"walls"

The former site of a cash and carry in Bow, East London, has been demolished to make way for the new and exciting residential development, Tredegar Place. Centra Living - part of Circle Housing, oversaw the creation of 87 new homes on the Tredegar Road site, transforming the space and bringing much needed family and affordable housing to the area.

When West Herts Golf Club in Rickmansworth finally opened its doors at the end of the latest lockdown, it did so in real style – thanks to the installation of four new AluK BSF70 bi-fold doors in the newly refurbished clubhouse and bar. All of the new doors provide players and guests at the 125-year old club with a perfectly framed view of the course, and can open up to provide a seamless transition between inside and out. They have been installed to replace PVC-U French doors which had been in place previously, and were chosen because the slim, 140mm sightlines of the AluK aluminium bi-folds provide a more contemporary look, with more glazing and less frame on show.

Far Gosford Street is an iconic development in a historic area of Coventry which has been a focus of recent regeneration work, and is now home to around 300 University students, alongside new restaurant and retail space. This contemporary development, with its strking, curved facade showcases AluK's 58BW Student Accommodation windows and GT55 TB commercial doors. The project was supplied and installed by commercial fabricators, EYG Commercial over a 3 month period.

Double and triple track AluK sliding doors and windows form a key element in an award-winning residential development on Old Ford Road, alongside London’s Hertford Union Canal and overlooking Victoria Park. Three houses, three duplexes and two flats have replaced derelict storage structures on a tight, 465m2 triangular site developed by Earth Residential. The geometric design, by architects pH+ Architects, echoes both the industrial wharf buildings which characterise the canal side and the Georgian terraces which surround the park.

AluK window and door systems were specified to enhance the views over the South Downs hills, whilst providing the homeowners with a long-lasting solution that will keep their home safe. Overlooking the City of Winchester, this stunning house has been designed to create a positive feel and ambience. Based on the principle that a connection with nature is beneficial to the body, the house provides a space for reflection, offering inspiring views over the city and the beautiful countryside.

Two five-panel BSF70 bi-folds installed on the front of the garden room open out from the centre, while the pool area features a single, nine-panel bi-fold which opens up one way from right to left to create a seamless link between inside and out. There are also two further five-panel BSF70 bi-folds installed at the end of the building and working as a divider between the two separate zones. All the doors are in Anthracite Grey throughout, double glazed with black, warm edge spacer bars.

Deakin University and Barwon Health partnered up for a new research and clinical trial fit-out facility in the heart of Geelong CBD. Named the Health Education and Research Building, (also referred to as HERB), the project combined both open-plan office spaces for health education researchers, staff amenities and an open-to-public area for clinical trials.The final design navigates seamlessly through a conceptual identity between public vs private; vibrant vs sterile environments; by a fluid use of colour, texture and spatial dynamics.

The Embassy of Australia in Washington D.C., designed by Bates Smart in collaboration with local firm KCCT, stands as a contemporary replacement for the building the firm designed over half a century ago. This fresh take on the Embassy showcases the very best in Australian design, materials, and architectural excellence, brought to life through Bates Smart’s innovative vision.

The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre, formerly known as The Sutherland Entertainment Centre, originated in the 1970’s with a primary focus on music.CHROFI, along with NBRS, were tasked with re-designing the complex, starting with a design concept aiming to recreate a modern-day public venue, catering to a diversity of cultural and technical needs. It required an open outlook and needed to offer more to its community, both in terms of its relationship with its immediate surrounds but also in its spatial flexibility.

Bottle Lane is a private custom build home designed and constructed by Revolution Homes. The four-bedroom, detached house stands on the site of the client’s old property which was demolished to make way for a new more acoustically and thermally efficient build. As the client was overseas for the duration of the build, they wanted a company that could offer a full system build package from conceptual design to a finished product. Specialists in the custom-build market, Revolution Homes was able to supply this by employing the H+H Rå Build method of thin-joint aircrete construction.

The full I-House system package was used for each unit, comprising the structural inner skin, insulation, floor cassettes, roof cassettes, soffits and facias. The I-House system is manufactured offsite by Roofspace Solutions who also supply a 3-person team and crane operator to create each structure. 

The UK's most exclusive and largest bungalow provider needed a refurbished space to tell their story. Vtec was excited to support the designers with a premium and modern ceiling beam design with the MaxiBeam system. The ceiling beams were 39mm x 85mm tall and the decorative ceiling was coffered, creating a sunken rectangle in the space. The ceiling carries occupiers on a journey in the large open areas achieving both visual and functional benefits. Learn more about how the Click Fix installation system made it easy for the beams to be removed for access to M&E services.

Vtec's MicroSlat – a cost-effective modular slatted system was chosen for its timeless look and high-quality finish at a Grade II listed site. A key feature of the redesigned retreat areas is the captivating ceiling design. The entire centre, including its buildings and landscape, is protected as a Welsh Historical Monument. With agile internal management and responsible manufacturing, the complexities of the ceiling design were easily achieved. Explore the beauty of this ceiling and learn more about how the Production Team created a seamless look.

The team at Vtec loved being part of this BREEAM excellent Scottish University project, which involved the refurbishment of several 100-year-old historical buildings and the reconnection with a local community remote from the main campus for the first time in over a century. The challenge was to connect these buildings together while respecting the different construction methods and materials they were originally built with.Vtec’s SupaSlat ceiling in bespoke SupaSlat 6 design in FR Solid Oak and FR Laminate was specified for its beauty and warmth, bringing together the various textures and dated constructions of the space comprehensively and sympathetically.The design also included cladding a structural bridge that connected two buildings together, ensuring it remained functional and accommodated the irregular angles involved. Explore how we solved this to create perfect symmetry.

A major housing provider wanted their new workspace to reflect its corporate and environmental ethos. Vtec's premium wood-slatted system, SupaSlat, was used in the ceiling design. The beauty of the system was it supported the client's green initiatives, as FSC® Certified (FSC® 160047) wood was used. Vtec's SupaSlat system addressed the need for sustainable measures. The beautiful light-coloured grain complimented the sophisticated soft furnishes infusing warmth and vitality to the space. Read more to explore how the Lift and Shift system enabled accessible locations into the T-24 ceiling grid.

Up to 4000m2 of Rockfon ceiling tiles from four ranges, plus grid, trim and accessories, are installed throughout the €233m County Longford resort which features 470 lodges, 30 apartments, a ‘Subtropical Swimming Paradise’, sports hall, bowling, restaurants, bars, shops and a wellness spa – all overlooking a 3.5 hectare lake set in the heart of the forest. Holder Mathias Associate Director David Gallimore, “Rockfon was specified for use in several spaces throughout the resort as they have the breadth of ceiling systems required to meet the particular needs of each.

The Old Nestle factory is located on Neslte avenue UB3 4QF. The M&E project manager approached us for samples of the bracket and once the product was used and tested, the M&E contractor submitted a technical submittal it was given status A by the consultants and it is now part of Block B which consists of 532 apartments.

Large scale project featuring 1036 Fan Coil Units with FlowCon Green PICVs and E-Just ABVs.

Researchers, taking part in a UK study, found that most noise issues in school classrooms were not caused by the assumed issues of noise from planes, trains and cars, but by the pupils themselves during learning activities.

At the vibrant AppAgent office, a poor and reflective sound environment led to constant disturbances from employees, phone conversations and meetings. During conference calls customers often commented on the noise and that it was hard to distinguish what was being said.

Coal Drops Yard, the new retail and lifestyle district where acoustic performance was vital for the SamsungKX experience space. Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic provides Class A sound absorption helping create the perfect environment for visitors to interact with Samsung technology. Associate Trevor Gidlow from KSS, “The installation fully achieved the original design vision”. ROCKFON Mono Acoustic is a unique product providing the elegance of a seamless ceiling with high performance sound absorption, previously thought only possible with modular suspended ceilings. Craig Wheatley, Pacy & Wheatley Acoustics, “What an amazing project, from design to completion, another real flagship project for us.“

Located in the heart of Amsterdam, Youseum creates a unique experience where visitors travel through a world of art, social media and personal identity.

A remarkable "Active Local Government" project which is a community hub for a diverse range of cultural, artistic and sports events whilst physically integrating a neighbouring primary school.

Landmark Arnhem was an almost-vacant landmark office building located on the A235 which has been totally transformed into a vibrant multi-tenant space.

The acoustics in the library were a fundamental part of the design by RKD Architects. They used Rockfon Eclipse islands in circle and rectangular shapes.

Gladsaxe House Company is the headquarters of NCC and was the first office building to achieve the DGNB-platinum certification in Denmark.

Skibbereen Community School, situated on the southern tip of Ireland in County Cork, is a new state-of-the art learning facility created as part of an ambitious multi-million PPP programme. ROCKFON ceiling solutions were installed to help create the ideal conditions for learning and enhance the architect’s contemporary design. ROCKFON ceiling systems were selected for Skibbereen because they either met or exceeded the acoustic requirements specified by the Department of Education. Fire safety was also an important factor and ROCKFON products provide Class A1 fire resistance, the safest fire classification.

The eye-catching Vista luxury apartment complex brings a powerful new architectural statement to the London skyline. The unusual organic way in which the architect has stacked the two modern buildings with near-transparent residential layers resembles the structure of an animal skeleton. Located in an enviable location near Chelsea Bridge, the large glass frontages of many of the apartments afford outstanding views of Battersea Park. The apartments have spacious, glazed terraces and patios that are seamlessly interconnected both inside and out. The development also features two extensive courtyards.

With a proven track record of providing a robust and compliant solution to the education sector, our PURe® aluminium windows have been extensively used for this new build school in Leicester.The new Avanti Fields School has been designed by architects Maber and provides a full range of facilities for nursery, primary and secondary education. Part of the Avanti Fields School Trust, the new school is one of 14 Avanti schools across the UK. The ethos of the Hindu faith school is one that promotes both spiritual and educational growth, and is open to children of all faiths and none. The inclusive nature of the school is also reflected in the design of the building, with an integrated sports hall and a light, bright interior.The school has been built by BAM Construction, with our PURe® aluminium windows installed by supply chain partner Red Systems. The use of our PURe® aluminium windows has not only ensured compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations but has provided the school with a low maintenance solution for preventing heat loss and reducing energy bills.The safe and secure style of the PURe® aluminium windows makes them ideally suited for use in the education sector, boosting daylighting and creating a comfortable learning environment.

Unity Place, the new six floor state-of-the-art Swindon offices of Zurich Insurance, represents a £36m investment by the Swiss-owned global brand. Rockfon is delighted to have played its part in this innovative project where a core design remit of the 9300m2 project was to aim for BREEAM Excellent accreditation. Award winning Alec French Architects were design principals for the scheme. Architect Mercedes Mortalla Cebrian of the practice, “Rockfon were able to supply product in the required dimensions and within budget. Acoustics were very important – calculations were made, with their products providing the solutions which complied to the relevant regulations The Rockfon team were incredibly helpful, providing great technical support and very quick to answer any queries.”The innovative interiors at Unity Place utilise a limited colour palette to great effect in creating a chic paired back, industrial aesthetic which also manages to offer visual warmth and a sense of quality and light with full height window walls featured throughout.Zurich Project Manager Ian White, “When we were looking for a contractor to deliver this new building for us, it was important that they understood our environmental policy and how sustainability is at the heart of this new building. …we are delighted with our new building.”Skanska was appointed as main contractor. They stated, ‘Skanska used a low carbon site set-up approach to realise Zurich’s aim of providing a sustainable environment for employees, through a climate-smart building. It’s targeting BREEAM Excellent – which will put it in the top ten per cent of non-residential buildings in the UK in terms of sustainability.’Skanska Operations Director Charlie Norris added, “We’re proud that this development has delivered the first new office space in the heart of Swindon in a generation and it’s in a state-of-the-art, sustainable building. “Ultimately, the aim was building a sustainable workplace that enhances peoples’ wellbeing.”The varied work of installing the acoustic solutions throughout the building was the responsibility of Bristol-based Topfix Interiors, which delivers specialised interior solutions to all sectors of the construction industry. Topfix Site Manager Scott Dunn spoke about the work, “This was an interesting, challenging and ultimately very rewarding project. We had to research a new system using parallel suspension rails on the north side of the development and the crane necessary to carry out high level installations within the multi-storey atrium also tested the team’s skill and fortitude.”A specialist range for every spaceRockfon Specification Manager Rowan Green, “This stunning development offered us the great opportunity to feature around 3800m2 of our specialist ranges to meet the specific needs of the spaces which make up this great project. They include: Eclipse Islands in square, rectangular and circular formats; Universal Baffles; Medicare, Color-all and two variants of our Blanka range.Rockfon Blanka® offers a wide choice of options for installation and usage and is in evidence in two variants at Unity Place. The range embodies Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection, >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation >26dB. Its easy clean, anti-static surface prolongs product life and is non-directional, speeding up installation, saving time and money. The high light reflectance of the ceiling systems at the Swindon offices optimise natural light, helping provide healthy interiors whilst minimising energy costs. Superior acoustic performance is demonstrated across all Rockfon ranges. It’s a key reason why it is preferred by so many specifiers. Independent research shows improved acoustics can reduce stress levels by 27% and increase focus by 48%, aiding wellbeing while optimising productivity. Rockfon Eclipse® – elegance and performanceAcoustic Eclipse islands are installed in various formats and dimensions throughout the building. These frameless, lightweight ceiling islands can be specified in an almost unlimited range of shapes and can also be custom colour matched. They are often used to subtly and elegantly camouflage necessary services and where a traditional suspended ceiling cannot be installed. Quick and easy to install, Eclipse islands are also perfect for thermal mass installations with their rear surface providing excellent heat and light reflection. All Rockfon ranges are made from non-combustible stone wool, which is impervious to most environmental pressures, embodies very high humidity resistance and guards against the incidence of bacteria and harmful microorganisms.Rockfon Color-all® is available in a standard range of 34 exclusive colours and can be supplied in almost any colour. It was installed in the Charcoal option using secret fixings, under stairways where visual impact and sound control were important considerations. Ideal for thermal mass areas or where easy access to services is required, Rockfon Universal™ Baffles offer an elegant and innovative acoustic solution. Encased with corrosion resistant powder coated steel in two formats – two end-capped or four fully framed edge, they feature a multi-functional clip assembly which enables several installation and suspension possibilities. They are available in white and in a selection of colours.Rockfon Medicare® for when bacterial control is key HTM 60 compliant Rockfon Medicare was also installed to offer outstanding performance in terms of infection control. Along with its Class A sound absorption and highest fire safety (Class A1), simple cleaning and low particle emission (ISO Class 5) mark it out as a first choice for areas where increased cleanliness is required.Contemporary company headquarters and offices are increasingly required to offer a wide spectrum of spaces under one roof. From lobbies and atria, to offices, break-out areas, auditoria and cafes – each with its own specific needs in terms of acoustics and other characteristics. Rockfon has the products, expertise and experience to deliver solutions to offer outstanding performance that also looks beautiful.

New Farnley Cricket Club in Leeds, when given the greenlight to open their bar and restaurant, wanted to ensure that their returning clientele would feel comfortable by providing facilities in line with the government guidance on Covid 19 safety.Along with clear signage and establishing a one-way system through the club house, New Farnley CC commissioned protective screening from wall & door protection specialists Yeoman Shield.To help protect staff and customers alike from viral loads that can be expelled by coughing, sneezing or shouting, Yeoman Shield installed a bespoke 800mm high screen using 4mm thick clear uPVC affixed around the bar with attractive chrome brackets and fixings.Yeoman Shield portable protective screens were also supplied to help with the configuration and separation of dining tables and the social distancing of patrons whilst waiting in the expected queuing systems.Being lightweight the screens can be moved around easily to accommodate requirements whilst being sturdy enough not to be knocked or tipped over.The portable screens are available in a range of options such as clear or frosted uPVC or with the alternative of a clear top half giving a sense of space coupled with a through coloured, frosted or design printed bottom half.The club’s Chairman, Mr John Baldwin, commented “It’s been great that Yeoman Shield were able to provide us with the right solution to our social distancing requirements to enable the club to re-open, which like other sports clubs, provide amenities to the local community.”Yeoman Shield have also been providing similar solutions for Hospitals, Schools and Offices allowing visitors, students and employees to return to safe environments.

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

The Sports Hall was built to replace the former gymnasium originally designed by John Francis Bentley, the architect of Westminster Cathedral in 1888. Although the primary function of the hall is for sporting activities, the school needed a hall for exams, general assemblies, presentations, parents' evenings and plays. So DYNAMIK installed several methods to protect the floor when not being used for sport.

One of the advantages of installing a sprung sports floor, such as the DYNAMIK Athen system finished with a solid sports wood effect vinyl, is its versatility in allowing the space to not only be used for sports but to be hired out for non-sporting events such as meetings, community groups and social occasions. In a community setting such as The Greenhouse Centre, the opportunities to maximise the space is made easier with the right floor. Old and new features can be combined to create a functional space.

DYNAMIK Sport are proud to have supplied and installed the world class competition sports flooring at the EIS. DYNAMIK has expertise in providing world class training venues for top athletes and creating facilities that are designed to enhance top sporting performance inclusive of wheelchair sport. The Elite Training Centre, home of Team GB Wheelchair Basketball, houses DYNAMIK’s sprung engineered oak flooring. This is an ideal surface for wheelchair users to aid the glide of wheelchairs as the low rolling resistance of sprung systems finished with a solid ‘non-spongy’ playing surface, allows chairs to easily glide across the floor.

DYNAMIK work with architects at specification stage right through to completion. Henlow Academy, in Bedfordshire was led by PCMS Design to build a new four-court sports hall. Main contractor, Borras Construction, chose DYNAMIK to install the specialist low profile sprung sports floor finished in a solid sport linoleum. The client wanted a Sports Hall for multi-sport use including netball, badminton, basketball, hockey and five-a-side football and to hire the facility for public use. Solid sport linoleum, available in a range of colours, was chosen for this purpose as it is easy to clean and maintain.