"cladding"

Burleigh Medical CentreA new build two storey primary care medical centre and integrated Pharmacy.The scheme was to create a space both inside and out that was contemporary and engaging for the service users. The client’s vision was to pay homage to Barnsley's historic mining community which is reflected in the choice of materials both inside and out.The heavily contrasting external materials of dark anthracite cladding with white sparkling block work are reflected back within the interiors. Bold geometric shapes are used throughout the scheme referencing shapes found in geologic materials. Hexagonal forms were used for the children’s built in feature seating and also within the Soundtect Freestyle acoustic panels which meant contemporary Artwork patterns could be formed. Soundtect Acoustic Freestyle panels were selected as the product of choice as they provided versatility with form and a rich colour palette to complement the interior design

Portsmouth is home to the Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing America’s Cup sailing team. TAC Projects were employed by the main contractor - Allied Developments - to provide the roofing and cladding works. TAC Projects have a long-standing trading relationship with Fixfast, and looked to them to provide fastening systems which would satisfy all the needs and requirements for such a project. Fixfast provided all the fasteners needed for securing the external building envelope on this iconic and prestigious project - including Fixfast's DrillFast A4 stainless steel fastener range was the solution to fixing in a challenging environment - securing the external building envelope on this iconic and prestigious project."TAC required a reliable supplier of high-quality stainless steel fasteners for this fast track project and chose Fixfast for their comprehensive range, good quality and technical backup"Tom Colbourne - Managing Director at T A Colbourne Projects Ltd

NDEC was a collaborative effort delivered by Thales, the University of South Wales the Welsh Government and is a large part of the Welsh government’s plans to regenerate the Ebbw Vale area which was once an industrious town thanks to its steel and coal mills. Now completed, the digital hub is set to be one of the world's most advanced cyber testing and development facilities.A beautiful array perforated panels now clad the new research and development facility in Ebbw Vale. Perforated holes of three sizes were used to create the natural image which enabled the modern facility to blend into its historic location. The aluminium panels were anodised in natural satin bronze which provide the building with an autumnal aesthetic, further complementing the natural landscape in which it sits. The unique façade was designed by Cardiff-based architects, Rio Architects Ltd.

On this redevelopment project we worked closely with McLaren.Excell Architects to manufacture and supply bespoke concrete kitchen worktops and concrete cladded central island in a newly renovated penthouse flat at a warehouse in Shoreditch.The glass fibre reinforced concrete central island, splash backs and worktops were manufactured using our special GRC BTX concrete, which is lighter and stronger than traditional concrete. We used our unique eco concrete mix technology with a hydrophobic agent to limit moisture absorption. The individual elements were precast in our workshop for assembly on site and then hand polished and treated with a specialist sealant. Living Concrete’s worktops are extremely strong and durable and can be used indoors or outdoors. By using the best of modern technology, we have created a sleek contemporary look that demonstrates how concrete can be both eye catching and functional.

The Luton DART (Direct Air-Rail Transit) transfers passengers from Luton Airport Parkway station to the terminal of London Luton Airport in under four minutes, spanning a distance of 2.3km. The replacement of the conventional bus service with the DART cable car-hauled system marks a significant leap in efficiency and convenience for travellers. To provide adequate ventilation at the Luton DART terminal, where all travellers congregate, DUCO was called in.A breath of fresh air in the busily visited terminalA lot of travellers pass through the terminal every day which means the space needs to be well ventilated. Two DUCO intensive ventilation products were used for this purpose: DucoWall Classic 50/75Z and DucoGrille Clasic 50HP.DucoWall Classic 50/75ZThe reason for selection of this continuous louvre wall system was the requirement to match the claddings 75 mm alignment. The sample provided gained approval swiftly. Notably, this system offers extensive spanning capabilities with minimal support sections, coupled with a large airflow and water resistance. The DucoWall Classic 50/75Z series offers a continuous aesthetic appearance and its unique click and turn clips ensured a fast installation.DucoGrille Classic 50HPThe sheer volume of passengers carried by Luton DART means a large build-up of stale air. The high airflow of the DucoGrille Classic 50HP at a huge 60% ensured that this could be evacuated quickly and that a large amount of fresh air could replace it.Impact of the DUCO intensive ventilation productsThe integration of DucoWall Classic 50/75Z and DucoGrille Classic 50HP systems within the Luton Dart Terminal also contributed to the interior environment. Not only do these solutions optimise ventilation, ensuring a constant flow of fresh air, but they also contribute to the terminal's sleek architectural appeal. The continuous louvre wall serves as both a functional screening and cladding element, elevating the terminal's aesthetic while maintaining operational efficiency.In essence, the collaboration between innovative ventilation solutions and architectural design exemplifies a harmonious blend of form and function, setting a new standard for modern transportation hubs.

THE PROJECTNumber One Bristol is a high-end student living development home to a collection of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses. Setting a new standard for students living in Bristol.The development features a rooftop garden (known as the ‘Sky Meadow’) providing breath-taking views across the city of Bristol, on-site parking and a central location allowing you easy access to the very best of the city life.This project uses both a bank of mailboxes to securely store mail deliveries and a high-capacity MEFA Mega parcel box which allows for large parcel deliveries to be stored in a secure location.THE MAILBOXESThe mailboxes used on this project are located in the reception lobby area allow easy access for residents to retrieve their mail as they pass on the way to their home.The mailbox model used is the MODA Horizontal mailbox, finished in a high-quality stainless steel 304L grade. The bank is freestanding fixed to the floor using table supports designed and manufactured to carry the weight of the mailboxes and securely hold them in one position, whether empty or full to capacity of deliveries.The mailboxes are an in front / out front type, allowing for mail to delivered and retrieved through the front face of the post box.The mailboxes are fitted with surround cladding on either side of the bank and the top of the unit, with this cladding the table support finished in a contrasting black PPC colour finish. Each mailbox has been engraved with a number to match the apartment ID, allowing both mail delivery personnel and residents to easily identify which mailbox is the correct item to use.Safety Letterbox supplied and installed the whole solution.PARCEL DELIVERYParcel deliveries are secured in the project by a single MEFA Mega parcel box, allowing up to 96 litres of mail to be securely stored at one time. The MEFA Mega parcel box is freestanding fitted to the floor through the bottom panel of the product, securely holding this item in the correct position.The parcel box has been fitted with contrasting vinyl with the logo of The PG Group – the Bristol based property developer involved with this project.The MEFA Mega parcel box is available to purchase on our online store.

This is the latest cycle hub designed, manufactured, supplied and installed by Falco for Fairfield General Hospital in Bury, Greater Manchester. Installed on behalf of Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation trust, the cycle hub is based on the flagship FalcoLok design and provides staff, visitors and patients to the hospital with secure cycle parking for up to 28 bikes.The FalcoLevel-Premium+ two-tier cycle racks are housed within a 6m x 4m version of the FalcoLok-500 cycle hub, complete with easy access automatic power doors, motion sensor LED lighting, helmet lockers, bespoke branding graphics and powder coating in an NHS blue RAL colour. The cycle hub is clad in toughened safety glass, designed to be sympathetic to the surrounding area.The whole shelter is a bespoke contemporary design of the classic Falco Cycle Hub shelter, which features clean lines through the glass cladding and supported by stainless steel glass clamps. The steelwork is hot dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461 and also meets UK structural design laws with EN 1090 accreditation. Rainwater is collected via innovative integral gutters as part of the roof system and a bespoke bund ensure that the cycle hub is weather proof!In addition to the cycle hub shown here for Fairfield General Hospital, Falco has also recently installed cycle hubs for many locations across the UK including Rochdale Infirmary, Stromness Travel Centre in the Orkney Islands, Crewe, Runcorn, Birmingham International, Warrington Bank Quay and Carlisle station for Avanti West Coast, Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation, The Royal Oldham Hospital for Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School in Dundee and a bespoke cycle hub for Leicester City Council.For more information about the project here at Fairfield General Hospital or how Falco can assist your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

BackgroundLocated in the Ancoats area of Manchester, the Albion Works strip and re-fit project was funded by the Building Safety Fund, a Government Fund to remove unsafe non-ACM cladding on residential and mixed-use properties that are 18 metres and over and do not meet building safety regulations.K Systems Approved Installer QFF Façades were contracted to complete the exterior wall insulation and rendering of the 8-storey residential building.The original 60mm EPS system was stripped from the building and replaced with a safe, thermally efficient façade solution, which upgraded the fire performance of the cladding, ensuring the safety of both the building and residents.Our ServiceK Systems provided support throughout the application process for this Building Safety Fund project. The Technical team offered on-site technical and installation support throughout the build process and supported QFF to ensure quality and reliability.We produced a bespoke specification and worked closely with Thomason Consulting and QFF Façades to agree and deliver specifics such as fire stopping and abutment details.From design advice through to installation, we offered a partnership approach which aided a smooth installation process with minimal disruption.Technical Project DetailsThe original sheathing boards were replaced, and the K Systems Exicco M drained cavity façade system was installed. This high performing drained cavity system was specified as a requirement for this steel frame residential building. 60mm mineral wool insulation was specified to retain the line of the existing façade.Fire safety with high rise buildings like Albion Works is of utmost importance and this solution generates high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility (A2, s1-d0 rating), meaning the latest building regulations were complied with. Additionally, the thermal performance of the building improved with a U-value of 0.28 W/m²K being achieved. Residents will therefore enjoy reduced heating costs and better living conditions.For the finish, silicone thin coat render ensured that aesthetically Albion Works had a clean, crisp attractive appearance. This durable, low maintenance render transformed the outside of the building and will ensure a longlasting finish to the property.

In Autumn 2020 Hochiki launched Ekho, a new generation of hybrid wireless fire detection and alarm equipment. EN54-25 approved and RED compliant, Ekho takes hybrid wireless fire detection to new levels of reliability, flexibility and performance and has been crucial to helping a North London Borough to improve life safety in six blocks of apartment buildings.Using the latest in radio networking technology, Ekho provides a robust ‘always on’ network of devices which automatically adapt to changing environmental conditions. It was this innovative design element that led Fire Alarms Fabrication Services (FAFS) to choose Hochiki for their latest project in a north London borough where they were installing a new life safety system in place of the Waking Watch scheme operated in several high-rise multiple dwellings. The Ekho range they say was “crucial” and offered them “an unparalleled level of reliability.”Following the Grenfell Tower disaster, Waking Watch schemes are used in buildings identified as fire risks, until dangerous cladding is removed. Due to high operational costs, building owners and local authorities are looking to life safety manufacturers and installers to help with more reliable and cost-effective alternatives.Ekho is used in these high-risk buildings, with customers such as FAFS, saying that this technology helps residents feel safer compared to relying on a team of people prone to human error, and building owners are reassured due to the self-configuring mesh network which keeps the devices connected and communicating with the fire panel 24/7.The Ekho devices were installed to provide round-the-clock monitoring in place of manual inspections, with devices installed adjacent to all windows, communal areas, corridors, stairwells, and living spaces. The devices were connected to an existing control panel via a hard-wired Translator, and with the rest of the system being completely wireless, the project was carried out with minimal disruption to residents.If needed, the Ekho system can also be easily removed after the remedial cladding work has been carried out, without damaging the building. Alternatively, the system can be permanently incorporated into the existing life safety systems. It is this flexibility that customers say is the major benefit.A key Ekho USP is that there is no need to install cables, vital in reducing disturbance during installation. This innovative feature was crucial for the team at Fire Alarms Fabrication Services, Kevin Dodge, sales Account Manager at FAFS told us“This was an incredibly complex and highly involved project, we worked closely with the team at Hochiki, they consulted on best devices for this complex project”This was a huge site, with six buildings each with 16 floors. A Waking Watch team of six patrolled the stairs, corridors, and communal areas at a cost of £10,000 per week. However, because the teams could not be in all places, at all times they might not be able to detect a fire escalating up the outside on the cladding. To add to this Waking Watch teams are not permitted to enter private apartments meaning early detection could be missed here too.Commenting on this issue, Dodge said“The Ekho range offered a wireless solution which allowed us to work around issues such as cabling inside private spaces. Ekho being wireless still allowed for early detection and most importantly detection outside of the building on cladding by installing heat sensor devices adjacent to every single window, including the windows for individual dwellings. This meant there was an early detection system in place. We also installed devices on all corridors, stair wells and communal areas and exits. Using the Hochiki technology in this way gave the residents peace of mind that the new system was ‘always on.’The Ekho range is ultra-dependable, and much more cost effective than the existing Waking Watch scheme.”Following the successful completion of the project Regional Sales Manager, Tony Obadipe said“Hochiki are passionate about protecting people, buildings, and assets. Our 100 years plus experience has given us a unique insight allowing us to not only provide what is needed now, but also predict future trends, keeping us at the forefront of cutting-edge life safety technology.We are pleased that our Ekho product range is making such an enormous difference in keeping people safe. The fact that our technology is also helping to drive huge cost efficiencies for our partners and their end users is a bonus. In the current economic climate this cost saving is essential, especially for local authorities. We are also incredibly proud of our teams that have been involved in the design, manufacturing and selling of this product, it really is protecting people’s lives".

Architect: AtkinsInstaller: Vitec Ceilings and PartitionsProduct: Gustafs Linear RibA small but perfectly executed project at 75m2, the new Bracknell Forest Council chambers at the Times Square building in Berkshire is clad with Gustafs Linear Ribs to the ceiling and feature wall.The plain white ceiling ribs are organised into multiple square rafts across the space installed in alternating directions and interspersed with traditional ceiling tiles, lighting, and vents.The split feature wall which stands either side of the speakers’ podium and main panel desks is made up of a mixture of natural Oak and Bamboo veneer and painted ribs installed with irregularly positioned 45° angled joints.The ribs were delivered oversized and cut to size on site, the mitre joints were also cut on site by Vitec and joined using extra-long installation clips to keep the joint inline and give the illusion of a dip-dyed rib.

Luton Dart LandscapingStreet furniture | landscape seatingUnity RangeLocation: LutonLuton DART Station in Bartlett Square has been upgraded as part of the ‘Luton Rising’ project and now features Townscape’s Unity range of precast concrete benches with inset timber tops along with fully clad Unity litter bins.This commercial development off Kimpton Road, next to Luton Airport Parkway station is set in a partially landscaped garden. Our seating provides a place for the public to dwell and reflect. The Architects were Capita the constructors were Ryebridge Construction.The project strives to provide pedestrian access across Bartlett Square to the Luton DART Parkway station from Kimpton Road, along with a small area of public realm. Townscape’s involvement has assisted in creating a new and high-quality public realm that is practical and links the rail station with local businesses and residents.

Walton Court Gardens by BroadwayMalyan and Gillespies for Crest Nicholson is a substantial project offering 375 new homes in Walton-on-Thames on the site of the former Birds Eye headquarters. Walton Court pays homage to the site’s original building by echoing the prior site half hexagonal aluminium facade in its full-height angled facade, evoking the original pattern. The central “jewel” building is sat amongst the surrounding buildings clad in Freshfield Lane’s Danehill Yellows. Sunlight bounces from the centre building offering an ever-changing facade through shadow and light. Streets built for the project will be planted alongside new and existing trees to create harmony between the landscape and architectural vernacular. The project draws on influences from the Birds Eye master plan and retains its strong sense of geometry while ensuring that the site is pedestrian friendly and easy to navigate for its new residential community.

Luxurious Outdoor Living: a Sanctuary of EleganceNestled in the heart of central Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK, this remarkable project showcases the artful synergy of luxurious outdoor living and impeccable design. The sprawling terrace area serves as an oasis of relaxation and an exquisite dining space.Once a family home in need of modernisation, this property has undergone a large transformation overseen by a family who sought not merely a home, but a sanctuary that harmoniously caters to both adults and children, fostering moments of reprieve and conviviality.The front facade is graced with the natural grandeur of McMonagle exterior natural stone wall cladding, a testament to refined taste and architectural finesse. In harmony with the contemporary elements of the roof, front door, and surround, the client chose Silver Quartzite from the Stoneer range. The 'L'-shaped corner pieces emulate the substantial depth of authentic stone walls, adding a depth to the façade.The entire front and side paths of the property are embraced by the sleek embrace of Atlas Concorde Boost White porcelain, its modern concrete finish seamlessly weaving together the chosen colour palette.Venturing to the rear of the property, the vision of local garden designer Sue Blakeley unfolds—an artist known for breathing life into outdoor realms. In her inspired design, a raised dining and socialising sanctuary emerges.A grand staircase descends from the property's first floor, unveiling a 120 m² expanse of outdoor bliss. The choice of oversized 1200x1200mm tiles from the Atlas Concorde Boost White porcelain range amplifies the modernity of the space. Their smooth, refined finish forms the cornerstone of a contemporary aesthetic that gracefully complements the minimalistic outdoor furnishings and architectural accents, crafting a space exuding cohesion and sophistication. Four huge steel planters, each with a beautiful olive tree, sit on either corner of the main terrace square.The alfresco dining area beckons, offering seating for up to 16 guests. Here, culinary delights can be prepared on the integrated BBQ or the countertop-mounted pizza oven, while refreshments are kept cold in the integrated fridges. The selected porcelain, resistant to stains and heat, ensures both ease of maintenance and enduring beauty.Adjacent to this culinary haven, a contrasting border crafted from Atlas Concorde TM Black porcelain draws the eye, defining individual zones within the outdoor haven. Beyond the inviting soft seating area, another area awaits, poised to entertain yet more guests.Gazing back from the lawn towards toe terrace, a gracefully designed set of steps guides one back up to the elevated terrace. Boost White porcelain, mirroring the landing's material, makes a bold statement, accentuated by the grandeur of five six-meter-long steps. The step risers, also composed of Boost White porcelain, exude order and logic. Intriguing, raised planters, chosen for year-round interest, colour and scent, sit either side of the steps, infusing visual intrigue and seamlessly melding with the garden's overall aesthetic, rendering this outdoor haven a masterpiece of design and leisure.Companies involved with this project:Contractor: Mann Contractors, www.jemanncontractors.co.ukGarden Designer and Installer: Sue Blakeley, www.sueblakeley.comArchitect: Coleman Anderson Architects, www.colemananderson.co.ukMaterials used in this project:Atlas Concorde Boost White Porcelain 1200x1200x20mmAtlas Concorde Boost White Porcelain 1200x600x20mmAtlas Concorde Boost TM Black Porcelain 1200x600x20mmMcMonagle Quartzite Wall Cladding Stoneer Silver Flat PiecesMcMonagle Quartzite Wall Cladding Stoneer Silver Corner Pieces

THE PROJECTPoplar Riverside is an exciting new regeneration project located on the picturesque banks of the River Lea in East London. This modern development offers a diverse collection of luxurious riverside apartments, including studios, one, two, and three-bedroom units available for both private rentals and shared accommodation. Residents are provided with their own private outdoor spaces and access to a beautifully landscaped 2.5-acre riverside park, enhancing the overall living experience with a touch of nature and serenity.To complement the high-end design and architectural vision of Poplar Riverside, JA Stott Carpentry Limited and St William enlisted The Safety Letterbox Company to create a bespoke mailbox system. Our task was to design and supply mailboxes that not only met the practical needs of the residents but also seamlessly integrated with the development’s aesthetic and contributed to the overall elegance and functionality of the space. This project underscored the importance of marrying functionality with design excellence to enhance the appeal and value of the development.THE CHALLENGEThe client presented us with the complex task of designing a fully bespoke mailbox system that would perfectly complement the luxurious aesthetic of Poplar Riverside’s main entrance and lobby area. This required creating custom-made cladding for the internal supports and ensuring all fixings were hidden to achieve a seamless, polished finish. The goal was to integrate the mailbox system flawlessly into the sophisticated design of the main entrance, maintaining the architectural integrity and visual appeal.In addition to the main lobby, the project required a secondary mailbox design for the stairwell areas. These mailboxes needed to be fire-rated to meet stringent safety standards, while still featuring custom cladding and stands that aligned with the overall design theme. This presented a unique challenge of balancing high safety requirements with the need for aesthetic cohesion.OUR SOLUTIONTo address the unique challenges of the Poplar Riverside development, we collaborated closely with both the client’s design team and our own R&D department to craft a mailbox solution that seamlessly integrated with the project’s sophisticated aesthetic while meeting rigorous safety standards. This partnership was crucial in developing innovative solutions that addressed both the functional and visual aspects of the project.For the main entrance and lobby area, we chose our MODA mailbox system. The MODA range was selected for its contemporary design and premium finishes, which align perfectly with the luxurious nature of Poplar Riverside. MODA mailboxes offer a sleek and stylish appearance with customisable options that allowed us to incorporate custom-made cladding, ensuring a seamless integration into the building’s elegant design. This system features:Modular Design: Allowing for a flexible and tailored installation that fits the precise dimensions and design requirements of the lobby area.High-Quality Finishes: Available in various materials and colours to match the architectural vision, ensuring that the mailboxes contribute to the overall aesthetic harmony of the space.User-Friendly Features: Including easy access and secure compartments, enhancing convenience for residents while maintaining the stylish look of the development.For the stairwell areas, which required compliance with stringent fire safety regulations, we selected our Fire Rated 2 mailboxes. These mailboxes are specifically designed to meet the highest safety standards, featuring:2-Hour Fire Rating: Complying with BS EN 1363-1:2019 industry regulations, ensuring that the mailboxes provide critical fire protection in the building’s escape routes.Robust Construction: With fire-resistant materials and design to prevent the spread of fire, enhancing the overall safety of the building for residents.Custom Cladding: To match the aesthetic requirements of the stairwell areas, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding design while providing the necessary safety features.Throughout the project, our team conducted rigorous testing and refinement to ensure that both the MODA and Fire Rated 2 mailboxes not only met all design and safety specifications but also exceeded the client’s expectations for quality and elegance. The result is a bespoke mailbox system that enhances the functionality and visual appeal of Poplar Riverside, aligning with the development’s high standards and architectural vision.THE BENEFITSFor the Client:Enhanced Aesthetic Integration: The bespoke MODA mailboxes, with their custom cladding and sleek design, seamlessly blend with the luxurious aesthetic of Poplar Riverside, elevating the overall visual appeal of the main entrance and lobby area.High Safety Compliance: The Fire Rated 2 mailboxes provide a 2-hour fire rating, complying with BS EN 1363-1:2019 industry regulations. This ensures that the development meets the highest safety standards, particularly in critical escape routes like the stairwells.Client Satisfaction: The successful implementation of both the MODA and Fire Rated 2 mailboxes not only fulfilled but exceeded the client’s expectations, reinforcing trust and satisfaction with The Safety Letterbox Company.For the Residents:Luxurious Living Environment: The mailboxes contribute to the overall high-end feel of the development, offering residents a visually pleasing and sophisticated entrance experience.Convenience and Accessibility: With user-friendly features, the mailboxes offer easy access and secure compartments, making the process of retrieving mail both convenient and efficient for residents.Enhanced Living Experience: The combination of safety, convenience, and aesthetic appeal provided by the bespoke mailbox system enhances the overall living experience at Poplar Riverside, contributing to a desirable and comfortable residential environment.Through the close collaboration with the client’s design team and our own R&D department, The Safety Letterbox Company delivered a tailored solution that exceeded expectations. The result is a mailbox system that enhances both the visual appeal and functional safety of Poplar Riverside, reflecting the project’s commitment to quality and excellence. By marrying elegant design with practical safety features, we have contributed to a development that not only offers a premium living environment but also upholds the highest standards of security and design integrity. This project highlights our dedication to providing innovative, high-quality solutions that elevate residential developments and enrich the living experience for all residents.

Wadham CollegeBauder Bakor 790-11 Hot Melt structural waterproofing system with BauderGREEN componentsSynopsisThe University of Oxford’s Wadham College graduate centre project was a complex refurbishment. Led by Lee Fitzgerald Architects and main contractor Feltham Construction it involved the careful restoration, adaptation and extension of the 1960’s grade II listed building.Bauder Building BoardProject:Wadham CollegeLocation:OxfordRoof Area:439m²Specifier:Lee Fitzgerald Architects​Main Contractor:Feltham ConstructionApproved Contractor:Deane Roofing & CladdingThe specification The brief for the project was to renovate the graduate centre and to link to the main college by creating a new entrance to the building. This led to the construction of a new building, the McCall MacBain Graduate Centre, which also now provides access to the Barbara Naylor rooftop gardens above the different reading, media and seminar rooms of the graduate centre. With the ageing existing waterproofing exceeding its life expectancy, the roof garden terrace was in need of a replacement roof system.As an accessible area which will experience a significant amount of foot traffic, the Bauder Hot Melt was determined to be the best solution for this roof. With a durability to match the expected life of the building and a self-healing system, the Bauder Bakor Hot Melt System is ideal for use on protected roofs such as inverted, paved, ballasted and terrace roofs.The resultApproved contractor Deane Roofing & Cladding carefully removed 439m² of the existing waterproofing, stripping the rooftop back to the concrete deck surface before installing the different layers of the Hot Melt system.The completed roof terrace now provides a modern and peaceful garden area where graduate students can relax and socialize between their work periods. Following several site visits by Bauder’s expert Site Technicians and a final leak test, a 20 year guarantee was issued for the roof terrace.System installed1 BauderPLANT E 42Green torch-on root-resistant capping sheet.2 790-11Hot melt rubberised bitumen asphalt with a percentage of post-consumer recycled materials that infills and fully bonds to all minor deviations in the deck.3 DeckPrimed concrete.

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

Arstiderne architects, a division of architectural and engineering consultancy Sweco, has transformed a large industrial building into a stunning open plan office to house the 180 Sweco employees at a location near Aarhus in Denmark.  The clever design retains much of the heritage of the old building, including its curved sawtooth roof and skylights, while insulating it to high standards and transforming the interior to meet the key objective of fulfilling UN Sustainable Development goals. The architects are particularly proud of the way the old building has responded to conversion into an employee and client-friendly showplace with a unique energising ambiance. While the majority of staff work in large open plan spaces they benefit from several smaller self-contained rooms in the centre of the building. These box-like structures, bathed in daylight from the skylights and facade windows, are used for a variety of purposes from a quiet workspace to meetings and socialising. Their design on the original concrete floor contrasts well with the precise finish on their walls. These are clad with Troldtekt acoustic panels in an ultrafine finish creating a high performance and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The ceilings and some walls are clad with standard acoustic panels, while specific areas have been decorated with Troldtekt® line which forms part of the award-winning design solutions collection. The lengthwise surface grooves form a continuous pattern across the partitions and reception areas adding interesting texture and depth. Troldtekt was specified across the scheme for its sustainable characteristics coupled with superior acoustics to provide a comfortable working environment. Thus the overall redesign of the interior strikes an impressive balance been the original industrial construction on one hand and human scale on the other, with the textured surfaces creating a sense of companionship.  Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept, Troldtekt’s natural and inherently sustainable panels are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED ratings. In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, they offer high durability and low cost lifecycle performance. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. Samples, case studies and technical guidance are available from tel 01978 664255 or Troldtekt.co.uk

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.

DOWNER, OFFERS A HELPING HAND FOR ANS GLOBAL MOXY HOTELOUR ORIGINAL ALUMINIUM RAINSCREEN FRAMING, DOWNER, OFFERS A HELPING HAND FOR ANS GLOBALWe’re really pleased to share this latest Downer framing projects, courtesy of our client ANS Global.Working in conjunction with Jehu Group, ANS Global have been pivotal in developing this £8.65m boutique hotel in Bristol’s City Centre. They were instructed to create three separate living walls, two on the main brick façade, and one under a covered walkway. As you can see in the images.Hidden beneath this impressive living wall facade, is Architectural Panel Solutions' aluminium rainscreen sub-structure framing system Downer – the original helping hand rainscreen framing system. Specifically, our DCS031 helping hand brackets and rails.IN THE WORDS OF ANS GLOBAL:6,240 plants now thrivingOver the three living walls, 6,240 plants are now thriving and growing, bringing benefits for the local environment and the community. In fact, having something as unique and eye-catching as plants on or around your property has in some studies shown to increase real estate values by up to 20%.MORE ABOUT OUR DOWNER THE ORIGINAL HELPING HAND ALUMINIUM CLADDING FRAMINGMade in Britain – our Downer aluminium rainscreen framing is the original helping hand framing system which continues to be created here in our Hastings factory, since 1987.Downer is a versatile ‘off-the-shelf’ rainscreen cladding support for most facades.Downer extrusions are manufactured from grade 6000 structural and recyclable aluminiumOur Downer solutions cover all types of fixing applicationsEngineered to perform: energy efficiency, versatility, strength, durability, protectionBBA approved for complete assurance – tested to the extremeCutting service availableExtensive UK stocks with items dispatched in 2-3 daysFixings specified for each system and stocked (EJOT)Technical know-how underpins our Downer framing salesValue engineered – If you need specific support for your facade framing calculations, thermal calculations, or for advice on how best to maximise your framing solution the APS team is on-hand to help.

BackgroundThe University of Brighton’s history goes back to when the Brighton School of Art was opened in the Royal Pavilion in 1858. However, it is since it achieved University status in 1992, that the institution has really began to grow to quickly become one of the most popular destinations for students in the South East.  The influx of students over the past three decades has meant a growing demand for accommodation that for many years the city hasn’t been geared up for and this has been an issue particularly in the suburb of Moulsecoomb, a neighbourhood housing the biggest of the four campuses and that has seen itself forced to transform onto a growing number of HMOs that aren’t quite suited for student living and that are struggling to coexist with local residents. Brighton’s architecture is mostly famous for ‘The Laines’ and the iconic Royal Pavilion however the city developed during the Regency, Victorian and Edwardian periods and was also greatly influenced by the Art Deco, Modernist and postmodernist movements resulting in an architecturally rich and diverse townscape that today has over 1200 listed structures with special architectural or historical interest.  The distinctive low rise character of the city is also a consequence of its position between the sea and the downs and although modern living and the scarcity of land available and apt for building put on the table the need for tall construction, the local planning committees are often strict when it comes to high rise and not only expect this type of new construction to demonstrate a high standard of design and to make a positive contribution to the visual quality of the environment but they also require that they live up to the city’s exceptionally fine historic environment context, and its cultural identity.The projectHassell Studio and Design South East were given the gruelling task of heading the regeneration of the Moulsecoomb campus to house the School of Business and Law, the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, the School of Applied Sciences, part of the School of Art and Media, state of the art student accommodation for over 800 students and leisure facilities. A project that would be delivered by construction giants Bouygues. The design concept was a cluster of buildings with 5 student halls built on the site of the old Preston Barracks, Watts House and Mithras House and where Goldstone hall was the tallest building of the development. With 18 floors, Goldstone hall not only became the focal point of the development but also the tallest tower to be built in Brighton in the 50 years prior to its construction.  Julian Gitsham, Principal and Education and Science Leader, who headed the project at Hassell, recalls how aware he and his team were of not only the architectural impact but also of the socio-economic significance of the development for the local area and how these aspects led to a meticulous study of all aspects of the project, it made the quality of the scheme non-negotiable and locked the material specification.  There was no doubt that the Goldstone hall would be the heart of the development and as such, that it had to have distinctive features. Julian and his team sought a natural and robust material that would make the building stand out from the lower brick architecture characteristic of the local area however they also wanted to portray the dynamic nature of the future of the building and they were able to achieve that through the use of glazed terracotta panels that reflected the sun light and changed in appearance with the weather, displaying the perception of a different façade every time. Julian comments ‘it is fascinating to see how on darker, foggy days, the building seems to disappear into the sky’. In the spirit of great architectural wit, despite of the contrast in materiality, the architects sought to reflect the neighbouring architecture in the body of the tower and for that they selected 20 different colours found across the local townscape and using a purposedly designed algorithm, these were randomly set out across the facades of the building showcasing the tonalities of the local architecture and the shades of the Brighton sky, gradually from the lower to the upper floors. A challenging task that skilled cladding contractors M Price delivered impeccably. Some of the chosen colours also paid homage to those found on the façade of the now gone The Lectern, which was the local go to pub for the students of the campus.Call-to-ActionTerracotta is one of the cladding resources of choice in the market because it is a natural and versatile material that gives architects freedom of expression whilst it gives cladding and envelope contractors the advantages of a quick and easy installation process.  The Argeton system is one of the principal terracotta systems used Worldwide not only because it is a natural and versatile material but also because it offers a technical and cost effective solution for the residential, commercial and health and education sectors. Argeton is CE and UKCA market and also one of the most tested systems in the market including a BBA and an EPD. NHBC approved and not subject to any restrictions on building height or proximity to boundaries thanks to its Euro-class A1 Fire certification, it is no surprise Argeton is one of the materials of choice not only in new builds but also for refurbishment or re-clad. Durable and fully recyclable, ISO 14025 and EN 15804 (European BREEAM equivalent) certified, sustainability is at the heart of Argeton’s values.' Argeton terracotta is available in a range off the shelf and bespoke profiles, in lengths to suit and in natural, glazes and engobed finishes. https://tellingrainscreens.co.uk/profile-and-finishes/

URSA storey’s high with new Whitechapel development Global insulation manufacturer, URSA, has seen some 25,000 m2 of its specialist insulation materials specified and installed at one of the capital’s largest residential development projects in recent years. Ian Claydon, Technical Manager for URSA UK, describes the specification through to installation journey: “The Silk District is a new development located close to Whitechapel Station and within walking distance to the City of London. The Whitechapel based scheme compromises three residential blocks set around a piazza with private landscaped gardens. New commercial space on the ground floor of The Silk District will welcome many new and exciting restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. The Borough is considered an important area of regeneration for London and will meet the aspirations of neighbouring Shoreditch, Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market and Bethnal Green all of which are less than a 10-minute walk from the development.  “Our work with the London based property development company leading the scheme, Mount Anvil, began in November 2018. We provided advice and guidance on making the correct choice of materials, achieving compliance with Building Regulations (thermal performance, fire resistance requirements and resistance to rain penetration) and compliance with the NHBC Standards. We also provided numerous thermal models, U-value calculations and associated condensation risk analysis. The Mount Anvil team were undoubtedly impressed with the speed and quality of URSA Technical Services. “We were involved with external wall construction as well as the design of a brick clad rainscreen system and continued to work extensively on the scheme throughout 2019 as the design developed further. Work was delayed at the beginning of 2020 due to Covid and re-started in July 2020. Ian explained: “Collaborating with the client in these very early phases ensured that they were able to select a product that is entirely right for each and every one of their primary and secondary needs. Planning was critical within the design and roll out and meticulous attention to detail was applied during these initial phases and throughout. Key products installed included URSA’s Cavity Batt 32 & Walltec 32 – 12,000m2 and URSA Acoustic Roll - 13,000m2.   URSA Walltec 32 is a lightweight, non-combustible, semi-rigid glass mineral wool slab treated with silicon based water repellent. It is faced with a black glass tissue on one side and are ideal for use behind rainscreen cladding systems in both new build and refurbishment projects.URSA Cavity Batt is a lightweight, semi rigid glass mineral wool slab treated with silicon based water repellent. It is suitable for use in both fully and partially filled masonry cavity walls up to 25m high.Mark Guest, Regional Sales Manager for URSA UK continued: “URSA Walltec proved to be the ideal choice due to its outstanding fire performance qualities, with a Euroclass rating of ‘A1’ making it totally non-combustible and the ultimate in safety specification for behind cladding systems. URSA glass mineral wool is manufactured from an abundant, sustainable resource and utilises at least 50% glass waste. From an installation perspective, the black glass fleece tissue facing means that the product could be used behind open joint cladding without being seen.“The Cavity Batt is available in a wide range of thicknesses, ensuring the client was able to meet all appropriate Building Regulations and standards. Our new generation URSA TERRA mineral wool has a ‘soft touch’ feel making it easier to handle and install whilst still maintaining its excellent mechanical properties.“There were several other over-arching factors to consider within this scheme and those included the sheer size and scale of the site and its location in a packed city centre. The lightweight nature of both products meant that they could be compressed therefore saving time and money on transport, effectively halving the number of journeys needed. This meant that more products could be delivered to site and stored in an area where space was at a premium. “Work is now once again very much underway with an anticipated completion date of early in 2021. The property market is thriving once again and Whitechapel is becoming recognised as a hotspot for investment and is now being considered the destination of choice for many new businesses. Our distributor partner, Encon Insulation in Dagenham, worked closely alongside us during the project” Ian concluded: “It’s fantastic to see two of our core product specified at this major residential development. We have enjoyed a collaborative, partnering approach with the client throughout. The client has been keen to specify the safest, most durable, sustainable and quality product available on the market today and we’ve been pleased to support them in their design journey through to installation.”

The University launched ambitious new plans for a £40 million state-of-the-art Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) to facilitate the teaching of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.Our work for the project included the supply of approximately 684m2 of Soundis Absorb-R timber wall panels. The client opted for a combination of 8/3m Absorb-R WoodTec Grooved and Soundis Absorb-R WooTec Perforated 2/2/0.5 Perforated panels. This combination of the two styles creates a stylish yet elegant finish.Black panels were chosen for the walls and white panels for the railing areas, the contrast of the colours further promoting that modern style for the university.The old choice between Engineering-led functionality, and beautiful design not longer applies. Cutting-edge new technologies allow solid wood panels and multi-layer panels to be micro perforated to serve as highly effective sound absorbing cladding. Panel textures can also be tailored to serve project requirements.

The 8,500m2 Biosciences building is clad in silver anodised ACM panels generally 1.3m high and up to 6.4m long that work together to wrap around the complex elevations. Each individual panel purpose-made and pre-curved at Ash & Lacy’s West Bromwich site, to fit around and match the windows on the building. The protruding raked capping details were also manufactured in the same material, in order to provide a fully cohesive design. Original concept architects, Llewelyn Davies Yeang, specified 3,500m2 Ash & Lacy Facade for the extensive new build, to give the building an innovative and hi-tech finish, reflecting the standards of the department itself.The design of the seven-storey building responds to the constraints of a steeply sloping site divided by a service road creating staggered floor levels, interesting external spaces and a flowing façade. The science block also features a sedum green roof fitted with solar panels for the heating of domestic water contributing to the very good BREEAM rating it has secured.

A new and vibrant housing development in Chelmsford, Essex recently specified a range of bespoke Skyline solutions where ‘inspirational architecture’ is a key element.Beaulieu Park is a charming new district set around New Hall School, which was originally King Henry VIII’s Tudor palace and estate parkland. The concept behind the development was to create a series of individually designed neighbourhoods, which connect to the wider landscape. “This was an exciting project to get involved with as it was an open specification. This also meant that it was important to get this project absolutely correct commercially,” says John Hemphill, Skyline Technical Sales Manager at Alumasc. “Our work at Beaulieu Park, in conjunction with our customer, involved designing and manufacturing a full and comprehensive range of bespoke Skyline aluminium products such as window pods, copings, canopies, fascia and architectural feature cladding and corner post details.”For this unique project, Skyline collaborated with our ‘Recommended Installer’ Specialised Fixings to deliver and design products that were tailored to each individual house type and plot.

Our client had an ambitious vision - to construct a property that would be a true testament to innovative architecture. After collaborating extensively with the architect, they conceived the idea of a residential property that would seamlessly blend into its surroundings, almost appearing invisible to the eye.The challenge was to securely attach these extensive reflective panels to a timber frame structure using our NVELOPE® system as the framing material.For this project, we incorporated our NVELOPE® NV1, a thermally broken, isolated bracket system, in collaboration with a specific SFS fixing suitable for the timber substructure and the SDA5 fixing for the T-rail frame. Additionally, we utilized the L-Rail extruded aluminium 6005 which can be cut-to-length on site or pre-cut using the SFS Optimised Cutting Service.One significant advantage of our solution was the aesthetics of the cladding, which remained level without any bulges, ensuring a flawless reflection. This was achieved using our cost-effective and adjustable NVELOPE® NV1 system, along with an appropriate adhesive. 

Abingdon School, located in Oxfordshire, commissioned Hopkins Architects to design a new science building in 2008. The building was to replace the outdated facilities and provide modern teaching and research spaces for the school’s science departments. The resulting design is a striking and dynamic building with a distinctive form created by a series of angled, sloping roofs that follow the natural contours of the site.Hopkins Architects chose to clad the building in Michelmersh’s Hampshire Stock Downs blend. Its soft red tones ingratiate itself with the local vernacular while also being easy to maintain and ensuring long-term durability.The Abingdon School Science Building by Hopkins Architects has been a great success, providing modern and flexible teaching and research spaces that are highly valued by students and staff. The building’s innovative design and sustainable features have won numerous awards, including a RIBA Award and a BREEAM Excellent rating. The building seamlessly integrates into its historic surroundings, enhancing the school’s facilities and reducing its environmental impact.

Located within easy distance of the University of Edinburgh, this six-storey development provides 52 studio apartments for the city’ vibrant student community.Designed by Yeoman McAllister, the stone clad building complements the existing architecture of the area, while the high-performance aluminium fenestration package from Senior Architectural Systems provides a modern and compliant solution.Senior’s thermally-efficient SPW600e aluminium windows, installed with Louvre Guards in front of the opening lights, have been used throughout, combining a robust and secure construction with slim frames to frame far-reaching views of the city and ensure effective levels of daylighting. The main and communal areas benefit from Senior’s slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and low U-value PURe® Commercial Doors.Senior worked closely with main contractor Clark Contracts and fabricator partner GG Glass to deliver the scheme which has received wide praise for the quality of its accommodation and convenient links to several of Edinburgh’s main university campuses.

Architect/Designer: Norman Foster/Foster + PartnersLocation: The Robert Parfett Building, ManchesterProject Overview: New single storey building arranged around a central spine incorporating a mezzanine level, kitchen and variety of meeting spaces. Scope included a complete ironmongery package for all new glazed and timber doors.ServiceFull hardware scheduling & Bespoke finish.Project DetailsHere at 3v we were honoured to provide the ironmongery for the new Maggie’s cancer centre in Manchester that was designed by one of Britain’s most respected architects, Norman Foster, and engineered by his team at Foster + Partners.The first Maggie’s Centre opened in Edinburgh in 1996, there are now 19 Centres at major NHS cancer hospitals across the UK. The Centres have been set up to offer a non-clinical environment where anyone affected by cancer can stop by for advice or support. The timber frame creates a striking angular structure with tapered wooden columns and beams, however the use of warm wood and glass create a soft light-filled environment for people to gather in. What ironmongery do you choose to work with such a beautiful building? With timber as the primary building material and Nordic Bronze roof cladding we turned to our bespoke range and specified solid bronze ironmongery to compliment the natural feel of the buildings material palette. The simple design of our 304 model pull handle works in perfect harmony with the clean angular structure and homely aesthetic; functional while perfectly blending into the final design. Our most popular raw material is high quality stainless steel but increasingly our clients have been asking for something a bit different or unique. Stainless steel would not have worked in this design scheme, matching the bronze cladding added the perfect finishing touches to the warm and tactile materials used in this amazing structure. If you are thinking about specialist finishes for one of your future projects please contact our experienced team so we can advise you in more detail. To find our more about Maggie’s Manchester and to read Norman Foster’s interview on the design of the new centre follow the below link https://www.maggiescentres.org/about-maggies/news-and-publications/latest-news/designing-maggies-manchester/Photographs © Nigel Young/Foster + Partners

Our technical team were invited to complete a roof survey and condition report of this residential project, where the existing roof area which was suffering from repeated leaks, failed repair attempts and significant standing water.ChallengesUpon inspection it was clear the roof covering had been recently renewed, but the workmanship, attention to details and drainage falls were sub-standard and no doubt contributory to the ongoing leaks and consequential ceiling damage to the areas below.Although the client preferred a robust torch-applied reinforced bitumen waterproofing system, our Safe2Torch assessment picked up some redundant roof plant, combustible cladding interfaces and complex penetrations which necessitated a localised flame free solution.Our team also carried out a level-survey to ascertain the existing falls, and what, if anything, could be done to alleviate the standing water without excessive cost.SolutionsOur comprehensive roof survey report included a dimensioned roof plan, identification of Safe2Torch areas/details, bespoke waterproofing designs for complex penetrations, and a thorough assessment of the existing roof make-up (via core samples) and drainage.Given the apparent age and good condition of half the roof area, it was left in-situ and overlaid with Hyranger single layer RBM system. Minor improvements to the drainage layout, via the introduction of a tapered insulation scheme central to the roof where the outlets where positioned, helped to significantly improve falls. Elsewhere, the rest of the existing roof covering and thermal insulation were stripped back to expose the original asphalt.The asphalt received a new air and vapour control layer before the same Hyranger system, including a mix of both flat board and tapered Hytherm ADH insulation, was installed to improve the falls and correct the thermal performance balance.A Safe2Torch abutment detail to existing cladding was identified early on in the Axter roof survey report as a fire safety hazard, so in accordance with our specification and recommendations, our accredited Axtershield Installer - N R A Roofing & Flooring Services Ltd - expertly installed a Hyranger Neo-Bitumen Flame Free membrane solution around a 900mm wide margin.The Axtershield Installer worked efficiently and to a very high standard to complete the project on budget whilst delivering an aesthetically pleasing and robust waterproofing solution.Systems in useHyranger®Neo-Bitumen® Flame Free

CUPACLAD 101 Logic was specified as part of the construction of a new Aldi store in Truro, Cornwall. The natural slate cladding product was chosen for an aesthetic that was entirely in-keeping with the surrounding Cornish town, as well as its impressive fire-resistant properties. Aldi tasked construction consultancy company Kendall Kingscott with designing and overseeing the creation of a new store in Garras Wharf, Truro. Kendall Kingscott became aware of CUPA PIZARRAS and its products after the slate provider presented a CPD to the team in their Bristol office. Keen to utilise the company’s natural slate products, Kendall Kingscott contacted its Technical Sales Manager for the South West, Stuart Black. “The team at Kendall Kingscott wanted to use natural slate for two reasons,” said Stuart. “Firstly, hanging slate cladding is very popular in the local area so specifying this material would allow the store to blend in with some of the surrounding buildings. Secondly, natural slate scores highly when it comes to fire resistance.” Consequently, Stuart recommended CUPACLAD Logic 101, which utilises natural slate. At 7.65mm thick, it is a robust slate product and is ideal for locations that regularly experience high winds and heavy rain. Furthermore, natural slate is classed as A1 non-combustible in accordance with the European standard EN 13501-1 – the highest possible fire rating.  Once the 150m2 of natural slate was delivered to site – it was installed by Spectrum Building Envelope & Facades. As is required for CUPACLAD Logic 101, the slates were fixed horizontally using self-drilling screws that have been specially designed to optimise installation. Post-application the screws are invisible, to ensure they do not detract from the natural slate’s appealing aesthetic.  Architect James Stanfield from Kendall Kingscott commented: “CUPA PIZARRAS worked closely with our design team to produce a bespoke solution that provides a sharp and contemporary public facing façade. “The slate provides texture and uniformity to the building frontage, which ties it into the local context. We were very pleased with the finish provided by CUPACLAD Logic 101 and how CUPA PIZARRAS helped to deliver the project and fulfil the brief.”  What’s more, thanks to its natural resistance and durability, slate does not lose its colour over time and it continues to perform. As such, it is maintenance free and guaranteed to last up to 100 years. 

The new Student Centre at Queen’s University Belfast brings together student services and the Student Union in a spectacular new building. Designed through collaboration between Hawkins\Brown and RPP Architects, the building sits at the heart of campus and cleverly bridges the gap between the University’s heritage and future. An accessible, modern space with an open plan entrance area creates a vibrant hub for students to socialise, engage, collaborate, and access support and advice. The interior exploits the high ceiling and large-scale steel structure where a central staircase doubles as terraced amphitheatre-style seating. Clad in Junckers’ solid Nordic Oak flooring with nosing in contrasting Black Oak to achieve an LRV differential of 30 points, the stairs form a visual and social focus in the building, creating a flexible, infinitely useable space. “The central social stair is a key design feature that links the spaces on different floors and provides clear, intuitive wayfinding for visitors. The warmth and natural character of the Nordic Oak flooring complimenting the red laminate cladding helps visual orientation running up through the public spaces” said Alan Shields, director, RPP Architecture. The solid hardwood flooring forms a hard-wearing and long-lasting surface ideal for high traffic areas and the natural warmth of the timber adds to the material beauty of the interior. With strong sustainability credentials, Junckers’ flooring plays a part in the architects’ design to create a building which is more efficient and less costly to operate and maintain, future-proofed for generations to come. The building also houses a performance studio with Junckers’ sprung SylvaSport Beech flooring and the one-of-a-kind Union Bar which has been fitted with a reclaimed Junckers’ sports floor. With the old line markings intact, the floor has a rustic, industrial look which will hide a multitude of sins in a busy student bar. It was finished with Junckers’ High Performance Friction+ lacquer to provide a slip resistant surface. The reclaimed floor was sourced with the help of Junckers’ Buy Back Scheme. Junckers connects with flooring contractors who specialise in reclaiming wood flooring by providing details of projects where an old floor needs lifting, as well as acting as liaison between contractors sourcing a floor which can be repurposed. The sports floor fitted in the student bar by Oakvale Wooden Flooring was lifted from a school sports hall in England by Hargreaves Reclaimed Flooring. 

Catnic's® Urban roofing and cladding system has provided the ease of installation, aesthetics and lightweight performance needed for a holiday lodge in Ellon, Scotland. When owner Kevin Marr realised that the product provided a convenient zinc alternative – he went on to install the roof himself in just four weeks.The holiday lodge is situated opposite the River Ythan in Ythanbank, Glencroft. The lodge will be rented out to tourists as it offers an ideal location to explore the beautiful surrounding landscape of Scotland.Kevin Marr works as a local plumber in the Glencroft area and undertook his own extensive research on building materials for his holiday lodge. After understanding the performance benefits provided by the pre-coated metal standing seam Catnic® Urban system, Kevin realised it would be an ideal alternative to zinc. He then attended a training session through Burton Roofing Merchants to ensure he had proper guidance when it came to installation.“This is the first time I’ve ever worked with the Catnic® Urban system and it was outstanding – incredibly easy to use,” said building owner Kevin Marr. “I was working through the Christmas holidays to install the roof and therefore it was paramount that the system was lightweight and quick to install. In addition, I needed a robust and durable roof to withstand the, at times, brutal Scottish winds.”Manufactured from Tata Steel’s Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® pre-finished steel, Catnic's® Urban roofing and cladding system is a cost effective alternative to traditional copper and zinc systems and is seven times lighter than traditional roof tiles. The system is manufactured to meet all relevant legislation, including load bearing for wind speed in accordance with EN 1991-4 and weather tightness in accordance with BS 5534 Parts 1 and 2.Kevin continued: “I am delighted with the way it’s turned out and appreciate the way the Anthracite Grey complements the surrounding environment but at the same time, provides the building with a contemporary aesthetic. I would happily use the system again if I build any further holiday lodges.”Furthermore, the Catnic® Urban panels are 100% recyclable, with a carbon footprint that is three times lower than some of the leading eco-designed urban roofing products. Recognised by independent BBA certificate that the material used to manufacture Catnic® Urban will have durability for a period in excess of 40 years in normal urban, suburban and rural environments.

West Lothian Council schools, Deans Community High School and Armadale Academy, are maintained by Bellrock Group under a contractual PPP3 project agreement. Taking on this maintenance management for the two school buildings places the Bellrock management team as the Responsible Person when it comes to compliance to fire safety maintenance which incorporates fire rated doors.With this in mind, Martin Igoe, Senior FM for Bellrock, engaged with Yeoman Shield Fire Door Services when it came to assessing and protecting the condition of the schools’ fire doors with an impact protection system.As a brand name of Harrison Thompson & Co. Ltd. who are a registered FIRAS Warringtonfire (a UKAS accredited scheme for fire door and passive fire resisting products installation) company, Yeoman Shield Fire Door Team were able to undertake a conformity survey of the doors in both schools.This consisted of an assessment of the condition of the fire doors, noting remedial work required to improve the doors functionality, replacement of doors where required as well as noting advisory door protection products that could improve the look, condition and extend the life cycle of the doors by solving impact damage problems.After an itemised quotation for the work had been raised and accepted, Yeoman Shield directly employed fixing operatives carried out the work simultaneously at both school sites simultaneously in accordance to Bellrock’ s programme.Remedial work to both frame and fire doors, replacement doors as well as Yeoman Shield Fire Rated Protection products which were Door Protection Panels, Door Edge Protectors and PVCu clad Glazing Beads were fitted by the accredited teams following best practice guidance.Martin Igoe commented “Having previously used Yeoman Shield on school projects in Aberdeenshire I was more than happy to again collaborate with Yeoman Shield for the Deans Community High School and Armadale Academy.“Their door protection products are great; not only have Yeoman shield re-certified the old fire doors for conformity, they have also extended the life of the doors by fitting a hard-wearing cladding to each. This makes them more durable for the rigours of school life, they look amazing and are so easy to clean.Further phases of the fire door work have been scheduled for later in the year.

This is the new eye-catching cycle hub designed, manufactured, supplied and installed by Falco for c2c’s Westcliff Station in Westcliffe-on-Sea, Essex.The new secure cycle hub addition has been fitted with the tried and tested FalcoLevel-Premium+ two-tier cycle rack, providing commuters to the station with secure cycle parking for up to 32 bikes, all within a spacious, purpose built shelter design.In addition to the cycle racks, the sleek 6m x 3.6m cycle hub has been fitted with a FalcoFix 2.0 cycle repair station, bespoke branding graphics, a mechanical code access system, reinforced safety glass cladding and powder coating in an attractive ‘Night Blue’ RAL colour.The included cycle repair stand is equipped with a cycle pump and a number of convenient tools in order to carry out basic cycle maintenance whilst on the go.The two-tier cycle racks are housed in a bespoke contemporary design of the classic Falco Cycle Hub shelter, which features clean lines through the glass cladding supported by stainless steel glass clamps. The whole shelter is hot dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461 and then polyester powder coated. Rainwater is collected via innovative integral gutters as part of the roof system and a bespoke bund ensure that the cycle hub is weather proof!The cycle hub was developed by Falco’s in house design team to ensure it met the client’s specification including structural calculations to meet the EN 1090 CPR requirements of UK law.The images attached show the new cycle hub addition, located in between platform 2 and Ditton Court Road.The FalcoLevel-Premium+ is the UK’s leading two-tier cycle rack designed to accommodate twice as many cycles within the same space restraints or any traditional cycle rack or stand. Moving forward, the two-tier cycle racks are designed to be maintenance free to provide minimal cost of ownership to the client (only occasional cleaning required). Additionally should there be any unforeseen damage, the modular nature of each structure means that replacing any damaged items is simple and easy to undertake.For more information regarding the cycle hub scheme at Westcliff Station or any other product from our cycle parking and shelter portfolio, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

This is the latest cycle hub designed, manufactured, supplied and installed at Salford Royal Hospital in Pendleton, Salford. Based on the flagship FalcoLok design, the 3m x 3m glass clad cycle hub is coupled with Sheffield stands to provide secure accommodation for up to eight bikes.Back In 2020, Falco installed a large hub at Salford Royal to accommodate 20 cycles with FalcoLevel-Premium+ two-tier racks. In May 2022, Falco were asked to visit Turnpike House by the same client to look at installing a secure shelter that wasn’t too imposing in height and size. The shelter was for staff to replace an old tired flat roof structure.To keep the same theme at the two sites, Falco used the same mechanical code lock and 11.5mm toughened laminated heat soaked glass in glass clamps, then customized the graphics to match. The steelwork of the cycle hub was powder coated in the same attractive NHS blue RAL colour.The unit accommodates eight cycles using traditional Sheffield stands and was designed to sit on the same footprint of the old shelter that would only accommodate five cycles.The whole shelter is a bespoke contemporary design of the classic Falco Cycle Hub shelter, which features clean lines through the glass cladding and supported by stainless steel glass clamps. The steelwork is hot dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461 and also meets UK structural design laws with EN 1090 accreditation. Rainwater is collected via innovative integral gutters as part of the roof system and a bespoke bund ensure that the cycle hub is weather proof!In addition to the cycle hub shown here for Royal Salford, Falco has also recently installed cycle hubs for many locations across the UK including Fairfield General Hospital, Rochdale Infirmary, Stromness Travel Centre in the Orkney Islands, Crewe, Runcorn, Birmingham International, Warrington Bank Quay and Carlisle station for Avanti West Coast, Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation, The Royal Oldham Hospital for Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School in Dundee and a bespoke cycle hub for Leicester City Council.For more information about the project here at Salford Royal or how Falco can assist your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

This scheme was based around a prestigious new commercial office development which included a public realm space. The goal was to create an attractive outdoor space that would provide a relaxing outdoor environment for workers and serve as a communal space that the general public could also utilise. By diligently selecting a range of design led external furniture items from Artform Urban Furniture, the completed project has resulted in a sophisticated and popular external space that enhances the local area and will be enjoyed by a wide variety of people for many years to come.The Box Litter Bin is a popular option from Artform due to its flexible design options. The main structure is manufactured from a robust 6mm thick sheet with various options for the door finish. From the most popular timber-clad versions to Steel rods, and solid or laser-cut steel plate. For Wellington Place, the solid steel door with integrated ashtray was chosen with the addition of customised decals that coordinate with the area's recognisable branding. The design is simple and robust making it perfect in a whole host of external spaces.