unitised curtain walling - a complicated solution where the steel actually penetrated the façade!Sustainability and occupier wellbeing is at the heart of this impressive ten-storey office development and can be seen throughout, the building achieves a Grade A BREEAM-rated specification, and is equipped with bike storage, outdoor terraces and stunning panoramic views of Salford and beyond.Two New Bailey is already home to some prestigious companies with others following suit. We’re thrilled to be involved with such a vibrant and unique project! Products used: EF 86 bespoke unitised curtain wallingContractor: StaticusFabricator: Bowmer & KirklandArchitects: AHMM