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THE PROJECTPaddington Exchange is a collection of 123 high specifications one, two and three bedroom apartments arranged over fourteen spacious floors developed by Taylor Wimpey Central London.The development is located in a sought after canal-side location, situated on the site of the former North Western Community School, offering easy access to a number of high-end street cafes, restaurants and shops. A wealth of transport links around the city are found at the site of the Paddington Exchange project.THE PRODUCTThe project features multiple banks of wall recessed fire rated 2 mailboxes located in the entrance lobby area. The mailboxes contain a series of features and benefits that result in a ‘one hour integrity’ rating that conforms to the BS476 Part 22 fire standards. For more information, please visit our fire rated mailbox page.The mailboxes are finished in an IGP-DURA®xal paint using a Dark Bronze – E82987 colour. Each mailbox features engraved numbering in a COPASETIC NF font on the opening flap coloured with a contrasting black infill.The banks of mailboxes are completed with a surrounding trim used to mask the join between the mailboxes and the installation wall. Large panels are used in conjunction with the banks of mailboxes which allow for easy identification of the relevant mailbox for both the residents and postal delivery workers.

Contour recently completed an extensive project for a care home in Southern England, entailing the surveying, supplying, manufacturing, and installation of 47 LST radiator covers and 100 meters of pipe boxing. The new installations not only brought the care home up to safer surface heating standards but also ensured accessibility for cleaning and maintenance, crucial for infection control.Prior to the upgrade, the care home faced various challenges, including poor access for cleaning and maintenance, exposed pipework posing a burn risk, and aesthetically displeasing rusty covers. Dust build-up, a known health hazard, was a significant concern due to its potential to cause respiratory issues and spread infections among vulnerable residents.Contour addressed these challenges by installing DeepClean LST radiator guards with patented quick-release hinged doors for easy cleaning. These guards also featured BioCote® protection to combat bacteria and open-ended shoulders to minimise dust traps. Additionally, pipe boxing was fitted to conceal exposed pipework, reducing the risk of scalding.The results were transformative, providing the care home with a safer heating solution while significantly reducing infection risks and dust-related issues. With improved access for cleaning and maintenance, the care home can now better manage infection rates and maintain a hygienic environment for its residents. Moreover, the disposal of previous radiators was carried out responsibly, ensuring a complete and sustainable upgrade process.

Situated in the middle of the London Borough of Hackney, Will Wyatt Court is a 511-room residential building providing student accommodation.ChallengeRoofing & façade contractor Russell Roofing Ltd were contracted to carry out refurbishment works externally on the Will Wyatt Court building - recladding and subsequently transforming the building with BTS Façades and Fabrications' Vantage® IP Interlocking Plank rainscreen system in alternating metallic colours.SolutionThe rainscreen panel used has a secret fix fastening system, which means that the majority of the fasteners are hidden - but the remaining exposed fasteners have to colour match exactly the panel in order to blend in with the building.Using Fixfast DrillFast low profile lacquered fasteners, Fixfast were able to colour match the fastener heads so Russell Roofing could install the fasteners knowing they'd match perfectly with the external panels.Fast forward to 2023 and Russell Roofing were awarded 'best refurbishment project' in the 2023 UK Façade Awards for the Will Wyatt Court refurbishment and re-cladding of the building. "Working with Fixfast at Will Wyatt Court was a great experience all round. Their unwavering commitment to providing technical support, cost-effective solutions, and exceptional customer service has not only streamlined our processes but elevated the overall success of the project."Frazer Simpson - Director at Russell Roofing Ltd

Marioff provided an efficient and environmentally sustainable fire protection solution.The unique structural requirements and responsibility of protecting more than 2,000 staff members, plus the public, called for a reliable and trustworthy partner in fire protection.The Brent Civic Centre, a council and community space in London, chose Marioff HI-FOG® water mist fire suppression to safeguard their sustainable building. The Centre serves as the headquarters of Brent Council, a London Borough local authority. It is situated in the Wembley Park area of Brent and opened in 2013 and was designed to be the greenest public building in the UK.The Centre needed an efficient and environmentally sustainable fire protection solution for the one-of-a-kind nine-story building. The structure features a five-story atrium, which doubles as an events venue, and a drum-shaped area that hosts a wide range of government functions, community events, and services.Brent Civic Centre chose Marioff HI-FOG as a sustainable solution. The fire suppression system put in place, validated by real fire tests, discharges fine water mist particles to efficiently cool radiant heat. This is accomplished while using significantly less water than a traditional sprinkler system — in keeping with the Centre’s sustainability focus. HI-FOG provides peace of mind to administration while safeguarding lives and ensuring continuity for the critical city hub.

Award Winning Landmark RedevelopmentThe £21.7m Campus Central landmark redevelopment at the University of Stirling scooped the award for the best building in the Education Category in the 25th Scottish Design Awards, July 2022 and won the Scottish Regional Category for the National RICS Awards 2022 – Commercial Development.The aspiration was to enhance the entrance setting of Queen’s Court by putting it at the heart of the University. The life and activity of the new building spills out onto a pedestrian friendly environment that can flexibly accommodate a range of uses throughout the year. The innovative design strategy frees up Queen’s Court from all traffic, relocating bus stops and a new transport hub at strategic locations to access the wider campus.Seamlessly linking three buildings together presented structural and design challenges particularly for the ceiling landscape. With different ceiling heights and the creation of a 5,000sqm space, a versatile ceiling material providing high acoustic performance was required. Retaining the original late modernist building’s structurally impressive interior, the new extension offers a flexible form with exposed in-situ concrete, glulam and cross laminated timber. The choice of Knauf Ceiling Solutions materials was vital for the design in helping define the different student spaces and through its high performance ensure optimum sound absorption. HERADESIGN® Superfine in a Natural colour was installed throughout to create a seamless and unified space, visual impact and to ensure the optimal acoustic control.

The 'HOOLA' in Tidal Basin Road in East London, gateway to the soon-to-be regenerated Royal Victoria Docks area, has transformed a brownfield site into two rippling 23 and 24 storey glass towers, that offer 360 apartments with a mix of studios, along with one, two and three-bedroom units.The buildings are super-insulated and the concrete frame will act as a heat sink – absorbing heat on warm days and releasing it back into apartments when it cools. An innovative link-up with the neighbouring ExCel Exhibition Centre will also see excess heat piped directly into the two towers. This will provide all the necessary heating and hot water requirements and significantly reduce maintenance costs by doing away with the need for individual boilers. A critical design requirement for such a super-insulated building was the avoidance of any risk of thermal bridging at the many concrete-to-concrete balcony connectivity points – so highly efficient structural thermal breaks were required throughout. The preferred solution was the Schöck Isokorb® T type K for cantilever balconies.Luke Smerdon-White, Technical Director at Thorp, takes up the story: "We had to design, manufacture and deliver 1410 precast concrete balcony sections that had to then be cast integrally with the in situ concrete structure." "The exposed front-face is curved, with almost 50 different dimensional configurations, while the internal face has a facetted line that had to correlate with the glazing line and opening doors."

We supplied 24,000m2 screed binder to our Smet Supported Partner, Fast Floor Screed Ltd. The industry experts pump-applied Südanit 280 Alpha Hemihydrate Screed using their fleet of Mobile Screed Factories in the new hospital complex, The National Forensic Mental Health Service (NFMHS) in Portrane. We supplied 20,000 m2 Rapidur® B5 Rapid Drying Floor Screed which was laid by industry experts, B Doherty Screeding Mobile Screed Factory).The NFMHS is a new state-of-the-art facility located 22 km from Dublin City in Portrane, North County Dublin. The project was awarded by Health Service Executive to the Joint Venture formed by OHL (50%) and OHL’s local delivery partner JJ Rhatigan (50%).The project, which commenced works on site in 2017, comprises the construction of a forensic mental health hospital, as part of St. Ita’s Hospital complex. It covers a floor area of 24,000 m2, not including the energy, maintenance, and gardening buildings. The new hospital will accommodate 170 patient beds, distributed as follows: National Forensic Hospital: 120 beds; Mental Health Unit for Children and Adolescents: 10 beds; Intellectual Disability and Mental Health Unit: 10 beds; and the Intensive Care Rehabilitation Unit: 30 beds. The construction project also includes the execution of spaces related to energy production systems, maintenance, and horticulture.

Kings Crescent Estate, in Stoke Newington, North London is undergoing an ambitious five-year redevelopment project as part of the London Borough of Hackney's wider Estate Regeneration programme. Three new buildings between five and twelve storeys high are under construction, with a number of the existing estate buildings, dating from the 1960s and 1970s, being retained and refurbished to provide continuity and transition. The plan is to recreate a neighbourhood of high quality housing and pleasant tree-lined streets that sits comfortably with the surrounding Victorian townscape of terraced and semi-detached housing close to Clissold Park. There are solar panels, green and brown roofing, plus a combined heat and power plant. These are expected to achieve savings of 25 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions that would otherwise have been generated by the development.The residential element of the scheme will result in up to 765 new homes, intended to offer at least a one-for-one replacement for the present amount of housing on the site. Half the homes will be affordable, with the remainder aimed at the private market. It is claimed to be the only scheme in London to combine new build construction of council homes with the refurbishment of existing council stock.As you would expect there are a significant number of balconies throughout the development and this means the risk of thermal bridging at the many cantilever balcony connections. To counter any such risk, the design incorporates two types of structural break units from the extensive Schöck Isokorb® range.

In a building that offers views of lower Manhattan, you need to have windows that match the quality of the stunning scenery. Crystal Window & Door Systems manufactured windows, coated with Sherwin-Williams powder coatings, that delivered aesthetic, performance and sustainability benefits for The Lenox residence in Jersey City, New Jersey.Architects from Marchetto Higgins Stieve and the Fields Hi-Rise Construction company constructed the towering structure with 255 residential units, which was completed in 2017. Crystal Window & Door Systems supplied more than 2,000 windows and doors for the project, all of which were coated in Powdura® 5000 powder coatings from Sherwin-Williams General Industrial Coatings. The finishes for the windows, doors and louvers used Bronze and Black colors. The Powdura coatings meet AAMA 2605 requirements, and provide efficiency and sustainability benefits for the multifamily residential building.The Lenox has since been awarded with a LEED Silver certification. Sherwin-Williams powder coatings can help contribute up to 3 LEED v4.1 credits in the category of Building Products Disclosure and Optimisation. Powdura 5000 coatings have near-zero VOCs and result in almost no waste during application. These coatings also have Environmental Product Declarations, certified by the NSF. Building products that utilise powder coatings from Sherwin-Williams can help architects meet environmental compliance requirements.

With a proven track record of successful work in the education sector, Senior Architectural Systems was more than qualified to deliver the fenestration package for this new secondary school in Brighton.The new Chailey School in South Lewes has been designed by leading architects Jestico + Whiles and features a full range of aluminium fenestration solutions including Senior’s thermally-efficient, slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and robust SPW501 aluminium commercial doors. The new school has also reunited Senior with main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland, with whom Senior has an established supplier framework agreement. The two companies have collaborated together on numerous projects, with Bowmer & Kirkland being the first contractor to specify Senior’s patented low U-value PURe® aluminium window system when it was launched back in 2015. The main contractor has gone on to work with Senior and specify its aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall systems on many other education projects across the UK.Chailey School is itself part of Department of Education construction framework agreement to modernise educational facilities and improve the environmental efficiency of this sector. Senior worked closely with specialist contactor RKN Aluminium to design, fabricate and install the fenestration package for the new school building which comprises some 85 windows, 14 section of curtain wall and 12 door sets!

Senior Architectural Systems has had a starring role in the creation of the new Arc Cinema in Daventry.The new cinema’s welcoming frontage has been created using a combination of Senior’s thermally-efficient slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system, alongside the company’s robust SPW501 aluminium commercial doors and stylish low U-value PURe® SLIDE doors. Designed to offer the perfect balance between daylighting and thermal comfort, Senior’s fenestration package was fabricated and installed by supply chain partners Acorn Aluminium for main contractor Willmott Dixon.The cinema has been designed by Marchini Curran Associates and the extensive use of glazing floods the main entrance, restaurant and bar areas with natural light during the day, and creates a show-stopping effect at dusk. The dark grey powder coated frames of the doors and curtain wall systems also perfectly complement the exterior façade design of grey and white cladding with feature multicoloured panels. The new Arc cinema in Daventry has been created as part of the wider £12.5m regeneration of the town centre.Senior has played significant roles in other cinema projects over the last few years, delivering the aluminium fenestration packages for the new Savoy cinema complex in Doncaster as well as completing work for the national chain Everyman.

About the projectFrisby Lakes Lodge Park is an award-winning East Midlands site with a plan to develop 59 luxurious Finnish Log lodges made from 100% renewable material. Situated in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside with lodges overlooking a large fishing lake, this stunning park has a lot to offer for those wishing to move to an upcoming, safe-haven location for the over 45’s including beautiful electric-operated FAKRO roof windows.These timber-built Finnish Log lodges use materials sourced from managed forests and other controlled sources, which are crucial to sustainability and are FSC® certified. FAKRO roof windows add to the eco credentials as they use FSC-certified pine to make their high-quality pine frames.Which FAKRO products are installed?Installed into the luxury lodges are FAKRO’s FTW-V P2 Z-Wave roof windows with ARF Blackout Z-Wave blinds that are controlled remotely. At the flick of a switch, residents are able to specify the airflow through the room as well as automating the operation of the blinds, giving them the best of both worlds in one window system! Why were FAKRO products chosen?The eco-credentials of FAKRO windows were very important to this build. In terms of environmental impact, FAKRO products are designed to provide the highest standards of thermal efficiency while being manufactured using replenishable natural resources.

CT1 is Creating Waves in BristolProject Case Study: The Wave, BristolCustomer: Andrew Scott LtdArchitect: APG Architecture CT1, officially voted by an independent survey, as the UK’s Number 1 Sealant and Adhesive is a world leading brand that’s made right here in Britain.CT1 is used by construction professionals in every sector of the industry including roofing contractors, joiners, window suppliers, kitchen fitters, bathroom installers, as well as specialist fit out and building companies working on every possible scale of project from small one of extensions to massive high rise, multi-purpose developments across the country.CT1 replaces several different sealants and adhesives in one tube. It’s the ultimate snag list eliminator providing permanent sealing and bonding solutions, saving time and money by delivering outstanding performance on almost every type of building material in virtually every application.CT1 - The Specialists' Choice of Sealant and Adhesive!When building the groundbreaking Wavegarden Cove project in Bristol, engineering specialists Andrew Scott Ltd needed extremely high preforming, highly deformable and very durable adhesives and sealants guaranteed to endure rigorous and testing conditions in consistently wet conditions, including permanently underwater.The Wave in Bristol is the brainchild of founders Nick Hounsfield and Craig Stoddart, who wanted to create a positive, healthy, well-being destination for people.Designed by APG Architecture, The Wave is a 180m inland surf lake generating up 1000 waves per hour ranging from 50cm in height up to 2m high crashing bodies if water, delivering unrivalled inland surfing experiences suitable for every level from beginners to the seasoned professionals.Finding Sealant & Adhesive Solutions for Challenging Build EnvironmentsWith the originally specified adhesives failing to meet the tough requirements of this complex build, Project Manager Steven Hunt turned to CT1. This was driven by the need for products guaranteed to stand the test of time in harsh, wet conditions, including constantly moving, floating platforms. CT1 delivered superior adhesive and sealant performances while also meeting the client’s environmental and sustainable build values. CT1’s Unique ‘Tribrid®’ TechnologyWith unique ‘Tribrid®’ technology CT1 sealant and adhesive is now 3 times stronger, with 350% elongation, secured colour retention and enhanced performance even in the harshest outdoor applications.Furthermore, CT1 is the high strength, solvent free, environmentally compliant and most ecologically advanced sealant and adhesive available that’s used by construction professionals in every sector of the industry.  CT1 was put through every possible assessment for adhesion, flexibility and strength, exceeding every expectation and providing the architects, specifiers, engineers and clients with assurances and confidence in the success of their project.CT1 not only delivered during the build phase but it continues to deliver while being tested every day by the harsh environment exacerbated by the strength of moving bodies of water and thousands of users. Such has been the unrivalled success and performance of CT1 it has already been specified on Nick and Craig’s next wave project in Scotland. CT1 is Made in BritainCT1 is made in Britain with British technology and British design. Officially voted the UK’s Number 1 Sealant and Adhesive by trades people nationwide, CT1 comprises the very best raw materials and is leading the way in quality, service and technological advancements being made in the construction industry.CT1’s ‘Tribrid®’ technology provides unique adhesion on virtually any material in most applications without the need for additional fixings. Available in ten different colour options it offers specifiers and construction industry experts greater versatility for use in so many more applications.Why Use CT1?Whether you’re an architect, surveyor, specifier, builder, plumber, joiner, roofer, landscaper or DIY enthusiast, CT1 is the sealant and adhesive of choice for every project, packed in every toolbox and immediately on hand to provide the best solution every time.Here’s just 10 of the reasons why:Will bond on virtually every type of construction material in most applications including wood, metal, glass, fiberglass, stone, concrete and most plastics.Incredibly tensile strength of up to 2.9 N/mm2 when fully cured.Environmentally friendly with no detrimental impact on ecological biodiversity.Unique flexibility with excellent resistance to vibration and up to 350% elongation.Works in wet and dry conditions – ideal for marine and boat maintenance.Ultra-violet Resistant.Solvent Free and suitable for clinical and clean room environments.Excellent resistance to chemicals.Will not shrink, dry out or flake.Can be painted.CT1 is available now in all good builders’ merchants nationwide and online from www.ct1.comCT1 – Often Copied but Never Equalled!We Innovate – Not Imitate!Image Credits: The Wave, Bristol

Riverside Leisure Centre in Exeter is run by Exeter Leisure and boasts a Gym, Swimming Pool, Health Suite, Sports Hall, Squash Courts and more. Following Helmsman’s work with Exeter City Council on the changing rooms at St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre, we were asked to return to Exeter for some repair work at the Riverside Leisure Centre.Whilst Helmsman had not fitted the original lockers and locks, our service department are equipped to help with repairs and replacements for lockers and other products provided and/or fitted by other manufacturers. The Riverside Leisure Centre lockers had a number of faulty digital locks, and so we recommended a new lock that would stand the test of time.Our team removed 290 doors and re-drilled to fix the new Ojmar OTS Advanced RFID locks. The existing doors with new locks were then re-fixed to the lockers. The new locks allow users to open or close lockers by simply pressing a proximity media: card, bracelet or Wellness® key against the doorknob. With a high battery life and vandal proof design, this lock is the perfect choice for a leisure centre changing rooms.It was great to be invited back by Exeter City Council and highlights the high quality of work Helmsman provided at St Sidwell’s Point. We look forward to working alongside the team at Exeter City Council again in the future.If you have a similar project you need updating, replacing or refurbishing, even if Helmsman didn’t supply the products, contact our Service Department on 01284 530427 or email service@helmsman.co.uk

Housed within a Grade II building in Birmingham City Centre, Henman & Cooper Bar is a quirky cocktail bar with rooftop terrace created by Wayne Tracey, owner of a collection of bars including popular nightclub Snobs.The innovative bar was transformed in 2019 and owner Wayne required the installation of high-quality bathroom products to compliment the modern décor but it needed to be robust to withstand the hardest of treatment.TYDE Business Development Manager, Anthony McDonagh met with Wayne to discuss his exact requirements. Anthony visited the venue to inspect the area to determine which of the TYDE products would be most suitable. Internal discussions then took place with the TYDE product and design teams. We engaged our client and made recommendations based on the best solution to meet his needs. The TYDE Resan® range is manufactured to the highest standard and is engineered from an advanced polymer resin material which is shatterproof, hard-wearing and chemical resistant. This makes the products perfect for Property Managers looking for vandal resistant sanitaryware.Testimonial“I was really happy with the whole experience from my initial conversation with Anthony to purchase and installation. The WC’s back-to-wall feature hides the cistern and saves space and most importantly they are vandal-proof which is just what we need. I was so impressed, TYDE have also helped to install WC’s at one of my other bars. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. Superb products and service.”

London 2012 organisers wanted to protect temporary Games venues as securely as the main Stratford site. But they needed the perimeter protection to be removed as soon as the competition was over to minimise disruption to the local community.They also wanted to incorporate vehicle and pedestrian access along with CCTV and detection systems and tailor protection individually to each location and the security threat and attack potential identified by security advisers.The SolutionZaun offered a single Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) contract for almost 5km of fencing at all temporary venues, including Horse Guards Parade, Wembley Stadium, and Arena, Greenwich Park, the O2 Arena, the Royal Artillery Barracks, St James’s Park Newcastle and Weymouth sailing village. It developed a mobile high-security HVM fence especially for the Games, mounting its PAS 68 Multi-Fence® into concrete blocks to resist attack by 7.5-tonne vehicles driven straight at it at 40mph.MultiFence uses anti-climb mesh fencing and is available up to 5m high. One of the first temporary solutions to achieve PAS68: 2010 V7500(N2) 64/90: 5.0/0.0 is manufactured to BS EN 1317 Part 2 (vehicle restraint systems) and approved by the Highways Agency.The solution at each venue had to work with existing security and perimeters. Typically this entailed another ‘cordon of security around existing installations with access portals at strategic locations.Zaun secured the main TV and temporary CCTV control centres at Horse Guards and made Wembley safe – then dismantled the security cordon as soon as the last ball was kicked.

The Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich made for a stunning venue for the London 2012 shooting competitions. But organisers knew that the ease of access and the number of roads in the area rendered the temporary shooting ranges and grandstands potentially vulnerable.Given the arsenal within, they needed a temporary perimeter that would remain intact even under deliberate attack by vehicles or people – and yet that could be removed once the Games were over with no damage to the 18th-century site.The SolutionZaun developed a mobile high-security fence with Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM), especially for the London 2012 Olympics, mounting its PAS 68 Multi- Fence® into concrete blocks to resist attack by 7.5-tonne vehicles driven straight at it at 40mph.Zaun installed 2km of MultiFence and access gates around the Royal Artillery Barracks site and added HVM enhancements, detection systems and CCTV to secure the entire venue.Multi-Fence uses anti-climb mesh fencing and is available up to 5m high. The fence posts are mounted in concrete blocks that can follow a curve or go from a flat surface to an incline with ease due to an ingenious bolting method.It is one of the world’s first temporary solutions to achieve PAS68: 2010 V7500(N2) 64/90:5.0/0.0. It is manufactured to the BS EN 1317 Part 2 (vehicle restraint systems) and is approved by the Highways Agency.It is ideal for supporting crowd control at key events or for permanent installations at airports, freight terminals and ports, as no below-ground foundations are required, and they can be used on soft and hard standing. 

The JV40Bis office building, located between Calle Josefa Valcárcel and Calle Telémaco in Madrid, features more than 8,700m² distributed across seven floors. Thanks to its architecture comprised of classic lines, this building by the architect Francisco Mangado provides a striking contrast to the glass facades of the adjacent office buildings.The main architectural goal was to create a healthy work environment, prioritizing the well-being of workers in terms of visual, thermal and acoustic comfort. This aim was achieved and the building was awarded LEED Platinum certification, issued by the U.S. Green Building Council. This certification classifies the project as a sustainable, energy-efficient construction with reduced emissions and a satisfactory indoor environment; in this case, this leads to comfortable workspaces.All this is, in part, thanks to the more than 700 Bandalux Premium Plus shades that guarantee optimal solar management given their minimum gap (space between the fabric and bracket). These technical shades integrate well with the restrained, timeless aesthetics of a large, diaphanous space that encompasses work zones, relaxation areas and leisure spaces in which the user adapts solar incidence to the requirements of any given moment.The Polyscreen® 550 fabric in White Linen can block up to 96% of sunlight and it provides the visual and thermal comfort necessary in the workspace. Its high energy performance leads to savings in terms of heating and air conditioning. It is fully recyclable, free from substances that are harmful to health, and it preserves the indoor air quality, having been awarded the Greenguard Gold certification.

When two top-performing Wakefield schools needed to source high quality flooring for their sports halls they turned to international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply 1300m2 of their world class Taraflex® Performance vinyl sports flooring, together with 1350m2 of Isolsport isolating membrane to complete the refurbishment project. The transformation was completed, and the client is delighted with the refurbishment.So, it’s no wonder that specifying a sports floor for both schools that could deliver both outstanding performance, comfort, and high levels of safety for all users regardless of their ages, and sporting ability would be top of their agenda.Kent Oliver Estates Manager at Queen Elizabeth Grammar Wakefield said, “We had an urgent need to refurbish our Boys’ and Girls’ tired granwood main sports hall flooring. We engaged with a number of Gerflor’s previous clients, who could not speak highly enough of the quality products installed and the fantastic levels of service provided by the Specification and Technical teams.”Wayne Andrews, Gerflor Sports Manager North UK said, “The client is extremely pleased with the final installation. A number of Gerflor people were involved, right from the Specification Team through to high-level management who all agreed how important and unique this project was.”Kent Oliver ended by saying, “We would definitely specify Gerflor again. The performance and appearance has surpassed our expectations and we have received nothing but positive feedback from the schools, and other sports hall users.”

A complete roof refurbishment, including thermal upgrade and full waterproofing of a church centre.Systems in useEcoflex®The project included various roof areas with different systems in situ, all requiring thermal upgrade, and increased falls to remove standing water from the roof. There were also rooflights and roof lanterns that needed to either be replaced or removed and boarded over, a live gas pipe which required lifting to accommodate the new roofing system, and various redundant SVP’s and chimneys.ChallengesThree separate roof areas required upgrading as the existing waterproofing was failing and reaching the end of its service life. Water ingress was occurring, causing damage to the internals of the building.Axter carried out in depth surveys and took various core samples to determine the existing build ups of each roof area. It was identified that remedial works were needed to stop water ingress, thermally upgrade the roof, remove standing water, and remove certain rooflights. Two out of the three areas had redundant and dated rooflights / roof lanterns. There was also an active gas pipe laid across the main roof area which had to be taken into consideration when specifying works.SolutionsThe 3 existing roof build ups included Asphalt with RBM cap sheet and stone chippings, Asphalt with RBM cap sheet and solar reflective paint and finally an EPDM system. Our core samples revealed that the areas with existing asphalt were in good condition. Therefore, Axter advised to only remove the solar reflective paint and the stone chippings to avoid the asphalt from going into landfill and to keep costs down. We used a mixture of torch applied and self-adhered AVCL’s, dependant on the deck type and to comply with SAFE2TORCH areas. Axter’s Ecoflex® ADH single ply membrane was the system of choice as this kept the use of naked flames to a minimum as the building remained in use throughout the refurbishment programme. The system provided a 20 Year Guarantee covering design, materials and workmanship and achieves Broof(T4) fire certification.A live gas pipe was running across the main roof area. It was decided with the client that this would be replaced and raised to accommodate the new roofing system.As this was a live site, the safety of the client and their visitors was a risk that needed to be considered. Risk and method statements were developed and written with the client’s ongoing activities in mind. The contract was carried out without the occurrence of any accidents or incidents.AcknowledgmentsWe were delighted to have Axter and the Nautilus work on our roofing project and again were delighted with the outcomes. From initial consultations with both Nautilus and Axter we found them to be highly knowledgeable and professional in providing solutions and specifications. Axter’s attention to detail manifested through their survey work and their recommendations provided us with a great deal of assurance in the project, along with ongoing technical assistance from the Axter team to provide reassurance at different junctions in the project. Nautilus were extremely professional in their approach and a pleasure to have on site. Their high regard for health and safety and CDM on site was also evident and ensured a safe environment for all stakeholders. The project was completed by Nautilus in a timely manner and certified by Axter, giving us high confidence in the completed works. A real pleasure to work with on all sides.Andy Lee , Vine Christian Centre

Making an ImpactOne Great Cumberland Place is 5,511m2 of high-grade office and retail space, over 8 floors behind an Art Deco façade. Each of the three entrances receives hundreds of pounding feet every day. The design ambitions here were to maintain and enhance the historic elements; the curved draft lobby, original hardwood, brass details, and marble floors.Water and dirt collection was the major challenge for all entrances. But, in particular, a dedicated entrance leading to 121 bicycle lockers housed in the basement!We’ve worked with Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) on several projects, so they knew INTRAsystems’ premium Entrance Matting products would be up to the task.Combination inserts deliver with efficiencyIn a busy location with so much coming and going, performance, serviceability and longevity were key. AHMM opted for alternating inserts of INTRAlux® Ultimate 907 Anthracite fibres and Ribbed Rubber.This premium Entrance Mattting combination can withstand heavy wear from tyres, and remove more debris than fibre alone while the INTRAlux® Ultimate inserts offer market-leading moisture absorbency.The Unbeatable Duo of Durability and Luxury in Entrance MattingThe innovative composition of our Ultimate fibre draws off three times more moisture than traditional fibres. And the 900g/m2 density enables faster moisture evaporation, even in busy areas.INTRAflex XT is a popular design choice for outstanding performance, consistency, and adaptability. This open construction variant easily draws off debris and water brought in from the busy London streets while the tough aluminium frame comes with a 10-year warranty and a choice of three finishes. The black anodised finish chosen here is stylish and inconspicuous.Hidden Depths in the Challenging Cycle CorridorThe cycle entrance corridor is 7m x 2.2m, especially designed to welcome heavy bicycle traffic heading down to the subterranean lockers.Wall to wall Entrance Matting runs along the stretch with our unique INTRAmatting Waterlogic drainable system mounted underneath. This 80mm deep tray sits on a screed base and holds up to 75 litres of water per m², perfect to collect water run-off or direct water contact.Its a great hack for this location, since the doors are open to the elements for longer to allow riders to enter and exit the building. The engineered gradient helps to collect dirt and contain or divert water into an optional drainage outlet.Easy Entrance Matting MaintenanceDesigned for extreme performance and built to withstand pretty much anything. We’re so confident in Waterlogic’s durability, we provide a 15-year warranty. What’s above the tray is equally industrious. The heavy-duty INTRAflex XT system is removable to aid maintenance. Facilities teams can clear debris without special tools or training, saving time and money for a busy property.A sensitive and Robust OutcomeAHMM maintained key architectural features of the Art Deco façade in their design scheme. Features like the curved draft lobby, wooden detailing, brass thresholds, and marble floors and motifs.INTRAsystems’ products enabled the installers, LW Flooring, to sensitively and precisely work around them. The entrances contain engineering secrets that deliver exceptional performance to perfectly complement this beautiful building.

Residents benefit from space-saving PEGASOS in apartment buildingElegant apartment building in the modern residential area of Königstein gets more parking space through boundary development with PEGASOS car lift.In the wooded slopes of the Taunus mountains in the catchment area of Frankfurt lies the climatic health resort of Königstein. People who want to escape the big city find a pleasant home in this modern and preferred residential area outside of Frankfurt. Rents have been rising throughout the Frankfurt area for many years. Also in Königstein rents are well above the average in Germany. Lödige Fördertechnik GmbH supplied a PEGASOS car lift for an apartment house in Koenigstein, Germany. The lift is used as an access to the garage in the basement.Creating attractive living space despite rising rentsMany residents and commuters in this region are dependent on own cars because of public transport connections. Anyone who has visited Königstein is familiar with the parking conditions: hilly, narrow streets lead to a low number of parking spaces. The owner of this project was faced with the question of how living space could be designed attractively despite the rising prices and lack of parking spaces?The Karl Dudler Architects had a vision for the centrally located private building in the heart of Königstein: a modern and comfortable apartment building with straight and clear structures, consisting of 2- and 4-room flats.Installed in November 2014, Lödige Industries was able to successfully implement the architects' vision with the PEGASOS ® car lift. As the shaft head in this project was installed outside the building and thanks to the narrow shaft geometry of the lift, it looks like a single garage from the outside when equipped with roller doors, which underlines the modern design of the building. The PEGASOS car lift also stands out for its ease of installation, as this model does not require a pit and can thus reduce underground engineering costs. Also, a machine room is not required. Residents can easily reach the desired floor with the help of a remote control.  The building, which was completed in November 2014, is a KfW Efficiency House (55). Thanks to reduced drive power and higher efficiency, the PEGASOS is significantly more energy-efficient than hydraulic car lifts and can therefore also be used in KfW-efficient houses, as here in Königstein.We are pleased to have achieved an all-round positive result for the customer. The car lift is maintained by Lödige Industries as part of a service contract.Application of the elegant, space-saving solutionDue to the surroundings and the layout of the building, the owner was looking for a space-saving parking solution. The property did not have a straight side boundary. The PEGASOS® car lift offers the ideal solution for, this situation, because due to its low shaft head height, this model can be used as a boundary construction.The parking space regulations in Königstein set a precise number or parking spaces for residential buildings, which could not be achieved here using the conventional way, an access ramp. Thus, the owner was threatened with a high redemption sum.The owner could reduce civil engineering costs due to the simple installation and the fact that this model does not require a pit.Compared to hydraulic car lifts, the PEGASOS is significantly more energy-efficient thanks to reduced drive power and higher efficiency.Due to the outside installed shaft head and the narrow shaft geometry of the lift, it looks like a single garage from the outside when equipped with elegant roller doors.

Knauf Insulation has been appointed as Bellway Homes’ insulation partner for an innovative project to measure the impact of low and zero carbon (LZC) technologies on energy consumption. Bellway’s experimental house ‘The Future Home’ has been constructed within Energy House 2.0, a controlled environmental chamber located at The University of Salford. Energy House 2.0 is the largest research facility of its type, with two chambers able to accommodate two detached houses each. The controlled environment can recreate a wide variety of weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from -20˚C to +40˚C, as well as simulated wind, rain, snow, and solar radiation. This allows housebuilders to monitor the performance of different builds and LZC technologies through year-round conditions, in just a matter of weeks, aiding the transition to net zero design. We spoke to Jamie Bursnell, Technical and Innovation Manager for Bellway Homes, about the aims of their forward-thinking project: “We want to identify the sweet spot where fabric is optimised alongside space heating and energy-efficient services, like solar photovoltaics and battery storage. Finding the best combination of these elements will allow us to design homes that are energy efficient and economically sustainable, both for developers and homeowners.” The Future Home Bellway’s ‘Future Home’ is a three-bedroom timber frame house, built to the current Part L 2021 (England) standard. A specification upgrade is scheduled to take place mid-way through the trial, increasing the build’s energy efficiency to an indicative 2025 Future Homes Standard. “Ultimately, our aim is to optimise the U-values of the home” Jamie explained, “but that needs to be based on real, in-use data, not just notional designs. With the home up and running, we’re now measuring its in-use energy performance against our design. After the mid-trial upgrade, we’ll measure again to see the impact on the build’s overall energy efficiency.”  Bellway is using sensors within the home to monitor its performance under a range of environmental conditions. To do this effectively, Bellway needed a reliable, high-performing fabric, capable of meeting both current and future building standards. Optimal results They turned to Knauf Insulation, who provided product advice, design input and U-value calculations to determine the best insulation for the job. For the initial build, Loft Roll 44 glass mineral wool insulation has been installed in the loft. FrameTherm® Roll 35 has also been installed to meet U-values of 0.18 W/m2K in the external walls. During the mid-way trial, upgrades will be made to the insulation, to reduce the external wall U-value and help reduce air movement within the cavity, which can negatively affect thermal performance.  Jamie noted, “Knauf Insulation has provided technical assistance to a very high standard and their U-value and Psi-value calculations are always reliable. We chose products from their Loft Roll and FrameTherm® ranges because they combine quality performance with cost-efficiency, both of which are essential to the success of our project.” Energy House 2.0 and The Future Home allow us to see how LZC technologies could be most effectively implemented in future years. But the insulation requirement will remain unchanged; reliable thermal performance will continue to be an essential component of any energy-saving home and it’s already available today, with the right specification. Learn more about Part L and the housebuilding sector, at our Housebuilders Hub

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

Templeton House, a remarkable Georgian mansion in Roehampton, London, has undergone a meticulous restoration, capturing the essence of its historic grandeur while introducing modern comforts. Led by Richstone Properties, the project celebrates architectural authenticity and exquisite craftsmanship.Architectural Authenticity:Extensive research and collaboration with Historic England ensured the restoration honoured the original layout and design of Templeton House.The exterior structure was restored to its former glory, with meticulous repairs, cleaning, and recreations of features like the Doric portico entrance and Portland stone staircase.Neglected gardens were revived, featuring a reflection pond and replanted cedar trees, reminiscent of the mansion's illustrious past.Craftsmanship and Bespoke Features:Gowercroft Joinery played a pivotal role in the restoration, producing award-winning windows, interior doors, and bespoke joinery.The Winston Heritage sliding sash window was developed and manufactured, providing a blend of traditional aesthetics and modern efficiency, The innovative windows featured Accoya® timber and vacuum glazed units.Our attention to detail extended to replicating traditional putty lines, restoring original ironmongery, and incorporating bespoke elements such as curved top-lights and internal shutters.Recognition and Acclaim:The restoration project received high praise at The Georgian Group's 2019 Architectural Awards.Gowercroft Joinery was honoured with the 2019 British Woodworking Federation's 'Woodworking Project of the Year' award.The innovative Heritage windows developed by Gowercroft garnered industry recognition, including the 'Best Windows' category at the 2017 Build It Awards.Templeton House stands as a testament to the seamless integration of architectural heritage and modern refinement. This remarkable restoration showcases the dedication to preserving history while creating a haven of timeless elegance and contemporary luxury.

Situated on the edge of Great Ancoats Street, in the Artisan residential complex featuring luxurious water features and tranquil gardens, this project is very close to Piccadilly and the heart of Manchester City Centre.This attractive residential development was part of a remediation project with the aim of upgrading the building to bring it in line with the latest regulations on fire safety.We worked closely with AEW Architects in the design and specification stage of the decking system and worked closely with Insulated Render Systems Scotland Ltd., who carried out the installation.As is the case with many of our renovation projects, we had to consider the loading criteria required to meet the needs of the balcony walkways, which also formed part of the building’s escape routes.Fire escape routes are required to meet higher loading criteria in accordance with EN 1991-1-1:2002 and the associated National Annex, so our BalcaSmart® Aluminium system was the perfect choice.Designed to fix directly to the balcony steels enabling fast and efficient installation, the BalcaSmart Aluminium system creates safe and secure decked balconies, however challenging the design and performance requirements are. This renovation project presented us with low threshold heights to work with, so we opted for JH50 Joist Hangers to replace the existing timber joists with aluminium ones, which allowed the top of the joist to be flush with the steel frame.Martyn Mounter, Senior Technician – AEW Architects, claimed that this project presented two challenges: balconies with a domestic load and walkways with a heavy load requirement. Martin expressed reassurance with all the technical documentation, certifications, and support provided throughout the project.BalcaSmart Aluminium carries our IGNO mark of assurance, which should provide owners, residents and users with the peace of mind they deserve.

‘Autobarn’ is an unusual build comprising an elegant five-bay garage and accompanying workshop sitting within the grounds of a Grade-II listed 18th-century home in Somerset.Designed by Bindloss Dawes Architects, the brief was to create a garage with an adjoining workshop to house the client’s classic car collection. The finished result is an aesthetically beautiful building with its deceptively simple wooden barn-themed styling using agricultural materials such as concrete and recycled wood under a zinc roof. With surfaces comprising steel, timber and polished concrete floor, the architects incorporated Troldtekt acoustic panels to clad both the walls and ceilings between the steel frames for sound absorption and to combat the issue of reverberating noise.The added advantage of having services hidden behind the white panelling means the final result is a stunning simplistic and minimalist design allowing the classic cars to be the focus of attention and transforming the space into more of a gallery than a traditional garage.Troldtekt acoustic panels are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and combine sound absorption with a tactile surface. With an expected life cycle of at least 50 years and resistance to humidity and impact, they are available in various sizes and four grades, from extreme fine to coarse. The panels can be left untreated or painted in almost any RAL colour. Depending on the panel specified, reaction to fire is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0 or A2-s1,d0 respectively. Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept and having attained Gold certification, Troldtekt wood wool acoustic panels are manufactured using wood from certified forests (PEFC™ and FSC®C115450) and can contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB or LEED points. 

An extension to a 16th century cottage, Holton Lodge in Halesworth, has utilised Catnic Urban to beautiful effect. This stunning property extension blends the old with the new to create a huge modern kitchen extensionA cost effective alternative to zinc, Catnic Urban steel standing seam roof and cladding met the desired aesthetics – with the quick fit system offering a fast and problem-free installation.Hilary and Robert Garner wanted to open up their existing kitchen with a build that used full height glazing to flood the area with light and give them an unobstructed view of their garden. In response, architect Tim Hannon, from Brooks Architects in Leiston, designed a contemporary extension that provides a stunning focal point, reconnecting the inside to out.“After we were convinced that Catnic Urban could achieve our desired aesthetic, our next concern was that the roofing and cladding could be exactly matched to the window frames and that the colour would stand the test of time. Again, we were assured of the system’s colour matching and stability credentials by everyone working on the project and we’re overjoyed with the result. Catnic Urban has really given the project the wow factor.”Hilary and Robert GarnerHolton Lodge ownersThe vaulted roof was designed to bring drama to the space, with a ridge that was purposely higher than the roof of the main house, so visitors are instantly given a glimpse of the striking design as soon as they approach the house. An overhang provides a covered outside eating area and works to reduce solar gain, with the sleek lines of the standing seam continued down the side of the extension, which is wrapped in matching cladding. Typical of the area, the design also includes a lean-to roof on an area that houses the utility room and cloakroom.“I’ve worked with Catnic Urban on a number of projects and particularly like the fact that it is fully recyclable at end of life. The ease of installation also instils confidence that there will be no problems at fitting stage and the technical support offered by the Urban team is also excellent, with a good level of technical detail provided on abutments and ventilation, so that all the work is neatly finished.”Tim HannonBrooks ArchitectsCatnic Urban steel standing seam roofing and cladding in Anthracite Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra was used across the project, recommended by project contractor Kerslake Construction Ltd, as a cost effective alternative to the zinc roof initially specified, when cost became a concern. “If a customer wants the look of zinc without the price tag, I recommend Catnic Urban”, said Jon, “and in most cases as soon as people look into the product they switch, as it looks great, achieving really smooth, clean lines that flow beautifully.”Catnic Urban’s recommended contractor Steel Roof Installers UK was commissioned by Kerslake Construction to install the roof, as they have worked together on similar projects in the past. After attending a training course back in 2010, owners Chris Bates and Andy Morris were soon turned onto the benefits of building with Catnic Urban and now exclusively work on Urban projects.Catnic Urban (previously known as Colorcoat Urban) is a fully supported standing seam system designed, manufactured and CE marked in accordance with BS EN 14783:2013. Quick build times are possible with neat crisp finishes to complement design and build choices. Manufactured from Tata Steel’s Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®, and also available in Colorcoat Prisma®, Catnic Urban is a cost-effective alternative to traditional copper and zinc standing seam roof systems. Seven times lighter than tile equivalents, it is easy to handle on site and quick to fix compared with traditional roofing products.

By their very nature of being large, open spaces with many hard surfaces, ambient noise levels in bars and restaurants tends to be high. This inevitably leads to customers talking louder to be heard and so begins a perpetual cycle of increased noise levels as everyone starts to have increasingly louder conversations. This, coupled with noise from music, kitchen machinery and HVAC services, can easily ruin the experience.To help combat the problems of reverberating sound, designers frequently specify acoustic ceilings to help to strike a balance between a lively and welcoming environment and an experience where the space is uncomfortably loud. This is important because customers’ comfort and a willingness to spend time and money is decreased in a noisy environment.A good example of this is the Chamberlain Hotel in London where sustainable and ethical designers Sibley Grove have used Troldtekt acoustic panels to counterpoint the reverberating noise reflecting from the stripped-back architecture with its exposed structural columns, ductwork and concrete surfaces. Troldtekt acoustic panels are a perfect solution for this type of venue either as part of a suspended ceiling or individual ‘acoustic clouds’. They are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and combine sound absorption with a tactile surface. With an expected life cycle of at least 50 years and resistance to humidity and impact, they are available in various sizes and four grades, from extreme fine to coarse. The panels can be left untreated or painted in almost any RAL colour. Depending on the panel specified, reaction to fire is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0 or A2-s1,d0 respectively.Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept and having attained Gold certification, Troldtekt wood wool acoustic panels are manufactured using wood from certified forests (PEFC™ and FSC®C115450) and can contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB or LEED points.

Restoration of the Old Rectory in Clifton Village, Nottinghamshire: A Testament to Exquisite Craftsmanship and Heritage PreservationThe Old Rectory, a remarkable Grade II Listed Georgian-style property dating back to the mid-1700s, has undergone a magnificent restoration, showcasing the timeless beauty of timber sash windows. This noteworthy project, carried out with the assistance of Gowercroft Joinery's exceptional craftsmanship, serves as a testament to the commitment to heritage preservation and attention to detail.Key DetailsThe Old Rectory, a Grade II Listed Georgian-style property in Clifton Village, Nottinghamshire, has undergone a £5 million restoration project.Tomlinson Homes, a division of G F Tomlinson Group, collaborated with architects CBP, Nottinghamshire County Council's conservation team, and the local community to ensure the preservation of the property's heritage assets.The restoration project retained and reinstalled many period features, including the original square stairwell with wooden cantilever stairs and purpose-built rooms.Gowercroft Joinery's Classic Range timber windows and doors were chosen as high-quality fixtures and fittings that respected the property's heritage.Products Used48 traditional Chatsworth sliding sash windows with elegant Georgian glazing bars and durable Accoya® frames.23 Hardwick casement windows.6 Kedleston tilt & turn windows.12 Melbourne doors with traditional styling and performance features.17 sets of internal decorative shutters in various designs, maintaining the period look.OverviewThe restoration of the Old Rectory in Clifton Village, Nottinghamshire, stands as a remarkable example of a meticulously executed heritage restoration project.Tomlinson Homes, a division of G F Tomlinson Group, collaborated closely with architects CBP, Nottinghamshire County Council's conservation team, and the local community to ensure the preservation of the property's historic character.The £5 million development, known as Rectory Gardens, encompasses the conversion of the iconic landmark into luxury homes while respecting and restoring its heritage.Preserving the HeritageThroughout the restoration process, great care was taken to retain and restore the property's distinctive period features, including its original square stairwell with wooden cantilever stairs and spacious purpose-built rooms.The project aimed to honour the heritage assets that had withstood the test of time, ensuring that the finished design harmoniously merged the old and the new.Exquisite Timber Windows and DoorsGowercroft Joinery's Classic Range timber windows and doors were meticulously selected as high-quality fixtures and fittings, perfectly suited for this prestigious restoration project.The Old Rectory's original wooden sash windows were replaced with 48 traditional Chatsworth sliding sash windows. These windows faithfully replicated the elegant Georgian glazing bars, featuring slim and durable Accoya® frames with a stunning maintenance-free white finish.Complementing the sash windows, the restoration included 23 Hardwick casement windows, six Kedleston tilt & turn windows, and 12 Melbourne doors. All these products were carefully chosen from Gowercroft's Classic portfolio, offering a perfect blend of traditional aesthetics and high-performance features.A Thoughtful RestorationAs part of the restoration, Gowercroft Joinery also supplied 17 sets of internal decorative shutters in a range of opening and fixed designs. These shutters beautifully complemented the carefully restored period look of the property, adding a touch of sophistication and functionality.Andrew Madge, Managing Director of Gowercroft Joinery, expressed immense pride in contributing to the conversion of this historic property into a collection of exceptional residential homes. He emphasised how the Classic windows and doors from Gowercroft offer architects and specifiers an ideal solution for upgrading older properties while preserving their traditional appearance, thanks to their well-balanced proportions, exceptional energy efficiency, and remarkable durability.For architects and specifiers involved in large construction firms, the Old Rectory restoration project exemplifies the meticulous attention to detail and commitment to heritage preservation that elevate any development into a truly exceptional masterpiece. The inclusion of Gowercroft Joinery's Classic Range timber windows and doors ensures a seamless blend of timeless aesthetics, superior performance, and enduring quality.

The Spine, located in the heart of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool – a central hub for higher education and research in the city – includes the new northern home of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). Designed by renowned architecture and building consultancy practice AHR, the building has been hailed as one of the healthiest workplaces in the world, thanks to the pioneering research in biophilia, health and wellbeing that has been drawn on for its creation. One of the most exciting new developments in the north, The Spine reflects the RCP’s global stance as a leader in healthcare, using the latest innovations in wellbeing-focused design, while being a striking new addition to the Liverpool skyline. The Spine has been designed according to the scientific and medical research principles established in the WELL Standard to achieve WELL Platinum. Through the integration of architecture and interior design The Spine embeds wellness and biophilia into the building environment emphasising strong connections to nature throughout the building, along with the highest standards for provision of fresh air, light and water. The distinctive façade takes influence from the human skin, with the striking Voronoi pattern including 23 million individual polygons applied to the glazing of the building. Inside the building The Spine’s series of double height spaces known as vertical villages supports the provision of light to aid productivity and stimulating the mind. Interior design solutions were selected with occupant wellbeing at the forefront, from natural materials, textures and finishes wherever possible to support biophilic principles and ensure air quality is kept to a high standard throughout the building. Working closely with PPG, AHR specified a range of sustainable paints including JOHNSTONE’S® Trade Air Pure – a bio-based wall and ceiling paint proven to purify indoor air. “When it came to choosing paints for The Spine, we knew we had to find options that were water-based and would have the least possible negative impact on occupants. So we were delighted to find a paint that would actually improve indoor air quality. By using Johnstone’s Trade Air Pure, we’re optimising the air quality within the building and helping to enhance the general wellbeing of occupants, all while limiting the impact on the environment.” Robert Hopkins, AHR regional director Once applied, the revolutionary Air Purifying technology in Johnstone’s Trade Air Pure neutralises up to 70 per cent of formaldehyde from indoor spaces. What’s more, the formula is 45 per cent bio-based and comes in 100 per cent recycled packaging. To complement Air Pure a range of low-VOC water based solutions were used to give the building long term protection including Johnstone’s Trade Aqua Water Based Gloss and Water Based Satin, Covaplus Vinyl Matt, Acrylic Durable Matt and Acrylic Durable Eggshell. The use of biophilic design extends into the colour palette chosen to represent the growth of a tree. Natural earthy colours flow throughout the lower floors, merging into greener, leafier colours and patterns and blues on the upper floors as you travel up the building. The colour palettes work harmoniously with the timber curtain wall and timber floor. The landmark development is not only BREEAM Excellent rated for its sustainable approach; it is also one of the first buildings in the UK designed to the WELL Platinum Building Standard®, certified for mental health and physical wellbeing. “The Spine is one of our most exciting and revolutionary projects to date. We’ve had the opportunity to place unprecedented focus upon what really makes a positive, healthy and happy workplace. Working with the RCP, we’ve achieved a design that sets the bar for the incorporation of biophilia and its possibilities in a modern workplace. With wellness being such a core part of our ambitious design, we needed to make sure that every single element positively contributed to our objectives, and the paints used were no exception.” Robert Hopkins, AHR regional director. Photography credit: Andrew Smith

Over six years ago, law firm Kingsley Napley considered consolidating its three Clerkenwell offices into a single building. Before committing to do so, the firm first embarked on a programme of partial refurbishments and pilot testing in its existing offices to examine how a transformation from cellular to open plan working might suit their business and its more than 400 employees. Once the decision was made to move, Kingsley Napley collaborated with design specialists KKS Savills and Overbury fit out and refurbishment, along with BPC interiors as sub-contractor, to create an environment which would help enable the company to flourish and meet its aspirations for recruitment, retention and growth. Fast-forward to 2021 and the firm occupies six floors at Twenty Bonhill, Shoreditch.Delivering a best in class workplace Kingsley Napley CFOO Darren Jesse spoke about the project, “I am delighted we have delivered this project, pretty much on time and on budget, despite the challenging circumstances of the last year or so. We had an incredible team working on this internally, and our external advisers… provided superb support for which we are grateful. Together I believe we have delivered a first rate, best in class workplace for Kingsley Napley that will support the firm in its next chapter.” The new space has been designed with collaboration and activity-based working in mind by allowing lawyers and other team members to choose workspaces according to their needs. The guiding aesthetic throughout the six floors is one of hushed self-assuredness with a hint of opulence characterised by classic contemporary furnishings in muted tones, modern art and the use of deep blue and orange on feature walls. In the reception, elegant slim lighting is fixed at a distance from the high ceilings in converging angles while a fully glazed wall lets diffused natural light stream in. The move coincided with a new brand identity incorporating the phrase, ‘when it matters most’ into its communications – words which underpin the role often played by the company in the lives of its clients and informing the values it wants to portray in everything it does.Creating that Wow with added HushBPC Interiors Senior Construction Manager, Stuart Dowling, “We managed the project and instructed Pacy & Wheatley to install Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic throughout the large double-height reception. The Installation went very well and an impressive smooth finish was achieved that even with sunlight or interior lighting shining on it did not show any of the services behind, which can be the case with plasterboard.”Installation specialist Pacy & Wheatley Director Craig Wheatley, “This was a prestigious and exacting project where creating a space to project the perfect first impression was vital. Rockfon Mono Acoustic is unique as it combines the elegance of a monolithic ceiling with performance characteristics and sound absorption thought only possible with modular ceilings. The ceiling tile substrate is installed and then finished with a specialist acoustic render to create a seamless surface.” Beauty and performanceThe system allows for easy incorporation of lighting, audio and other mechanical systems whilst delivering Class A2 fire protection. It also offers dimensionally stability at up to 100% relative humidity and can be installed in temperatures ranging from 0˚C to 40˚C.KKS Savills Associate Director and Senior Designer Paul Butterworth, “Mono was chosen for its appearance but also for its ability to mitigate against the unwanted sound generated by hard surfaces. It delivered clean lines while successfully hiding the services above. We are so pleased to have discovered this beautiful, fabulous product!”Fully recyclable, all our ranges are made from a core of naturally occurring, non-hygroscopic and non-combustible stone wool. Their surfaces provide no sustenance to harmful micro-organisms, embody high humidity resistance and are impervious to most environmental pressures – ensuring that perfect first impression will last.  

Projects of complexity that demand innovative solutions to technically challenging interface design often deliver exceptional buildings. As a shining example, Axter recently completed the roofing systems for The Cheng Yu Tung Building, a landmark project for Jesus College in the heart of Oxford City.Systems in useStarcoat® PMMAForce Dalle®Excel®Cityflor®OverviewThis project required Axter’s extensive range of materials and methods combined to complete the multifaceted interfaces and deliver the demanding architectural design, whilst achieving the project’s ambitious goals.Founded in 1571, and with original buildings from this date, Jesus College is based in the centre of this diverse and historic city. With the development of the Cheng Yu Tung Building the college has undertaken its most significant transformation since the early 18th century.Combining new graduate accommodation, indoor and outdoor communal spaces, state-of-the-art teaching and meeting facilities with the latest digital technologies, this £36m innovative development is intended to have significant impact on the college faculty and students’ learning experience.Axter worked with architects MICA from early in the process, helping to specify solutions that would realise the design vision of lead architect Mandy Franz.“We’d worked with MICA before on a number of projects - including Keble College, University of Oxford - so they knew us and trusted us to add value through being involved with the design,“ comments Axter's Regional Sales Director, Matthew Saunders. “However, this project was a significant step up in complexity, with approximately 18 separate roof areas in total to complete. Looking at the main quad alone there is a raised area, numerous external stairways and walkways to waterproof as well as further raised terraces and inaccessible roof sections. Fortunately, we had significant experience to bring to this challenge.”Sustainability was the client’s major focus from the start, with the college already utilising ground source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, and a heat recovery and cooling system to ensure zero carbon building operations, as well as reviewing all construction waste to ensure minimum diversion to landfill. We supported this aim working with main contractor BAM Construct UK to carefully plan and schedule the waterproofing systems to be installed, identifying the material composite of each roof to maximise efficacies in installation and logistics.The College’s key priority was to achieve a sustainability-focused design to reduce their carbon footprint. Naturally, this contributed to the challenges of the scheme, such as the additional fire safety requirements in response to the timber-framed construction. To help deliver the College’s ambitions, Axter supported the client’s design team by providing expert knowledge, understanding and application of the current regulations.Tapered roof insulation was used to support energy efficiency and drainage requirements, with bituminous waterproofing throughout. In keeping with the college’s sustainability mission, the main quad features a blue roof system to attenuate rainwater drainage. Other roof areas are finished with wildflower meadows. A combination of exposed and buried waterproofing membranes were consequently required, with additional complexity created by the range of different materials and surfaces involved.“Normally, if our membrane is marrying up to a vertical wall, we would see it come up as a visible detail,” continues Matthew, “but the beautiful Clipsham stonework used for the building façade wasn’t compatible with the typical detailing. We were also challenged by the desired architectural intent to defend the historic aesthetic of the stone, so we created a bespoke solution that has the required guaranteed watertightness whilst also delivering the architectural vision.”Additional challengesThe project started in 2020, just as the UK was trying to navigate the guidelines for operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Matthew explains: “there were still restrictions in place, such as a general 2-metre distancing requirement, which was challenging in the tighter spaces, for example corridors where you literally couldn’t pass another person. We had an unusually hot summer also, which wasn’t helpful when you have workers in full PPE using 1,400-degree butane torches where use of naked flame was permitted in accordance with NFRC Safe2Torch guidance.”The overall scope of the project, which encompassed multiple terraces at different levels and a mixture of concrete, CLT and steel frame structural composites, was a defining characteristic. “This was a large-scale development to begin with,” adds Matthew. “Furthermore, the university emphasised from the start the centrality of the significant sustainability objectives, and MICA had ambitious solutions in mind in terms of the materials used. Our job was to accommodate these various requests while keeping in mind all of the regulatory and compliance requirements. Achieving those without exception, for a large number of surfaces, does become more challenging where each part of the project has several ambitious aspirations intersecting with one another. Fortunately, we are known for always rising to a challenge.”SolutionsThe pandemic accelerated the shift to a range of technological solutions replacing traditional or face-to-face approaches. Systems were evolved for everything from distancing to digital rather than traditionally signed delivery acceptance.“As a manufacturer, we don’t have to be on site every day,” notes Matthew, “but traditionally we would attend fairly frequently, as well as meeting regularly with partners to agree and then oversee various aspects of the project plan. Fortunately, Axter was already moving towards solutions such as virtual meetings, so we simply shifted much more quickly to those approaches, using them wherever possible.“I think one advantage we have is the breadth of the product range we design. We can offer clients such as Jesus College a full system approach involving multiple solutions, to ensure we use the right system for the right application on each occasion. Our accredited installers are carefully vetted and trained by us, and have worked with us for long enough to know our products inside out.”The range of products we are able to offer, all developed in-house, does testify to the culture of Axter. Comments Matthew: “We are very much a technically-oriented company and that runs through every aspect of our work and our staff. Our sales team are all very aware of the products on that level, they aren’t selling products they don’t fully understand the technical details of. Our long-term partners know that what we offer them is reassurance that, from early-stage design meetings through to completion, whatever challenges they put to us, our response will be considered and robust in terms of quality and compliance.”Systems and products usedExternal stair cores used Axter Starcoat PMMA liquid waterproofing membranes.For the main quad and some lower areas, our innovative Force Dalle warm roof solution was used.Our Excel reinforced waterproofing membranes were used as an exposed membrane finish, with a tapered insulation to ensure the falls and consequent drainage characteristics required by BS 6229.Axter’s Cityflor warm living roof membranes were used as buried applications in several roof terraces, again with tapered insulation.Self-adhesive membranes were used where necessary to ensure compliance with NFRC Safe2Torch Guidelines, especially required due to the timber elements.Acknowledgments"To deliver the increasing demand on a building’s performance specification, combined with the seamless aesthetics of contemporary architectural design, an advanced understanding of technical detailing is required in the design and construction process. The design criteria have also resulted in an extensive range of engineered systems on the market to provide certified, technical solutions for multifaceted interfaces.Working directly with the designers and product manufacturers, we prioritise a full system approach to the weather-tightness of the building, focusing on durability, termination and compliance with current regulations. I have worked with the team at MICA Architects and Axter’s Matthew Saunders on a number of challenging projects, including The Cheng Yu Tung Building, Jesus College, and the HB Allen Centre, Keble College. Matthew Saunders has always been a key consultant for the technical specification of above ground waterproofing systems and the buildings’ thermal performance. He’s an expert in technical detailing and advisor on the materials required to deliver the optimum waterproofing system for the building."Eric O’Hare, Design Manager, BAM Construction www.bam.co.ukWith special thanks to: Tomasz Zozak, who provided the photographs, and BAM Construction Ltd.

Having purchased the lands from the Golf Club, Cosgrave Developments wanted to ensure the natural contours of the existing grounds were maintained when building the public amenity park – Honeypark – which is the centrepiece of their development.As a focal meeting point the area contained mature parklands with a man-made lake and childrens play area as the main attraction. With this area being lower in the development a safe, durable and visually pleasing design was needed, Mick Cosgrave chose AG’s Ground TerraPave® natural aggregate flags to meet the specification, with its durable finish and low slip resistance it met all the safety criteria for this major walkway.When laid it’s visually impressive surface draws you to the central focal point of the scheme. To improve safety for the visually impaired AG’s smooth bullnose kerbs setts were used to form the numerous step details complimenting the smooth crisp clean appearance of the paving and flags.The main green space areas also had sloping contours where soil retention was needed to aid structural integrity and drainage, AG’s Vertica Retaining Wall system was selected. The low rise walls meet the engineering specification whilst the choice of colour was in line with the design choice for the scheme. The unique split level design also provided a natural amphitheatre and seating area for the residents, the low level of the walling kept in mind the safety aspects for younger children in the area.In the main residential areas Cosgrave Developments choose AG’s River Stone Blackwater paving for the parking bay areas. Unique in its design due to its undulating face finish this new product has the key benefits of smooth paving, tight joints and an extra sparkle due to the addition of natural granite chippings. Technically its ideal for the durability and hard wearing required to take parked vehicular traffic over long periods of time

A high profile residential development located on the derelict site of the once mighty Wimbledon FC, completed in 2008.OverviewAxter designed and supplied a complete structural waterproofing, insulation, drainage and landscaping solution to all elevated podia. The areas were intensively landscaped combining hard and soft finishes, creating a mixture of meandering pedestrian walkways and landscaped recreational gardens with a combined area of 6000m2.ChallengesThe primary challenge was to achieve a robust structural waterproofing system that could provide construction programme design, installation and cost efficiencies.A complex site drainage strategy, combined with multiple hard and soft landscaped finishes of varying depths, resulted in the need for additional drainage and water retention measures to be designed and implemented throughout the site.A high cost and varied landscaping design, with a relatively short seasonal installation time frame, demanded a waterproofing system designer and manufacturing partner that could meet these challenges.SolutionsThe design supply and installation of Wilotekt-Plus, unique second generation hot melt structural waterproofing system, provided 30% quicker on site installation speeds than traditional first generation hot melt systems. This ensured the waterproofing was completed swiftly, in excess of 500m2/day, which enabled landscaping finishes to be installed within deadline.The drainage strategy was simplified across all podia through the creation of a horizontal drainage zone above the waterproofing. Axter’s combined reservoir and drainage board was installed, retaining appropriate moisture levels for the specified plant requirements, whilst allowing excess moisture to drain freely away. It also acted as a permanent shutter for concrete works that allowed secondary structures to be built off these areas without contacting the waterproofing system or interrupting the drainage zone.Intensive hard and soft landscaping was completed by Frosts Landscapes Ltd using conveyor technology to distribute the soil and plants across the podia with ease.Systems in useWilotekt®-Plus

After securing funding via the CIF application, Knighton Fields Primary Academy was able to address some of the long-term issues they had in relation their roof, which was beginning to show signs of wear.ChallengesThe existing waterproofing had been suffering with significant amounts of standing water, water ingress, structural deck failure (localised), poor thermal insulation, and several tired old and dilapidated lantern roof lights. All roof areas needed to be inspected and level surveyed and, in one localized area, the existing waterproofing and deck had to be entirely stripped and removed owing to significant deflection and fear of collapse. The works needed to progress swiftly so as to provide minimal disruption to the school environment.SolutionsAfter inspection, proposals were put forward for a tapered insulation overlay where deemed necessary, to help improve falls to existing outlets and rid the problem of standing water. In most instances, the existing roof covering was simply overlaid and formed part of the new Air and Vapour Control Layer (AVCL) before a new Hytherm ADH flat/tapered insulation board and two-layer fully adhered Excel RBM system was installed over this. On the area where the existing waterproofing had been stripped, the deck was replaced (to falls), a new AVCL installed and the same Excel warm roof system was carried through to complete these areas.Works progressed throughout the summer holidays to avoid any disruption to the school or pupils. NFRC Safe2Torch principles were observed, prescribed and employed as part of the scope of works. An Insurance backed Guarantee covering design, materials and workmanship was issued upon practical completion of the works and following successful sign off from the Axter in-house QA team (who monitored the procession of works from start to finish) to the client, indemnifying their risk and protecting the building and its occupants for a period of 25 years.Systems in useExcel®