"flooring reinforcements toppings"

Fire resistant, multi-directional, high movement, structural joint sealing of floor slabs from below for 120minutes, EI Fire ratings using Emshield-DFR from NCC Movement joints Limited.St William is a division of Berkely Homes, predominantly working on some of the most technically complex regeneration projects on brownfield sites, at the heart of communities across London, and typically with a landscape-led approach. Riverside Park and Gardens is being developed on the former Leven Road Gasworks in Poplar, East London, forming part of the 20 acres Aberfeldy Village scheme. This is an ambitious regeneration project in the borough of Tower Hamlets, with around 3000 new homes, plus shops, offices, cafes, bars, and a cinema, as well as extensive landscaped gardens, play areas, and riverside walks.On this important development by the River Thames, the structural floor slab joints ranged from only 15mm to 25mm wide, but they were subject to high multi-directional movement requirements, plus they required a minimum 120-minute EI Fire Rating to protect the future residents. To add to the complexity, there were shear connectors within the floor slabs that also needed protection to ensure their structural integrity in the event of a fire.An “E120” denotes that the system will not allow flames and hot gases from physically passing through the element for 120 minutes, which also explicitly denotes that the system will achieve 120 minutes ‘Integrity’ (E) and ‘Insulation (I), known as EI120, which therefore also achieves 120 minutes ‘Stability’ (R) in fire.Emshield-DFR-2 provided the ideal solution, and one which could also be rapidly installed from below in a single operation. This specialist work was completed by specialist fireproofing contractors, Gould Sealants Limited, working for Main Contractor, Morris Roe. Emshield-DFR/WFR is an EN-1366-4 tested, fire-rated movement joint, designed to be used in movement joints in exterior and interior walls where a combination of watertightness, fire-rating, sound attenuation, and thermal-efficiency are required. Key performance parameters include:-       Up to 100% joint movement (+/- 50% capability);-       100% watertight joints; -       No mechanical fixings to the structure;-       Accommodate changes in direction between the horizontal and vertical plane;-       Accommodates 3-Dimensional movements (including in shear & vertical, as well as joint expansion and contraction;)-       no additional sound concrete cut-outs required;-       Up to 4-hour fire integrity rating to EN1366-4; -       Up to 4-hour thermal Insulation rating to EN1366-4;-       High acoustic insulation & barrier performance; -       CE Approved and MarkedFor more information:Contact: David Mackay Tel: 01257 266696NCC Movement Joints Limited

Aston House is a collection of thirty-two apartments in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.The one and two bedroomed interiors are complemented by a mix of classic protruding balconies and Juliet balconies, as well as terraces for the top floor homes. The external envelope has a brick-work skin up to the 4th floor and the fifth-floor penthouse apartments have metal rain screen cladding panels. There is also rain screen cladding around the ground floor entrance lobbies.Popular earthy, natural shadesThe architects wanted a warm, natural shade to complement the pale sand coloured brick work. ‘Rusted steel’ from our Landscape/Terrain range was chosen to coat 850sq metres of mild steel forming the rain screen cladding. All the powders we use conform to fire reaction rating A2-s1,d0 and have a 25-year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion.BenefitsPowdertech has years of experience in applying additional coating where needed to protect vulnerable metal surfaces. We call this our Plus+ service.Powdertech’s flexible plant can coat a wide variety of shapes and sizes of architectural metal work and fabrications.Powdertech has over 30-years’ experience in professional architectural powder coating.Powdertech has a very wide range of both standard and unusual powder coating shades and textures.Powdertech's rigorous non-chrome pre-treatment system offers the best preparation for architectural aluminium.

The Project Four stories of retail and office units in the heart of the city forming part of £139m redevelopment.  Quality & sustainability are key features of this building and the construction to BREEAM excellent standards make it one of the most sustainable buildings in the city. Retail units placed on the ground floor and three levels of Grade A office space above believed to be the first in Wolverhampton. The Challenge Within budget limitations produce a Grade A washroom befitting the buildings design and sustainability drivers. Keep the washroom systems off the floor and work above the height of the coving to create an opulent washroom décor. Design a bespoke vanity, concealing the pipework but not the waste and trap plus carry the weight of Solid Surface countertop and bowls.  The SolutionExcelsior Flush 30 Cubicles provide the opulence desired by the client whilst meeting the budgetary requirements of the project. Projected 150mm off the floor with stainless steel legs and ironmongery keep the cubicles clear of the coved flooring. Manufacture hybrid vanity units to carry the weight of the tops and sinks whilst allowing the chrome waste and traps to be a focal point. Delivered inline with our own business sustainability drivers, all of the washroom components are finished in Polyrey. Polyrey have a strong environmental ethos including: The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), ISO 14001, PEFC, Chain of Custody in line with FSC.                                                               SpecificationProduct Range: Flush 30 HPLDoors: Polyrey N026 Noyer OmbrePilaster: Polyrey G029 Gris TourterellePartition: Polyrey N026 Noyer OmbreIronmongery: Stainless Steel

Liquasil Ultra PU is a BBA approved flat roof waterproofing membrane. Cold-applied, the system comprises an embedment coat, into which a chopped strand reinforcement mat is laid to provide exceptional strength. The mat dissolves and allows for hand-moulding around difficult details. Once cured, the Liquasil PU UV coat is applied to provide additional strength, durability & protection. The completed system comes with the unique Latent Defects Insurance Guarantee, which provides cover for Professional Design. Specify with 100% confidence. Made in the UK.

The new Costco warehouse in Farnborough is just one of 45 being built across the country by the leading wholesale giant as part of its UK expansion plans. A Sika Sarnafil waterproofing system has proved to be the perfect fit for the new 12,000sq m Costco warehouse. The size of the project and the quick installation time required resulted in the specification of the Sika Sarnafil S327-18EL membrane in Light Grey. Ideal for the job, the system is formulated for direct exposure to weather and is produced with integral polyester scrim reinforcement for high strength.

Sika's full suit of products helped with waterproofing the scalloped roof at the campus. A combination of Sike Sarnafils waterproof Single Ply membrane, as a flexible and robust membrane, and Sikalastic- 621, as a highly-durable elastic liquid polyurethane system, was used. As well as the roof refurbishment, concrete repairs were also carried out with the use of Sika MonoTop-615 and Sikagard - 550. For the steel reinforcement Sika FerroGard-903 was also used. The refurbishment of the buliding was a great project for Sika to work on as it had solutions for each aspect of the project.

Deceuninck is launching its new grey substrate profile this summer. Adding to 26 colourways already available from stock, the substrate is RAL 7021 (Black Grey). Grey is a popular contemporary choice, especially in commercial . One in four windows in the UK are coloured and by offering this new grey substrate, Deceuninck reinforces its position as leaders in commercial and coloured windows. Available across the range, the smooth grey finish with a grey base foil provides a direct comparison to aluminium , but with significant thermal efficiency and cost benefits.

Concrete foundations of a wind energy plant: Due to the influences of the weather over the years, the following damages were noticed: •Cracks due to movement •Moisture into the structure •Spalling of the concrete •Corrosion of the reinforcement •Flaking paint The first step in the restoration of the foundation was pressure injecting the cracks - through which an elastic closure of the cracks was realized. The total surface was strengthened with a unique sillicate liquid. A waterproof sloped layer was installed; finally, the moving joint between the foundations and the steel tower of the wind energy plant was sealed elastically.

Artform were specified to supply outdoor bench seating and litter bins to match the rest of the multi-million pound scheme for a new Waitrose store. The products specified were the Multiplicity backless bench and the Multiplicity litter bin which are both part of the award winning Multiplicity collection of integrated site furniture. The end result for the project was a newly completed store that reflected the attention to detail in the landscaping and visually reinforces the brand promise that the Waitrose name represents in the retail food marketplace – namely one of high quality and good taste.

A stunning refit of a listed building overlooking Green ParkDevonshire House is a Grade 2 listed gem residing in Mayfair, and we worked with Bain Capital and TP Bennett Architects and their respective contractors on the refurbishment of the fourth-floor offices and their four expansive external terraces. The challenge was to find a decking solution that was fully compliant with the latest Building Safety Regulations while maintaining the aesthetic of this historic London property.MyDek’s Luxura – an A1 fire-rated composite – was chosen for the project as it seamlessly aligned with the building’s aesthetics while delivering a robust, enduring surface for the upgraded outdoor spaces. The roof terraces had a limited loadbearing capacity that could not accommodate concrete paving and Luxura emerged as the ideal solution, allowing for top quality decking that remained well within structural limits.

Sonixx Resilient 250 was installed as an acoustic underlayment. It was bonded to the subfloor and a heterogenous vinyl and carpet tiles were installed on top. The installation was completed as part of a refurbishment to a bar and restaurant area within the hotel. Resilient 250 is a 2.5mm thick, high performing acoustic underlay manufactured using sponge rubber. It significantly reduces impact sound at the source, while also providing superb underfloor comfort. It is a versatile underlay and can be used below various floor coverings including carpet, carpet tiles, wood, laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, vinyl and ceramic / porcelain / natural stone tiles. At only 24kg (43 Ib) per roll, it is easy to distribute around site. Resilient 250 therefore facilitated a simple, quick, clean and cost-effective installation.

Radii manufactured and installed Parallel 50 double glazed partitioning (45dB Rw) with adjoining Parallel 100 (50dB RW) for TS&W’s glazed fronts on the Ground floor and Level 1, including a number of stunning curved glazed elements. Linear 25 single glazed partitions (38dB RW) were used on Levels 2 to 5.Enhanced acoustic timber doors (40dB Rw) in veneered and painted finishes and with adjoining timber pilasters were utilised for the executive meeting rooms and offices.Auto-operated framed glazed pivoting doors, with visible overhead operators mounted on our top channels, were also installed to give easy access to ‘den’ and collaboration areas.Finally, a fire rated package comprising of structural Ei90 fire rated glazed screens was added on Level 5.

A high quality Duchy of Cornwall project called Kew An Lergh (Cornish for Way Close) delivering a range of community benefits including a nursery school, offices, shops and restaurant in three Arts and Crafts style buildings grouped around a landscaped courtyard.Challenge:AVS were appointed to work closely with the Duchy team, architect and engineer to provide product solutions in line with the architect’s design intent for the project, retaining the overall character and design of the intended buildings.Solution:AVS provided a full drawing package including unit design calculations and reinforcement details for all units including provisions for any potential site handling issues prior to delivery of the stone reinforcements. A varied range of products were required from 8kg to 630kg including self supporting and structural elements.Result:Products designed and supplied by AVS included window and door surrounds, name plaques, a bell tower along with a feature arched main entrance surround with a replica Sea Campion, the emblem for that quarter of Nansledan, contributing to the design attributes of the Kew An Lergh complex.Client: Duchy of CornwallArchitect: ADAM Architecture & ALA ArchitectureProject: Kew An Lergh, Nansleden, NewquayMaterials: Wet Cast StoneColour: Bathstone with Medium Etch FinishApprox. tonnes of stone supplied: 34Start: Sept 2021 | May: 2023

In February of 2022, Towelrads embarked on a collaborative venture, joining a 36-month ongoing initiative aimed at retrofitting Cwmglas Primary School. To ensure minimal disruption to the school’s daily operations, this project has been thoughtfully divided into several stages.Stage 1The initial phase, designated as Stage 1, focused on the top floor of the school premises. Specifically, attention was directed towards the music education and nurture rooms situated on this level. A noticeable difference in temperature existed within these spaces, making them colder than other areas throughout the school. These rooms sported aging standing convector heaters, rendering them ineffective. Furthermore, the characteristics of the building’s construction, the room dimensions, and the heat load posed challenges that rendered conventional low surface temperature radiators insufficient.In response, the decision was made to utilise the Towelrad TZT convector heater equipped with an integrated fan. This selection proved suitable for the low-temperature wet heating system, offering an elevated heating capacity. Notably, the rounded edges of the TZT convector heater not only enhanced its aesthetic appeal but also elevated the safety of the products, rendering it an ideal choice for a school.The thermostat-controlled fan speed of the TZT convector heater ensured continuous and responsive temperature management within the room, promoting optimal thermal comfort.Although the solution was successfully implemented within the designated rooms, the challenge persisted in the corridors. Enter our Vertical and Horizontal LST Ultra Radiators, serving as the perfect antidote to this issue. Our Ultra LST radiators deliver impressive heat output while maintaining a low surface area. Moreover, their covers, measuring a substantial 2mm in thickness (above industry standards), guaranteed safety across the entirety of the top floor.The Future: Stage 2With the successful completion of Stage 1, marked by the seamless integration of our products into the design framework, we have been entrusted with an extension of our role into Stage 2. This forthcoming phase encompasses the lower floor of the school, encompassing the dining hall, corridors, and classrooms. This work will be carried out over the summer months so that come the start of the school term the students can tackle the winter months in a comfortable learning environment.

Client: Cheval ResidencesLocation: Edinburgh, ScotlandSector: Hotel, Leisure & HospitalityYear: 2021Project Size: 150 m²System: vebroscreed Renovatevebroscreed Renovate, from Vebro Polymers, bonded to marine ply and concrete, has been installed across the ground floor reception and concourse leading to the bar area and restaurant.vebroscreed Renovate is a single part, fibre reinforced, cementitious smoothing underlayment screed, incorporating a blend of graded fillers, fine cements, and polymers, with excellent flow properties. The material is mixed with a cold-water addition to deliver a fine flow slurry that can be both pump and pour applied. The material has been used to level the existing concrete surface prior to the installation of terrazzo and ceramic tiles, which have been chosen in keeping with the listed building’s new interior scheme. Incorporating a specially formulated fibre technology, vebroscreed Renovate aids application and strength resulting in a strong, sound and even base that is ready to commence the tiling process after only 8 hours.All screeding on site has now been completed and the site turned over to the tilers, who are on track to complete ahead of building’s opening in a matter of weeks and to coincide with Scotland’s relaxation of international travel restrictions. 

Four metres of stainless steel provides a ‘model’ worktop solution for one of the UK’s top fashion and photographic model agencies. Take 2 Model Management had the worktop installed in its new London offices, where it plays a key role in boardroom catering. The worktop was supplied by GEC Anderson, specialist in made-to-measure stainless steel products.Take 2 has on its books many top international and local models who feature on fashion catwalks and in campaigns for leading brands. Founded 25 years ago by Melissa Richardson and Gabriella Palmano, the agency was based in Covent Garden until its recent relocation to a converted 19th century warehouse at Willow Street, Shoreditch, the heart of London’s fashion district. The new premises includes a modern fourth storey boardroom, which is also used for general meetings and corporate events, necessitating a stylish and well-appointed kitchen-bar.  Bespoke manufacturer Woodbury Furniture Company was commissioned to build the kitchen-bar, with a stainless steel worktop specified by the architect. Woodbury designer Matthew King says: “We approached GEC Anderson for the worktop as we had worked with them on several previous commissions. They offer a wide choice of edge details and upstands, and can be relied on for seamless joins and a perfect fit.” The worktop was supplied in two sections to facilitate handling into the boardroom – via a spiral staircase. The sections were mounted on top of storage units and appliances and were clamp-jointed on site to provide a virtually seamless finish. A cut-out to accommodate a glass-top hob was provided, along with an integral 500mm x 400mm sink from GEC Anderson’s standard range. Melissa Richardson says: “It’s great – it looks lovely and it’s working well for us.” Woodbury and GEC Anderson also provided a 700mm stainless steel-topped teapoint with a 300mm diameter sink to serve staff and visitors on the lower floors.   Based near Exeter, Woodbury Furniture Company has a small team of craftsmen who produce custom furniture and kitchens in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Matthew King says: “Stainless steel is an excellent choice for worktops because its seamless finish virtually eliminates the risk of leaks affecting storage or appliances.”  The GEC Anderson worktop and teapoint at Take 2 are made from satin finish stainless steel, which provides a hard-wearing surface that is easy to maintain to high standards of hygiene and retains an attractive appearance for many years. Founded in England in 1962, GEC Anderson has pioneered the development of made-to-measure stainless steel products. Today, the company’s range includes bowls, worktops, cabinets, shelving 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.

Project detailsToyota contacted Watco looking for a long lasting anti slip decking solution. Four of Toyota GB Plc Head Office fire exits open onto an outdoor decking area, leading to assembly points. The decking is also used as a seating area at lunchtime for staff. In wet and frosty weather the decking becomes slippery, causing concern around slip hazards, especially in an emergency evacuation.Whilst the safety of its employees was the main concern, Toyota also wanted to ensure that the anti slip solution was easy to fix and would blend in with the natural colour of the decking.In addition, they needed a solution that could be fixed in the decking indentations. Having looked at several other solutions, it seems that most involved fixing the anti slip strips in the gaps between the boards, thus requiring extra work as the existing gaps were not wide enough. Our solutionWatco recommended and supplied heavy duty slip resistant GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) Decking Strips. The strips in ‘stone’ colour blended in well with the timber and were supplied pre-drilled for easy fixing.Toyota were delighted with the outcome. The new anti slip decking strips provide safe fire escape routes for staff, whilst maintaining the aesthetics of the landscaped outdoor area."Our GRP Decking Strips are virtually indestructible, based on an extremely durable fibreglass base with a coarse, ceramic grit which is bonded to the top for a heavy duty, slip resistant surface. Chamfered edges minimise trip hazards. The strips are available in black, stone or yellow."Watco Decking Strips are supplied pre-drilled and with screws. The strips can be trimmed on site using a hacksaw or, if required, Watco will supply the strips already cut to size.

Orbis OS201 Vertical Bar Infill Top FixOrbis OS210 Orbis Glass Infill Side FixOrbis OS231 Perforated Infill Top FixVista V511U Glass Infill U Profile Top FixThe £8.4m redevelopment project for Flintshire County Council has doubled the number of beds at Marleyfield House and increased communal outdoor spaces and accessibility for residents.Each room has a personal outdoor space either through a balcony, completed with Vista glass balustrades to provide an unobstructed view, or a patio area.Procured through the Scape framework, works continued during the global pandemic with innovative working practices introduced to ensure everyone’s safety on site.

Butlins has been a firm family favourite for holidaymakers since opening its first resort in 1936. At the heart of their facilities are the swimming pools, which have always been one of the biggest draws for parents and children alike. However, at over 30 years old their Bognor Regis site needed modernisation.

For over 200 years, the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI), has played a major role in medical education and training in Ireland. Founded in 1784 to train surgeons, today the College provides extensive education and training in the healthcare professions at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

4,300m2 of screeding, tiling and grouting was installed in the new state-of-the-art ticket hall.

Over 30 years on and still no cracking or de-bonding evident on the original tiles.

A huge tiling re-fit of all UK restaurants over a 5 year program. The successful partnership approach produced the ideal  tile fixing recommendation, which is now being rolled out to McDonald’s branches around the world.

“ARDEX helped us through each stage, from specification writing of the project to on-site visits. The support was second to none.” Paul Lovell, MD of Leisure Design Ltd

Overlooking the majestic panorama of the Dolomites, the hotel was completely rebuilt with the aid of ARDEX products. Inclusive of 6 indoor and outdoor swimming pools. 

Hadrian’s Tower is the tallest building in Newcastle at 82 metres high. Located in the heart of the city, it is a residential skyscraper with 162 luxury apartments. The tower has 26 storeys, and incorporates a champagne lounge and a coffee house among other communal spaces.

St Richard’s Hospital provides a full range of acute services for the people in Chichester and the surrounding area, including an Accident & Emergency department. A new entrance to A&E was being created and as with all healthcare projects, the aim was to help the hospital maintain clean, safe and effective treatment spaces, which is especially challenging in an extremely high traffic environment in 24 hour use such as the Accident & Emergency department.

Brunswick House is a superb new residential scheme of 251 bedrooms, incorporating a mixture of studios and cluster rooms. The scheme is designed to offer outstanding student accommodation for undergraduate, postgraduate and international students in the heart of Cambridge. The client required stair nosings for 7 staircases meaning a total of 296 steps that would be durable enough for high traffic student usage. There was an additional design restraint in that the staircases would be made out of cast metal and therefore no mechanical fixings could be used.

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is located in the iconic Royal Pavilion garden, at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter. It’s diverse collections brings together the arts with local, world and natural history. The institution attracts approximately 260, 000 visitors per year.

This elegant extension, designed by award-winning practice Chris Dyson Architects, not only significantly increases the footprint of the client’s North London home, but also delivers a uniquely versatile living space for use all year round. The pure scale and the innovative use of glazing for the extension as well as for the new top floor dormer cannot fail to impress, and yet the architectural language reflects the calm, understated style for which Chris Dyson Architects have become acclaimed. Bespoke rooflights, supplied by Glazing Vision, not only flood the ground floor with natural light, but they also help moderate the temperatures throughout the house.The client was seeking to refresh the property by adding an extension to the rear, which would enable the existing ground floor spaces to be connected through a single flowing space, creating a welcoming and flexible environment for hosting their growing family and for entertaining guests.The top floor bedrooms were accessed via a narrow hallway where a small dormer window provided minimal daylight and restricted views of the garden. Creating a living space on this floor where the family could relax and enjoy some downtime was also part of the client’s brief to Chris Dyson Architects.Glazed openings for harmonious integrationThe design for the extension was a solid and robust structure that would integrate harmoniously with the main body of the house and would serve as more than just a “sunroom”. The traditional proportions of the classic orangery have been achieved by Chris Dyson Architects through the use of precast stone columns and five glazed openings, which connect the new internal space with a raised external terrace leading to the rear garden.New internal glazed doors enable the formal dining room and the breakfast room/kitchen to be opened or closed to the main orangery space, providing flexible spatial and acoustic barriers without compromising the natural light entering the entire area.For entertaining and parties the space is ideal, allowing people to freely move between rooms and out onto the garden terrace.Maximising daylight, moderating room temperaturesThe insulated walls and the energy efficient double-glazing of the orangery would serve to keep the space warm in the winter months. In the summer opening the doors would help keep the space comfortable. To further regulate the internal temperature a full width rooflight from Glazing Vision was installed, equipped with sliding elements. Chris Dyson Architects chose Glazing Vision due to the high quality of their products and their ability to create beautiful bespoke solutions.The architects worked closely with Glazing Vision’s specialist CAD designers and technicians to design custom rooflights to meet the exacting requirements of the orangery roof as well as the new glazed dormer.Given the exceptional size of the extension roof, 3320mm x 10900mm, Glazing Vision’s factory precision-engineered a special Dual Sliding Over Fixed Rooflight, comprising 8 sections. The 2 end sections were manufactured to slide over the 6 fixed central sections, traversing in a side-to-side, rather than an up-and-down slope operation.Normally supplied in a RAL7015 slate grey to the exterior and RAL 9010 pure white to the interior, the entire framework of this super-sized Dual Sliding Over Fixed Rooflight was supplied in a bronze finish, which was a key part of the architectural design.With such a complex rooflight, with fixed and sliding sections, a quiet and efficient operation was fundamental to the specification. Electronically controlled at the touch of a button, each of the 2 sliding sections of glazing can be retracted easily, revealing generous openings, and sky-only views. An added safety feature is the manual override should the electronic control system stall.On the top floor the existing narrow hall has been opened up and extended to create a new living space. The bespoke glazed dormer by Glazing Vision provides expansive views across the garden, and an abundance of natural light. A large Bi-parting 1-wall Box Rooflight, measuring 4850mm in the width, was set into the sloping roof. At a total height of 1700mm the rooflight also enhances the feeling of loft in this relaxation area.Supplied in 6 sections, the Glazing Vision Box Rooflight was configured such that the 2 central sections were bi-parting, sliding over 2 adjacent fixed sections. Two additional fixed sections and 2 fixed end panels completed this fully glazed, customised dormer. In order to provide privacy from the neighbouring properties, and conform with Planning Regulations, these end panels were manufactured in satin etched glass.Once the 2 sliding sections are retracted, there is a handsome opening, giving an almost balcony-like effect, and encouraging the user to appreciate the garden vista during the day and to delight in the starry landscape at night. The Glazing Vision Bi-parting 1-wall Box rooflight helps to regulate the temperatures and the air quality throughout this upper floor, allowing copious amounts of fresh air to circulate when it is open. Rain sensors, offered by Glazing Vision as optional extras, were also installed to provide additional security should the weather suddenly turn inclement.Chris Dyson Architects are to be complimented on the sensitive integration of a contemporary orangery in this family home as well as on the bold extension of the top floor. Form and function are in perfect harmony and the Glazing Vision rooflights will ensure that there is an ever-changing canopy to the spaces below!This project was shortlisted for the AJ Specification Awards, in the ‘Doors and Windows’ category.

Located between St. David's and Aberdour, the tanker terminal at Braefoot Bay is a base for the export of liquefied petroleum gas. The terminal consists of two jetties located on the north shore of Incholm Island. The gas is piped to the Mossmoran Plant in Fife direct from the North Sea, broken down to form ethane and then converted into ethylene, the basic hydrocarbon 'building block' of the petrochemical industry. The products are then piped the final three mile journey to the Braefoot Marine Terminal where they are fed into tankers and gas carriers for markets in Europe and the USA. The terminal is operated jointly by Shell Expro and Exxon.The jetty was suffering from increasing levels of deterioration of the reinforced concrete structure due to the relentless corrosive action of the marine salt environment on the reinforcing steel. A remedial plan was developed to carry out repairs and to introduce a cathodic protection (CP) system to greatly enhance the protection level and therefore extend the life of the structure. The plan was prepared by structural engineers from Shell, led by Hans Verheyde, and Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK (BBCS) was awarded the contract.Two major factors had to be accommodated within the repair programme. Firstly, the tidal flow that submerged the lower part of the jetty twice every 24 hours and secondly, the jetty is a fully live and very active transport hub and shipping schedules had to take precedence at all times. Round-the-clock flexible working maintained delivery of the twelve-month project.Saint-Gobain Weber's specialised repair concrete products were specified for the remedial actions on the Braefoot Bay jetty and technical application advice was provided for the active phase of the project. A suspended scaffold was designed and installed which allowed fast access when the tide ebbed so that productivity could be maintained. Traditional techniques were used to breakout the spalled and cracked concrete and to wash out the surface chlorides and clean the existing reinforcement steels.webercem five star repair concrete CP is a shrinkage-compensated, high strength, low resistivity, flowing repair concrete designed for use in conjunction with CP systems. This pre-blended cementitious concrete fully complies with the Highways Agency Specification Class 29F for high-strength flowing concrete for major structural repairs. It contains non-reactive aggregates with a low soluble-alkali cement content which is particularly important where CP is to be used. The rapid strength development and dimensional stability of webercem five star repair concrete CP – which reaches 27N/mm² in 24 hours – was especially valuable in the tidal conditions in Fife. Tight shuttering was used on the wide beam sections of the jetty to take the poured concrete which reached an integral bond with the original concrete. This process reformed the structural integrity using products with proven durability.An innovative CP system using Duogard® hybrid anodes from CPT was installed to protect the steel reinforcement with the anodes fixed into the soffits with a special CPT mortar. Where the CP installation required chases to carry the cabling, webercem HB40 high-build structural repair mortar was used to fill and seal the chases. webercem bondcoat, a polymer-modified, cementitious bonding aid and steel reinforcement primer, was first applied into the chases to ensure enhanced bonding. webercem HB40 is an acrylic-polymer modified, single component mortar and is lightweight with high build qualities. It can be applied in layers up to 75mm thick vertically, and 50mm on overhead soffits, and can be used without formwork. It was then applied onto the tacky webercem bondcoat primer and finished flush to the concrete surface.The Braefoot Bay terminal project has been completed successfully and Dewi Miller, contracts manager, BBCS, is confident that the jetty protection will extend the working life of the structure. "The products we have used are excellent and the application methods have enabled us to deliver a high degree of protection and reinstatement to the concrete structure. Working on a live site in a tidal zone has required a flexible work schedule but the whole project has worked exactly to plan and the client is very pleased with the result. The Weber materials have been the key to achieving this success."

In the summer of 2007 the country witnessed extensive flooding with areas in England experiencing “over two months rainfall in just 14 hours.” Loss of water and electricity supply was experienced with thousands of homes. Providing protection against a 1 in 1000 year flood event involved building over 1 kilometer of reinforced concrete and sheet piled walls. As well as protecting the site from future flooding, the team at RHI Industrials worked in partnership with Lochrin Bain to ensure the security fencing system was fully integrated with the substations new flood defences.

Estudio B76 designed its new headquarters in an industrial warehouse built in the 50s. They kept and revealed reinforced concrete trusses and the perimetral walls made of bricks. The design focuses on using glass and steel to maintain the industrial atmosphere.Thanks to active and passive sustainable measures, such as photovoltaic panels, aerothermal energy, and efficient shading solutions, the project achieves high sustainability.From Bandalux, we proposed a combination of systems suitable for both the working and residential parts of this mixed project:, but Veranda Plus is particularly convenient as it completes without denaturing the former structure of the building.

Product UsedCemfloor C30F6The iconic Grade II listed Battersea Power Station is at the heart of one of central London’s largest new developments. The £9 billion project will see the creation of a vibrant new destination for London, housing a community of homes, shops, cafes, offices, leisure and cultural venues, withover 19 acres of public space. As part of the redevelopment of the power station, a lightweight floor build-up was required.Cemfloor C30F6 was chosen for this project as part ofan ultra-lightweight flooring solution and was supplied by Capital Concrete and installed by B&K Systems.The new proposal for Battersea was for energystore TLA to be installed at various thicknesses to level out the existing un-even substrate with 30mm depth of Cemfloor CT C30 F6 screed then bonded directly onto the insulating screed. This system had the following benefits of the original specification:• Significant weight reduction: the original specification had a weight of 300kg/m2 whereas the new proposal had a weight of 120kg/m2.• Greatly reduced installation time: the original specification was a semi-dry system, which would have been manually placed and compacted. The proposed products are both flowable systems that are pumped into place and tamped to provide a smooth level surface.• Vast reduction in deliveries of materials to site and minimal storage on-site. • Reduced cement content leading to a lower CO2 footprint.• Faster turnaround time allowing follow-on trades to progress with works without any delays.• Lower curing time of the new system allowed the floor to be loaded with MEWPs faster.• Significant cost savings were also achieved.Following the installation of the system in-situ crushing resistance testing (ISCR) was carried out throughout the floor area; with each test easily meeting the CAT Arequirements. The system was delivered ahead of schedule and a significant time saving was achieved compared with the original specified floor build up. The slab was covered with various types of flooring all of which were compatible with the screed topping.

While the summer holidays are going on, many schools are thinking about restoring, replacing, or expanding the current lockers. The holidays are a great time to get these jobs done, as it's much quicker for installers to operate and they don’t get in the way of your students. Our Team at Helmsman manufactured and installed new lockers replacing the old ones at Weald of Kent Grammar.  Weald of Kent Grammar is a secondary school that has a strong focus on academic achievement and selects pupils based on their ability.The school requested metal lockers, with 3 compartments and 1 compartment with metal sloping tops. Metal lockers are a beneficial option for schools, as they can come in a range of compartments, colours, and sizes. The school requested sloping tops that prevent people from using the top of the lockers as a storage area, which can create a safety hazard if items fall or if students climb on top of the lockers.Our team manufactured 98 one-compartment lockers with the size of lockers 665mm high, 300mm wide, and 450mm deep. Also, three compartment that is 1775mm high, 300 wide, and 450 deep. The colour of the lockers was requested to be ‘Ultramarine Blue’ with body colour to be ‘Ice’. With sloping tops to be 'elegant grey' and extended by 80mm. With the lockers, they have requested Cam locks which would make students feel guaranteed that their belongings are safe and secure.It was great to work again with Weald of Kent Grammar on this project. If you have a similar project or want to know more about school lockers, give us a call at 01284 530 427.

A high-profile project, involving the unique new Sconnex® type W thermally insulating wall connection, is Haberdashers’ Boys’ School, just north of London.   It is one of the UK’s leading independent boys' schools and sets exemplary standards, in both educational terms and in its facilities as well.  Demonstrated by the new reinforced concrete extension to the Preparatory School, where cube_design architects were commissioned to produce a design for three additional classrooms and relocated changing facilities.  Jane Lock-Smith, the founder of cube_design and RIBA Client Design Advisor within the Building Schools for the Future programme, observes: “The design is respectful to the style of the existing building, but offers a contemporary twist through the use of full height glazing and charred timber cladding. A colonnade also minimises the buildings footprint.  Our detailing took into account that around 40% of all thermal bridges in a building are caused by walls and supports.  The Schöck product offers an application-friendly, high-quality solution that contributes to a permanently sustainable building concept”.   The outstanding insulation performance is combined with an excellent load bearing capacity, which transmits very high pressure, tensile and shear forces, both in the longitudinal and transverse direction. The ultra-high performance pressure buffer achieves compressive strength levels in excess of 175 N/mm2. Sconnex® type W also achieves a significant cost reduction when compared with the installation of insulation beneath the floor slab.