"roof decking other materials"

Basildon & Thurrock University HospitalBauder Total Roof System (BTRS) and LiquiTEC cold applied waterproofing systemSynopsisBasildon and Thurrock University Hospital’s existing roof was failing in multiple areas, and 80 rooflights needed replacing. The client wanted the refurbishment to make as little impact as possible on the departments directly below which included drug refrigeration, x-ray and ultrasound clinics, patient wards and operating theatres.Bauder Building BoardProject:Basildon & Thurrock University HospitalLocation:EssexProject Type:RefurbishmentRoof Area:900m²Specifier:NHSApproved Contractor:Breyer ConstructionProject challengesThe plant on the rooftop could not be turned off or raised and many of the AC units and boilers had to be left running due to the nature of the rooms below. Certain areas had to be repaired before others and detailing under and around the plant that could not be raised was almost an impossible task. When working around the plant, COSHH regulations had to be considered and adhered to.The result Coordinating with both the client and approved contractors was key in this project, and by using cold liquid applied waterproofing the contractors could ensure a watertight seal with quick application, allowing them to complete the remainder of the roof using reinforced bitumen membrane, and meet the tight project deadline of 12 weeks.System installedBauder Total Roof System (BTRS)Suitable for a variety of applications on both new build and refurbishment projects and can be used in warm, cold and inverted roof scenarios.1 Bauder K5KA top quality, heavy duty, torch-applied SBS elastomeric bitumen capping sheet. The product features a spunbond polyester reinforcement to allow the finished product to cope with structural movement without fracture, and a mineral finish to provide protection against UV degradation.2 BauderTEC KSA DUO 35A 3mm thick technically advanced self-adhesive elastomeric bitumen underlayer with DUO lap technology and glass lattice reinforcement.3 BauderPIR FA G16 Tapered (laid to falls)Tapered insulation is a lightweight, convenient, easy to install and cost-effective alternative method of providing falls to a roof instead of incorporating them into the structure.4 BauderTEC KSD FBSA technically advanced, self-adhesive SBS elastomeric bitumen air & vapour control layer, with a mica finished upper surface to allow easy bonding of insulation using the specified Bauder insulation adhesive.LiquiTEC Roof SystemThe Bauder LiquiTEC roof systems combine ease of application, fast cure and durability to provide a cold applied liquid waterproofing product second to none.1 LiquiDEK with reinforcement layerA cold applied liquid fast curing waterproofing resin, for use on the main roof area of the LiquiTEC Roof System. It is applied in 2 coats ‘wet-on-wet’, with a layer of Bauder 110g reinforcement fleece between them. The product is a PMMA based resin and requires the addition of catalyst to trigger curing. It is solvent, isocyanate and halogen free, minimizing its environmental impact.2 BauderTEC KSD DUOCarrier membrane & Vapour Barrier is a technically advanced self-adhesive elastomeric bitumen vapour barrier with patented “DUO” lap technology. The product features an aluminium foil facing for vapour impermeability.AdvocacyBreyer Roofing’s Contracts Manager for the project, Kerry Cutts:“The main challenge was working around the hospital’s requirements. For example, we provided a weekly plan for the areas we were working in and the rooflights / plant affected. Where possible, we worked out of hours while doing rooflight replacements to minimise any issues. We also worked closely with Bauder to vary the specification when we had to work around live plant. The communication between Bauder and Breyer Roofing was exemplary throughout and I was pleased this completed project was nominated for a national award."

The Clockwork Building was a complete refurb of a 1960/70’s office building, project managed by Thirdway and landscaping done by Belsize Gardens. We became involved in the early stages when Belsize Gardens and the client wanted 4 large Corten planters at the front of the building to give the entrance a more vibrant natural look.All 20 planters were made in total from 3 mm Corten steel with a folded base and a double folded top to give extra strength. In the large planters we also added 4 mm stainless steel bracing wire due to the very large amounts of soil being added to each planter. This stops possible panel movement when the soil is being tipped inside.There were four larger planters all at 60 cm high, two at 11.2 x 3.8 M and two others at 4.5 x 3.2 M. Lighting was designed into all four planters, a bench incorporated into one of the 4.5 M planters as well as a 6 bicycle stand on the most southern planter. The material had to be Corten steel and needed to be pre-rusted which was done in our EverEdge yard in Staffordshire. The supports were our standard buttress design, all at 500 mm centres. Because the back wall of the planters adjacent to the building followed the contours of the building (windows etc) there were no continuous straight lines, but a series of 90°corners. All these fitted neatly on site and resulted on minimum construction time.In addition to the main entrance planters, there were 12 more planters in the car park area, infilled between the building windows all 250 x 55 cm and 88 cm high. These planters, being smaller, were incorporated with our steel brace system.Lastly 4 large planters for the roof garden were also constructed, 150 x 110 cms and 880 cm high as well as one “trough” planter, 250 X 40 cm.

One of the most talked about subjects in timber cladding are the Vertical Fins.Solid timber or even huge steel forms are cumbersome, heavy and expensive. They often require specialist structural fixings and tame consuming to install.Technowood fins have been created to transform this arena. Simple in design, ultra-light weight and easy to install, saving on materials and labour for large scale commercial projects. In the main they are fabricated in Aluminium and if the spans are excessive they can be manufactured in GRP. All Technowood finishes are real timber…Vertical Fins, which uses Technowood products in facade design, attracts attention with its impressive architecture.There are multiple options for cladding and facade design within the world of Technowood. Interspersed vertical forms with spaces between or even panels of cladding… all manufactured under one roof and delivered to site at the same time, same batch, same material, same colour, same texture all with the same impressive result.Technwood have a showroom in Sky House Design Centre in Amersham, quick access from the Metro line. They also offer CPD presentation during the week direct to your practice… samples and product brochures all also available. Architect: Gokhan Aksoy Architects in collaboration with AS ArchitectsLocation:Private residenceProductTechnowood Fins, Cladding and PanelingCompletion:2016

The International Convention Centre (ICC) Wales is an extraordinary venue designed for world class conventions, events and meetings.The result of a joint venture between the Welsh Government and the Celtic Manor Resort, renowned construction company, John Sisk & Son, was the main contractor on this 3500m2 project which also included a permeable and sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS).AG’s premium granite block paving TerraPave® was the obvious paving choice for the convention centre as it offers a beautiful finish to complement a contemporary design. Additionally, it is a cost-effective, practical alternative to traditional stone paving. TerraKerb® also played its part in this high-profile hard landscaping project, adding a premium appearance to the ICC surrounding. With its widely recognised durability and weather resistance, it is now well established as a market-leading option.Tim Cave, Regional Sales Manager at AG, said:“A key challenge faced by AG was to create a high-quality permeable paving system for a large roof deck, capable of withstanding continuous heavy traffic. Our Xflo® Plaza was the perfect choice. AG’s Plaza block paviour is made using the most modern manufacturing techniques, ensuring it will stand the test of time and retain its high-quality aesthetics, whilst effectively managing the movement of water through the SuDS system. This is a pioneering but proven way of mimicking the natural movement of storm water and replacing conventional storm water drainage systems.”

The architects ORMS of London tasked the team at Canal Architectural to design a commercial helical staircase that was completely unsupported from below. The challenge was to create the right combination of strength as well as achieving simple lines. Without compromising the integrity of the design the upper floor needed to be decked out with architectural steelwork; creating a circular opening strong enough to support the load of the floating staircase.

Situated in Portsmouth Historical Dockyard, the Boathouse was a development that required an acoustic raised batten system for hardwood decking, Oak plank flooring and a plywood substrate for the 1st floor. New Era Cradles were specified to provide a finished floor height range from 74-190mm and was fitted at 400mm centres. This proved a versatile and cost effective way to overcome all the different levels

We delve into Anna's inspiring rooflight replacement journey in her Hertfordshire home with a Vario by VELUX custom-made roof window. This stunning addition has wholly transformed her living space.At Vario by VELUX, we understand the importance of custom-made solutions to suit your unique needs, and our bespoke flat roof windows are designed to do just that. Anna's story is a testament to how our Vario by VELUX Rooflights can create a space filled with daylight, enhancing ambience and interior design.Custom Made Roof Window CollaborationAnna, who hails from South Africa and relocated to the UK almost 40 years ago, recognises the importance of natural light and how it can significantly impact your well-being. Having lived in her Hertfordshire home for many years, she knew it was time to replace her existing lantern rooflight due to a leak and a desire for a more modern design.When she reached out to her architect for guidance, he recommended Vario by VELUX, a decision that proved to be a game-changer for her home. Our team worked closely with Anna, making the bespoke flat roof window fit around the structural beam and seamlessly integrated with her living space. The result was nothing short of beautiful, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship, professionalism and flexibility Vario by VELUX is known for.What improvements have you seen between the old rooflight and the new one?“The design of the extension is better now than when we had the previous rooflight. The lantern that stood up always bothered my eye and now this flat roof is unobtrusive. When I look out of my windows upstairs I don't see anything, I just see the garden, it’s just opened up another dimension.Another thing is the rain, the sound is different - it’s softer and I like the pool of water you can see lying on it - the different little patterns. It’s a wonderful sound and view so I really recommend it.”The Impact of Unlimited Daylight on Your HomeWith the Vario Unlimited Rooflight installed, Anna's living space now basks in abundant natural light. This daylight not only brightens up the room but also enhances the overall interior design. Even on cloudy days, the room remains well-illuminated, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The difference is undeniable, and Anna couldn't be happier with the transformation, stating, “I had such a good experience, everything was done so professionally… the end product is beautiful.”Advantages of Flat Roof Windows Over Lantern Roof DesignsWhen considering the choice between a flat roof window, like Vario Roof lights, and a lantern roof design, it's essential to highlight the benefits that make the former stand out:Unobstructed Views: Unlike traditional lantern-style skylights, flat roof windows can offer a more discreet and clean design that blends seamlessly with the roof. This design allows unrestricted views of surroundings, creating a more open and expansive feeling within a space. Lanterns can provide a beautiful and artistic effect by breaking up the daylight with the lantern intersections.Balancing Cost and Style in Skylights: Choosing between flat glass rooflights and lantern skylights isn't just about style but also cost. Flat glass rooflights are a bit friendlier on your wallet and can even help lower your heating bills, thanks to their excellent insulation. But don't let that sway you if your heart is set on a lantern skylight! They might require more time and expertise to install, but the result could be well worth it. Ultimately, the choice is yours - both options bring daylight and elegance.Ventilation: Vario flat rooflights are designed to maximise airflow thanks to our upstand, contributing to a well-ventilated and fresh interior space. Lantern roof lights, on the other hand, excel in aesthetics, adding a distinct charm to any room. However, their ventilation efficiency may not be as high as that of flat roof windows. Both options present a blend of form and functionality to consider.Insulation Differences: Lantern skylights and flat roof windows both provide insulation but to varying degrees. Lanterns with multiple glazing pane joints tend to have poorer insulation, leading to more heat loss. Conversely, flat roof windows, with fewer connections, generally offer superior insulation.There are certainly pros and cons to both types of rooflight design. What matters most is that you are considering adding more daylight into your your designs!Experience the ‘Wow Factor’ With a Bespoke Roof WindowAnna's advice when considering a renovation is crystal clear: "I really don’t think you can do an extension without a rooflight." She believes it's essential for well-being and making your space more enjoyable. A rooflight adds the "wow factor" that can genuinely make your life better.Incorporating a Vario skylight into your project can be a game-changer, just as it was for Anna.

FOAMGLAS® READY BOARD T4+Architects: Pollard Thomas Edwards ArchitectsConstruction: 2010 - 2012Application: Façade: FOAMGLAS® Slab W+F, 150 mm thick, adhesive fixed;Metal Pitched Roof: FOAMGLAS® READY BOARD T4+, 200 mm thick, adhesive fixedCladding: KME, Tecu BronzeFor the renovation of the façade and the pitched metal roof, FOAMGLAS® was chosen for its resistance to water and for its excellent long-term thermal performance: combined with FOAMGLAS®, the metal roof and façade can last well over 200 years.The grade II listed 120 year old Granary building and the Malthouse are among the oldest buildings within the East London district of Barking and Dagenham. In 2009 the redevelopment master plan was prepared by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects. Design for the Granary and Malthouse was carried out by Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects whom certainly achieved the client’s key requirements for sustainability, and energy efficiency.Steve Drury, Rooff development director commented: "At an early stage FOAMGLAS® was specified for its environmental qualities and long term reliability. It is impervious to water and water-vapour and it actually provided an element of exterior weatherproofing as the building works progressed: the interior works could commence whist the metal façade was still being installed. FOAMGLAS® insulation, with its unique cladding fixing system, kept thermal bridging to a minimum; the resulting U-value performance exceeds Building Regulations by more than 25%.With time, the KME Tecu Bronze exterior will take on a natural patina. The metal exterior has a potential lifetime of well over 200 years, hence it’s very important to use the right insulation with a proven long term thermal performance.With FOAMGLAS® thermal ageing does not take place. It is the ideal insulation to be combined with roof and façade materials such as KME Tecu Bronze.For the pitched roof FOAMGLAS® READY BOARD T4+ was bonded and sealed to the timber board structure with PC®11 adhesive. Metal Plates type PC® SP 150/150 were inserted into the FOAMGLAS® READY BOARD. A 180 g/ m2 sanded bitumen membrane was torch applied onto the surface.

Non-Conductive Fencing, Trench Covers and Access Structures | Case StudyPower and Energy Infrastructure Contractor Morgan Sindall was appointed to design, build and commission the new converter station and chose to work with Dura Composites to provide safe, non- metallic Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) utility fencing for the AC/DC Halls, as well as a range of non-conductive access structures, utility trench covers & handrailing across the site.The IFA2 project aims to connect the electricity systems of Great Britain and France using high voltage subsea cables and will be capable of exporting or importing 1000MW of power between the UK and France, enough to power up to 1 million homes. In this project, the client specification mandated the use of non-conductive and non-metallic materials which could be used to construct removable fencing, permanent fencing and sliding gates to enable access to specific authorised personnel, whilst preventing others from accessing high-risk areas.

Increased awareness of need for sustainable solutions is causing the construction industry to lean towards wood materials, thus strengthening the position of wooden buildings in the real estate sector.At the Latvian Construction Annual Award 2021 and the Latvian Construction Engineer of the Year 2021 contests, the new regional Customer Center building of Latvijas Valsts Meži was awarded 1st place in the category “Wooden Structures”. The project was developed following the best practices of sustainable buildings, including energy efficiency, material optimisation, and minimising the negative impact on the environment in both the short- and long term.Riga Wood birch plywood was used in various stages of the whole construction process, too. For this project, two Riga Wood birch plywood products were chosen – Riga Decor and Riga Form. Riga Decor is a common choice for interior solutions where functionality shouldn’t overshadow aesthetics. The decorative appearance allows it to be used for the design of furniture and other interior elements. Meanwhile Riga Form, another birch plywood product applied in this project, is among the top choices for concrete shuttering.“For us, this has been a project full of customised solutions – starting from the technical specification to the provided services. Close collaboration between our sales team and customer, as well as mills and the logistics, led to a high-quality end-result,” comments Uģis Ozols, Riga Wood Baltic director. Customer oriented service solutions integrated in the customer’s production line is among top services provided by Riga Wood and Latvijas Finieris team.It’s well known that construction sector accounts for a hefty amount of CO2 emissions, and a wave of urban growth is increasing the global building stock. Construction materials such as concrete, steel and aluminium are among those contributing a notable share of generated emissions globally. Nevertheless, by using smart technologies and shifting one’s way of thinking, constructions can become global CO2 sinks that support climate stabilisation. Wood is the key factor.

Surf’s up and Gripsure decking is down at The Camp at The Wave in Bristol!Our Classic non-slip boards have been installed at the first inland surfing destination of its kind in the UK. People of all ages and abilities come here to experience the thrill of riding a wave – or at least having a go. There are different lessons and sessions to suit beginners and experts, as well as a range of activities for children.Just metres from the most consistent surf break in the country, The Camp provides overnight accommodation where guests are perfectly placed for dawn patrols or sunset sessions. The 25 luxury safari tents aim to celebrate the simple things in life, offering a place to escape, chillout, connect, sleep and reset.Gripsure recently provided 9,165 linear meters of our Classic boards to be used for boardwalks around the campsite, as well as porch areas outside each tent. It was the second installment of Gripsure decking at The Wave. Previously, our Classic boards were used to create a pier, boardwalks and a viewing terrace at the popular destination, which attracts hundreds of visitors each year."It was a pleasure to work with Gripsure, they did a fantastic job over The Camp. The whole team were unbelieavably helpful - whether it was back office staff or the tea, that did the installation. Would use their services again in a heartbeart" - Jac Griffiths, Customer Experience ManagerThe Wave’s glamping style tents on its campsite sleep eight people and are kitted out with comfortable beds, a kitchenette, private toilet and a large balcony, where guests can relax after a long day of surfing. There are also two fully wheelchair accessible tents.The team at The Wave wanted to use Gripsure decking for this latest project because we share their strong commitment to sustainability. In recent years, Gripsure has taken great steps towards environmental sustainability, from working with sustainable FSC and PEFC-certified timber to reducing waste. We have just taken this a step further by signing up to a commitment of becoming a net zero carbon business."The nature of The Wave is watersports with kids around and people walking through the campsite in wetsuits. We didn't want people slipping over! Everybody has to be safe around the campsite and we're really pleased with how the latest installment of decking is working out. There have been no issues with anything. It looks really good and is completely fit for purpose." - Sam Jones, Accommodation Supervisor.The Wave also has sustainability built into its ethos. Environmentally, the business is continually striving to be resourceful, finding ways to minimise environmental impact.

The centrepiece of the building at 80 Fenchurch Street is a stunning glass atrium that spans the entire length of the core structure, flooding the lower floors with natural light and providing a breath-taking arrival experience when entering the building’s lobby.Radii AG were commissioned to utilize their intricate knowledge of glass to produce a dynamic, multi-storey frameless glazed atrium that matched the ambitious design intent.An additional consideration was for the atrium to accommodate the stepped, angular elevation changes due to the terraced roof gardens on the top five levels.The finished atrium at EightyFen epitomises Radii AG’s core philosophy of extracting the full capabilities of glass as a building material.Structural, acoustic and fire rated performance all formed a part of the finished installation, allowing Radii AG to provide a bespoke, technical solution alongside dramatic visual aesthetics.

In May 2017, the Main Building which housed the lounge, dining, reception area, and the Taphuis Bar, was gutted in a fire. Only the walls were left standing and all of its contents were destroyed. Because of the historic significance of the building, the project team needed to move through a strenuous process of permissions and approvals to start the rebuild. Part of the brief, was to ensure that as far as possible, original materials would be used, that would reflect the previous look and feel, making the sourcing and availability of crucial importance. This building in particular, dates back to the early 1700's and finding timber for the roof structure was a challenge. They decided to use Spruce.The biggest drawback of using Spruce is that it is a very light and pale coloured timber. To achieve the aged look and feel of the original timber, they used Rubio Monocoat's Pre-Color Easy and Hybrid Wood Protector.

On the site of a former ambulance station, this project is situated in Castle Park, the largest urban green space in Bristol. It provided 375 new homes, through a mixture of Build-to-Rent and affordable dwellings.OverviewThe £90million Castle Park View is an exciting, award winning (Best Residential Development - Bristol Property Awards) and attractive new-build residential scheme, designed by Architect Chapman Taylor and built by Bouygues UK.This project included the regeneration of a brownfield site owned by Bristol City Council and Homes England in a prime location on the south-eastern corner of Castle Park. The development includes communal facilities, amenity space, and car parking, together with vehicular access, servicing arrangements, public realm works and landscaping. Now completed, this has set the benchmark for high rise development within the Bristol skyline, topping out at 26 storeys.Systems and productsThe client’s requirements called for a robust, extensive and holistic waterproofing system guarantee. Through Axter's vast system and product portfolio, the selection was made for a combination of Hyranger® and Cityflor® reinforced bituminous waterproofing systems, with allowance for cold applied liquid detailing where complex penetrations and compliance with NFRC Safe 2 Torch requirements were present. In such instances, Axter's Starcoat® PMMA and Starcoat® R cold applied bituminous PU liquids were used.In accordance with BS 6229:2018 section 4.4 Roof falls to achieve drainage, the concrete structure proved too complex for falls to be created with the traditional method. As such, a series of complex tapered insulation designs were completed to meet the requirements - both thermally, and to ensure a minimum of 1:80 finished falls were achieved.ComplexityGiven the regeneration of the brownfield site, it was critical to everyone involved that none of the wildlife and vegetation previously found at the site was lost. The implementation of Axter’s bespoke, bio-diverse brown roof with seeded mix was required to enhance the built environment and provide a habitat for the native species of wildlife and flora.To create the high-rise elements and visual representation of traditional castle turrets, albeit in modern form, the cladding panel detail required a bespoke castellation bracket fixed through the main roof structure of Block C. It was necessary for this to be accessed at various times during the build process. This required a complex sequence of works and the use of a cold applied liquid system.This project, like many across the UK, was hit by the outbreak of COVID-19. Extensive delays to the build programme were a challenge, plus complexities within the market through shortage of labour, transport and raw materials. Both Axter and NRA Roofing & Flooring Services Ltd worked tirelessly with the key stakeholders, such as Bouygues, to ensure timely supply and delivery of all materials was made through additional storage capacity, off site storage, negotiation and rigorous project planning. This involved collaborative open dialogue, regular workshops and project reviews.Due to the site’s location, the infrastructure and layout of roads meant that all deliveries were required to be on a strict timed system including all allowances for offloading and lifting within a tight time period. This required meticulous planning and allowances with very little margin for error or delay. In a time where COVID guidelines restricted contact to a minimum of two metres, it was incredible to see all parties work so well together to ensure these windows of time were met.Project managementAlthough all roofs were finished with a traditional three-layer bituminous membrane finish - including a tapered cut to falls insulation scheme - the project comprised a variety of roofing finishes including brown bio-diverse roofs, decorative paving and solar panel installations.Daily logistics meetings were held with all parties to co-ordinate and plan the most efficient way of undertaking each phase of the works, thus maintaining safety and efficiency at all times throughout the project.The roofing scheme was successfully delivered and handed over in April 2022 which was within the very tight programme deadlines, despite the delays and complications provided by the pandemic which inevitably led to a significant number of complications.NRA Roofing & Flooring Services Ltd were able to successfully deliver the installation of the complex amenity area to one of the roofs which included a significant area of decorative large profile ceramic tiling on pedestals, as well as an outdoor cooking area, planters and green roof areas to the tops of sheltered seating spaces.At handover, Bouygues expressed their sincere gratitude to NRA Roofing & Flooring Services Ltd in being able to deliver this highly complex, multi-faceted city centre project successfully in terms of safety, on time and within the agreed contract budget.Systems in UseHyranger®Cityflor®Starcoat® PMMAStarcoat® RknowledgmentsWe have been working closely with Axter for a number of years across our regions, during which time they have become a vital part of the supply chain, from early stage design and costing to the successful delivery of robust, guaranteed waterproofing systems.With a vast product portfolio, BYUK are confident that the build requirements and production timescales will always be met. With programme being such a critical element of the build, this reassurance is welcomed by the wider team.– Joseph Southwick, Package Manager - Envelope Bouygues UK

Wrexham General Station is a main line railway station and the main railway station serving Wrexham, north-east Wales. The station was first opened in 1846 and expanded in 1912. It comprises four operational platforms with two disused bay platforms at the southern end of Platform 1. Until the early 1980s what is now Platform 4 of Wrexham General, was a separate station: Wrexham Exchange.After working with MPH Construction on a number of station refurbishment projects across Wales, the Principal Contractor approached Twinfix to carry out the survey for the canopy refurbishment at Wrexham Station as well as designing, manufacturing and supplying the replacement roof glazing for 3 of the platform canopies at the station. The panels were installed by a third-party roofing company.The work spanned 532 square metres and comprised of the innovative Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) system glazed with 6mm Georgian wired polycarbonate.Each panel of the innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF system comprises of a powder-coated aluminium frame and fitted with polycarbonate glazing. The panels are built completely off-site in a quality-controlled factory environment, reducing the risk, and cost, of site mistakes, and are delivered on-site fully glazed and ready for rapid installation. The system has a unique linking design feature that results in incredibly quick installation times, making the system very much suited to rail work due to its restricted possession times.The Multi-Link-Panel NF system is an innovative roof glazing product that has been well utilised for many years on station canopy roofs, and it has been thoroughly tried and tested in that time.It was the chosen system for this project for a number of reasons:sustainability– these panels are virtually unbreakable in manufacture, transit and in situ, meaning that, unlike glass, maintenance costs will be eliminated.safety– Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) conforms to the HSE recommended test method ACR[M]001:2019 (as outlined in document HSG33) and achieves a ‘B’ Classification.off-site construction– The panels are pre-assembled in Twinfix’s factory ensuring strict quality guidelines are adhered to, which is not always guaranteed when roofing products are assembled on site.ease of access– The Multi-Link-Panel NF system can be fitted with In-Line Access Hatches, to allow cleaning of gutters and roof. These hatches are hardly visible and allow safe access through the glazing without needing to get on the roof.weight– The Multi-Link-Panel NF is light in weight and due to its modular format, it is very quick to install which allows for short rail possession works.appearance – The Georgian wired polycarbonate glazing combines the appearance of Georgian wired glass with all the material benefits of polycarbonate. As well as improving the overall environment in a lighter, brighter station, the addition of the Twinfix Georgian wired polycarbonate at Wrexham General Station has preserved the building’s unique appearance and character, while providing modern levels of safety for passengers and staff.

The Early Learning Unit (ELU) in Hamilton was relocating to the former Hamilton Grammar School site, which had been demolished the previous year. Axter were brought on board to determine the best type of roof that would provide the greatest benefit to the school and its pupils.ChallengesThis project was originally specified to be a single ply system but, with the school catering for children with special requirements, it was decided that a living roof system would be beneficial to both the staff and pupils, and that single ply would not be suitable.This is when Axter and Procladd became involved in this project and worked together to design a robust waterproofing system that could work with a living roof, and still provide value for money for the Council, whilst delivering the project on time and on budget.SolutionsFollowing discussions, Axter’s Cityflor Reinforced Bitumen Membrane system was specified over a plywood substrate, with an extensive green roof. This project presented some unique challenges, specifically in the need for the use of Flame Free Technology to combustible upstands. Axter and Procladd were both committed to NFRC Safe2Torch standards, with Axter’s Flame Free Neo-Bitumen Technology specified on upstands to remove any risk of fire. The Force 4000 Flame Free system to these areas consisted of a self-adhesive binder, combined with hot air welding technology to seal and bond all laps, to ensure a robust detail without any risk of a naked flame near combustible materials.When asked to comment on using the Neo-Bitumen Flame Free technology, Procladd Operatives Billy and John commented: “The membrane was very easy to work with and a pleasure to install. The self-adhesive membrane adhered incredibly well to the upstand without the need to heat the underside, like a standard torch applied system, which made the installation a quick process. Once completed we heated the side and head laps using a hot air gun, normally associated with Single Ply membrane, to ensure a full bond complete with a 2mm bitumen bead. The system is one of the most straightforward and workable systems that we have used.”Procladd Managing Director Keith Burrell said, “We have worked with Axter on a number of projects and knew, through their commitment to achieving robust waterproofing systems, and their experience within the education sector, that it meant we could work together to complete this project in harmony to give the best service possible to South Lanarkshire Council.The introduction of their Flame Free Neo-Bitumen system to the areas of combustible upstand meant that works could progress quickly on site, whilst maintaining safety and reducing any risk of naked flame near to timber or combustible materials.From start to finish Axter were informative and helpful with initial NBS specifications, detailed drawings and thermal calculations, right through to on site technical guidance and Quality Assessment of the ongoing works and through to completion and Guarantee.”AcknowledgmentsWe have worked with Axter on a number of projects and knew, through their commitment to achieving robust waterproofing systems, and their experience within the education sector, that it meant we could work together to complete this project in harmony to give the best service possible to South Lanarkshire Council.The introduction of their Flame Free Neo-Bitumen system to the areas of combustible upstand meant that works could progress quickly on site, whilst maintaining safety and reducing any risk of naked flame near to timber or combustible materials.From start to finish Axter were informative and helpful with initial NBS specifications, detailed drawings and thermal calculations, right through to on site technical guidance and Quality Assessment of the ongoing works and through to completion and Guarantee.Keith Burrell - Managing Director, Procladd

AliDeck has successfully supplied a diverse range of cutting-edge aluminium balcony solutions to the Manor Road Quarter project in Canning Town, London. The AliDeck Ultra Decking Board, AliRail Plate Fix 0.74kN Option (AliRail System 2), and the aesthetic AliClad Flow Cladding Board will now create a complete balcony solution, as this collaboration with Alloy Fabweld showcases our commitment to innovation and technical excellence.

AliDeck successfully supplied a diverse range of cutting-edge aluminium balcony solutions to the Manor Road Quarter project in Canning Town, London. The AliDeck Ultra Decking Board, AliRail Plate Fix 0.74kN Option (AliRail System 2), and the aesthetic AliClad Flow Cladding Board will now create a complete balcony solution, as this collaboration with Alloy Fabweld showcases our commitment to innovation and technical excellence.

5000 number Trief GST2A kerb was chosen to the parapet of the Tay Road Bridge from vehicular impact. Rather than the standard Trief GST2A the Trief GST2k is designed for use in areas of restricted construction depth such as bridge decks. Tested in accordance with BS EN 1317 parts 1 & 2 the unique profile of the kerb contains and redirects the errant vehicle and provides the occupants with the highest level of impact safety.

Ringway Jacobs, on behalf of Essex Highways, have permanently repaired a dangerous pothole using UltraCrete Tough Patch®.BackgroundA large pothole had been causing disruption to motorists and homeowners in Great Notley in Essex. Located in the wheel track of a busy residential road, the pothole needed repairing quickly and permanently to minimise disruption and eliminate any potential damage to vehicles.The ChallengeRingway Jacobs had been let down by a number of pothole repair materials in the past, causing further disruption and upset to motorists, and costly repeat visits for them. Finding a first time permanent solution was of the utmost importance to the team at Ringway Jacobs.The SolutionBefore the damaged area was repaired, any loose debris was removed to create a dust and contaminant free area. Once clear, the vertical edges and surface base was sprayed with SCJ seal and tack coat spray to prevent water ingress and improve bond. Once applied, Tough Patch® was poured into the pothole and compacted with a plate.To complete the repair, Instaband ECO thermoplastic overbanding tape was applied to each edge to prolong the life of the repair.Tough Patch® is a PTS PAS approved, cold lay surface material for road repairs, which utilises a reactive binder that rapidly cures to create a first time, permanent repair that will accept traffic immediately after installation. By utilising Tough Patch®, the amount of time needed for closures and traffic management can be reduced, resulting in a significantly safer working environment for operatives carrying out the work.Quick and easy to apply, Tough Patch® can be used to repair defects in pavements, driveways, car parks and on high speed roads – it even provides a first time permanent repair in wheel turning locations such as junctions, traffic lights and roundabouts.Results“Tough Patch is very workable and maintains that throughout the colder seasons much better than any other product we have used. It goes down very well and gives a similar finished appearance to hot tarmac. Being able to carry as much as we need and not suffering any waste really helps us save time and money. Other products in the past have given us failures but since using Tough Patch, this has not been the case for us.” Aidan Fitzgerald, Area Supervisor at Essex Highways.

Glasgow’s latest redevelopment project, located on Langside Road, is built upon the former site of the city’s Victoria Infirmary and consists of a large housing development that includes 413 flats, offices and retail space. The 3.75 hectare site, which is situated next to Queen’s Park on the south side of the city, forms an important part of the Battlefield area’s character, with the buildings’ exterior reflecting and complementing the surrounding heritage by using the city's traditional blonde coloured sandstone.  As part of the construction process, Bilco UK was commissioned to supply six ESW-50REM Smoke Vents, in addition to seven E-50TB Roof Access Hatches, to provide the highest standards of safety and efficiency, whilst being sympathetic to the project’s overall design.  Installed onto the roof areas of four blocks of flats by Scottish contractors, Procladd Small Works Ltd, Bilco UK’s ESW-50REM Smoke Vents were specified to provide essential ventilation in the event of a building fire. Featuring a linear actuator operating mechanism that opens the cover to 140 degrees within 60 seconds, the smoke vents ensure compliance with Building Regulations Approved Document B, BS9999 and EN12101-2.  The built-in wind deflector also provides protection against smoke being blown back into the vent in the event of a fire., whilst the newly-designed closed-cell EPDM sponge gasket helps meet Building Regulation air leakage targets by providing a better seal of the cover to the curb. With the addition of a fixed vertical ladder, the smoke vents can also be used by maintenance engineers for roof access.  Billy Baillie, Managing Director at Procladd Small Works Ltd, said: “We have a longstanding relationship of over 20 years with Bilco UK, and will continue to do so over the forthcoming years, due to their impressive product quality and outstanding service. Bilco UK’s Roof Access Hatches and Smoke Vents were incredibly easy to install, and knowing they’re engineered to meet the highest industry standards, it provided both ourselves and the client with the confidence that the installation would set the standard for performance and longevity.” Constructed with corrosion-resistant materials, Bilco UK’s E-50TB Roof Access Hatches were also installed to provide engineers with safe, regular and convenient access to the roof to conduct essential maintenance. Engineered with compression spring operators to provide easy one-hand operation, the roof access hatch meets the requirements of Manual Handling Regulations, whilst the automatic hold-open arm locks the cover in the open position to ensure safe egress. The overlapping cover design, fully welded corners and insulated cover also ensure weathertightness and energy efficiency to deliver the highest standards of resilience. Mark Baird, Sales Operations Manager at Bilco UK, said: “Drawing on our longstanding relationship with Procladd Small Works Ltd, it was fantastic to work together on this project, which has been designed to positively impact the city’s culture. The products installed were manufactured with fire safety and efficiency in mind, delivering assurance of the durability and suitability of the installation for years to come.”For further information on Bilco UK’s complete range of roof access solutions, visit www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696. 

A clear first BREEAM certified public management structure where the building interior design demanded sharp attention to detail; Technowood was a clear choice. The saving on solid timber was a driving force in the decision process. Certified FSC and A2 FR were also important considerations when compared to sold timber. Happy New Service Building was designed by the Architectural Bureau.The Municipality new service building has been designed with a creative understanding which explores an interior that maximises the room use. Therefore, the space has an uplifting positivity to the vertical design.Project RequirementsThe building planning consent required ‘green building’ credentials. Furthermore, BREEAM-BESPOKE criteria were used in this project and BRE-GLOBAL prepared tailor-made criteria directly to the specific building type.Turkey’s first BREEAM certified building will be public; this project is expected to bring a lot of innovation including environmental sensitivity. Thus, it is foreseen that similar criteria will be applied in the future construction in the development region.Further, the main features of this project are a passive air conditioning system and natural lighting, double wall and gallery, economical water usage, recyclability of the material where possible. The enviro-friendly green roof and environment considerate plant preferences.Technowood satisfied all build requirements, the planning was especially happy with the aesthetics of such a diverse material. Invisibly fixed vertical columns solved the solution of the curved nature of the design; as well as the speed of installation which made the use of this wood finished product even more cost effective.Technowood is environmentally friendly, efficient to fit, FSC, A2 FR. By using Technowood this project has a timber consumption by 98%.Credits and Further informationInterior design     The Architectural BureauLocation                     TurkeyProject                        GOVERNMENT MUNICIPALITY COUNCIL CHAMBERMaterial                     Alu-Click Technowood Beams

THE PROJECTThe Tapestry project is a high-end residential development located in the heart of King’s Cross, London. The area is home to internationally renowned St. Pancras Station and Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, and is in the midst of a major urban redevelopment.The Tapestry building was designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects who have created a clear relationship between the internal and external areas of the building, with breath-taking views over Gasholder Park, Regent’s Canal and the city of London beyond.The project is influenced by the heritage of the King’s Cross area, reflected in the refined interiors meticulously created using a combination of the finest materials hand-picked by interior design architects Johnson Naylor, and the design and layout of the mailboxes and their location was no exception.THE PRODUCTOur mailboxes were designed to blend into the background of the reception lobby area with a clean elegant finish, configured into a visually interesting layout staggering each vertical column of mailboxes.The mailboxes are located in the reception lobby area of the project where residents will walk through to access their apartments. The model of mailbox used in the project was chosen for its minimalistic and flexible design proven on other notable projects in London such as the Fitzroy Place building.The NW2 mailbox is a horizontal product which is perfect for projects requiring a high quantity of mailboxes in an area with a restricted height. The banks of mailboxes have been recessed into the wall, which ensured that there was maximum room for residents to access their mail whilst other building users had unobstructed access in the area.The mailboxes are finished in a special matt finish which compliments the finish of the reception area. The door of each mailbox has been engraved with a bespoke font and infilled gold – matching the brief of the project.

The Lotse Canal separates Harburg’s Schlossinsel (“castle island”) from Hamburg city centre. To improve accessibility in both directions, the city authorities decided to build a new swing bridge for pedestrians and cyclists across the 44-metre-wide canal.TaskProtect the structure and the budget. Hamburg wanted an innovative and cost-effective coating technology for the Lotse Canal swing bridge.ChallengeProvide a proven coating solution. As a matter of principle, public authorities will only consider the introduction of innovative materials if their successful performance has already been proven beyond any doubt and they additionally deliver savings for the public handbag.SolutionPolyaspartic technology protects the bridge and saves money. With years of experience of using this application in other fields of engineering, it was clear that Polyaspartic technology would protect the structure just as thoroughly against corrosion damage as previous coating systems – and, thanks to needing one layer less, would deliver savings at the same time. As a result, the swing bridge across the Lotse Canal became the first application of Polyaspartic technology in a public infrastructure project in Germany. The unique Polyaspartic technology benefits were confirmed by The Sherwin-Willliams Company, as provider of the coatings for the bridge: “Polyaspartic technology enabled a curing process that was four times faster than normal, resulting in a significant productivity boost.”Why Polyaspartic technology was the right solution for this project:Ultra-durable: Thorough protection against corrosion.Economical: The need for one layer less cuts cost.Proven technology: Years of successful application in other fields.Fast-curing: Cures four times faster than conventional solutions.Ease of application: Good handling without the need for additional equipment or training measures.

OverviewKEA Dublin is a 2787m² shopping centre in Ballymun Ireland which required a full smoke ventilation system from Powrmatic.Project BackgroundIKEA Dublin is 30,000 square-foot shopping centre in Ballymun Ireland which required a full smoke ventilation system from Powrmatic.Project SolutionPowrmatic supplied 73 Roof Opensky smoke ventilators to the new IKEA store in Dublin. Specified and installed by Air Design Systems Ltd, the installation is providing full smoke ventilation to five separate areas within the store.The second area is the show room and café which were naturally ventilated by louvred ventilators and split into zones using a fixed smoke curtain. A similar approach was taken with the self-serve warehouse and checkout area, which was also naturally ventilated using louvred ventilators and fixed smoke curtains. Polycarbonate blades are used on the louvred ventilators to allow natural light to enter the spaces. Additionally, the escape staircases were ventilated using louvred ventilators at the head of the stairs and a local control panel with an emergency break glass.Project Result“We were involved from the very early in the design stages of the project, using our knowledge and experience of installations within other IKEA stores and warehouses to engineer a suitable, cost-effective solution,” recalled  Air Design Systems Ltd Director Alan Clare.“Within these works we have had to include for three separate main control panels, all electrical wiring run in fire-protected cable, local control panels with emergency break glasses and a mimic control panel linking all smoke ventilation zones. We also provided rain sensors, roof access hatches, and head of lift shaft cowls,” he added.Due to the success of the project, there was a requirement within a year of opening to extend the warehouse area. Air Design Systems Ltd was awarded the sub-contract to extend the system into the new space and link back to the existing control system. In total, a further 14 Powrmatic ventilators were installed in the warehouse roof & walls and at the head of the two additional emergency staircases.Powrmatic’s Roof Opensky ventilators are attractive, low-profile units that have been specifically designed for both smoke and heat exhaust and natural ventilation applications. The Opensky can be roof or wall mounted for exhaust or inlet and can be supplied with a hinged base for use as an access hatch. They are tested for use as smoke ventilators to BS EN 12101-2.

The ProjectThe former Met Police HQ which has been redeveloped into a co-working space based on the banks of the Thames. Tintagel House boasts modern design co-working spaces, meeting rooms, roof terraces, bar, cafe, gym and cycle storage for its members. Bellsure were asked by Oakmont Construction to provide the cycle storage for this project. As requested by Oakmont Construction, we provided quotes on bespoke cycle shelters with a selection of cycle storage for the client. We also supplied CAD designs and .dwg files to build into the clients BIM model. The CAD files that Bellsure provided included specified materials, product recommendations, panel details and security fixings.The SolutionThe Streetsure team secured the contract and project managed the supply of the shelters and cycle storage to suit the contractors time frame and budget.For the cycle storage we supplied our Classic double decker cycle racks, Verti-45 semi vertical cycle racks and classic Citihoop stands. These were space planned strategically to fit as many spaces into the area as possible, and provide a greater return on investment for our client.Our bespoke CuvaSpan cycle shelters were the chosen option for this project. The shelter was a bespoke powder-coated steel frame with a PETG roof. Our installers worked alongside the site manager to ensure a smooth snag free handover - complete with an enhanced operations & maintenance manual. 

Penrhyn Heather Blue slates from Welsh Slate feature on Lincoln’s Inn’s Great Hall. One of London’s most unique buildings is enjoying a new lease of life, thanks to Welsh Slate. The Great Hall and Library Buildings of The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, an association of students, barristers and judges and one of the four Inns of Court, have over the past two years undergone an extensive programme of external conservation carried out by expert stone masons Capital Stone.  The programme of work includes replacement of the Great Hall’s slate roof covering. Work is still ongoing, with anticipated overall completion in April/May this year, but the work to the Great Hall roof is complete, as is the striking of the temporary roof covering which brings the new roof into view.  The Great Hall and Library Buildings were constructed from 1843 to 1845. The Great Hall roof was originally covered with lead but was recovered in 1868 with slate. From 1871 to 1873 the Library was extended eastwards by three bays. The building is an important example of 19th Century Gothic Revival architecture and has been listed Grade II* since 1951.  After 154 years, the slates on the roof of the Great Hall required replacing to protect the interior, including a striking fresco and beautifully worked oak. The slates were suffering from surface delamination and a large proportion had slipped due to nail rot, requiring tingles to hold them in place. The existing slates were found to originate from both the Ordovician and Cambrian deposits of North Wales – the former predominately on the eastern elevation and the latter on the western. The large Ordovician slates, typically 850mm long and between 350mm and 500mm wide (and laid to a fixed gauge of approximately 350mm which equates to a head lap of approximately 100mm), originated from what is now Welsh Slate’s Ffestiniog quarry, which is currently mothballed, while the other quarries producing these no longer operate. The Cambrian slates from the Llanberis region, as well as Bethesda where Welsh Slate’s main quarry is based, were even larger, at 850mm long and wider than 450mm, laid to the same gauge. Both slate types were fixed to timber battens on open timber rafters, with the underside torched with horsehair and lime plaster. These were replaced for the closest Welsh slate match – Welsh Slate’s County-grade Penrhyn Heather Blues, at 800mm long, widths of between 400mm and 550mm, and a 350mm gauge and 100mm head lap. These are guaranteed for 100 years, with a useful life of 150 years. While the roof is generally simple in form, with two large slopes, its substantial size at circa 800m2 meant the work took considerable time to complete. To allow for more than a dozen dormers the Welsh Slate had to be cut and fitted to size with double copper clout nails. The thickest slates were used on the eaves, diminishing towards the ridge to maintain the original visual finish. They were also holed from the rear to provide a slight countersink to the face. The Great Hall operates by day as a dining hall for members of the Inn, and by night, as a venue for dinners, receptions and weddings for up to 400 people. Set in 11 acres of beautiful grounds in Holborn, Central London, it is the closest Inn to the Royal Courts of Justice. Henry Skinner, Head of Projects and Facilities Management at The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, said: “The replacement of the roof covering was far from straightforward, despite its externally simplistic construction. During stripping of the existing roof covering, we had to deal with atmospheric lead contamination of a horsehair felt that sat between the original slates and close boarding, requiring controlled measures of removal and disposal.  “Furthermore, the close boarding had warped over time, causing an undulation between roof trusses that needed to be spaced out. This was achieved through the introduction of additional battens and packing timbers to create a level surface onto which the new slate could be laid.” Casey Wickers, trainee quantity surveyor with Capital Stone Renovation, said: “The main work of stripping the existing roof was extremely challenging and labour intensive, to not only remove, wash and handle each slate manually through a tight scaffolding design, but also doing so whilst wearing full RPE due to the lead contamination. “With the two stunning roof facades in full view, the quality of the Welsh slates can be seen by all.

Pura® NFC by Trespa as connecting factor between two building volumesIn close cooperation with Guus Vedder (2•1 Architecten), architect Hendrik Jan van der Valk (Van der Valk Woudst ra) has designed a modern villa, consisting of two main volumes. The villa was for a private client and is located in a rural village in the Veluwe region. One volume is used as living/ dining room and kitchen, while the bedrooms, bathrooms, playroom and technical area are located in the other.The client had a number of explicit requirements for the design of the villa which is located on a large plot in a wooded area. In addition to various aesthetic aspects, the villa had to be sustainable and energy neutral. The facades, roofs and floors were therefore very well insulated and of airtight construction. All window frames have aluminium profiles with optimum insulation and have triple glazing. The whole house is equipped with domotics and all installations are powered by the solar panels that were fitted; there is therefore no need for a gas connection.

A residential development, Timber Wharf is located on the corner of the Roman-built Kingsland Road and 19th-century Regents Canal and features commercial space as well as a canal-side restaurant.The residential area is grouped around a quiet cobbled courtyard offering a sheltered play area, while the waterfront apartments make up the courtyard’s northern edge and are set back from the canal, overlooking a very attractive, quaint and safe community garden.We worked very closely with Kier Group PLC (one of the largest regional builders in the UK) and ALU Installations (a leading installer of non-combustible decking and cladding systems in the UK) to deliver this very important remediation project.The timber boards on the walkways and balconies along the facade and the waterfront were replaced with our BalcaSmart® Aluminium and TerraSmart® Aluminium systems, which are ideal for remediation, new-build, and refurbishment projects.The refurbishment project was completed this year, delivering peace of mind to residents and owners alike, especially after the Grenfell Tower fire and changes to fire safety regulations.Installed with great care and attention to detail, seamlessly meeting stairwells and other structural elements, our BalcaSmart and TerraSmart Aluminium systems complement the overall aesthetics of the building, are lightweight, long-lasting, and most importantly able to meet the load requirements of its walkways, which also form part of the fire escape routes.Both BalcaSmart and TerraSmart Aluminium systems carry our IGNO mark of assurance for non-combustibility and reassure specifiers by way of a 30-year warranty and a 60-year design life (when used as part of a complete RYNO IGNO system).

Accoya was used for all the superior decking and facades throughout the ‘Jungle House’ on Guarujá Beach. It was also used for some of the interior paneling & room furniture as well as for unique MUXARABI joineries. This is a special type of joinery used by architects to enhance the aestetic design of a project as the joinery acts as a light filter providing varying projections of light throughout the day. Accoya was also chosen due to its incredible durability to withstand Brazil’s intense heat and humidity.

The first Student Hotel in the UK will be in Scotland, in Glasgow’s Candleriggs Square, in the very heart of historic Merchant City, which provides a perfect location. The hotel forms the first development phase of the much-anticipated regeneration of the 3.6-acre Candleriggs Square site. Permavent’s A2 -s1,d0 fire rated membrane Safeshield XT Reflect was chosen by Walsin Construction to make up part of the internal cavity of the walls during construction of The Student Hotel in Glasgow. This new development in Glasgow’s Candleriggs Square will form part of the rejuvenation of a formally derelict site in the heart of the city, with the reflective properties of Safeshield helping to increase the energy efficiency of the structure, alongside class-leading fire performance. Cladding contractor Walsin Construction are installing Permavent Safeshield XT Reflect, a Class A2 -s1,d0 fire safe membrane, as a higher-performance and more robust approach than standard traditional breather membranes. Alongside the highest fire performance from a membrane Safeshield XT Reflect was the product of choice to deliver a sensible and competitively priced method of achieving a high thermal-performance and as built-anticipated level of airtightness.Peter Noon, Walsin Contracts Manager at Candleriggs, commented: “Walsin have worked on a number of projects with Permavent based on their technical support, knowledge of the required construction detail and tool box talks delivered on site. Safeshield XT Reflect is a superior product to other alternative membranes available. The inherent strength of the material provides confidence that the material will maintain the buildings integrity during and after construction. Being Class A2 fire rated provides further confidence in terms of building safety. Safeshield allows us a contractor to deliver an as designed performance to the buildings structure”.

Continuity between indoor spaces and outdoor floors, a balanced interaction that increases aesthetic potential: Atlas Concorde sets the tone in an elegant Belgian residence.Refined, unique, chic: the metropolitan style of Atlas Concorde concrete-effect porcelain tiles decorates the interior and exterior floors of a large, charming private residence in the town of Maasmechelen, Belgium, giving them a strong, unmistakable personality. Furnished in an urban chic style, the residence uses concrete-effect tiles to boost its modern, extremely refined look, which plays on volumes and alternating light and dark tones. Laid both on the floor in the open space living room/kitchen area and outside, the concrete-effect tiles create a visual and functional continuity between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Thanks to a subtle texture on shades of grey, where the warm hues of oxidation and the cooler tones typical of the original material coexist, the concrete-effect porcelain tiles become a decisive element in the interior and exterior designs of the residence. Able to embellish rooms thanks to their versatility, which makes them easy to mix and match with other furnishings, the tile surfaces also project their own style in safety and continuity, extending the design possibilities. Premium large-format 120x120 cm tiles boost the aesthetic and functional potential of spaces, amplifying volumes and giving them the characteristics of safety and reliability, especially critical when designing outdoor solutions. With a variety of effects and nuances, the large format is also able to satisfy the broadest array of stylistic inclinations: its task is to reinterpret all the expressiveness of the original material and transform it into a real living experience.

Twinfix have been working their magic to help Network Rail restore Kettering Railway Station to its former glory. They have been helped in this project by the Railway Heritage Trust (RHT). The Railway Heritage Trust was created in 1985 by British Rail on the advice of railway heritage campaigners following the destruction of Derby Midland Station. The RHT is an independent company which assists the operational railway in its preservation and upkeep of listed buildings and structures. Network Rail and National Highways (Historic Railways Estate) sponsor the work of the RHT which currently holds an annual budget for restoration work, ensuring that high quality and the best materials are used to restore and preserve assets. Kettering station was opened in May 1857 by the Midland Railway, on a line linking the Midland to the Great Northern Railway at Hitchin. The Midland later gained its own London terminus at St Pancras Station. In 1857 the leather trade was in recession with over half of Kettering’s population on poor relief. The railway enabled the town to sell its products over a much wider area and restored the town’s prosperity. Originally the station had a single platform but in 1879 the station was quadrupled, and three new platforms were built. The Midland Railway commissioned waiting rooms, cast-iron columns, spandrels, and canopies for the new platforms to match the original 1857 design by Charles Henry Driver. In the 1970s, the glass canopies became a maintenance headache for British Rail, who proposed removing the glazing along with the cast-iron column heads and replacing it with sheeting. Thankfully, Kettering Civic Society intervened and saved the canopies and columns. 50 years later these important architectural elements needed some refurbishment but faced another threat. The Midland Mainline electrification programme meant that structural changes would be needed to the canopy structures to allow the overhead line electrical equipment to be installed above the tracks. Once again, the canopies were under threat but this time it was Twinfix which came to the rescue. Twinfix, the Warrington based pioneers of polycarbonate were the specified experts in the Network Rail business plan for the station refurbishment. Having already helped bring new life and importantly light into old stations as part of refurbishment work, Network Rail stipulated using Twinfix’s polycarbonate roofing panels and their mounting system to keep the overall aesthetics of the station but add a much-needed resilience to the canopies.  Twinfix recommended their Multi-Link-Panel glazing with 6mm solid clear polycarbonate to help the restoration project. The Multi-Link-Panel is an innovative, modular system that is incredibly quick to install and outperforms more traditional systems in terms of cost, performance, and appearance. Multi-Link-Panel canopies consist of pre-assembled modular glazing panels, manufactured to size for each individual project. Each panel comprises aluminium structural bars that are glazed with lightweight, yet tough, solid polycarbonate. The aluminium can be powder coated to a range of colours for a rust and maintenance-free life. As panels are pre-assembled in a controlled factory environment possible contamination and errors in installation caused by on-site cutting of the glazing sheet are avoided. These properties can result in saving two thirds of the time taken to install traditional split bar glazing systems. This can save on labour costs and drastically reduce any necessary premises shutdown time required while work is carried out overhead.  The team at Everlast roofing who installed the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel were a great partner in this installation process and this partnership resulted in a great finished roof.Handling during installation is easier and safer than with traditional glass systems as panels are constructed from materials that are both strong and light in weight. The reduction in weight compared with glass systems has the added benefit of lowering the overall weight of the roof construction, decreasing the stresses on the existing fabric of a building, especially important where a roof refurbishment is being undertaken. It is this weight reduction that removed the need for reinforcement of the original columns and resulted in the restoration remaining faithful to the original design. As Twinfix manufacture the multi-link panel system they are in an ideal position to be able to help with designing out potential problems. Each roofing system is unique and bespoke, so Twinfix took advantage of their deep understanding of their product and the legislation covering such projects and added access hatches to the canopies which allow access above the glazing for maintenance, finally curing that 50-year-old headache. Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix said; “The result of the restoration is truly breath-taking. Kettering Station is now awash with natural light and the platforms are a light airy place to wait for a train and shelter from the elements.” Tim Hedley-Jones, Director of the Railway Heritage Trust, says of the project: “It’s a great example where the use of modern materials helps to protect and sustain a truly beautiful historic station. Our grants have helped Network Rail to preserve Kettering Station using Twinfix technology, to continue to make it fit for purpose for today’s rail passengers.” So, if Charles Henry Driver were able to see the station today, he would instantly feel a sense of familiarity and be proud of the restoration work on this piece of railway treasure. CREDIT: Photographs taken by Paul Childs, Spheroview

Developed as a great space to live in one of Manchester's best-connected locations, close to the city's shops, restaurants & bars, and next to Manchester Victoria train station, the project comprised two 20 and 25-storey residential towers, which delivered 520 new homes.The architect Sheppard Robson, main contractor VINCI Construction, and installer Deckbuilders, all came together to deliver a great project, that is part of a gateway into the city, featuring fantastic-looking balconies, which we were very happy to secure against the forces of nature: namely wind-uplift.There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mitigating the effects of negative pressure on balconies and terraces in high-rise buildings, and in this particular case, we had to fix the paving down to the main structure of the building mechanically, to de-risk against the impact of up to -2.68kPa of suction on the roof.To account for cost and time constraints, the system we used to secure the balconies against wind-uplift was the TerraSmart™ Pedestal system with the addition of a visual wind-uplift mechanical fixing.The tiles were mechanically restrained to the pedestals which, in turn, were mechanically fixed to the concrete deck of the balconies.And the outcome? Balconies secured, the project de-risked against wind-uplift, and the beautiful Quadro Argento Tiles (600x1200x20mm) safely in place for all residents to experience and enjoy. Listen to what our specification manager had to say.If you are specifying a project and want to know how you can mitigate the effects wind-uplift or the impact that occurs as a result of urban canyons, we can help.