"wall light"

Bausch + Lomb is a world leader in eye health manufacturing contact lenses and pharmaceuticals at their Waterford site. The Bausch + Lomb Ireland Campus extends over 55,000m2 where over 1,400 staff produce market-leading contact lenses.

Junnell Homes Ltd developed Salterns Reach, a luxurious housing scheme in West Sussex. The hard landscaping was hugely important as the developer was seeking products that would blend with the distinct style of the project whilst offering functional benefits.Tobermore provided Junnell Homes with Hydropave Tegula Duo and Hydropave Tegula 240 permeable paving. These products met the project requirements perfectly, offering traditional aesthetics and also serving as a SuDS function.

As the first of its kind in Wales and costing £48 million, Penarth Learning Community has been described as a ‘super school,’ bringing mainstream and specialised educational needs together under one roof. A variety of Tobermore paving products were used to create a hard-wearing, vibrant hard landscape for both the pedestrian and trafficked areas on site. Penarth Learning Community won ‘Project of the Year’ at the 2015 Constructing Excellence in Wales Awards and was also crowned winner in the ‘Integration and Collaborative Working’ category.

An attractive hard landscaping product was required for an entrance area at East Midlands Airport in Derby and the beautiful granular surface and functional capabilities of Tobermore’s Textured Flags provided the ideal solution.

The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) required a new multi-use pavilion building to host events including conferences, weddings, and the renowned Royal Highland Show. The new multi-use events pavilion is located at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh. The building aims to provide a flexible, modern design while reflecting the RHASS heritage.  Tobermore’s premium Braemar paving in a three-colour mix was ideal for the main entrance due to its natural granite aesthetic. To keep aligned with the vibrant external colour scheme, Sienna block paving in sandstone was used for the pedestrian walkways. Fusion Kerb offered a cost-effective, premium kerb with the striking aesthetics of granite.

As a central hub for the community, it was essential that this project achieved an attractive finish whilst also meeting SuDS requirements for the pedestrianised areas at this urban location. Tobermore provided a permeable paving design service and the choice of Sienna and Hydropave 240 met the aesthetic and functional requirements desired as well as budget restraints.

Clancy Quay is a high-profile residential development situated in Dublin. Made up of 845 units which can house 1,800 residents, Clancy Quay is the largest multifamily community in Ireland. The scheme presents a mix of new-build townhouses, apartments and conversions of historic army barracks, which gives the development a distinctive identity. A wide variety of Tobermore paving products were laid at each construction phase which spanned over a 12-year period. The development won the prestigious RIAI Housing Award in 2018.

Award-winning architects Hypostyle were tasked with restoring the original B-listed clock tower and pump house on the Queens Dock in Glasgow.Tobermore Sienna block paving in Silver, Graphite and Sandstone was used to provide the perfect solution for the distillery. The graphite tones in Sienna juxtaposed with the muted colours of the distillery truly create a sense of old and new.In 2018, the distillery was recognised by the Royal Incorporation of Architects Scotland for its Quality In Architecture.

The Challenge Modern paving was required for a contemporary farmer market and restaurant  Crimple Garden Centre in Harrogate has increased its retail offering to include a food hall, restaurant, gift shop and art gallery. The vision for the new building was to provide an open plan artisan style farmer market and restaurant that comfortably coexists with the existing garden centre.  The modern building form was driven by its highly sustainable design with natural ventilation, northlights and its saw-tooth style roof adding originality to the scheme. A key point when designing the area was the importance of creating an identity which relates to the adjacent garden centre but gives distinction to the new offering.  A visually appealing external area was important to attract customers into the farmers market and garden centre. Modern paving that could withstand significant footfall was required to complement the contemporary aesthetic of the new market.  The Solution Artro linear paving harmonises the styling, lines and tones of the new building  Tobermore worked closely with the project team to ensure design aspirations were met. Crimple required a unique external area to align with the quirky finish of the new artisan style farmer market and restaurant. Tobermore’s Artro linear block paving was the perfect hard landscaping solution for the main entrance area.  Artro’s strength lies in its ability to adapt its look depending on the colour and laying pattern used. A unique look was created using a mix of two cool grey tones. A high percentage of the lighter Platinum was combined with a low percentage of the darker Carbon. Artro’s stretcher bond orientation naturally guides customers inside the Crimple building. The linear paving blocks offer a modern, hard-wearing surface that will withstand significant footfall and vehicle trafficking, if required. With accessibility in mind, Artro provides confidence with a low slip/skid surface in all-weather conditions. The smooth surface finish is suitable for prams and wheelchair users.  A featured walkway from the front row parking bays to the main entrance was created using Tobermore’s Mayfair Flags. The silver slabs feature sparkling natural granite aggregates that add to the scheme’s contemporary aesthetic. As sustainability was a key consideration of the project, Tobermore’s permeable paving option Hydropave Tegula Duo was chosen with its ability to function as a SuDS paving system. Laid in the warm shade Bracken, the contrast between the paving products helped to zone the pedestrian areas.   Tobermore’s granite aggregate Fusion Edge added the finishing touch to the project with its modern aesthetic.    

The modern buildings at Chryston High School in Glasgow were complemented with an attractive and functional landscape which was created with a variety of Tobermore paving products.

Montalto is an enchanting estate set in magnificent, natural surroundings in Ballynahinch, County Down. The visitor offering includes captivating trails and gardens, a unique eating environment and a distinctive retail element.A stunning new visitor centre, shop and café was built at the prestigious Montalto Estate. The privately owned Estate opened to the public in 2018 and has developed into a flagship tourist destination. The project was a finalist in the Tourism and Leisure category of the RICS Awards Northern Ireland.

Middlesbrough Council developed the idea for Middlesbrough Sports Village which included the construction of a 250m velodrome and a stadium to accommodate an eight lane track and field with seating for 650 people, as well as a five court racquet hall, gym, tennis courts and all-weather pitches. An attractive hard landscaping solution was needed to enhance the pedestrian areas at the new £23 million Sports Village and Tobermore helped the council achieve this with the provision of Mayfair Flags – a paving slab with a granite aggregate surface layer that produces a striking, contemporary look.

Pavement Shifting Protection for Roads in SouthwarkIn recent years, Southwark Council encountered problems creating and maintaining attractively paved surfaces in busy carriageways.David Farnham, Highways Design Quality Manager at Southwark Council, explained: “Southwark boasts some of central London’s great destinations – from the tourist sites around London Bridge, Tower Bridge and Bankside, to vibrant neighbourhood centres like Peckham, Camberwell and Dulwich. The quality of our streets is a big part of the appeal, and residents and visitors expect them to be attractively landscaped and well maintained.“Installing paved areas in roads at crossings and junctions helps provide that quality of place whilst also having a calming effect on traffic. This is something we support as part of a tool-kit of shared space design measures. However, it poses some real design and maintenance challenges.”David Farnham, Highways Design Quality Manager at Southwark CouncilWhilst the trend in central London over recent years had been to install natural stone sett surfaces within a rigid construction system, Southwark Council found this to be too costly for most locations and difficult to reinstate. Meanwhile, complex detailing was needed if all too common defects were to be avoided, even under moderate traffic. The Council identified concrete block surfacing, used within a flexible construction system, as a potentially simpler and cheaper alternative – provided certain requirements could be met.David Farnham commented, “We wanted to replicate the appearance of modern natural stone surfaces as faithfully as possible. In order to look the part, any concrete blocks had to be capable of being laid in stretcher bond on busy roads. That’s difficult with a flexible system as a herringbone bond is typically needed to increase surface interlock and prevent individual blocks from shifting. If not avoided that can lead blocks to work lose and the surface to rut. Also, in order to have a traffic calming effect we needed blocks to be quite large and to have varied finishes so approaching drivers would notice them. Traditional 200×100 concrete blocks weren’t compatible with these needs.”Tobermore introduced Southwark to their solution – the City Pave VS5 block paving system. The innovative product incorporates shift protection on five sides of each block via interlocking nibs and a specially profiled bottom surface that claws sand beds. These innovations provide continuous protection against shifting from horizontal and vertical loads, all within a traditional rectangular shaped block. The system even outperforms other interlocking blocks often used in goods yards and other heavy load areas. It gives designers the freedom to use flexible construction systems with confidence – even when laying blocks in stretcher bond on busy roads.City Pave VS5 also offers a hard wearing granite aggregate surface layer that produces a striking finish, similar to the appearance of natural granite. As well as the aesthetic appeal, the hard wearing surface layer improves the strength and durability of the product.Southwark Council specified the product in a mix of Silver, Mid Grey and Graphite colours to mimic the natural variability of stone. The combination of the three product colours and the larger element 300x150x100mm size of the City Pave VS5 block was used to create the desired ‘traffic-calming’ effect.City Pave VS5 was installed on streets across the borough, including Camberwell Green, Borough High Street and Blanchedown Road – typically as part of raised table features at junctions and crossings.David Farnham said, “Overall, the City Pave VS5 system helped to substantially reduce construction costs compared with rigid stone sett construction systems. Visually, the stretcher bond, mix of top finishes and large module sizes has been very successful.”

A visually appealing and functional hard landscaping solution was achieved at Calderbridge Primary School in Lanarkshire thanks to Tobermore’s Textured Flags which offer a beautiful granular surface finish, and Pedesta block paving which provides a vibrant and hard-wearing finish.

With LivePicture GO you can add a splash of vertical greenery in a playful way to your living, learning or working environment. You don’t even have to have “green fingers” for the care of the plants; the water detector indicates when the reservoir needs refilling. The water supply within the tank is sufficient to provide the plants with water for ± 4 weeks. The capillary action within the plant cassette provides the plants with just the right amount of water they need.

This stunning contemporary home situated in Waterford features Kingston Facing Brick from Tobermore. MDP + Partners’ concept was to create an introverted house, using two separate forms. These blocks were defined in material and scale, to create a private garden that the home is centred around. The one-off build incorporates indoor/outdoor living by connecting the south-facing garden.

When Belfast based architecture firm, McAdam Design, was sourcing external building and landscaping products for exciting new business hub, The Innovation Factory in Belfast, Tobermore exceeded expectations with the provision of Kingston facing brick for the building works and a variety of block paving products for the grounds.

When Robert Doyle Ecobuild Ltd won the contract to build the 3,000 sq. ft. €2 million homes at Dalkey Avenue, the contractor sought hard landscaping products that could perform well over time while complementing the distinct aesthetics of the properties. Tobermore surpassed expectations with the provision of attractive permeable paving, block paving and kerbing products for the scheme.

Yeoman Shield have recently supplied and installed wall and door protection in the new Urgent Care Unit at Halton Hospital Runcorn.The unit will be busy catering for people in the Runcorn area and is hailed as a one stop shop offering an alternative to A&E for a range of minor injuries and urgent medical care.“The new Urgent Care Unit has been adapted from the old Minor Injuries Unit which has under gone alteration and redecoration with new and refurbished doors fitted. We were keen to protect the new finishes from the damage which can be caused by the everyday use of a busy hospital department.” Said Lee Bushell, Building Surveyor at Warrington & Halton NHS Trust.Yeoman Shield products were installed by their directly employed fixing team to the corridors and cubicle areas in the unit.Guardian Handrail was fitted to protect the walls along the corridors and waiting areas in Aqua Blue with an attractive contrasting insert strip in Mid Grey. An Ultra 60 Protection Rail, also in Aqua Blue, was included at low level to protect the skirting and wall from damage which can be caused at this height from wheelchairs and trolleys.Some of the doors in the unit required replacement and Yeoman Shield fire rated door protection panels and door edge protectors were fitted to all doors to protect from costly damage reoccurring. The addition of Yeoman Shield door protection helped to add uniformity of colour and style to the mixture of the new and old doors.Aqua Blue FalmouthEx wall protection panels were installed along the cubicle area corridors and in the cubicles themselves protecting from damage which is caused by the movement of equipment and trolleys.A Yeoman Shield Clapping Lath was applied to the double swing doors of the X-ray room. The lead lined clapping lath was fitted to the inside of the room doors to prevent any leaking of X-rays through the gap between the meeting edges of the door set.“I am very pleased with the way that the Yeoman Shield products look and from past experience know that these products will help to keep the new unit looking smart for some time to come.” Concluded Mr Bushell.

The hotel is full of rooms flooded with light and exceptional design ideas from the interior architects of JOI-Design.The hotel has its own beach on the Baltic Sea and 124 rooms with a view of nature. It is the blend of wonderful design, cosy comfort and leisurely simplicity in particular which makes the furnishings so special. Strong colours and maritime details in the rooms are contrasted with soft tones in the bathrooms. At ARBOREA they believe in sustainability and quality – just as KEUCO does with bathroom furnishings. KEUCO fittings, accessories, and cosmetic mirrors accentuate the high quality bathroom design. Here, the focus is on guest comfort: KEUCO’s IXMO_solo fittings in the shower combine single-lever mixer with hose connection in only one element on the wall, so they are easy and self-explanatory to use. And for all your care and well-being needs, the iLook_move cosmetic mirror from KEUCO leaves nothing to be desired. The iLook_move is known for its solid design and versatile use, because its arm is very flexible. With a simple motion of the hand the height, distance, and vertical and horizontal angle can be set to the ideal position.In places such as hotel bathrooms, its special hinge technology makes it the perfect furnishing for frequent and heavy use.KEUCO’s COLLECTION MOLL series of accessories features softly rounded lines and corners, combined with rectilinear shapes. These design attributes can be found throughout the entire series. The organic and the formal fuse into one.On the single-lever mixers of the IXMO_solo fittings in the shower and the PLAN fittings at the washbasin KEUCO added an individual touch: They are decorated with an engraved ARBOREA logo.

SFS specialist fastening systems were used to secure the striking shingled, multi-coloured, metal façade on the first direct Leeds Arena.Using SFS fasteners resulted in significantly reduced fixing times and helped keep the project on its critical timeline.Comprising of 6,000 square meters of aluminium shingles in five different colours, the cladding was installed in layers onto stainless steel clips and held in place using 35,000 SFS aluminium BULB-TITE® rivets.In addition, 3000 self-drilling SL3/2 fasteners were supplied to fix the perforated, aluminium mesh rainscreen panels to the structural backing wall. 7000 low profile, irius® fasteners were also used to fix Kalzip’s Kal-Plank system, at the rear of the building. The design and construction achieved a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.The result provides a spectacular display surface for the coloured lighting which transforms the exterior façade at night by reflecting the mood of the concert within.The 13,000 capacity concert venue features an impressive uninterrupted interior construction, designed to allow all seats perfect sight-lines to the stage. The complex 3500 ton steel structure was topped out by a 45 meter long proscenium beam spanning the width of the building.Headed up by Leeds City Council, the £60 million project was completed in 96 weeks and opened in September 2013. The venue has helped increase job prospects and the region's economy.A success story for Leeds, Yorkshire and all involved in designing and building this venue.

The striking interior was designed by LaVita Style and features Perlata providing a rich, yet elegant finish to the walls in the reception area and corridors. The design uses light and shade to reveal subtle textures and tones resonating a calm and reassuring atmosphere. Working to a soft colour palette the use of additional custom ArmourFX Granite polished plaster panels to the front desk creates a stunning first impression.Lucy Walker, interior designer at Lavita Style Ltd comments “We chose Armourcoat for this project for their specialist expertise and creativity and were absolutely delighted with the end results. We wanted to create a striking yet welcoming reception and waiting area and this was achieved through Perlata’s beautiful finish in a range of tones and colours. Armourcoat realised our vision throughout the whole design process and delivered seamlessly. I would certainly choose Armourcoat for any future projects”The new dental practice, White & Co is part of the innovative redevelopment work to convert the Grade II* listed legendary landmark into a unique blend of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. Armourcoat has also been specified in various other projects within this exciting development including the Boiler House and Switch House West where Armourcoat Tactite was applied within various bathrooms, ensuites and powder rooms and Embassy Gardens which included Armourcoat Koncrete finishes to entrance areas and columnsClient: White & Co, Battersea Power Station, London Designer: La Vita Style @lavitastyleltd Contractor: Apollo Interiors Photography: Mark Bolton @markboltonphoto

Lift lobbies in a central London office building were part of a total office refurbishment project on multiple levels. GEC Anderson’s stainless steel cladding contrasts effectively with the neutral wooden boarding to the opposing walls. The lighting, combined with the floor and ceiling finishes, complete the carefully and meticulously designed circulation spaces to provide a high quality, creative yet totally professional result.GEC Anderson were responsible for measuring, production, delivery and installation of the stainless steel elements that were supplied in phases to suit the stringent works program of main contractor, Sykes & Son Ltd. In advance of this, a significant amount of consultation and liaison with the design team was required to ensure that the detailing would be precisely as anticipated and required.GEC Anderson brushed satin stainless steel was used throughout but each and every section of the cladding was purpose made to provide an exact fit to the irregular walls as well as to allow for varying celling and floor levels. Managing Director, Martin Tye, comments “Getting the measurements correct was absolutely key to the finished results. It was quite a challenge, given the timescale and the fact that it was such a busy site where multiple trades were required to work in the same areas but the overall results were very pleasing.” He continues “Time and time again we see that the end result can appear so simple but achieving it can be rather complicated!”GEC Anderson, who are known mainly for their bespoke stainless steel kitchen worktops, also supply stainless steel cabinets, shelving, spahsbacks, panels and doors. Since their founding in 1962, much has happened in the world of stainless steel but there is a constant that lies at the core of it’s offering – the honest beauty and practicality of the unique material of stainless steel. It seems to be timeless.Founded in England in 1962, GEC Anderson has pioneered the development of made-to-measure stainless steel products. Today, the company’s range also includes standard and modular stainless steel options. Products include sinks, worktops, cabinets, shelving, splashbacks, doors and sanitaryware for use in domestic, commercial and specialist environments. All products are manufactured to ISO 9001 and backed by a comprehensive support service from planning and product specification to installation and maintenance.

The Project  Friargate One is a 150,000 sq ft, 13 storey, low energy building forming part of a £700m project to create a new business district in Coventry.  The building sets the standard for the remainder of the 37 acre Friargate scheme that will include 13 more office buildings, two hotels, homes and shops all set to transform the area around the train station. This project is the largest development in the West Midlands Combined Authority.   The Challenge Deliver a product to satisfy the architects design & meet the highest standards offered within the industry. Provide a full range of accessories to compliment the system. Manufacture bespoke boxed out mirror units complete with rebated lighting strip. Ensure the system is installed to highest standard to create a seamless fronted wall of cubicles and superloos across varying floors.  The Solution Floor to ceiling Flush 44 system installed throughout male & female washrooms and unisex superloos situated over two floors.   The system encompasses a 44mm MR core with a hardwood rebated edge detail. The overall finish is modern and sleek creating a seamless flush wall of cubicles with complete privacy and comfort for the users.Close management of each phase from site survey through CAD drawings, call up and manufacture ensured we had complete control of the project and were able to accurately survey the areas and install the seamless system desired by the client.SpecificationProduct Range: Flush44 HPLDoors: HPL Bonded onto 44mm MR Core, Formica Graphite F7837. Hardwood rebated edgesPilaster: HPL Bonded onto 44mm MR Core, Formica Graphite F7837. Hardwood rebated edgesPartition: Partition: HPL bonded onto 38mm MR Core, Formica Folkstone F7927Ironmongery: Stainless SteelAvailable Finishes:These Systems Are Available In The Following Finishes:• Natural Wood Veneer• High Pressure Laminate• High Gloss LaminateAccessories Product Range W/C'sSpecificationProduct Range: AccessoriesMirror Backing Panels: Blanc Menuires B015 with 4mm Safety Backed MirrorsWaste Bins: Prestige Waste BinOther:Paper Towel HoldersWaste BinToilet Roll HoldersSoap Dispenser

OverviewThe Mayson, a new boutique hotel in Dublin’s regenerated Docklands, consists of two protected buildings on the city’s North Wall Quay – a traditional dockers’ pub and a 19th century timber warehouse. Features include Ryleigh’s rooftop restaurant, and a boutique barber shop set in a traditional pub, The Bottle Boy.Project criteriaA critical aspect of the design was to restore and knit the two buildings together in a way that preserved their industrial character. The hotel is a landmark feature in the Dockland area, sitting on North Wall Quay overlooking the River Liffey, a testing marine environment for architectural metalwork, making their protection paramount. A Corten-like finish had been suggested for the exterior metal fins, to look like rusted steel, but the designers wanted to avoid run-off from storm water drainage staining surrounding structures.The SolutionPowdertech Evolution™ finishes emulate metal patination but with no run-off and staining. A range of ‘rusted’ ‘Corten’ finishes is included in the Evolution range, all of which conform to ISO 12206 and Qualicoat specifications.The client chose one of the brightest – ‘Sahara’. As the images show, the colour changes depending on the light, and looks particularly stunning in full sunlight, complementing the red brick of the former dockers’ pub. Powdertech coated 2,100 linear metres of box-section aluminium to form one hundred and fifty vertical fins of 14m in length extending on the upper storey of the building. A marine-grade epoxy polyester primer was applied after a high etch-rate pre-treatment and before the Sahara coating in order to ensure excellent protection. The building retains its heritage and brings a distinctly warming glow to the entire area, even on a dull day.BenefitsThe Evolution range has up to a 25-year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion.Colour, tone and texture are our passion and we have the expertise to develop bespoke finishes.Powdertech has over 30-years’ experience in professional architectural powder coatingPowdertech's rigorous non-chrome pre-treatment system offers the best preparation for architectural aluminium.Powdertech’s flexible plant can coat a wide variety of shapes and sizes of architectural metal work and fabrications.

High-performance products from the A. Proctor Group, experts at solving condensation, airtightness and energy efficiency problems in buildings have been selected for use in the construction of a British Antarctic Survey building.The BAS Signy Cummins Hut is designed to provide a fully fabricated, fit for purpose hut, which can be easily erected to provide short-term accommodation for two British Antarctic Survey operatives to carry out incredibly valuable research in extreme polar conditions.Main Contractor, Mike Robinson of Rothwell Robinson, Manchester explained. “Due to the extreme conditions, we wanted to ensure that only the highest performing products were used on the project. In light of the extreme temperatures involved, we approached the A. Proctor Group who carried out a full condensation risk analysis.“Following the risk analysis, the recommendations adopted included Roofshield® for the roof and Procheck® 500 as a VCL for the walls.”“Another key factor was that the chosen components needed to be lightweight to be carried from the shore to their final location on the island.”Roofshield is an air and vapour permeable, highly water-resistant roofing underlay that has been made to the same high specification for over 20 years. The products reliable performance has been demonstrated in the toughest locations around the world. Its characteristics allow even very complex pitched roofs to breathe, without the need for air gaps or secondary venting.Many vapour and air permeable underlays use an airtight VP film layer to achieve their performance, whilst Roofshield’s patented SMS (Spunbond Meltblown Spunbond) structure allows high levels of airflow, in addition to the transport of moisture vapour, making the formation of condensation in the roof space virtually impossible. It has an extremely high degree of vapour permeability, as well as air permeability, so will still perform in conditions in which air tight alternatives will not.Procheck 500 is a strong reinforced polyethylene vapour control layer, for use within roof and wall constructions to prevent warm, moist air escaping from inside the building and condensing within the insulation. The woven extruded polypropylene multifilament scrim reinforcement provides exceptional tear resistance and robustness to withstand the toughest conditions.

When Uppsala Municipality was planning for Lina Sandells Park, they made sure to include input from the children in the area. Now, this park has become a playground paradise - offering a wide range of play options that are sure to spark the imaginations of young and old alike!Outdoor attractions for all agesOne highlight of this unique park is the Wall-Holla play equipment – a modular, space-saving playset. This flexible play structure consists of multiple climbing elements, slides, swings, ladders, and other interactive elements that provide a challenging and fun experience for all ages. It gives children an opportunity to explore their physical boundaries while also helping them develop motor skills, balance, and coordination.The upgraded facility also features an Interactive DJ table Fono, Chillout park benches with USB ports, and tables with chessboards to further stimulate its visitors. With such diverse attractions, visitors can guarantee that Lina Sandells Park will bring them unforgettable memories no matter their age!

The Cube in Birmingham city centre is home to The Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill which offers it’s customers an ultra modern 25th floor dining experience. Beplas played their part by supplying contemporary colours from their Elite Komadur PVC Sheets which still provide the ultimate in food hygiene for the kitchen. Beplas’s ethos of sensible prices goes hand in hand with the group’s affordable luxury.

The 110m, 29-storey curved on plan Westmark Tower is the tallest residential tower to have been completed in central London in 2021. Part of Berkeley Homes Central London’s prestigious West End Gate development in Marylebone, it features more than 14,000m2 of unitised curtain wall designed and supplied by aluminium fenestration specialists AluK and installed by envelope contractors Martifer. What makes this project really stand out is the collaborative approach that was demonstrated by AluK and the other consultants involved from the outset. With Berkeley at the centre of the process, the technical and commercial elements of the façade were successfully de-risked at pre-tender stage because AluK were able to work directly with lead architect Squire & Partners, delivery architect Design Delivery Unit (DDU), façade consultants Cladtech Associates and structural engineers WSP on a RIBA 4 system design for the unitised envelope. The challenge for AluK was to work with DDU to deliver a design that was true to the architect’s original intent whilst addressing the technical issues of a curved on plan façade from the second to 29th floor. All the unitised cells needed to be dead loaded back to a post tensioned concrete frame with a 3-dimensional floor bracket, whilst catering for the varying facets of the façade.The final unitised solution features more than 2200 unitised cells of three principal configurations. Each floor comprises: a vision cell, typically housing AluK’s concealed vent and full height glass panes, a panel cell, specifically designed to house specialist internal framework to carry articulated GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) feature piers and spandrels, and a recessed balcony cell with an integrated floating glass balustrade.With 36 different angles to overcome in a faceted design ranging from 0° to 15°, AluK developed a series of common aluminium extrusions to close the joints and reduce the number of profiles required. The horizontal stack joint uses an aluminium profile to carry the gasket and avoid the incidence of crimping as the cells are stacked around the building structure. What is also significant is that every cell connection provides four lines of system seal to ensure that the façade meets the stringent Cladtech performance specification and the CWCT Sequence B test.AluK’s system, extruded from 6063 T6 alloy, extracted benefits from both a mitred corner and a square cut system by creating a hybrid to suit both the client’s aesthetic desire for a mitred joint to the corners and Martifer’s manufacturing requirements of a square cut for economy.AluK also extruded tailored aluminium bracketry from a structural 6082 T6 alloy which was capable of supporting the system weight and allowing for 3-dimensional adjustment for precise installation.From the onset of the project, the Berkeley director team set out a time and design model of early engagement, specialist designers and fabricators all within a clear programme. This also included a series of productive workshops sharing client expectations and considerations. AluK not only facilitated these meetings but also bought into the collaborative ethos and contributed to a highly successful project for Berkeley.AluK’s designers are all from a fabrication/installation background and, as such, they design a value engineered solution from the outset. Part of this was using 14,000m2 of AluK’s AW86 unitised curtain walling system with minimal bespoke profiles and gaskets, yet it meets every challenge the project presented whilst offering a significant cost reduction in metal and accessories compared to the original specification in a competitor’s system. As part of the project team, AluK worked collaboratively alongside consultants Squire & Partners (concept architect), Buro Happold (thermal and acoustics), WSP (structures), Design Delivery Unit (delivery architect) and Cladtech (façade consultant). The façade design meets the thermal efficiency requirements of the building at 0.95W/m2K, as a weighted average. Using a 43dB Rw(+Ctr) acoustic glass, it also meets the sound reduction targets. Because AluK was involved at such an early stage in the project, the complete RIBA Stage 4 system design enabled façade contractors Martifer to realise significant cost savings for their tender and several months of time saving against their usual post-tender design and iteration phase. This also offered cost certainty for Berkeley and significantly de-risked the post tender delivery of the façade.Alongside the unitised curtain walling, the finished Westmark Tower will feature 241 AluK SC156 lift and slide doors, 750 concealed vents and 58 swing doors.West End Gate is Berkeley Homes’ latest luxury development being built on a 2.66-acre site. Described as a modern interpretation of classic London, it will feature a series of contemporary mansion blocks alongside the 29-storey curved stone tower. Work began on the first phase of West End Gate in the Spring of 2018 and was completed in Spring 2021, with internal fit out nearing the end.

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

Fairfield School in Batley, West Yorkshire, managed by FM company Pinnacle Group, engaged with Yeoman Shield wall & door protection specialists to carry out re-branding and maintenance work during the February half-term.Catering for students from 4 – 19 years old with a wide range of needs, the school premises required the protection rails and handrails along the main corridors to receive new covers to reflect the fresh re-branding of the school.Having previously installed their Guardian Handrail and 200 mm Protection Rail products in the school, Yeoman Shield were able to remove the original covers and replace with the vibrant colour ways of Aqua Blue rails and Steel Blue stop end and corner accessories offering a contrast to highlight doorways, entrances and direction changes.Michael Cooper, Lifecycle & Variation Manager for FM division of Pinnacle said of the work carried out:“Many thanks to Yeoman Shield for the smooth and successful completion of this project. The feedback received from our PFI partners at the school following their rebranding exercise, have been really positive. I have used Yeoman Shield products in both Healthcare and Educational settings and their protective products are perfect for the environments we are responsible for maintaining. The products and quality of workmanship are both excellent and I would be more than happy to use Yeoman Shield for any of our upcoming protective requirements across any of our contracts.”Over the years the Guardian Handrail and Protection Rails have protected the walls of Fairfield School from impact damage caused by the everyday movement of staff and students, (some using wheeled mobility aids), helping to reduce maintenance and repair costs, keeping the school looking smart and welcoming.The versatility and durability of the products have facilitated the choice of colour change, adding to the bright and fun environment envisioned by the building management and school team.Manufactured from a rigid PVCu material, the rails are easy to clean and do not support the growth of bacteria or mould maintaining the all important high hygiene standards.For more information on how Yeoman Shield Wall & Door Protection products can enhance and protect interiors go to www.yeomanshield.com or call 0113 279 5854.

Located in East London, on a water gateway between the River Thames and over 2,000 miles of navigable canals, the six-building Limehouse Basin development comprised of a white EPS insulation board that was fixed to horizontal PVC rails that created a drained cavity between the insulated façade system and the substrate.Due to strict regulations introduced in December 2018 following the Grenfell tragedy, which states any building exceeding 18 metres in height must have walls comprised of non-combustible materials, this building was deemed non-compliant, unsafe, and not fit-for-purpose.Development owners Beckford, supported by the Building Safety Fund (BSF), required an expert team to execute the removal of the existing EWI and replace it with an appropriate alternative, without disrupting the unique aesthetic of the building.The combination of K Systems and Retrofit UK, two companies renowned for their expertise, quality of service, and superiority in the market, was an obvious choice for Beckfords.We have a good portfolio of BSF projects to date, and Limehouse Basin is another great example of how our team along with one of our approved installers can help make a building fit for purpose, whilst overcoming numerous challenges along the way. Unrivalled expertise and professional delivery are apparent in every groove and corner of this refurbishment.Our ServiceTogether with Approved Installer Retrofit UK, K Systems continued works despite Covid restrictions (adhering to Government guidelines) to deliver the Limehouse Basin project within the agreed timeframe and with minimal disruption to residents as requested by the client.Removal of the existing EWI system took place in rotation with the installation of the new system, and a robust programme was put into place by the contractor to ensure the building was not exposed to the elements for long periods of time, ensuring the residents were kept as comfortable as possible especially during the winter months. Decanting of the residents did not take place, so we worked alongside all parties to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the residents were prioritised during the works.Due to the nature of this project, technical monitoring from the K Systems team was increased, and weekly visits were planned along with a reactive approach to any on-site issues that arose from a technical perspective. Our technical teams actioned regular quality assessments and maintained open communication with all stakeholders.The result – an industry-leading insulated façade solution that fulfilled Beckfords’ criteria and delivered an outstanding architectural design and structure, fully compliant with fire regulations and boasting a better U-value which translates to better living conditions for the residents.Technical Project DetailsThe key objective for the Limehouse Basin project was to remove the non-compliant EWI system and replace it with a non-combustible system to meet current building regulations.Our team insist on being involved from the very concept of any BSF project to ensure an accurate specification could be developed and allow any initial underlying issues to be identified and rectified swiftly. Therefore, our Technical Team witnessed the removal of the existing system and inspected the substrate thoroughly.After extensive scoping, the K Systems M, mineral wool insulation, system with a silicone render finish was chosen as the preferred option, meeting the demands and needs of the client and current building regulations. This system provides high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility (an A2-s1, d0) bringing it in line with mandatory Government requirements for buildings over 18m tall.With superb acoustic qualities and excellent environmental properties, the M System didn’t just tick the fire resistance box. The thermal performance of the building was significantly enhanced, with a U-value of 0.30W/m².k being achieved.The shape of the buildings were complex, with numerous curved areas of various facades. This meant the finish required an expert eye and a skilled hand to deliver seamlessly. Both K Systems and Retrofit are renowned for their expertise and superiority in the market, and therefore such challenges were overcome, and high standards of workmanship delivered.Another very challenging aspect of the build was the replication of the rainscreen cladding to the front of the buildings. This detail was successfully created by using tape joints, stop beads, and black silicone mastic to create a shadow gap – further testament to the expert capabilities of our team. This particular finish not only delivered the desired aesthetic but delivered an additional benefit of cost savings for the client.We worked closely with Retrofit UK throughout the duration of the refurb and as a result the Limehouse Basin buildings have a contemporary finish and attractive aesthetic worthy of the projects postcode, and one we are confident existing residents welcomed and potential residents appreciated.

Established in 2017, Steps Together Group is a collection of private addiction treatment services, providing a winning combination of residential and outpatient addiction treatment & therapy services for individuals, their families, and their employers.This latest addition to their portfolio is Rainford Hall near St. Helens, the former home of the Pilkington Family.The property was completely refurbished with a a sympathetic approach that conserved the best of the house and original features but with modern, luxurious comfort levels.

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 

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

Yeoman Shield were assigned by main contractors Bauvill Construction to install a wall and door protection system as part of the scheme to create a new Cardiac Critical Care Unit (CCU) and Cardiology ward along with an access corridor at William Harvey Hospital in Kent.The access corridor was fitted with Yeoman Shield’s Guardian Twin Handrail in a stunning colour combination of burgundy and mid grey with matching accessories and attractive stainless steel connective brackets helping to add a unique touch to the décor of the area.Chosen for its dual functionality the Guardian Twin handrail incorporates an ergonomic upper handrail as support for people who require assistance and a lower robust protection rail, which sitting slightly forward guards both the handrail and the walls from marking and damage caused by the passage of wheeled equipment.The same Guardian Twin Handrail system was also deployed in the CCU this time with a red lower rail, a striking contrast to the mid grey handrail. Matching red Corner Protection Angles, both 90° and 135°, were installed to vulnerable corners protecting from impact damage.Fire doors in the unit also benefitted from the installation of Yeoman Shield’s fire rated door protection products, shielding the door from impact damage that can be detrimental to the functioning of a fire door.Fire rated door edge protectors to both meeting and hinged edges as well as door protection panels were added to the door without affecting the integrity of the original fire door.Yeoman Shield were able to assist with exacting time scales on the project by a quick turnaround of product and service with a site survey, manufacture and installation of the product being completed in 2 weeks.Paula Stone, Head of Operational Facilities Management at East Kent University Foundation Trust commented “The lower wall protection element of Yeoman Shield’s Guardian Handrail now fitted in our high traffic areas will reduce the cost of repairs and maintenance overtime. The upper handrail of the system will help less abled patients get around hospitals giving them something to grab on to if needs be, helping to prevent falls.“The design of the rail has the added benefit of being easy to clean which adheres to our infection control policies.”