"leadwork contractors"

HLM, the architectural practice had a very high-end, designer lead project at Park Lane London, which required bespoke components mixed together with standard products forming a warrantied bathroom solution for the client. 15 types of different bespoke XPS shower trays were created for this project and used across the 460 rooms spread over 3 phases.240 bespoke XPS niches were installed and in 210 cases substructure sets were used to reach the required 100mm installation height thus allow for a straightforward replacement of old baths with showers without having to modify the existing pipework.In all bathrooms, wedi XPS building boards were used in 12.5mm thickness for walls and 10mm thickness for floors.RESULT: Thanks to the sub-contractor Milk Leisure, an Approved Partner of a leading manufacturer of XPS shower/bathroom systems, the client received a 100% waterproof bathroom with a 15 year manufacturer’s warranty on the whole installation. 

Bonny LGA, situated on the Atlantic coast of Nigeria, serves as a hub for the thriving Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) industry, alongside hosting the terminals of various prominent oil and gas companies, including ExxonMobil, operating in Nigeria under the name Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU).Recognising the critical need for heightened security in this strategic region, HAG stepped in to supply and install our advanced Armourguard and Alishield Range roller shutters across multiple locations in the Niger Delta, bolstering the security infrastructure of Shell premises and other key facilities. In addition to our installation efforts, we also conducted comprehensive training sessions for local representatives of the main contractor, empowering them to efficiently install and maintain HAG products, thereby ensuring sustained security enhancements on a supply-only basis.This collaborative initiative underscores HAG's commitment to providing innovative security solutions and fostering local capacity-building initiatives to safeguard vital assets and promote sustainable development in the region.

DescriptionSoldi Investments completed the new Lidl store in Chichester, West Hampnett Road.  Soldi Investments machine applied the LIDL External Render System onto Poroton blocks externally using as Base Coat: Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement Render and as Finish Coat; Mineral Finish Coat K. As Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block or mass concrete and insulated plinths: Bauprotec RHS Multi-Purpose Render with the addition of Bauprotec SLP for plinths.For the internal Poroton walls Smet One Coat Projection Plaster was used at a thickness of 15mm. One Coat Projection Plaster Hard Coat is a factory-produced hard coat One Coat Gypsum Plaster designed for machine application produced to EN 13279-1. It is manufactured from a controlled blend of selected gypsum and other components to give a high-quality, high-strength plastering product that is suitable for use in internal plastering.The LIDL render spec, available from SMET consists of:Bauprotec 850 M is a factory-produced Lightweight Lime Cement Render, specially designed for machine or hand application produced to EN 998-1: 2010 and is CE Marked.Bauprotec RHS is a CE Marked, factory-produced highly polymer-modified render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.Mineral Finish Coat – K is a CE marked, factory-produced, mineral-based, high-quality finish-coat render, specially designed for hand and machine application to EN 998-1, 2010.Bauprotec SLP is a CE Marked, factory-produced Lightweight Sand & Cement Render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.The special render properties; lightweight, low thermal conductivity, high yield, and Smet Supported Partner superior technical backup, are key factors in choosing SMET.SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.  If you’d like to speak to us about your Lidl job – contact SMET. All LIDL spec SMET Render System products are available directly from Smet Building Products Ltd, which ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical backup in the machine application of the LIDL specification.

FIREFLY ZEUS Lite™ Safeguards Ceiling Spaces Across Wakefield Food WarehouseForming a fresh element to the UK’s critical food supply infrastructure, a new distribution warehouse in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, is near to completion with the specialist suspended ceiling installer making use of ZEUS Lite™ 90:30 from the range of TBA FIREFLY™, to create vertical fire barriers at intervals within the roof-space across the footprint of the building.The 15,300m2 facility at Headways in Stanley, on the outskirts of Wakefield, has been built by GF Tomlinson for the Kitwave Group, a national distribution business with a fleet of over 500 vehicles supplying hotels, restaurants and many other venues across the country. The installation of the ZEUS Lite™ was undertaken by Nottingham Suspended Ceilings, as the sub-contractor well experienced with the performance and user-friendly characteristics of the Firefly range.All the rolls of ZEUS Lite™ 90:30 material and the well proven FIREFLY™ fixings, including stainless steel staples and fire-resistant adhesive, were supplied to Nottingham Suspended Ceilings by the merchant, Minster On-line.The site agent for Nottingham Suspended Ceilings, Mark Prescott, commented: “Our company carries out commercial contracts right across the East Midlands and beyond, where we have made use of Firefly barriers on a large number of past projects. Although you have to be a competent contractor and follow the manufacturer’s guidance precisely, we find the ZEUS Lite™ and other products in the FIREFLY™ range straightforward to install. In the case of the warehouse here, we have now completed the installation of the fire barriers up to roof level in dozens of locations across the building; as well as installing all of the suspended ceilings throughout.”FIREFLY™ ZEUS Lite™ is ideally suited to this type of application, comprising a flexible woven fabric fire barrier that has been specifically developed for the vertical separation and compartmentation of extensive concealed spaces within buildings.By offering 90 minutes integrity and 30 minutes insulation, FIREFLY™ ZEUS Lite™ 90:30 exceeds the minimum requirements regarding fire barriers under the Building Regulations’ Approved Document B (Fire Safety). The specially treated glass fibre fabric is strong and resilient as well as flexible while, crucially, the system’s certification covers the inclusion of service penetrations; which many alternative products do not.

Architect: Henning Larson - CopenhagenContractor: SKANSKA - SwedenThe ProjectESS / European Spallation Source, located in Lund, Sweden, is a joint European research facility to which 13 member countries contribute technical equipment, expertise and funding. Researchers worldwide will be able to study materials in detail allowing them to investigate solutions for some of the world’s most complex challenges in material research, renewable energy, biomedicine and pharmaceutical pursuits. The facility is expected to open for research in 2023.Not only will ESS become a world-leading research facility, it will also be one of the most sustainable and energy smart research infrastructures.The ESS energy concept is based on three pillars: the facility will be very energy efficient and will use as little energy as possible, all energy will come from renewable energy sources and the waste heat will be recycled.Inpro® Products UsedFireline® 140 Fire BarrierSeries 114 Drywall Wall and Ceiling Interior SystemSeries 651 Surface Mount Exterior SystemSeries 672 Bellows Roof Exterior SystemSeries 995 Fire-rated FoamWhy did Skanska decide to work with Inpro?The project started 2 years ago with a single request for information from Henning Larsen Architects – Copenhagen. In 2019 Inpro were asked by Skanska to tender for an expansion joint product line addressing the exterior cladding of this unique facility. At that time, several other manufacturing companies were being considered for the wide ranging scope of movement joints required. However after in depth interviews, only Inpro was able to offer all the complex joint solutions required in one primary supplier.Detailed Sustainability product information was submitted and verified by third parties.Complicated Shop Drawings and take-offs of the massive 6-building involved depicting multiple complicated transitions between varying substrates, differing products and a range of geometries for the custom-made solutions.Demonstrated our ability to overcome complex technical and field-related problems.Were involved with hours of online meetings with the main stakeholders- Skanska technical teams, the Architectural team and the Installing Contractor in a collaborative approach to implement best practice and minimize risk.This was an Inpro team project including Senior Product Management, Sustainability team, estimation and commercial management who all played an important part to land this iconic development with SKANSKA.

Paultons Park expands with new Dinosaur-Themed Adventure ParkAs part of an expansion project, Paultons Park located in The New Forest, Hampshire, added a new dinosaur-themed adventure park called ‘Lost Kingdom’.The development includes two world-class roller coasters, Jurassic-themed family rides, and adventure play parks and playgrounds.IAE Fencing was approached by the development contractor to supply decorative railings around the playgrounds and along the roller coaster and family rides queueing paths to increase safety and manage the visitor foot traffic.IAE Playspec Playground FencingAround the playgrounds, IAE recommended IAE Playspec Playground Fencing. This is a BS EN 1176 Playground Equipment and RoSPA compliant metal railing system designed to clearly demarcate play areas, and be safe for children. It has no pointy edges or trap or pinch points, to minimise the chase of injury.Access to the play areas was provided by IAE’s Prosafe Playground Gate. This is a speed controlled self closing unit complying with the same safety specifications as the Playspec Playground Fence.To complete the look the railing was colour-matched to the theme of the park, as shown in the images above.IAE Blore Ball Top RailingsFor the railing along the roller coaster ride paths, the contractor chose IAE Blore Ball Top Railings. This system provided an elegant solution to managing the queues and keeping park visitors away from potentially hazardous areas under the roller coasters. It was finished off with an eye-catching alternating colour finish.IAE Duex Edge ProtectionA section of IAE Duex Edge Protection was also supplied to guard against a steep drop falling away from a path that ran alongside a visitor area. This system has been load tested up to 1.5kN/m and specified as suitably robust for the application, providing the necessary safety factor, without being too intrusive on the overall look of the park.Specifying IAE’s Playspec Fencing, Blore Railing, and Duex Edge ProtectionIAE's Playspec Playground Fencing, Blore Ball Top Railings, and Duex Edge Protection are all popular systems installed on hundreds of sites across the country and can be specified with confidence. For further details on the systems and to specify them on your project, check out the featured products sections below, or contact IAE Fencing Division directly.

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. 

A community space in the heart of central London has been completely transformed and by 6a architects. The new building, incorporating an old basement gymnasium, is home to Holborn Community Association, has a 100-year history which has been sensitively referenced in artwork created by artist Caragh Thuring on the façade of the building. What was solely an old basement gymnasium has been rebuilt as a light-filled, naturally ventilated, low energy space, extending upwards with two new public-facing floors. 6a architects specified Junckers solid Oak Harmony Driftwood Grey two-strip flooring, a pale shade of grey. Suitable for multi-purpose use, the sprung floor fitted in the gym as well as in the club rooms, will enable the community centre to maximise earnings through hires, being able to offer a safe space for everything from various sports to arts and social events. Said Stephanie Macdonald of 6a architects: “The floor looks fantastic and really unusual, a beautiful warmth of timber and colour for the gym and the clubrooms which is going to allow them to be used equally well for hires and events - a really beautiful set of spaces for community use”. Throughout the building, an emphasis on pale, light-reflecting colours and materials minimises reliance on artificial lighting. The light-coloured Junckers Driftwood Grey Oak provides the centre with a durable floor which helps maximise natural light levels. It can be sanded and refinished up to ten times without loss of performance and will serve the centre well for 60 years plus. Junckers floors carry the Danish Indoor Climate Label, which is recognised by BREEAM. Having undergone extensive degassing and odour testing to ensure there are no harmful chemicals, a Junckers floor will help maintain a healthy indoor climate. Stirling Prize nominated 6a architects worked closely with Thuring whose artwork features throughout the architecture. For the etched glass façade which runs the width and height of the building Thuring drew on stories from the community and local area which are inscribed onto the glass alongside irregular mortar lines of the original brickwork. For the gymnasium, Thuring created a bespoke woven fabric, echoing the brickwork motif of the façade, which lines the acoustics panels on the upper walls. The flooring contractor was Junckers Approved Contractor Hutchison Flooring. 

Stopgap 600 Base deep section base compound and Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS adhesive were amongst products from F. Ball used to install floorcoverings in the new premises of the Echt franchise of the Dutch home deco retailer Decorette.Work was undertaken by Decorette Woonatelier Schuyt in Vught, as part of an arrangement that will in turn see Decorette Woonatelier Echt install floorcoverings at the Vught location when it is refurbished later in the year.After installers began by removing old ceramic tiles and mechanically preparing the subfloor to remove adhesive residues, floor levels needed to be raised by 11mm.To do this, flooring contractors applied Stopgap 600 Base deep section compound at a thickness of 7mm. The product is suitable for applications at thicknesses between 5–50mm prior to being capped with a suitable F. Ball smoothing compound. Its fast-drying properties meant that this could take place just three hours later, allowing flooring contractors to return the next day to install floorcoverings.Pressure sensitive adhesives from F. Ball were then used to install PVC planks in a herringbone formation in the 200m2 area. Floorcoverings were adhered using Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS temperature tolerant adhesive in the areas near the showroom’s floor-to-ceiling windows, which had the potential to cause solar gain and, consequently, extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations – this can cause floorcoverings to expand and contract significantly, leading to unsightly tenting and gapping at the edge of vinyl floorcoverings over time. Styccobond F46 was used to install vinyl planks in other areas. The pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive provides a high bond strength that increases as it is trafficked, as well as strong initial tack, to reduce the likelihood of tiles or planks moving around while working.Raymond Schuijt, franchise owner and installer at Decorette Schuyt, said: “We love using F. Ball adhesives and smoothing underlayments as they are top quality and very easy to work with. The range is well thought out and contains solutions for every situation you can imagine. I can always count on their technical support if I have any queries too. They’re only ever a phone call away and will gladly undertake site assessments to advise on the required subfloor preparation and floorcovering installation processes.”

Belvedere CourtBauder Hot Melt structural waterproofing systemSynopsisThe impressive Belvedere Court 4-storey building, which was converted from a hotel into 16 prestigious residential apartments in 2008, recently underwent further development including extensions for additional accommodation, basement housing, a communal swimming pool, a theatre and an underground car park.As part of the refurbishment of the site, the failing waterproofing of the green roof on the car park roof deck needed to be removed and replaced. Bauder approved contractor, The Complete Roofing Company (TCRC), initially proceeded to remove the existing pathways and landscaping before removing the failed system and providing remedial repairs to the damaged roof.Bauder Building BoardProject:Belvedere Court​Location:Sidmouth, Devon​Roof Area:1,316m²​Specifier:The Complete Roofing Company LtdApproved Contractor:The Complete Roofing Company LtdEnvironmental Focus:Intensive green roofThe specificationWith the car park roof also being used as a recreational green roof for the residents of Belvedere Court, the Bauder Hot Melt Intensive Green Roof System was an obvious choice. The Bauder Hot Melt Bakor 790-11 EV with Polyester reinforcement creates a resistant monolithic waterproofing membrane whilst the Bauder AP2 root barrier provides resistance to the system allowing for a green roof to be installed above. As stated by BBA certificate 06/4350, this system provides a durable waterproofing solution for the service life of the structure that it is incorporated in. The resultOn completion of the waterproofing elements the roof was leak tested to ensure the roof’s integrity. The TCRC then installed the Bauder green roof components; PE foil, FSM600 protection membrane, DSE40 drainage layer, filter fleece and over 300 tonnes of Bauder intensive substrate. Finally, Rowland Gold turf was then installed with a drip line irrigation system installed under the turf. Upon final assessment, this project met the criteria to be issued a 20 year product and workmanship guarantee.System Installed1 BauderPLANT E 42Torch-on root-resistant, green capping sheet. Reinforced with spunbond polyester fleece to allow the finished product to cope with structural movement without fracture.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.

Overview Cladding on a student accommodation block needed replacing to comply with current standard and regulations. Our powder coating finishes passed stringent tests.Location: Bournemouth      Sector: Education/Residential.   Client: Metalline.  Specification: C4M Urban, A2,s1-d0  Main Contractor: Starfish   Area coated: 6000sq m.The RequirementExisting cladding on a student accommodation block at Bournemouth University International College needed replacing to comply with current standards and regulations, key amongst which is the ‘Reaction to Fire’ rating, A2, s1-d0. Also important was the need to impact futureproofing of the building by improving the building façade lifespan in its exposed coastal site, close to the Bournemouth seafront.The designers proposed a robust replacement system, which, on completion, would exceed current high-rise cladding legislation. More detail on this project can be found on the Starfish website HERE.The Powdertech Solution‘Peat Fire’, a finish from our Rust collection, a Powdertech Wood Finish shade and a RAL shade were selected by the client to be used across the building façade. These were applied as marine grade with great attention paid to metal protection pre-treatment.The building owners insisted on complete and independent fire testing of all the chosen products for the cladding. A fire barrier system was set up in Belfast under a BS 8414 testing criteria, to be conducted before acceptance of the proposed design and fixing solution. The three Powdertech finishes selected by the client were all pre-tested on the Metalline aluminium cladding and final inspection readings demonstrated full compliance. Meeting with the main contractor, Starfish, and Metalline ensured a good level of understanding and communication throughout the project.Read more on our powder coating and reaction to fire regulations HERE Why Powdertech?We offer a wide range of unique finishes; those chosen here provided the popular ‘aged and weathered’ look.All finishes are rated A2, s1-d0 for reaction to fire.Our finishes offerExcellent corrosion protection and weather resistanceHigh level of colour and gloss retention and high performance abrasion resistanceFinishes conform to BS EN 12206-1 and Qualicoat specificationsA 25-year warranty was provided for all three finishes used in this project with an expected 40-year lifespan.

Unit 25 Cambridge Science Park is a state of the art facility providing laboratories and office space for Bio tech and Med Tech companies. This BREEAM Good facility was built by SDC and features an external façade of glass, metallic panels and fins for solar shading. At each corner of the building a chamfered picture frame feature of curtain walling and panels, adds to the modern design. Metalline who manufacture a range of architectural fabrications worked closely with MTW Architectural the specialist façade contractor to ensure that all materials were delivered on time and to exact specification. They supplied in excess of 1000m2 of A2 Ultima insulated panels, Unity interlocking rainscreen panels, interlocking soffits, copings, pressings and cills for the project.The picture frame finish to the corners of the building were finished in a slate grey polyester powder coating. The horizontal rainscreen panels used to break up the expanse of glass shown on the front of the building were finished in tiger drylac 068/70764 PPC This finish mimics an anodised finish and features on all four sides of the building 

The new HMRC regional hub at the Arena Central complex in Birmingham has provided over 240,000 sqft of grade A commercial space over its ground and 13 upper floors. The building features an external envelope of geometric glass and aluminium facades that create an iconic feature to this area of central Birmingham. Working closely with the façade contractor NACWL, specialist architectural metal fabricator Metalline have manufactured and supplied over 9000 m2 of aluminium Unity Rainscreen Panels from their recently extended facility in Cannock. Delivery which commenced in September was completed within 10 weeks. The specification also included over 5000 m2 of Ultima Insulated Spandrel panels along with soffits, column casings and transition panels. The detailed design of the building’s façade demanded a uniformity of colours which was achieved using a single ingot of J57S Up aluminium. The Ultima Insulated Spandrel Panels were finished in a black polyester powder coating. The individual Unity rainscreen panels were supplied in a two – tone specialist 1934 and 1953 Unatex silver anodised finish.

Working in close co-operation with the building envelope and façade contractor Colorminium, Metalline have produced a range of bespoke 3D twisted fins that will when complete take centre stage on the exterior of the redeveloped Minories Hotel in the City of London. This stunning feature was the brainchild of ACME architects who in collaboration with The Murphy Façade studio have designed a series of full storey aluminium fins that clad the existing precast frame and create a bridge between that and the unitised glazing. Fabricated offsite at Metalline’s state of the art manufacturing facility in Cannock, these 42 metre height fins were produced in 3.5 metre lengths with a depth of over 800mm. Manufactured in 2 parts, each element was assembled using a combination of aluminium stud welding and bonding techniques developed by Metalline. The fins were then fitted to the glazed panels using an aluminium bracket support system to ensure structural integrity. Finished in dark and light bronze PPC to mimic an anodised effect, the fins will create shading for the hotel’s occupants as well as an iconic architectural vista for this stand out landmark project.

Located within the epicentre of central London, Sixty London Wall delivers high quality Grade A office accommodation combined with superior retail opportunities, all housed within a visually striking contemporary development that stands apart from neighbouring buildings.Delivering 325,000 sq. ft of premium office space over 10 floors, the extensively renovated property offers collaborative working areas, bolstered by first class end of journey facilities for commuters, including 380 cycle spaces and lockers and 38 showers and changing rooms.As part of the construction process, almost 500 Profab Access high quality riser doors and access panels have been installed throughout the entire building by specialist carpentry, joinery and fit-out contractors, JJ Sweeney.Specified in a range of sizes and configurations for installation throughout the communal areas and washrooms on every floor, Profab Access’ robust and resilient INTEGRA 4000 Series and VISION 8000 Series fire-rated Riser Doors provide concealed access to mechanical and electrical services.

A fine cooperation from our clients - the floor screed specialists at B Doherty Screeding Ltd | Mobile Screed Factory along with baseTherm® Ltd Liquid Floor InsulationProjectDCU Polaris Building | School of Health & Human PerformanceMain ContractorWalls & McKeown Joint Venture Floor Screed PackageB. Doherty Screeding & baseTherm® Joint VentureVoid Former500 m³ baseTherm® 200, supplied and installed by baseTherm®Floor Screed3,500 m² Rapidur® EB5 Floor Screed by ourselves B. Doherty Screeding LtdContact your professional baseTherm® team for efficient, fuss-free, floor insulation results: 🔥📞Philip +353 (0) 87 333 0683📞Eddie +353 (0) 87 223 2456📩 sales@basetherm.comFor stunning floor screed results give B Doherty Floor Screed a call:📞 +353 (0)74 9383654📱 +353 (0)86 6031230📧 info@bdohertyscreeding.com

The Audley Stanbridge Earls retirement village is an exclusive residential development of 155 luxury retirement apartments and cottages designed around a Grade II listed Tudor Manor house on a 32 acre site near Romsey, in Hampshire. Underfloor Heating had been specified as part of the design and the large floor areas now needed to be finished with floor screed that could be installed quickly and efficiently within the operating windows provided by the main contractor.TOPFLOW Screed A Thermio + offers a higher thermal conductivity than conventional sand-cement screeds, can be laid thinner and fully encapsulates heating pipes without leaving any voids. This makes it ideal for use with underfloor heating systems where it helps to improve the thermal performance and energy efficiency of buildings. All TOPFLOW Screed A products are made from gypsum and are completely cement free, with a binder made from 98% recycled material. This gives it a lower carbon footprint than a conventional cement-based screeds, saving up to 20.45kg CO2e per m2, making it a more sustainable choice.

FOAMGLAS® READY BOARD T4+Design Architects: Kohn, Pedersen, Fox Associates – KPF London, Marcus BlanesMain contractor: SkansaConstruction: 2011Application: Compact Roof - FOAMGLAS® Ready Board T4+Finish: Umicore VM ZincThe roof level 41 of the Heron Tower (with a height of 120m) is designed to the most exacting standards for sustainability and efficiency.The building received the BREEAM rating of 'Excellent', with FOAMGLAS® thermal insulation being part of a green and energy efficient building. The roof is composed with FOAMGLAS® READY BOARD insulation and Umicore VM Zinc roofing as a durable finish.FOAMGLAS® insulation has the ability to withstand high structural loads and has developed a special fixing system for metal roofing.Square metal fixing plates are inserted into the upper surface of the insulation and covered with a waterproofing and a separation sheet.This is the perfect system to fully support metal standing seam roofing which is screwed to the metal plates without thermal bridging between the metal roof sheet and the building structure.

The historic Aberdeen Music Hall has been restored and redeveloped by Architects BDP. The Category A listed concert hall has been completely refurbished and now includes a performance studio, creative learning space and a café/bar. Nearly 1,500m2 of Junckers solid Nordic Beech Classic flooring has been fitted as part of the transformation, including in the impressive 1,300 seat auditorium, which now has step-free access to all levels. Nordic Beech with its white pigmented finish offers a light and bright backdrop to the interior and makes the most of the architects’ new architectural lighting by reflecting an abundance of light. By specifying the same floor for much of the building, the various spaces are seamlessly connected by a unifying element. At 140mm wide, Junckers’ signature wide board, long-length floor boards really come into their own in the open spaces and circulation routes, offering a clean and elegant look. Solid beech is amongst the most hard-wearing timbers used for flooring and Junckers’ pre-finished floors are well-known for their durability. The flooring contractor was West End Flooring. 

Apex Heritage Cast Iron rainwater system from leading specialist Alumasc was commissioned as part of the £800 million extension and restoration of St Pancras International, London.The extension and interior of the station comprised all the modern facilities expected in Britain’s most advanced station, however, work on the oldest Grade 1 listed part of the station called for the faithful and painstaking restoration of the gothic red brick façade, to retain the original detail of George Gilbert Scott’s design.Existing rainwater systems, despite being almost 150 years old, were still in use. As part of the redevelopment project English Heritage insisted that any new rainwater details must faithfully reproduce the original patterns of the Victorian rainwater goods used when the station was first built. Alumasc worked closely with the main contractors to produce bespoke moulds, creating cast iron replicas of all the existing pipes and hoppers to take away rainwater from the vast single span roof, which is still the largest of its type in the world.

A Gloucestershire based independent care provider has recently completed a 46 bed extension on their care home for clients with dementia and nursing care requirements. Having worked with the contractor on a similar project, Astor Bannerman were recommended to the company to supply ceiling track hoists in an effort to future proof the needs of the home. With floor space at a premium, the company wanted to move away from the traditional style mobile hoists, which need to be stored away when not in use. Also, as using a ceiling hoist system normally only requires one carer to operate, this enables the company to adapt to the possible implications of Brexit on staffing levels.During the installation, we successfully added an XY (H-frame) hoist system into 3 assisted bathrooms and added 3m straight track OT200 hoists in 6 bedrooms allowing simple transfer in an out of bed.Fixings were also installed during the main build in the remaining 40 bedrooms, enabling the care provider to retrofit track and hoists as and when they require them at any point in the future.

Canal Architectural were approached to design, manufacture and install a luxury feature staircase for Gresham Street. A leading workspace design company collaborated with the Technical Sales Team to engineer a four flight staircase for the atrium of the building.The 50,000 sq ft of commercial space in the heart of London was developed to connect its employees and working spaces together. The mild steel structure featured oak timber box treads, painted stringers, bronze metallic balustrade and a wrapped brown leather handrail. The entire development was transformed into a contemporary co-working area for a modern and innovative space for the specialist investment firm.The Canal site team worked closely with the contractor throughout the entire installation process to ensure smooth delivery in line with current building regulations. Canal Architectural are proud to have a long-standing collaborative relationship with leading design and build firm. Canal has worked directly with the workspace design company to engineer exquisite architectural metalwork designs for some of the UK’s most prestigious projects over the years including Gresham Street.

Valentines house, an 11,000m2 building in Ilford. Originally a commercial office block, it’s position adjacent to both Crossrail and TFL red routes meant it was a prime candidate for conversion to desirable one and two bedroom apartments.The refurbishment works consisted of extending 4 stories including structural strengthening and new envelope to incorporate full fit-out of 122 residential units and 3 retail areas.As part of the conversion, main contractor John Paul Construction, required the expert installation of around 10,000 m2 of acoustic flooring to achieve Approved Document E Building regulations. As part of the acoustic flooring package, Soundis value engineering option of Soundis 10mm Acoustic Cradles, Base Pads, Riser Stackers and 18mm P5 T&G chipboard was selected. Our Cradle and Risers are manufactured from 100% recycled materials assisting to the sustainability targets of projects. An acoustic cradle and batten system was chosen, to level out floor imperfections and to minimise impact noise from passing footfall. Airborne wasn’t so much of a concern in this build due to the high mass concrete subfloor.

A £5m renovation scheme in Warrington has been presented with the “Best Change of Use to Existing Building” regional award by LABC (Local Authority Building Control) and Warrington Borough Council.The scheme required the conversion of a former office building, Kings Court, in Central Warrington, into 32 luxury flats, comprising of a mix of one and two bedroom apartments, arranged over three floors of accommodation. These flats are situated above retail units and restaurants. The renovation included a further two exclusive duplex penthouses for Phase 2.As part of the renovation, Main Contractor Emerald Bay Construction required an acoustic flooring solution to meet Approved Document ‘E’ Building Regulations and therefore provide overall resident comfort, in terms of Sound Insulation between separating floors. As the building structural floor was primarily concrete, Soundis put forward a solution that involved 2,072 m2 of Soundis ChipPanel 28 to help with Impact Noise. This shallow deck floating floor is ideal for concrete floors where Airborne Noise is not an issue but Impact Noise Attenuation needs to exceed the requirements of current Building Regulations.

Work was undertaken at Ringside House in order to convert the building from offices into 46 luxury one and two bedroom apartments.Acoustics are vital for maintaining comfort in private residences, particularly in multi-level apartment buildings with numerous occupants, due to the noise being passed between floors and walls.Soundis along with our installation partner UK Acoustic Systems were brought in by the main contractor PDR Construction to provide 2,862m2 of acoustic flooring. After site visits, we agreed to use one of our Soundis Cradle & Batten Systems, as this system provides excellent impact and airborne noise reduction capabilities, can be used to level out uneven floors, creates an underfloor void for utilities such as piping/ wiring and even underfloor heating. Our Cradle and Risers are manufactured from 100% recycled materials assisting to the sustainability targets of projects. After the project completion, we successfully achieved our goal of providing an excellent flooring solution, which could create a peaceful environment and improve the acoustics within the building, helping add value to the luxury apartments.

McMillan House is a first class development providing luxury rental apartments to young professions in the local area of KT4. Built in 1950 it had been used as an office building for over 50 years. Now delicately restored, McMillan House will provide 46 luxury 1, 2 and 3 bedroom rental apartments upgraded to the highest standards.After the main contractor won the project, we were requested to propose an acoustic solution that would comply with Building Regulations. As part of this 2,115m2 luxury conversion, the Soundis dryscreed board with a resilient layer of wood fibre was selected, this is a high quality, interlocking dry floor screed system using gypsum fibreboard technology.This system, was selected due to its high thermal conductivity allowing for the use of the proposed underfloor heating systems throughout the flats, but also for its main purpose of Meeting Regulations, where it’s incorporated Wood Fibre Resilient Layer effectively reduces impact sound transmission from footfall. As traffic can be taken immediately once the glue had hardened, on the low installation thickness acoustic board.

A private landowner wanted to develop a large multi-purpose agricultural facility for both arable and potential livestock use at their farm in Leicestershire. Part of the requirement was external surfacing, which would need to be hard wearing and deliver long lasting durability in this demanding environment, including regular use by heavy agricultural vehicles. After discussions with the contractor, the solution proposed was Tarmac’s TOPFORCE fibre reinforced concrete with a combination of synthetic macro and micro fibres. TOPFORCE is a fibre reinforced, high performance concrete, that eliminates the need for some traditional reinforcement. Quicker and easier to place than traditional steel mesh reinforced concrete, TOPFORCE concrete offers excellent long-term durability and performance. This makes it ideal for heavy duty flooring or hardstanding applications. This solution would deliver a saving in both labour and material costs and avoid the budget impact of the rising cost of steel. As well as improving the durability off the finished concrete, the use of macro fibres would also improve sustainability significantly by reducing embodied carbon compared to traditional steel reinforcement. 

Walsall Council is undertaking a major redevelopment plan to re-imagine parts of the town. Gallery Square, the home of the area’s brand new art gallery, is the first space to be updated under the plans. WoodBlocX Landscaping was commissioned by Acadis UK to supply the street furniture for this part of the project.Gallery Square is a large open space, the designers have used colour in the form of a series of large squares, of differing sizes, painted on the floor to create interest from the ground up. The design and layout of street furniture aims to provide plenty of space within the square for visitors to the gallery and the wider public to use, it also allows for adequate social distancing as and when required.For this project we took the proposed design and recreated it using our versatile modular system. Our team is able to take the technical detail from drawings and create full and detailed design proposals using our bespoke software. Once the plans were finalised, we supplied a series of large seating solutions that were installed by the contractors in March 2021.

This breathtaking development is characterised by three statement residential buildings and a brand new public realm offering 170,000 sq. ft. of quality retail, dining, lifestyle and leisure options, including luxury health club and a cinema. The principal building is an internal conversion of a magnificent Edwardian masterpiece with the façade and entire external structure retained and refurbished, whilst another hybrid building preserves the Edwardian exterior structure at ground level with new-build framing on upper levels. Completely the Square is an all-new contemporary design, which is anticipated to become one of Islington’s most iconic buildings.CZWG Architects have taken the former Royal Mail sorting office under its wing and presented a forward-thinking vision of London living rarely attained in modern designs.EH Smith worked with CZWG to select and supply the bold mauve coloured rainscreen from our Partners Agrob Buchtal and worked with the specialist cladding contractors, Openwood and Commercial Roofing, to provide the bespoke engineered support system with our partners Systea.

US aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, officially opened its first European manufacturing site in Sheffield in 2020. The £40m plant, covers 6,200m² and is responsible for making actuation system components for the 737 and 767 aircraft from raw materials sourced in the UK.The site, designed by D5 architects and installed by the main contractor J F Finnegan, followed the brief of functional adaptability, employee wellbeing and sustainability.Marshalls’ hard landscaping products were used for the forecourt, pathways and surrounding carpark to the building. Modal in Textured Mid Grey Granite paved around the entranceway and paths, while Modal Priora in Anthracite was used in some detailed areas. For the car parking spaces, Keyblok Priora in Natural was used alongside Charcoal to help define parking spaces and illustrate car charging and disabled bays.The use of Priora permeable paving supports the sustainable drainage for this project, the patented nib on the edge of the blocks creates voids through which water falls into a specially prepared sub-base, making this project free of surface water for years to come.

The Friedrichscarrée is a modern office and retail complex in the center of Stuttgart.Named after the former king of Württemberg, Friedrich I., it is characterised by its modern architecture and glass front. In addition to numerous companies, it now also hosts retail, catering businesses and event spaces. The good access to public transportation and the close proximity to restaurants and cultural institutions, make Friedrichscarrée an attractive location for businesses and visitors.As the general contractor for the expansion, Lindner carried out an extensive interior construction - ranging from drywall work to floor systems and wall cladding. In addition to high-quality floor coverings and also partly automated partition walls, the special construction of the hollow floor FLOOR and more® for the pedestal in the barista bar was a central element of the revitalisation. Lindner hallway ceilings LMD, heating and cooling ceilings and acoustic sails were also installed to optimise room acoustics.Furthermore, GiB mbH supported Lindner in upgrading the existing fire protection. The entire conversion was carried out during ongoing business, which required precisescheduling of noise-intensive work.

Recticel Insulation’s innovative insulation board - Eurowall +, which has a tongue and groove joints on all four sides to ensure an airtight fit and improved thermal performance, was selected for a desirable new housing scheme built beside one of England’s eminent waterways.The Magenta Court development in Apsley, Hemel Hempstead is a multi-award nominated social housing project on behalf of Dacorum Borough Council. The £6.5m scheme, which stands alongside the famous Grand Union Canal, comprises 29 one-and-two bedroom flats within four blocks. The buildings’ design was inspired by the surrounding wharf architecture present in a nearby listed cottage, papermill and Apsley Lock.Being delivered by main contractor Jarvis Contracting, working with architects RG+P, key to the programme’s success was achieving an energy-efficient building fabric. This led to the specification of Eurowall®+, a high-performance PIR solution from Recticel.This flagship product helps to achieve a 0.18 U-value with a 90mm-thick panel in a 100mm cavity. The lightweight, easy-to-handle board features a tongue-and-groove joint on its four sides, allowing it to be used as full-fill cavity wall insulation with a 10mm clear cavity. The additional space makes for a rapid, more convenient fit for bricklayers when it comes to installation.Simon Blackham, Technical Manager at Recticel explained:This was a tremendous project to be involved with. It’s a superb housing scheme in a great location. With the buildings’ overall thermal efficiency among the priorities, it’s the type of project Eurowall®+ was created for. Further, it enhanced the programme’s sustainable credentials by reducing on-site labour times, thanks to the additional space it affords installers.Eurowall®+ is an exemplar of how high-performance materials can maximise a home’s thermal performance through a fabric-first approach. Its selection for the Magenta Court development was crucial to the creation of a number of desirable, energy-efficient affordable homes, whilst playing a part in ensuring the contractor remained on track to complete the project to the agreed timeframe. About Eurowall®+:Eurowall® + is a premium, high performance full fill insulation board with precision cut tongue and groove joints on all four sides. This ensures that the boards lock tightly together minimising heat loss through thermal bridging. This unique joint offers increased protection against wind driven rain as well as improved windtightness. Eurowall® + is also designed with a 10mm cavity requirement in mind, so that space can be left for conventional bricklaying techniques.

DescriptionSmet Supported Partner, B Team Shopfitters machine applied the LIDL External Render System onto Poroton blocks externally using as Base Coat: Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement Render and as Finish Coat; Mineral Finish Coat K.  As Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block or mass concrete and insulated plinths: Bauprotec RHS Multi-Purpose Render with the addition of Bauprotec SLP for plinths.The Internal Render System specification onto Poroton blockwork consists of a base of Coat: Bauprotec 850 M, Lightweight Lime Cement Render, sponge floated in warehouse areas, and skim finished in sales areas. Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block: Bauprotec RHS is used.The LIDL render spec, available from SMET consists of:Bauprotec 850 M is a factory-produced Lightweight Lime Cement Render, specially designed for machine or hand application produced to EN 998-1: 2010 and is CE Marked.Bauprotec RHS is a CE Marked, factory-produced highly polymer-modified render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.Mineral Finish Coat – K is a CE marked, factory-produced mineral-based, high-quality finish-coat render, specially designed for hand and machine application to EN 998-1, 2010.Bauprotec SLP is a CE Marked, factory-produced Lightweight Sand & Cement Render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.The special render properties; lightweight, low thermal conductivity, high yield, and Smet Supported Partner superior technical backup, are key factors in choosing SMET. SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.  If you’d like to speak to us about your Lidl job – contact SMET.All LIDL spec SMET Render System products are available directly from Smet Building Products Ltd, which ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical backup in the machine application of the LIDL specification.Related DownloadsTDS CASEA Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement RenderTDS CASEA Bauprotec RHS – Multi-Purpose RenderTDS CASEA Bauprotec SLP Tanking and Plinth RenderTDS CASEA Mineral Finish Coat – KSMET Render and Plaster Product Selector

Hospital Specifies TITAN Lite™ 120:60 From FIREFLY™An 18-month contract being carried out by a leading UK fire contractor has involved installing large quantities of the TITAN Lite™ 120:60, manufactured by TBA FIREFLY™, to create fire barriers above ceiling voids throughout many parts of the hospital.The hospital has 660 beds and provides medical and surgical care to a third of a million people with the building dating back to before the beginning of the Second World War. The refurbishment work, concluded at the end of November 2021, was being carried out by Plymouth based Ventro Ltd. whose operatives have had to work in many areas during the evenings and weekends in order to avoid disruption to the hospital’s everyday activities, including the treatment of patients.Following early appraisals of the fire protection requirements within the ageing property and taking into account the large quantities of different mechanical services to be accommodated into the upgrades, the hospital’s estates department decided to raise the specification for the work from 30 minutes integrity rating to a full two hours. The Site Agent for Ventro, John Roberts, commented: “As a specialist fire contractor working across the whole of the UK and beyond, we have employed FIREFLY™ products on many projects over the years and expect to continue doing so. In the early stages of this contract, which began on site in May 2020, it was thought APOLLO Lite™ 30 minutes would be appropriate, but the hospital then switched this to TITAN Lite™ 120:60. We have been installing the TITAN Lite™ in many parts of the hospital, including most recently in the ceiling voids over the kitchens. This has been done by fixing metal angles across the soffits and then using the special tape and staples to secure the fabric to it. Despite the large number of services making the number of penetrations to be deal with quite challenging, our teams find the FIREFLY™ relatively easy to install.”FIREFLY™ TITAN Lite™ 120:60 has been developed as a flexible fire barrier to provide compartmentation of larger concealed spaces within different types of buildings including factories, warehouses and railway stations.By offering 120 minutes integrity and 60 minutes insulation, TITAN Lite™ 120:60 exceeds the minimum requirements relating to Fire Barriers as detailed in the UK Building Regulations: Approved Document B (Fire Safety). Firefly is manufactured using specially treated woven glass fibre fabrics. 

The creation of an ultra-modern Teaching Building as a new core to a long established school in Oxfordshire, has included the installation of custom designed and manufactured stainless steel sinks, worktops and splashbacks and other units from GEC Anderson for several of the different technical spaces.The Tudor Hall School, originally founded in 1850 by the Rev TW and Mrs Todd at a site in Salisbury, has been at its present location at Wykham Park in Banbury since World War II, while the past decade has seen some £15 million invested in ensuring the Independent Girls Boarding and Day School offers the best possible facilities.The Birmingham office of ADP Architects has been responsible for the design work on this latest project, while Clegg Construction Ltd of Nottingham was the main contractor carrying out the work. Acting as a specialist sub-contractor, GEC Anderson conducted site visits and liaised with the project team in order to ensure its custom fabrications met the schools’ health & safety as well as technical and teaching requirements. The manufacturer also worked closely with Tudor Hall’s Bursar, Neil Farquhar to ensure its site installation visits in no way interfered with the academic activities as lessons continued throughout normal term time. One of the architects involved with the project from early on commented: “The GEC Anderson sinks, work-surfaces and other fabrications were specified for the Food Technology Area as well as units for the Ceramics and Textiles rooms. The new centre opened on schedule last Easter in time for the start of the 2018 summer term and everyone involved has been pleased with the results.”A spokesperson for Tudor Hall added: “The new Teaching Centre is the largest and most ambitious addition to Tudor Hall facilities to date and sits at the heart of the school site. Designed to provide teaching spaces for the core subjects of Mathematics and English and specialist classrooms for the creative arts, the Teaching Centre transforms the teaching provision which Tudor Hall offers and we are delighted to have it operative, and we are already witnessing its impact.” Since its formation in 1962, GEC Anderson has built its reputation for the supply of top end stainless steel sinks and sanitaryware on a combination of innovative design, top quality materials and expert craftsmanship. In addition to the company’s Decimetric system of cabinets, sinks, drainers and other equipment - widely specified for sectors including health and catering – it is able to create custom engineered solutions to exactly fit any space or specification.

Byker WallBauder Total Roof System (BTRS)SynopsisAs part of the £26 million refurbishment of this Grade II listed residential estate, which features a continuous block of over 600 properties, work was performed to not only repair the existing roof but to bring Byker Wall to the forefront of modernday roofing technology with the installation of a state-of-the-art photovoltaic system.Bauder Building BoardProject:Byker WallLocation:Newcastle upon TyneRoof Area:4,500m²Specifier:Your Homes NewcastleMain Contractor:KeepmoatApproved Contractor:Hodgson SayersProducts appliedBauder Total Roof SystemAn integrated bituminous system with a life expectancy in excess of 40 years as stated in BBA cert,BauderSOLARPhotovoltaic system was installed with 132 PV modules being fitted.The resultBefore replacing the existing waterproofing the team needed to convert the pitched metal roof back to its original flat roof status by removing the profiled metal sheets and timber framework. Subsequently, Hodgson Sayers then installed 4,500m² of Bauder’s top quality reinforced bitumen system, which included a highly efficient 120 mm PIR insulation. Four of the ten housing blocks were fitted with 132 PV Modules, enabling Byker Wall to generate at least 39.6 Megawatt Hours of solar power each year. All work was completed on time and to budget in December 2015, much to the delight of all project stakeholders.System installedBauder Total Roof System (BTRS)1 Bauder K5KA heavy duty, torch-applied SBS elastomeric bitumen capping sheet, featuring a spunbond polyester reinforcement to allow the finished product to cope with structural movement without fracture. The mineral finish provides protection against UV degradation.2 BauderTEC KSA DUO 35A technically advanced self-adhesive SBS elastomeric bitumen underlayer with “DUO” lap technology to ensure thorough sealing of lap joints, even in lower temperatures.3 BauderPIR FA-TEAn efficient PIR insulation board with aluminium foil facing on both sides. The top facing features a printed grid pattern to aid site cutting. It is lightweight and has zero ozone depletion potential.4 BauderTEC KSD FBSA self-adhesive SBS elastomeric bitumen air & vapour control layer, with a mica finish.AdvocacyKevin Scott, Property Services Manager at Your Homes Newcastle:“Byker Wall is an exceptional example of how modern roofing can revive a historical landmark. Bauder and Hodgson Sayers delivered a roofing solution of the highest quality giving us total confidence in the future performance of the roof.”