"wall light"

BackgroundThe BISF (British Iron and Steel Federation) constructed the Newarthill properties in the 1940’s, utilising steel-framed walls that were initially coated in cement render and vertical steel panels.In previous renovations overseen by the Local Authority, the upper level of the building was clad in PVC weatherboard, while the lowest floor had its exterior re-rendered. The building is characterised by its non-traditional construction style.The houses had extremely poor thermal performance and the flats were difficult and expensive to heat, especially with the rising fuel prices and current cost of living crisis, meaning some residents were in a state of fuel poverty.North Lanarkshire Council required an EWI solution that would achieve the following three key objectives:- Improve the thermal performance of the property portfolio- Specify a system that would achieve a U-value of 0.17 W/m²K and would involve as little technical detailing around the property as possible- Ensure the properties had a modern and aesthetically pleasing look as the current exterior was tired and datedUnderstanding and appreciating K System’s expertise in this sector and innate ability to deliver best-in-class refurbishments, North Lanarkshire Council appointed the partnership of K Systems and Ailsa Building Contractors to tackle the low rise refurbishment project.Our ServiceAs the Newarthill development was already occupied, a key element of this project was to deliver the refurbishment with minimal disruption to current residents and / or neighbouring houses.This is one of K Systems strengths, ensuring jobs are delivered in a timely fashion, without delay, without disruption, and with full disclosure of each phase given to residents throughout the project to build rapport, trust, and confidence.On this particular low rise refurbishment, which had limited access points for all traffic in and out surrounding its immediate vicinity, K Systems had to work closely with the contractor, main contractor, and local authority to ensure they were working in harmony to negate any unnecessary commotion.K Systems’ technical team also carried out regular site visits to make sure the system was installed to the highest standard, in line with specification, and to ensure all involved parties were delivering to time and budget.The refurbishment of the properties is a great example of K Systems’ unparalleled ability to deliver constructional excellence that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of its customers.Technical Project DetailsOn initial scope, the K Systems team identified that a major challenge for this project was going to be the technical detailing between the timber frame sheeted ply at the top storey and precast concrete slab at the bottom. Several U-value calculations were completed by the experienced K Systems team to support the Council’s request of minimal detailing around the property and the target U-value.To meet these requirements, the K Systems P EWI system was specified, which utilises phenolic foam insulation boards. This insulation is lightweight and has a high thermal performance, allowing for thinner sections of insulation to achieve optimal thermal efficiency - perfect for this project, achieving the target U-value of 0.17 W/m²K , up from 0.32 W/m²K.It is a suitable solution for buildings that are restricted in expanding their footprint due to pavements or nearby properties, and can be easily installed on masonry structures, as well as non-traditional structures - an ideal solution for the Newarthill properties.Addressing the request for a modernised aesthetic, a dash render finish was specified. This render is extremely robust, hard-wearing, and low maintenance, ensuring the properties’ refreshed exterior would remain for years to come. The dash render was also complementary to the existing local property portfolio which was something the Council wanted to achieve.This refurb completely transformed cold, weathered, distressed housing in a Scotland suburb into warm, comfortable, aesthetically pleasing homes that met the exact requirements of North Lanarkshire Council and reduced the energy bills for residents due to improved thermal performance.

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.

The ProjectDobbies, the UK’s largest garden centre retailer, has officially opened its store at The Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim.The 110,000ft flagship store is Dobbies’ second venture in Northern Ireland. This is the largest store in Dobbies’ UK portfolio with outdoor and indoor plant areas, pet, gift, and toy departments, as well as a cook shop and home décor area, a food hall, a children’s soft play area and new restaurant and coffee shop.Tobermore’s Sienna block paving in Silver was used in the flagship store to create a sleek, contemporary look. The striking aggregate finish to the paving perfectly compliments the modern exterior of the building. For the area around the new bowling green. Due to the level of expected footfall, it was important to consider hard-wearing but aesthetically pleasing paving options. The ChallengeModern paving was required for the retail development. Situated in The Junction Retail development in Antrim, and with a massive £10m invested, the 110,000ft2 store is the largest in Dobbies UK portfolio. To complement the modern aesthetics of the retail store, Dobbies sought hard landscaping to amplify the fresh contemporary feel. The store is expected to attract a footfall of around one million visitors per year. With that in mind, ensuring high quality, durable paving was used throughout the project was imperative. In addition to aesthetic and performance desires for the project and with sustainability in mind, Dobbies decided they wanted to source products locally to reduce their carbon footprint.The SolutionTobermore’s Sienna block paving in silver created a sleek, contemporary look. With a wide array of products all locally sourced, Tobermore was the chosen manufacturer to supply Dobbies with a hard landscaping solution which surpassed both aesthetic and performance expectations. Sienna block paving in Silver was used for the 3960m2 area in the retail store. Both areas, interior and exterior were paved with the striking aggregate finished product. Gerard Boyle, Senior Architect at Gray Design said “We chose Tobermore Sienna block paving due to it being produced locally, thus reducing its carbon footprint. We also wanted to support the local economy and Tobermore had a great selection of colours and products to choose from.”

The grounds at St. Patrick’s Church in Castlederg, Northern Ireland, was redeveloped with a traditional style landscape created with Tobermore’s Tegula and Tegula Setts block paving. The charming, aged aesthetics of the product complemented the historic church building beautifully and the creation of a celtic-themed circular paving design was used to create a focal point and enhance the character of the site.

We’ve given a Victorian office building a modern makeover by replacing the existing washrooms with a modern new design. Our flush fronted Alto toilet cubicles, which are designed to provide a virtually seamless façade, were finished with an attractive dark wood effect Engineered Veneer to ensure a consistency of colour for each cubicle door. Laminated duct panels were installed behind the toilets and urinals in a soft grey colour and we also designed bespoke white Corian vanity units.

The hard-wearing vibrant finish of Tobermore’s Pedesta block paving provided a functional and visually attractive finish for the refurbished trafficked area and train platforms at Antrim Bus and Rail Station in Northern Ireland. Tactile Flags were also implemented as an essential sensory health and safety measure on the train platforms and on crossing zones at the station.

House Builder, Prestige Homes, built a high spec swimming pool and gym situated within a housing development. Premium hard landscaping was required to complement the contemporary leisure facility.Tobermore provided complimentary design support and product samples which helped client decision making. The developer opted for Tobermore’s landscape proposal of Braemar and Artro paving accompanied by Fusion Kerb. Cool contemporary greys were selected as a colour palette to add to the project’s modern aesthetic.

IDPartnership Specifies Tobermore Paving at £20m Student Village in NewcastleArchitect, IDPartnership, was seeking a hard landscaping solution for Portland Green, a new £20 million student village in Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne, that would be attractive yet functional. Tobermore provided the architect with the perfect solution with the supply of striking Sienna, modern Fusion and smooth Shannon block paving products.The project was managed by Metnor Group and is hoped to breathe new life into the area and boost trade for local restaurants, bars and retail outlets.The first phase, consisting of a 274 bedroom luxury student accommodation building and 2 retail units, was completed in 2013 and the second phase, consisting of a 338 bedroom accommodation building and 4,500 sq. ft. of retail space, was completed in late 2015.David Moore, Senior Associate at IDPartnership, explained that the objective for the outdoor space at the student accommodation complex was to “provide quality hard landscaping around the building and in the centrally located courtyard at a reasonable cost.“We decided that block paving was the most suitable solution as it was in fitting with other paved projects we had designed nearby.“The landscape design concept was to define different areas and routes on campus that could also provide a colourful contrast to the dark brick apartment buildings.”David Moore, Senior Associate at IDPartnershipThe architect liaised with Tobermore’s North East Sales team in a bid to achieve a landscape with aesthetic appeal and sustainability. David said:“What impressed us most about Tobermore was the range of products, the beautiful colours available, and the cost-effectiveness.”A selection of Tobermore’s Sienna block paving in the colours of Graphite and Silver, and Fusion block paving in the colours of Cream, Silver and Graphite was specified for the area surrounding the project.Sienna and Fusion are manufactured with a granite aggregate surface layer that produces a sparkling, modern look, similar to natural granite. Sienna is available in single sizes and duo sizes while Fusion is a modular sized product.IDPartnership also selected Tobermore’s smooth Shannon block paving in the vibrant, blended colour of Heather. Shannon was installed within the courtyard area and has enhanced the beauty of the complex and provided a stylish outdoor space for residents to unwind in.Fusion Kerb in a striking granite aggregate finish was chosen as the appropriate kerbing solution to complement the paving products used across the site.On reflection of the completion of phase two of this project, David Moore said, “I’m very happy with the products supplied by Tobermore, so much so, that we are already using more products on the next two phases.“We would recommend Tobermore for any type of project.”

Paving with character required for one of UK’s most biodiverse developmentsWorking in conjunction with London Wildlife Trust, Berkeley Group’s design objective was strongly influenced by the environment surrounding the scheme. The overall aim of the multi-functional location was to encourage users to socialise and enjoy the open space and facilities available. Residents can enjoy 13 acres of parkland across 2 new parks in addition to outdoor leisure spaces including an amphitheatre, play areas, and fitness trails. The Green Quarter hard landscaping design needed to tie in with the vibrant nature of the area. A functional yet aesthetically pleasing solution was required, ensuring commuter-friendly paving options. Due to the scale of the location, creative laying patterns were required to add character and break up the space.   Tobermore’s Artro adds vibrancy and personality to transformed development Tobermore worked closely with the project team throughout the design process offering complimentary paving visualisations and bespoke sample panels for the extensive hard landscaping on the scheme. The visualisation and sample service provided confidence in the final product selection.  Outdoor leisure spaces including an amphitheatre, play areas, and fitness trails provide a place for residents to unwind. Community events including outdoor cinema screenings and food markets will create a thriving new community. There will also be a new primary school, health centre and community facility. With creativity at its core, Artro block paving was laid in an interesting five-way colour mix of Heather, Bracken, Autumn, Slate and Carbon in a trendy herringbone pattern. Other pedestrianised zones feature Artro in warm clay-like tones of Heather and Autumn in a stretcher bond laying pattern. Artro’s ability to create unique design patterns by seamlessly blending various colour tones adds originality and personality to the scheme.  Thanks to Tobermore’s PrimeTop hard-wearing surface layer, Berkeley Group can be confident that Artro will retain its original appearance for many years to come.     

The University of Gloucestershire’s strategic commitment to be “centred on students” was integral to the scheme. The striking courtyard required a combination of permeable and impermeable paving. The area of permeable paving is centred within the area of standard paving which necessitated complementary products. Ireland Albrecht Landscape Architects sought paving that was similar in style and format for both permeable and impermeable areas.

Tobermore provide HTA with a striking hard landscaping solution for the redevelopment of Olympic Way, the main pedestrian route connecting Wembley Station and Stadium. This successful scheme was shortlisted at the New London Awards 2014.

Ebbw Vale College Square is a stunning public space developed by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council that connects Ebbw Vale Railway Station and the town centre, which come together as ‘The Works’, a regeneration project to redevelop the former Ebbw Vale steelworks site. The granite aggregate finish and mixed colour design created with Tobermore’s Mayfair Flags was perfect for creating the contemporary look desired for the project.

TGP Help Mark New Era with Manhattan Plank Paving at Greg’s PlaceTGP Landscape Architects Ltd was assigned the task of designing the landscape at Greg’s Place, a vibrant outdoor community space which at the University of York, replacing the previous dilapidated Vanbrugh Piazza. Helping TGP to mark a new era for the University, Tobermore supplied the landscape architect with modern Manhattan plank paving and Granite Step Units which were used to create a unique, striking hard landscape.Greg’s Place was named in honour of Greg Dyke, a highly respected journalist, broadcaster, and chairman of The Football Association, who was additionally Chancellor at the University for 11 years.Andrew Gardener, Director at TGP, explained how the company won the opportunity to be involved in the refurbishment scheme: “The original site (Vanbrugh Piazza) was designed in the 1960’s and had gone unused for years, having never been updated. We took part in a competition being run by the University of York to come up with a design for a multi-functional space that students could use. We won the competition and presented a proposal to Greg Dyke and the Student Union, taking their opinions on board and the students ‘a year in the life’ concept that reflected the events taking place throughout the year for students – festivals, Christmas markets, graduations, etc.”TGP’s design concept had to meet a variety of requirements. Andrew noted: “The strong central axis of the site, which runs North / South from Vanbrugh College, was further enhanced by extending it out into the lake and placing a large timber and galvanised steel feature seating window on it. The space itself needed to be flexible enough for multi-purpose use and needed to work on a North / South and East / West axis.“Greg Dyke wanted a large screen installed for the communal screening of sports and movies on the College building to the West of the site. Timber, circular seating and a raised grass terrace were included to create multiple viewing directions within the site.”Andrew explained the selection of materials for the landscape at Greg’s Place:“For the hard landscaping, we knew that paving needed to be a versatile, cost effective, hard-wearing solution for the scheme.”ANDREW GARDENER, DIRECTOR AT TGP LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS LTDTobermore paving products were an obvious choice for TGP and Andrew was particularly impressed with Tobermore’s Premium Collection’s Manhattan plank paving system: “I liked the large format size; the mixed size units and the variety of colours available with the product are impressive and it is always good to see paving that is different to the standard often seen in public spaces.”Manhattan was ideal for creating a contemporary look at Greg’s Place as it is manufactured with a sparkling granite aggregate surface layer, reflecting the aesthetics of natural granite that is popular in European cities.TGP specified the product in Silver and Mid Grey, forming a subtle colour pattern. The landscape architect selected Tobermore’s Granite Step Unit as a stepping solution, which was a wonderful, modern accompaniment to Manhattan as Granite Step Units are manufactured with a similar granite aggregate surface finish.Andrew commented on the results of Greg’s Place:“We are delighted with the finished look of the scheme and the University is pleased that students, staff and visitors are making use of the area in a way they never did before.ANDREW GARDENER, DIRECTOR AT TGP LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS LTD“We are very happy with the products supplied by Tobermore as they have given a great contemporary feel to the space.“We plan to use Tobermore products again for forthcoming projects.” 

Limerick Institute of Technology’s Coonagh Campus is the first engineering-focused higher education campus in the Mid-West of Ireland.The new 7,000m2 engineering campus provides an additional 542 places on LIT’s engineering courses, an expansion which is considered essential to support industry demand in the region.Designed to provide agility of use, the campus will go beyond what is traditionally expected from an educational institution. It will provide facilities that encourage education and research to co-exist, facilitate industry leaders to meet and share ideas, and allow companies to use the various diverse spaces for training courses and seminars.Tobermore is proud to have provided granite-look paving and kerbs on this landmark Irish project.

The ChallengeAttractive permeable paving was required for two luxurious rural properties  Kite and Kestrel have been designed to create an agricultural character with a modern appearance. The two luxury homes located a short walk from West Wittering beach, have been carefully designed to remain connected with the locality.  The properties required a complementary paving solution that was functional yet aesthetically pleasing. Paving was required for the two driveways alongside the shared access courtyard. The developer wanted the areas to be clearly differentiated to give each property its own space.  Laying patterns were a useful way to subtly break up the area and give individuality to the properties. Whilst kerbing was required functionally, continuity with the overall modern design needed to be considered.  The developer encountered some difficulties when obtaining planning permission due to the properties high profile and sensitive location. The council’s strong desire to protect the environment of the rural location contributed to the request for a permeable paving solution. The Solution Tobermore’s Hydropave permeable paving was the perfect SuDS solution.   Tobermore provided hard landscape products for the courtyard and driveways to achieve the ‘modern, yet rural’ design brief. Manufactured to create a rustic, aged appearance, Tobermore’s Hydropave Tegula permeable paving brings elegance and charm to the luxury homes. With its ability to function as a SuDS system, choosing to use Hydropave increased the chances for planning permission approval, whilst aligning with the environmental factors considered when designing the properties.  Junnell Homes wanted to subtly separate the driveway area from the courtyard, while maintaining the aesthetic appeal. Hydropave Tegula was chosen for both locations, but with different laying patterns and unit sizes.  A herringbone laying pattern was used for the courtyard, offering an aesthetic appeal and increased trafficability. To ensure continuity of the style, the driveways were also laid with permeable block paving but using duo sizes in a stretcher bond laying pattern, helping to break up the space.  Fusion Kerb offered Junnell Homes a cost-effective, premium kerb with the striking aesthetics of a granite kerb.

When W & M Given Architects was assigned the prestigious task of designing a new arts and literary centre in Bellaghy that celebrates the life and literature of the late Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney, the architect was determined to create a striking tribute that would do the memory of Seamus Heaney justice.The external works were just as important as the interior design and having worked with Tobermore on numerous projects over the years, W & M Given was confident that Tobermore would have an appropriate hard landscaping solution that would achieve the desired result. Tobermore did not disappoint and provided the architect with a combination of fabulous Fusion and sparkling Sienna Setts block paving with modern Mayfair Flags to create a striking, contemporary landscape design

Tobermore supplied Kingston facing brick in the vibrant blended tones of Moorland and Cottage Red for the construction of the homes at this Persimmon Homes site in the charming market town of Epsom in Surrey.

MacMillan Academy, responsible for the care and education of 1500 11- 18-year olds, undertook during the summer of 2019, a large project to further refurbish many corridors within its central building, with the help of Yeoman Shield wall protection products. As a campus site the Academy’s central building is one of the oldest dating from around 1940 and in a bid to meet today’s expectations and blend seamlessly with the newer, fresher facilities it was key to find a solution which both enhanced the overall appearance, whilst also ensuring hardwearing durable areas were achieved.

Whilst following government guidelines, Beplas have supplied a huge amount of material for a number of key businesses and projects during the Covid-19 crisis. We have supplied materials for hygienic environments in Nightingale temporary hospitals, a huge number of smaller temporary installations at schools and leisure centres around the country.

Acoustics in this spectacular courthouse is controlled using Rockfon Mono Acoustic.

Set on the former site of a pub and a fish and chip shop, the stunning new Clifftown Shore residential development has breathed new life into the Western Esplanade in Southend-on-Sea in Essex. The development boasts a stunning location close to both the seafront and the nearby Conservation Area, which encompasses some of the coastal city’s most celebrated local architecture including the 1912 built Cliff Lift funicular railway. In addition to the 51 luxury one, two and three bedroomed apartments, the development also features a ground floor restaurant and cocktail bar and a host of aluminium fenestration systems.Taking inspiration from the Art Deco style of the neighbouring buildings and the beauty of the natural landscape, the undulating ‘waves’ of the white concrete framed building have been further accentuated by the curved installation and slim sightlines of Senior’s thermally-efficient SF52 aluminium curtain wall system.The stunning views from the individual apartments have been framed using Senior’s patented PURe® tilt and turn aluminium windows, with PURe® SLIDE aluminium doors providing access to the outdoor terraces. The thermal efficiency achieved by Senior’s PURe® aluminium system has been further enhanced with the use of energy-efficient triple glazing.The main entrance to the development features Senior’s aluminium PURe® Commercial Doors to provide safe and secure access. As well as contributing to a more energy-efficient building envelope, with all of Senior’s aluminium windows and doors comfortably meeting the new lower U-value targets of Part L of the Building Regulations, the use of the PURe® system also offers improved acoustic performance.Owing to the coastal location of the development, Senior’s aluminium fenestration systems were powder-coated in marine grade Matt Black to offer additional protection from the elements and provide an attractive contrast with the white building design. The installation of aluminium brise soleil, also powder-coated to match the aluminium windows, is both an attractive and practical feature, and will provide solar shading and protection against solar gain.Designed by LAP Architects and built by Cura Construction, all of Senior’s aluminium fenestration solutions were fabricated and installed by supply chain partner Glass & General.

The Bishop Auckland refurbishment project, is a stellar example of K Systems ability to harness years of expertise with forward-thinking innovation to meet the needs of its clients.Durham Homes commissioned K Systems to refurbish its residential development of 120 terraced houses. The primary aim of this project was to improve the thermal performance rating of each home. The challenge for K Systems was to provide a suitable EWI solution whilst retaining the character of the homes by replicating the existing brick and stone walls.Due to this unique mix of required finishes, we were presented with an extremely complex project that required careful attention of several aesthetic and design considerations.Having a good reputation for matching systems with finishes to deliver clients’ visions, we worked in collaboration with our approved installer Westdale Group, to scope out the project and specification in fine detail, with particular focus on insulating properties and aesthetic.These poorly insulated brick and stone terraced houses were given a thermal upgrade to enhance occupier comfort. An attractive brick render finish was used over insulation to provide an aesthetic finish that is in keeping with the current street scene.This satisfied the client’s requirements whilst providing a total revamp for the properties, which has resulted in energy efficient and aesthetically pleasing homes for the client and residents.Our ServiceWe worked in collaboration with Durham Homes and approved installer Westdale Group to upgrade these poorly insulated brick and stone terraced houses and deliver a total revamp of the properties, resulting in thermally efficient homes.The project was completed with minimal disruption to existing residents, and due to forward planning and regular site visits by an experienced K Systems project manager, where processes and progress were monitored and evaluated, the project was completed within the agreed timescale.Our Application Specialists visited the site regularly throughout the project working in collaboration with the approved contractor to ensure correct installation and detailing.As a result, we delivered an excellently designed and expertly executed refurbishment, that exceeded the expectations and requirements of the client, Durham Homes, and the residents of the newly improved homes.Joe Rogers at Westdale Group, said:“To deliver such a large project (120 houses), it requires multiple teams to work seamlessly together and have absolute trust in the other’s skill, vision, and judgement. That’s exactly what we had with K Systems on this Bishop Auckland project. The team’s innate understanding of pairing systems with finishes for optimal performance is second to none and together we delivered a best-in-class refurbishment which was an absolute pleasure.”Technical Project DetailsEffective demand planning and technical detailing ensured that the Durham Homes project was completed on time in March 2022.Having comprehensively assessed the project requirements, taking into consideration thermal u-value target, aesthetics and cost, our K Systems E BrickRend EWI system was specified. This high-performing system is lightweight utilising expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels that are enhanced with graphite to further enhance thermal performance.The E BrickRend system has a fire performance rating of B2-s1,d0. It’s low moisture absorption and resistance to mould growth ensures a high level of durability.The system was specifically tailored to meet the thermal performance criteria of the project. Utilising 90mm EPS panels, the target U-value of 0.30W/m2K was achieved, delivering the benefits of improved thermal comfort and lower heating costs for residents, whilst helping the local authority achieve it’s environmental carbon reduction targets.Several finish options were considered to meet the client’s requirement of replicating the existing brick/stone appearance of the properties whilst remaining within the project budget.K Systems specified BrickRend, a bespoke, specially formulated polymer render which was colour-matched to the existing masonry. It was then down to the skill of our approved installer to apply pigments to tint and shade the render surface and simulate the appearance of real stonework. The surface is then sealed to provide a long-term durability. A dash render finish was applied to the rear of the Bishop Auckland properties.This particular finish didn’t just ‘fit the bill’ at the time of delivery, but is an economic, durable, lightweight solution, easily applied, with an increased bond strength compared to sand and cement, which will protect the insulation and structural fabric of the homes from environmental deterioration in years to come.This customised finish and attention to detail is a perfect example of how K Systems works with all clients to fulfil any specific design criteria and go above and beyond the standard requirements to deliver superior quality.

Having won a bid for £15m of capital funding in 2020, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (BHT) commissioned a new children’s emergency department – including upgraded, expanded facilities and a new overnight observation ward – at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury.Completed in March 2023, the 3,500m2 extension not only provides a dedicated area for children but has also freed up much-needed capacity for adult patients in the existing emergency department, and has reduced overcrowding and improved infection control. The plans also included new facilities to improve access to maternity and gynaecology outpatient services in a modern, purpose-built environment. The buildings adjacent to the children’s department house the hospital’s A&E department and maternity ward, so it was crucial that construction could go ahead without causing any disruption to day-to-day access.Throughout the project, the emergency department drop-off route, blue light route, maternity drop-off route, and A&E entrance remained in use at all times. Designed by London-based architects Hunters, the two-storey buildingwas made using modern methods of construction (MMC) at the main contractor Western Building Systems’ purpose-built in-house manufacturing facilities in Northern Ireland.The decision to build using modular construction resulted in minimal disruption to the hospital, both in terms of number of deliveries and overall time to build. Hospital buildings require many services to be installed so the subcontractors worked closely together, supported by quantity surveyors from MESH Construction Consultancy Limited. Steel structure modules were made at the Western Building Systems factory in Coalisland to form the frame of the building. They were then sheathed in 12mm cement particle boards and wrapped in breather membrane.The modular design specified an efficient, certified External Wall Insulation (EWI) system that met all stringent safety standards. EWI systems have huge thermal benefits for any building by conserving energy, minimising heat loss and reducing CO2 emissions. In addition to this, having a fully certified non-combustible solution offers great peace of mind, as well as a fast-track way to provide an attractive and durable façade.  Once the frame was in place on site, render and EWI specialists from Clarke ECO Wall Ltd installed Saint-Gobain Weber’s webertherm XM – a system they are familiar with, having used it on projects previously, including University Hospital Limerick.The EWI system included webertherm MFD mineral fibre insulation board with carbon tip screw fixings, weberend LAC rapid adhesive render coat and silicone enhanced webersil TF decorative finish. This building was made up of two types of wall: one which used 170mm of external insulation and achieved a U-Value of 0.12 W/m2K and another which used just 70mm of webertherm MFD yet still reached a U-Value of 0.18 W/m2K. Both were combined with additional insulation installed within the frame. The system was finished using webersil TF – a highly weather-resistant silicone decorative finish – in Winter White. “The team from Weber were very helpful,” said Michael Clarke, managing director of Clarke ECO Wall Ltd. “They provided all the specification and completed the necessary pull-out tests, fixing patterns and condensation analysis – ensuring everything was approved and there were no grey areas – and offered our team application support while carrying out the work. They took a very collaborative approach.”A representative from Weber made weekly site visits to support the applicators to ensure the system was installed in line with Weber’s recommended best practice. The EWI system was installed in two phases, totalling eight weeks, between April and November 2022.

Bath Western Riverside development is a multi-award-winning project for client Crest Nicholson Regeneration. The project has won multiple awards including the coveted NHBC ‘Pride in the Job’ award for H&S and the seal of excellence for quality.Systems in useExcel®ChallengesThe ‘curved’ bulk-heads, walls and interior finishes presented a special challenge to our on-site team, one that would be present over multiple floors and apartments.The system needed to be both robust and aesthetically pleasing, as the roofs are overlooked by residents and used as amenity spaces, and the colour had to be in keeping with the traditional Bath stone.In addition to this, the project featured many unique and complex terraces in terms of shape, threshold height, u-value requirements and access.SolutionsTo achieve both a level threshold and a good thermal performance, we designed a unique tapered insulation scheme for the terraces, utilising our Excel system, reinforced bitumen waterproofing membrane, in combination with our high performance and cost effective Hytherm VIP (Vacuum Packed Insulation) insulation scheme.To meet the aesthetics guidelines dictated by the local planning authority, the capsheet membrane was specified with a white granular finish, which provided the unique look the authorities were looking for.To ensure the terraces were installed correctly and in accordance with Axter requirements, we worked in close partnership with the development construction team. In conjunction with Avonside, a ‘traffic light’ system was introduced to ensure that each individual terrace had been checked by our Quality Assurance team, that it had been independently integrity tested and that it was installed in accordance with the architect’s details, upon which the guarantees were issued and the finishes thereafter installed.

Installed alongside some interesting brass architectural detailing, TECHNAL aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling has been specified and installed at Heathervale House, transforming the outdated office development. Situated in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, Heathervale House is a commercial property that has been used as an office space for decades. Originally clad in brick, slate and hung tile, the building had shown signs of disrepair, looking tired and dilapidated. To bring it back to life, the building owner developed plans to undertake a wide scale refurbishment and extension of the property. Following a feasibility study, the building was handed across to design-led architectural practice MortonScarr. From the outset, MortonScarr recognised how important updated glazing systems would be in improving the aesthetics and performance of the building, both internally and externally. Previously, Heathervale House had featured small, brown-framed windows, which limited how much sunlight those inside the offices received throughout the day. The entire facade of the three-storey building was re-clad with concrete tiles, with interesting projecting brass window boxes also incorporated. The window boxes, which feature TECHNAL systems, added visual relief to the building externally, whilst maximising internal vistas for the occupants. TECHNAL also assisted on a large rear extension, a new glazed lift to the front and two additional fully glazed storeys on top of the existing roof. Flooding the new office spaces with daylight, the large glazed expanses are shaded by two-storey bronze louvres. As a result the newly fitted office now brings in much more natural light than before.

IntroductionAshcombe School was in desperate need of a washroom refurbishment as it was falling into disrepair and was fuelling student behaviour issues. They also required more cubicles, and there was often an unbalanced demand between the boys and the girls.Our SolutionFirstly, Brookhouse needed to understand Ashcombe's pains and create a design to eliminate these as best as possible. It quickly became apparent that they needed a unisex school washroom open to the corridor to create extra space and to mitigate behaviour issues. Many existing toilets were not working, so they needed this completed as soon as possible. The half-term break was identified as a week to carry out the demolition works. The location of the school washroom refurbishment was on the primary school corridor. With the project being carried out during term time, it was essential to ensure this was carefully managed to ensure safeguarding and to cause as little disturbance as possible.We created a design concept with full height cubicles to reduce the issues they were having and specified a trough and automatic infrared taps and soap dispensers to stop the students from filling up the basins and making them overflow. The solid grade laminate school washroom system has a floor & ceiling track to achieve privacy and create an extremely robust washroom that will last for years to come. All fittings are also bolted through to ensure no damage to the laminate.We ProvidedWashroom Design & ConsultancySpace Planning/3D VisualsProject ManagementFull height Solid Grade Laminate School Washroom CubiclesFull Height Solid Grade Laminate IPSButton Flush CisternsDecoration & Hygiene Wall CladdingSolid Surface TroughVinyl FlooringAutomatic Taps and Soap DispensersFull replacement of plumbing worksElectrics and LightingVentilationDDA toilet

Bringing natural, simple and light aesthetics to busy campusIssueThe Aarhus University campus is easily recognisable with its long yellow brick buildings rising between trees, mature plants, lakes and paths in a park close to the city centre. The architecture of The Skou Building, which was named after Nobel Prize winner Jens-Christian Skou and is home to the Institute of Biomedicine, needed to be retained, while modernised.ApproachArchitect company CUBO Arkitekter designed the space, which was opened in 2018 and won the City Architects Award in 2019, with a focus on reinterpreting the campus architecture. The building is designed as two staggered lengths that meet in a central atrium. Glass slits have been inserted vertically throughout the building, affording wonderful views of the external spaces and the local cathedral.Inside there has been an emphasis on reducing the number of different materials used, to create a simple, bright and natural look throughout. At the same time, some of the organic, natural shapes in the green spaces outside are drawn into the building, promoting the biophilic design.SolutionThe first two levels of The Skou Building now feature white walls, oak interiors and large glass sections, continuing the biophilic feel. To provide safety throughout the 9000 m2 of corridors and laboratories on the top six floors, Altro Walkway 20 in Cloud has been used, reducing the risk of slipping to one in a million. In addition, 750 m2 of Altro Walkway 20 SD static dissipative flooring in Fog has been used in laboratories which had specific safety requirements. To complete the biophilic design, works of art have been used throughout the building to bring the outside in.

Watchmoor Point is a well-established industrial estate in the heart of Surrey. Epiphany undertook a full warehouse and office refurbishment of the site. As a modern warehouse refurbishment in Camberley, targeting a Net Zero Carbon accreditation, Ephiphany contacted the Bike Storage Company to provide a cycle storage solution for the site to promote active travel intentionally.We partnered to develop a bespoke Amazon Eco Cycle Enclosure that would house over 20 cycles, including E-Bike charging and accessible cycle parking. The shelter, clad in beautiful, Sapele FSC-certified timber, provided cycle parking and contributed to sustainability. The racks used in the shelter were our popular Semi-Vertical Cycle Racks, which makes the most of limited floor space by utilising height. This solution reduced the enclosure's footprint while maintaining storage efficiency, a testament to our commitment to sustainable solutions.Another way to increase the site's net zero accreditation was to include a sedum roof in the shelter. Sedum green roofing involves using low-growing, succulent plants from the Sedum genus on rooftops. Benefits include reducing the urban heat island effect, supporting biodiversity, and enhancing aesthetics. To ensure security and aesthetics, the enclosure's single-leaf timber-clad gate is secured with a Fatemaster mechanical code lock, ensuring that cycles are safe and secure for their stay. Integrated internal PIR lighting ensures the cycle storage is accessible but only lit when needed. Finally, to help identify the cycle storage for employees and site visitors, a laser-cut vinyl bicycle motif was added to the exterior wall of the enclosure. Overall, the result was a beautiful, bespoke cycle enclosure that met the needs of the refurbished industrial units it served.

Clear lacquer provides a sleek finishThe new Manchester Met University School of Digital Art (SoDA) houses the latest in technological facilities for students studying film, animation, AI, UX design, photography, gaming, sound design and more. This is a £35m investment into the future of digital story telling designed by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley (FCB) Studios and Kier as the constructors. SoDA is a groundbreaking interdisciplinary school supporting the growing demand for skilled workers in the region’s creative digital sector.Emphasising the creativity fostered within the school the entrance features a four-storey video light wall on the northern façade, creating a platform where the work of the students can be displayed.Powdertech was asked to provide the finish for the pleated aluminium façade, spanning 4000m2 across four aspects of the building above a new pedestrian street between SoDA and the adjacent Benzie Building, part of the Manchester School of Art. The sawtooth facade panels were finished in a Qualicoat Class 2 clear lacquer, applied using a chrome-free pre-treatment, and creating a sleek gleaming appearance. Transparent Metal Protection Lacquers are available in many shades and provide the same level of protection as opaque architectural powder coatings.BenefitsPowdertech has close relationships with the leading powder manufacturers who specialise in custom shades.All powders are of architectural quality and provide excellent weather resistance and colour stability.Powdertech's rigorous pre-treatment system will help to keep the façade free from corrosion for up to 40-years.Powdertech’s flexible plant can coat a wide variety of shapes and sizes of architectural metal work and fabrications.Powdertech has over 35 years’ experience in professional architectural powder coating.

BackgroundWith stunning southerly views across to the Isle of Wight and also westerley along the Solent to Hayling Island, Portsmouth and the Millenium Tower, Marineside, a development of three-storey properties at Bracklesham Bay, is a dream location for anyone to live.However, whilst a prominent beachfront location comes with spectacular sunsets and unrivalled tranquillity, it does leave buildings highly exposed and prone to weather damage.This was the case with the Marineside development which showed signs of high coastal corrosion and were in severe need of regeneration both aesthetically and internally to address thermal underperformance.K Systems teamed with CBG, Envirorend SE, and Harrington Design to complete the low-rise refurbishment project, with three main objectives:- Remediate problematic substrate- Improve thermal performance for the benefit of residents- Revitalise a tired and unattractive exteriorAs with all projects, K Systems began a detailed scope and specification process with full involvement from all parties, including deploying digital technology to provide an inspirational viewpoint for the client to understand what the refurbishment would look like at completion.Our ServiceFollowing extensive planning, K Systems brought the client’s vision to life and created a beautiful collection of revitalised waterside homes on the banks of Bracklesham Bay.The refurbishment of Marineside wasn’t a straightforward project and required comprehensive scoping to ensure optimal delivery and 100% satisfaction levels amongst current residents.Therefore, it is a notable triumph for K Systems to have delivered a successful project, within budget, without delay or compromise on quality, that not only met but exceeded the requirements and expectations of the client.Each structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing dwelling boasted excellent thermal performance properties, achieving a U-value of 0.30W/m²K, allowing residents to benefit from more thermally efficient homes and experience a reduction in energy consumption.K Systems in collaboration with CBG, Envirorend SE and Harrington Design delivered beautiful, clean, crisp, aesthetically attractive properties, each with a protective exterior finish which will provide resistance to the elements for years to come.Technical Project DetailsOnce the existing façade was removed it was clear that the block substrate had high level corrosion due to the harsh coastal environment it had endured since being built in the 1940s.Multiple areas of the three buildings had to be completely removed and replaced using a medium density block that achieved superior pull-out test results. This was a recommendation by K Systems which enforced confidence with not just the client but the homeowners too as the best way to ensure longevity of the buildings.The removal also revealed that the substrate was uneven and unsafe. K Systems identified that extensive dubbing out was also needed with these buildings. Dubbing out meant the insulation boards were installed line and level giving a crisp and professional finish.The Marineside buildings were solid block construction making them extremely inefficient and presented an expense to the homeowners during winter months due to insufficient thermal performance.Utilising its years of unparalleled expertise, K Systems specified the industry-proven Mineral Wool insulation system for the project to address the aged façade and significantly boost the thermal performance of the building.K Systems Mineral Wool insulation (a mat of rock fibres which prevents the movement of air) has an industry-leading ability to generate exceptional thermal performance. That made it the perfect choice for the Marineside refurbishment as it would combat the heating issues faced by residents whilst retaining the solid foundations of the existing building.Other technical benefits which made the K Systems 110mm Mineral Wool system the ideal specification for this refurbishment include:- its level of fire resistance and non-combustibility, ensuring the building met all safety regulations required for residential buildings in England- its excellent acoustic properties, ensuring coastal noise absorption further enhancing the peaceful and tranquillity of the area- its environmentally friendly composition as it is free from gases with ODP (ozone depletion properties) or GWP (global warming potential)Due to the coastal location and exposure to the elements, it was vital that this refurbishment guaranteed total water tightness. K Systems worked closely with the roof installers ensuring that the parapet details were correctly detailed making the system as a whole watertight.The exterior finish was just as important as the internal construction and detailing. The Bracklesham Bay area has a level of prestige and the aesthetics needed to reflect that. K Systems finished the Marineside complexes with a silicone thin coat render, which is extremely breathable and resistant to the elements, in shades Limestone White and Granite. This completely transformed the aesthetic of the residential blocks making them much more appealing to potential dwellers.Envirorend SE commented:“ We secured the refurbishment works at Marineside , for a good client and works started in January 2022. The scope of works was to make the 3 blocks more energy efficient. Situated directly on the beach, the location made the install very challenging as the weather was not very forgiving at that time of year. The existing substrate was all over the place so a lot of effort was put in to get the walls looking line and level while staying within the remit of the specification. Works were completed in July 2022 and to a very high standard for all to see. “

Located on the edge of Bodmin Moor is the historic Bodmin Jail, a ruinous prison transformed into an award-winning hotel.The legacy of the historic Bodmin JailLocated on the edge of Bodmin Moor is the historic Bodmin Jail. Built in the 1770s by military engineer Sir John Call and prisoners, the jail was considered a milestone in prison design and reform. Built using 20,000 tonnes of local Delank granite and stone, Bodmin Jail featured individual cells, segregated areas for male and female prisoners, hot water and light. This reformed design also included open spaces for prisoners to live and work for an income. Nearly 100 years later, the jail was declared unfit for purpose. As a result, an entirely new prison is constructed with limestone mined from the nearby moor. Evolving with the ideals of prison reform at the time, this 'total institution' featured 220 cells with separate wings for men and women, a chapel and a new area for debtors. Officially decommissioned in 1927 and sold at auction to demolition men, the jail survived attempts to blow it up, with the nearly metre-thick and formidable walls proving too challenging to deconstruct. Despite various incarnations since its closure, it wasn't till 2004 that works would begin to restore and reinvent a few areas of the jail into a historical exhibition. Rebuilding a remarkable tourist destinationIn 2015 Bodmin Jail would see its next evolution, with a £40 million investment to create a state-of-the-art attraction, four-star hotel, and restaurant within its Grade II listed facade.  The ChallengeThe project presented many challenges. Due to demolition attempts, large areas of the jail had been without a roof for nearly a century, resulting in large sections falling to ruin. With exposure to the elements, what remained was heavily saturated with water, with ivy and other biological materials spread across the remaining masonry. Further, pigeons and multiple species of bats were now occupying the former cells, hibernating behind the plaster on the walls.Technical and aesthetic considerationsKeeping the history of the building and as many original features as possible was key to the project. From a technical perspective, protecting the historic fabric while significantly improving the walls' thermal performance was imperative. To successfully convert the heavily saturated jail cells into luxury hotel rooms, the team focused on how to manage moisture efficiently. Further, the solution needed to accommodate the hustle and bustle of a busy hotel and withstand a knock or two from guests' suitcases while maintaining a sophisticated feel.Modern insulation systems had the severe risk of restricting moisture movement, which would risk damage to the historic fabric and cause mould and other moisture-related issues. In addition, organic systems, such as woodfibre and cork, would be unlikely to cope with the extremely high moisture content of the walls without the fear of interstitial condensation and rot.The solutionWorking closely with the project team, Cornerstone's Insulating Render was chosen for the jail's internal rendering. Manufactured with St. Astier Lime, recycled aggregates and additives, Insulating Render would be highly breathable and flexible whilst still providing the durability required. Additionally, as a mineral-based render, the lack of organic content meant that the render would not break down under extremely high moisture loads. The next challenge was approaching the 100,000 tonnes of render to be applied. With pressing timelines, Insulating Render would allow the team to work quickly and apply thicker, significantly reducing the application time required. Designed with lightweight features, Insulating Render could be applied directly onto the stonework and built out in depths of up to 50mm per pass and over 70mm as a total depth, with just a week between coats. The walls were either left bare or finished with Cornish Lime's CLM66 lime putty plaster for the final finish.To ensure the jail's characterful stonework received the attention and durability it deserved, a mortar sample was tested to determine the binder and aggregate type. Once the analysis was complete, a mortar was designed and developed to match the original colour found within the masonry and used extensively for internal and external re-pointing.ResultsDue to Cornerstone Insulating Render's porosity, the render began to pull water out of the background substrate, assisting the heavily saturated walls in drying. This breathability will continue to buffer relative humidity and manage the risk of condensation and mould while improving air quality. Further, the hotel will be able to provide the thermal comfort expected of a luxury four-star hotel. With its superior insulating properties, a 70mm coat achieved a U Value of 0.7, which was needed for the hotel's complex heating, ventilation and cooling systems.Since its opening, Bodmin Jail has been nominated for several awards by organisations, including The Cornwall Tourism Awards, VisitEngland, and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

With average daily energy bills of only 24p, the cottages at Howgate Close have earned a reputation as possibly the UK’s most energy-efficient homes*. Built by farmer Dr Chris Parsons, the row of nine, single storey cottages exploits a range of passive solar design principles** - including a southerly orientation, a high thermal mass and a earth-bonding (external walls partially covered in soil) - to create homes which are exceptionally energy efficient and comfortable to live in. The homes are also truly affordable as no artificial heat source is required to deliver a stable internal temperature averaging 21-23 degrees Centigrade. The cottages instead use a mix of passive heat sources, created by people and appliances, and solar gain generated through VELFAC triple glazed aluminium / timber windows. As a result, the energy consumption of a two bedroom cottage is 94% less than the average UK household. The architecture of Howgate Close is based on designs created by sustainability housing experts Hockerton Housing Project** ( https://www.hockertonhousingproject.org.uk/) with performance further enhanced by Dr Jerry Harrall (https://drharrall.com) a consultant in the design and adaptation of fossil-fuel-free buildings. ‘Describing Howgate Close as a development of eco-homes is to understate its performance,’ states Dr Harrall. ‘In fact all nine properties operate beyond zero-carbon, and instrumental to the success of Howgate Close is the installation of VELFAC composite triple glazing, specified for its excellent thermal performance.’ A key feature of every cottage is a large, white framed VELFAC composite window screen installed on south facing facades. The screens combine fixed units and a sliding patio door, and with dimensions of up to 3m x 5m occupy almost the entire wall. ‘The VELFAC windows play a crucial role in achieving a SAP rating for each cottage of around 143, potentially the highest group of SAP rating’s in the country and a significant improvement of the average rating of 63,’ says Dr Harrall. ‘VELFAC triple glazing has a U-value of 0.8W/m2K which reduces the rate of heat loss while bringing more natural light into each home, thereby reducing the need for artificial light,’ says Dr Harrall. ‘Across the development, the windows are actually net gatherers of heat, and contribute to an annual energy surplus which we estimate will be enough to power another similar dwelling.’ Unwanted solar gain is minimised by the exceptional insulation afforded by the triple glazed units, enhanced by low emissivity coatings applied to inner glass panes. Ventilation is primarily mechanical but supported by trickle vents within the window frames, and by cross ventilation using additional, smaller VELFAC windows installed in the rear facade. ‘Triple glazing also delivers excellent acoustic insulation,’ adds Dr Harrall, ‘which is important, as the cottages are located within actively cultivated farmland, and are near a busy road and wind turbines.’ Howgate Close is now a model development for affordable, ultra-low energy homes and is also the focus of a two year research and monitoring project, co-run by Dr Harrall and Professor Anton Ianakiev, Professor in Sustainable Energy Systems at Nottingham Trent University (NTU). ‘I have also co-authored an academic paper on Howgate Close,’ adds Dr Harrall, ‘which aims to show that it is possible to design, construct and live in buildings without resort to fossil fuels.’—ends— * Analysis by Elmhurst Energy, the UK’s largest independent provider of energy assessment, retrofit and property professional training, software and accreditation. * * Principles advanced by Professors Brenda and Robert Vale, architects of the Hockerton Housing Project, the design of which inspired Howgate Close.

BackgroundThe new multi-million euro Buncrana Primary Care Centre development was an exceptional project to be involved with. This high-profile project was funded by the HSE, with the aim of bringing many healthcare services together in one new state-of-the-art centre. Construction was led by local company McCallion Group and the 56,500sq ft. facility, which is spread across three storeys, boasts underground car parking which can house 126 staff. The centre is an excellent asset to the local community, ensuring the vital health services people need to avail of on a regular basis are available in one central location. For the client, the key requirement was to build a modern, aesthetically pleasing, energy efficient facility that achieved a target U-value of 0.15W/m ² K. After extensive planning, focusing on matching an appropriate insulation system with a complementary finish, K Systems provided a full technical specification and a comprehensive delivery plan.Our ServiceOur dedicated team of technical specialists were on hand to fully support throughout the duration of this project, ensuring the highest levels of construction were achieved. The K Systems Technical Manager, Gerry McErlean regularly visited the project to inspect progress and offer hands-on-guidance and technical support. Local installer GD Plastering worked very closely with Gerry to ensure a high standard of work was achieved and great attention to detail is evident throughout this project. Due to the size and scale of the Care Centre, Gerry recommended that the TC render finish was spray applied to ensure a consistent finish and aid the speed of application. GD Plastering took this advice on board and invested in a spray machine, resulting in a uniform finish, faster completion and reduced labour.Technical Project Details After numerous design meetings taking into consideration client requirements, budget and timeframes, the K Systems E EWI system was specified. This high-performance, light-weight and cost effective system based on expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulating panels offers a great fire rating of B-s1,d0 and is available in a range of finishes. The mixed substrate of reinforced concrete and lightweight block had alignment issues. We specified the use of multiple thicknesses of insulation boards, that were fixed adhesively and mechanically to overcome these alignment issues. Our specification included bespoke technical detailing, such as compression joint detailing on every floor and our site inspection teams were on-site when required to offer a range of support and guidance. For the finish, thin coat silicone render (Silicone TC) was specified. Providing a variety of benefits, K Systems thin coat render offers silicone and polymer-modified technology to provide long term weather protection, alongside excellent breathability and water repellency properties. With the unpredictable Irish weather, this durable finish will withstand the elements and offers an eye catching, clean design, creating a modern and crisp aesthetic. Available in a wide range of colours, K Systems silicone render is the most flexible on the market, making cracking over its lifetime less likely. Its ease of application made it an ideal choice for a project of this scale and size and its hydrophobic properties provide a low-maintenance finish for years to come. We delivered a long-lasting, safe, eye-catching design for the Buncrana Primary Care Centre that brings exceptional thermal comfort to the property. The target U-value was achieved, allowing energy savings and reduced costs for the client throughout the lifetime of the Centre.

Very efficientCould not fault! Outstanding service, communication was excellent too. Good price for a high quality product. First time for me to use this company but won’t be the last, I am a roofer and do a lot of flat roofs where occasionally we need roof windows (which most merchants don’t stock). To sum up- top quality, top service, very efficient and a fair price. Thank you 😊

A permeable product was required for the hard landscape at this Tesco branch in Musselburgh and Tobermore’s Hydropave 240 provided an effective SuDS solution as well as offering attractive aesthetics to enhance the grounds.

The Grange was the first Barratt Homes scheme to feature Tobermore’s smooth, vibrant Kingston facing brick. The project was listed on 24housing’s ‘Top 50 Housing Projects’ in 2015 which ranks the schemes driving affordable housing provision across England, Scotland and Wales.