"external wall accessories"

The Outdoor Deck Company were commissioned to refurbish the external terraces of several top floor apartments located on Nile Street, London. The brand new `grad` invisible fixing clip deck system was supplied and installed by the Outdoor Deck Company, their first ever `grad` installation in the UK. The unique clip and groove design at the heart of the `grad` system means that decks can be installed about 30% faster than competing products. The `grad` system can be retrofitted onto existing timber joists, installed from scratch on top of a new timber sub-frame, or mounted onto the bespoke rail system.

The new thermally broken sliding roof hatch opens horizontally on fixed or telescopic rails. The hatch features the following key points: Thermally Broken Lid & Upstand Fixed or Telescopic Rails ‘Lift-Off’ Unseated Opening, ensures the hatch is sealed and secure when closed. Self Sealing Double Seals 0.43 W/m²K U-value Perfect for manual operation, the sliding cover easily and smoothly opens. Brush seals around the front and side ensure that no roof debris can interfere with the mechanism and the external fixed rail provides enhanced support for larger sliding covers.

Eden at New Bailey, aka A3 Salford located in Salford, Manchester is Europe's largest living wall. The living wall wrapped on all elevations across the façade was designed, supplied and installed by Viritopia.The living wall is designed with modular plants with an ivy veil with a mix of trailing and climbing plants, almost acting as a camouflage to the building as a whole. The species of ivy has been carefully selected for its hardiness and seasonal appearance. This living wall will absorb and filter the pollution and carbon in the atmosphere, enhance biodiversity, attenuate rainwater, reduce noise and provide biophilic benefits for the health and wellbeing of the users.This 3,900m2 green façade has a 20,000 litre self-sufficient rainwater harvesting tank, helps control the urban heat island, and took around 10 months to install. Eden is also increasing the BNG by 174% with this project, with over 16 tonnes of soil and 33 different plant species and 350,000 plants in total helping it along the way.

Providing an aesthetically impressive divide that is also intensely practical, Style has installed a DORMA Moveo operable wall system in the boardroom of major fund advisor, Dimensional. With 55dB acoustics this semi-automatic moveable wall offers exceptional privacy when closed, allowing concurrent meetings to run either side, completely undisturbed. Perfectly complimenting the interior décor of this prestigious office, the panels have a chic fabric finish with a sophisticated dark timber skirting. As DORMA’s exclusive UK partner, Style is able to offer the very best choice of moveable wall systems from a global, market leading manufacturer.

A new, multi-purpose parish hall in Loughborough, offers the community exceptionally flexible space thanks to the inclusion of three separate moveable walls, installed by partitioning experts Style. By dividing the different areas of the hall to match changing user requirements, revenue from hiring charges can be maximised, delivering a truly vibrant and active local resource. Working with Franklin Ellis architects and contractor, Stepnell, Style was specified to install three moveable walls. To protect the longevity, and acoustic integrity, of all moveable walls. Style recommends its aftercare and servicing package, with routine, scheduled servicing from its national team

New to the market, Style is now able to offer a unique telescopic end-panel, available with the advanced Dorma Hüppe Variflex partitioning wall system. The TEF closure panel improves moveable wall aesthetics as it sits completely flush against adjacent panels. The TEF panel ensures an optimum acoustic seal is created every time. Julian Sargent, group md of Style, the UK’s exclusive UK partner to Dorma Hüppe, explains, “This new development is something architects, specifiers, and contractors have all been asking for, as it removes any protrusion from the wall, or bulky and unsightly expanding end-sleeves.

Moveable walls are a vital resource for the hospitality sector as they immediately enable businesses to increase revenue by using the same space for more events. Clearly demonstrating how a partitioning system can offer an excellent return on investment, Crown Banqueting, a lavish Asian wedding venue, recently worked with operable wall specialist Style to design and install a sophisticated partitioning system to their expansive event space. Delivering excellent acoustic privacy between divided areas, the sliding wall panels can be quickly manoeuvred into place, allowing Crown Banqueting to successfully cater for up to 700 guests split between two separate areas

Products used: CW-FS | Perimeter Barriers and Firestops for Curtain WallingWhen it came to providing a proven range of fire protection solutions for a revitalised building in London highlighted by a sweeping and technically ambitious curved façade, Siderise was able to meet the challenge with its CW-FS curtain wall fire stop system.

When Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust earlier this year approved capital funding to convert a disused area of Chapel Allerton Hospital into a new dental facility, they engaged with Yeoman Shield wall & door protection specialists to provide durable yet attractive wall protection that would achieve the interior fit-out brief.

A.J Wells manufactured and installed over 600 square metres of vitreous enamel cladding panels for the fourth floor of world renowned department store Harrods.The Knightsbridge store unveiled the new section in November 2013 as part of a £200m makeover. In a radical overhaul the Way In fashion section was converted into a 30,000 square foot “Fashion Lab” with cast concrete floors, crackle-glazed wall panels, steel columns and a metal grid ceiling system. The department houses an array of contemporary brands aimed at the younger market.Working with Found Associates, A.J Wells designed and manufactured the wall panels and the framing system. Vitreous enamel was specified for its durability, low maintenance and luxurious surface finish. A unique satin enamel finish was used with a subtle crackle glaze effect. The panels wrapped the walls of the store and formed counters and cash desk bulkheads. The cladding also extended into a café area within the store.The cutting edge scheme, designed by Found Associates, was deliberately minimal with uniform fixtures and fittings and plain enamel walls to counter the confusion often associated with concessions within department stores.KEY FEATURES:• Satin crackle glaze vitreous enamel• Wall cladding• Counter frontage and bulkheadsA.J WELLS SERVICES:• Design & development• Manufacture• Framing• Project management• Installation

Calm and non-clinical environment for busy Intensive Care UnitChallengeHospital environments are created to heal; yet supporting both physical and mental health needs in clinical environments can be challenging. The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Harrogate District Hospital required a refurbishment to its walls and wanted a non-clinical design, but with hygienic properties.ApproachThe unit had different areas with different functions – it needed to have hygienic, clean, wipe down walls which were also robust and could withstand bumps and scuffs. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the refurbishment needed to be completed quickly with minimum downtime to ICU. The team also wanted the unit to have a non-clinical feel.SolutionAltro Whiterock White, Altro Whiterock Chameleon, and Altro Whiterock Digiclad (Custom) were selected for the walls in the ICU. The hospital’s paediatric unit had Altro hygienic wall sheets installed previously and knew they were robust and trusted products. The ICU staff and project design team took time to select artwork of cherry blossom branches that would be cheerful yet calming for patients, as well as inspiring and uplifting for hardworking staff. The images were printed to create the Altro Whiterock Digiclad (Custom) wall sheets.

From floor to ceiling this 'Sport For All' school chose the DYNAMIK treatment with an area elastic sprung sports floor finished in Tarkett Sports Vinyl and DYNAMIK Sports Wall panels to provide the best acoustics. The Solid & Acoustic (Perforated) sports wall panels in Classic Oak CPL wood-effect finish complement the Grey floor surface.

The recently opened Tameside Macmillan Unit offers cancer treatment and support services to local residents. To help create a calming and healing environment for patients, bespoke artwork, bright colours and natural finishes were incorporated into the interior design. CS Acrovyn wall protection solutions were used to help create a welcoming and functional facility. Stylish HR6CS timber Handrails provide mobility support in general circulation areas, whilst Acrovyn Crashrails, Corner Guards and textured Sheet offer necessary impact protection to walls and corners in waiting and clinical areas. CS wall protection solutions ensure the centre remains functional, damage free and easy to clean.

An innovative technical training centre, iMet provides high-level skills solutions for the built environment, manufacturing and technology sectors. This new facility offers intensely flexible space thanks to a number of advanced moveable wall systems, installed by Style, allowing staff to rapidly adapt rooms to meet ever-changing daily requirements. Two DORMA Variflex partitioning walls combine to sub-divide a large training area into two or three discrete classrooms. A third Variflex wall creates two smaller training rooms located on the other side of the building. Exceptional acoustics of 55dB Rw ensure training sessions can run concurrently.

Yeoman Shield Anti-Ligature handrail system is being utilized in a newly commissioned dementia unit in South Wales.Ysbyty George Thomas, as part of Cwm Taf Health board’s Valley Life Initiative, has recently undergone a refurbishment to become a health and wellbeing centre for people with cognitive and memory problems.Throughout the design process of the new Dementia Unit, comfort and functionality for clients who would be accessing the area was paramount. Not only were aesthetics taken into consideration with a stunning welsh valleys mural wallpaper installed in between bright colourful “front doors” but safety aspects were of a prime concern.For safeguarding measures Yeoman Shield’s Anti- Ligature Guardian Handrail was chosen, as both a supportive and wall protection rail system, along the main corridor of Ysbyty George Thomas as well as through the Dementia Unit.This Anti-Ligature handrail has a continuous fixing block which runs the full length of the back of the rail eliminating any points that can easily have a length of material or cord wound around it, preventing the possibility of harm to patients. To ensure that the terminating ends of the handrail are not used in a similar way, a tightly fitted wall return is added to totally enclose the ends allowing no gaps between the wall and the rail.Supplied in a dark grey colour as a good contrast to the light wall colour scheme, the Guardian Handrail also dovetailed perfectly into the wall paper design by resembling the top of the depicted drystone walling.“We are exceptionally pleased with the new Dementia Unit and the complementing look, quality and functionality of the Yeoman Shield Anti-Ligature Guardian Handrail.” Commented Jeanne Smith, Directorate Support Manager, Mental Health, Cwm Taf University Health Board

Located on the former BBC site, Circle Square in Manchester aims to create a vibrant neighbourhood comprising city living apartments, prime office, retail and leisure space. Phase two of the development saw the construction of No’s 5 to 8, four buildings totalling 677 luxury flats with private dining, resident lounge, gym and cinema, as well as commercial space. Specification requirements FK Group were appointed to design and install a bespoke façade solution which meant they were responsible for specifying the insulation. There were three main performance factors that needed to be considered.  Firstly, the insulation had to be non-combustible to ensure compliance with building regulations in England and Wales, which ban the use of combustible materials on the external walls of certain buildings over 18m tall.  The second consideration was thermal performance. “When you’re designing a bespoke façade solution, accurate thermal modelling is essential because there are so many variables that can affect its energy efficiency,” explained Ben Hufton, Associate Design Director of FK Group. “One of the reasons we work with Knauf Insulation so much is because of their technical support. They always conduct 3D U-value calculations for rainscreen façade projects, so we know the insulation will deliver the performance we need to achieve.” This enhanced level of accuracy is one of the main benefits of 3D U-value calculations over other calculation methods, because it ensures a building’s real world thermal performance matches its initial design.  To achieve the required U-value of 0.28 W/m2K, the Knauf Insulation Technical Support Team recommended 200mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for the external cavity. This has a thermal conductivity of just 0.034W/mK. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool and is BBA certified for use in high rise buildings for the broadest range of build-ups of any rainscreen solution on the market. It is also non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. This means it will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. The final specification factor was acoustic performance due to the site’s busy city centre location.  FK Group conducted offsite acoustic tests to ensure that the build-up met the requirements of Approved Document E. The Mineral Wool insulation contributes significantly to the acoustic performance of the build-up thanks to its open structure. Sound waves are trapped between the individual strands of Mineral Wool and turned into heat energy. This will help to reduce noise from surrounding roads, ensuring residents can enjoy peaceful homes. Other performance factors As it has been developed for external applications, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab contains a water repellent additive which is combined with a fibre matrix that promotes run-off. This ensures it can resist moisture ingress whilst maintaining its excellent vapour permeability. The physical characteristics of the fibres are unaltered if they get wet. Therefore, the thermal properties of Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab are not affected by exposure to moisture and the product will perform as expected once it has dried out. The product is easy to install correctly thanks to superior robustness and durability, allowing it to be manoeuvred easily into place. Its natural flexibility means it adapts to minor imperfections in the substrate, while slabs interlock, eliminating air leakage that could reduce thermal and acoustic performance. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is also manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable, and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binder, so it is more environmentally-friendly. Products made with ECOSE® Technology generate low levels of dust and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and have been awarded Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort (Gold) certification. Circle Square will give residents access to everything they need from a community district – just as Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab ticked all the boxes for FK Group.

Pressalit’s adjustable solutions are helping residents at Blackwood House live their lives to the fullest. In the kitchen the CleverCogs technology means residents can readily raise or lower the height of Pressalit’s Indivo rise and fall kitchen work surfaces and wall mounted cupboards with a simple touch; the Indivo lifters also allow the wall cupboards to move forwards and downwards for easy access.

This colourful office washroom features mirrored wall panels, full height flush fronted toilet cubicle doors and bespoke vanity units manufactured using LG HI-MACS. The toilet cubicle doors, Concerto integrated duct panels and wall panelling were all manufactured in a high pressure laminate with a gloss, almost mirror-like finish.

Products: Flexi access. Services: Bespoke access ramp solution. Roof build-up: Warm roof design / TPO/PVC membrane. Pump House recently supplied an external rooftop access ramp solution for a proposed route out of a building down onto the flat roof. The solution was fully adjustable against typical flat roof falls, and did not penetrate the waterproofing below. Steelwork was hot dip galvanised whilst landings were a non-slip 8mm thick GRP sheet to provide great slip resistance. Supplied with full handrail and kick plates to all exposed sides, to ensure safe passage of pedestrians and cargo.

Perry Hall Academy, a large primary school built in 1949, with original waterproofing still in-situ. IKO assisted the Academy funding bid by providing a detailed survey report, including intrusive core sample analysis. The roofs were suffering from water ingress, cracks in the mastic asphalt, pooled water and poor heat retention, so decision was made to replace the roofs throughout. New rooflights were also specified to allow more natural light in while the design chosen reduced the external noise transmission. IKO worked with specifier Concept Education Services to deliver the project (some work during term-time) within 6 months.

Leviat’s Ancon MDC Masonry Support and Ancon CombiDeck, along with Ibstock Kevington’s Nexus® Brick-Faced Units have played key roles in constructing a major student accommodation complex in the heart of Lincoln, offering overall efficiency and ease of construction.The complex is spread across ten blocks, ranging from 4 to 10 storeys in height, which have been sub-divided to reduce scale and facilitate a progressive change in character across the development. The first phase included 1,222 bedrooms in apartments, comprising six to 12 en-suite bedrooms. Students will also benefit from associated internal and external amenity space.

The Confetti Building was designed by Allan Joyce Architects and completed in 2017. Built to provide a new area for students and include a cafe, LRC, motion capture suite, roof terrace and classrooms, it is intended to mature the institute with enough space for students after a period of rapid growth.The building embraces its industrial heritage with exposed ductwork, structure and brickwork but has been designed to ensure modern experiences are intertwined with the original spaces.A striking external facade is comprised of Blockleys Smooth black with a special BD1.3 shaped brick used for detailing. The Brickwork naturally compliments nearby red brick buildings and provides a balance to the wood and glass used around the building in other areas.

Surespan manufactured a double-glazed sliding access hatch for use in a private residential apartment in London. Product2640 (103?) x 2020mm (79?) hatch was electrically operated via a key switch for easy operation and allowed access to the roof providing views across the London skyline. The sliding cover was finished in grey external polyester powder coating with a white internal finish. The 35.5mm sealed double glazed unit comprised of Pilkington 6mm toughened K polished all-round outer pane, 20mm Warm Edge silver spacer Bar argon filled, Pilkington 9.5mm toughened & laminated inner pane, divided into two panes.

ProjectSurespan designed and manufactured a single leaf hatch that was installed in a residential home in Solihull, for access to an underground level gym.ProductThe HIACE external single leaf access hatch to fit a structural opening 1200 x 3400. The pan-type door was recessed for 40mm paving slabs infill with an EPDM unbroken seal to help prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture. The floor hatch was fitted with a retractable safety grid operated by a 24v actuator. FeaturesRated at pedestrian loading, operated by two 24v DC Actuators. 40mm paving slabs infill. Retractable safety grid Supplied with a Zen-controlled 240vAC/24vDC electrical supply, and transformer.

With more than 1,500 units, Shurgard Greenwich is one of the largest self-storage facilities in Europe. Spread over four floors the facility provides dry, clean and secure self-storage in a secure facility, and the building also achieved an BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.Around 3,000m2 of Trimapanel® flat insulated panels manufactured using Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® pre-finished steel was used to clad the external face of the Greenwich Shurgard unit, meeting all the clients requirements and complying with current Building Regulation standards.Tata Steel also supplied 3,000m2 of ComFlor® 60 floor decking, used throughout the facility and installed by Composite Profiles. 

The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) required a new multi-use pavilion building to host events including conferences, weddings, and the renowned Royal Highland Show. The new multi-use events pavilion is located at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh. The building aims to provide a flexible, modern design while reflecting the RHASS heritage.  Tobermore’s premium Braemar paving in a three-colour mix was ideal for the main entrance due to its natural granite aesthetic. To keep aligned with the vibrant external colour scheme, Sienna block paving in sandstone was used for the pedestrian walkways. Fusion Kerb offered a cost-effective, premium kerb with the striking aesthetics of granite.

As business evolves and requirements change in our fast-paced world, Movawall Systems Ltd continue to bring ground breaking, intuitive products to the industry and pride ourselves in being able to create unique and bespoke systems for all our clients, whatever the application. One of our latest projects which has been installed and tested has made us particularly proud and set a new standard in acoustic movable walls.The requirements on this project were clear and simple with very specific needs for one of the leading pharmaceutical companies and we were going to tackle it head on. A movable acoustic wall with radiation protection for a research and testing environment needing to maximise flexibility while still offering the safety and protection required in a radiology environment.Our Type 100SE semi-electrically operated movable wall was developed and tailor-made for this requirement; with X-Ray protection and specialised seals to ensure the ground-breaking radiation protection and acoustic levels would be achieved. Each wall weighed in the region of circa 6 tons and the top hung system was fitted with our Type “K“ track which allows for remote and varied stacking locations. The walls varied in width and height but were all finished in Rigato Formica laminate with aluminium protective edge trims. The vision panels in the pass doors were fitted with Med-X type single glazed glass between two layers of 4mm thick toughened glass.

Yoko Ono Lennon Centre is a unique teaching and performance building at the University of Liverpool. It has been designed by Liverpool School of Architecture graduates based at UK architecture practice Ellis Williams.The new facility includes The Tung Auditorium – a world class music performance space – together with two large lecture theatres, seminar rooms, café space, a public facing linear park and a new outdoor space for the University.With a floor area totalling around 6500m2 the building was planned around a careful understanding of the site and an innovative response to a challenging brief.PROJECT INFOThe lecture theatres were arranged vertically, which allowed for a much smaller building footprint – freeing up the site to deliver a linear public park alongside the main arterial route adjacent to the south elevation. This also allowed for large volume and height of Tung Auditorium to be placed adjacent to the teaching spaces, separated by the main atrium circulation space. Externally, the building’s form and materials relate to the robust architecture of some of Liverpool’s historic civic buildings and dockside architecture.The University of Liverpool was the original “red brick University” so the use of that material may seem obvious. The facing brick selected was Forterra’s Butterley Farmstead Antique.The bricks here are more than decorative however, they are a key part of the acoustic strategy and were selected for their density as well the colour and tone.The large inward looking spaces of the theatres by definition are without external windows and openings. The curved forms to the corners are used to both soften the impact of the mass (accentuated by the use of double stacked protruding bricks to catch the sun), and as a nod to the curves used in prominent corner buildings that can be seen across Liverpool.

Catnic's lintels have given definition to Beaumont, a stunning Country and Coast Homes development of 6 large houses in Highcroft, Exeter. Approximately 60 1.25inch CX cavity lintels were supplied, which support the sharp, unusual shape of the architect-designed buildings, were chosen for their strength, reliability and thermal capabilities.The lintels support the exterior window and door features; special corner lintels support the external over-eaves, while large window openings elegantly contour the shape of each house. Chosen specifically to support the specialist architectural features of the development, offering both the structural and thermal performance required for the building envelopes.Constructed using the traditional brick and block method, the building facades were then finished with a white K-render to all external elevations.Consistent with Country and Coast Homes' portfolio of luxury contemporary homes, the development features superior quality fixtures inside and out. As a brand synonymous with quality in the construction industry, Catnic reflects this too. County and Coast Homes focuses on exceptional attention to detail, it only uses the most reliable and durable products in the construction of its homes. Chris Dodge at County and Coast Homes said: "We have been using Catnic Lintels for over 10 years, they are by far the best. A superbly well organised company who offer exemplary service, their lintels are extremely capable and well suited to our high quality homes."Country and Coast Homes prides itself on a high level of sustainability in each development. Catnic lintels surpassed the energy targets in this particular development by helping deliver the efficiency required to achieve a B on the EPC rating.

A new paradigm of beauty and functionality: Atlas Concorde's concrete-effect porcelain tiles decorate the exterior floors of a luxurious private villa.In a refined residence on the outskirts of Memphis, the spacious, bright spaces boast the traits of an exclusive designer identity based on a perfect balance between technical performance and aesthetic research. Capable of ennobling the surrounding environment thanks to their value and uniqueness, Atlas Concorde concrete-look tiles were chosen to furnish outdoor paving and the edges of the outdoor swimming pool. An expression of an original urban chic style, the ceramic surface selected for the outdoor spaces is enhanced by textures featuring a blend of the warm shades of oxidation and the cooler hues typical of concrete. In a setting where harmony reigns, the ceramic material stands out not only for its marked personality, but also for the characteristics of safety and reliability necessary when designing outdoor environments. In fact, the large garden of the American residence features concrete-look porcelain tiles in the large 120x120 cm grip format with a 2 cm thickness specific for outdoor pavers: a guaranteed non-slip – and therefore safe – surface. The light colour also makes them ideal for outdoor paving where people walk barefoot during the summer: by absorbing little external heat, the surface is less warm to the touch. The permanence of the ceramic material and the simplicity of cleaning ensure a refined, pleasant external environment over time. With a variety of effects and textures, Atlas Concorde's large format tiles satisfy a wide range of tastes and trends, interpreting the diversity of their original materials and transforming them into an authentic visual and tactile experience that can enhance any project.

Project: Manufacture and installation of 200m2 of oversized bespoke GRC GAP wall panels. Client: Harris Partnership Architects, Kirkland & Bowmer, Muse Developments, Nexus, STC Project scope: Installation of 200m2 of 20mm x 3500mm x 1500mm GRC BTX concrete wall cladding panels in Tempest Grey colour to new and existing masonry walls and steel frame. The oversized bespoke GAP concrete panels with mitred edges were manufactured using GRC concrete, which is lighter and stronger than traditional concrete. The panels were fixed with anchor bolts and specialist adhesive to ensure extra secure installation and later polished and treated with specialist anti-graffiti coating.

Architectural glazing systems by Kawneer were specifically selected for a £18.5 million extension to the UK’s oldest business school for their ability to meet the building’s design aesthetic and high-performance requirements. The new 3,000m2 extension features Kawneer’s AA®110 and AA®100 mullion-drained curtain wall systems with capped and capless mullions as well as AA®100 zone-drained fully-capped curtain wall. The AA®100 system, with 50mm sightlines, was used in all areas with the exception of two full-height curtain wall screens which featured on the building’s ‘social space’ characteristic that utilised the AA®110 system with 65mm sightlines.

Artform Urban and the Bailey Street Furniture Group continue their ongoing partnership with contractors Renaker who have, over recent years, single-handedly transformed the Manchester City Centre Skyline. Following their collaboration with furnishing the roof terraces at the now-iconic Deansgate Square and Crown Street buildings, Artform has provided an array of high-quality external furniture for the Canalside terrace at Castle Wharf.Castle Wharf is the epitome of boutique waterside living.Castle Wharf is a modern and contemporary development of 188 apartments and penthouses in the heart of the Castlefield Conservations in Manchester's city center.The Building is designed by OMI Architects and reflects the area’s industrial heritage. Inside features high-end amenities; a gymnasium, spa, and lounge spaces.The exterior terrace has been designed by TPM Landscape and features sandstone to mimic the sandstone outcrops that are visible in the Castlefield Basin. To coordinate with this distinct colour pallet and style, Artform has provided a package of complementary street furniture elements. Large aged oak beams mounted on steel frames, as well as inset into the sandstone planter walls, create a plethora of seating options for dining and socialising. Bar stools, benches, and tables - as seen at Deansgate Square and Crown Street have been selected here. The range combines a minimal aluminium frame and hardwood clad toppers to create durable, stylish and lightweight products that offer ease of manoeuvrability and longevity.Finally, the popular Spencer litter bin clad in premium quality hardwood timbers have been placed around the terrace as well as the entrance to the building. The Spencer litter bin is a versatile design available in a variety of materials sizes and shapes - here the quality timbers harmonise alongside the sandstone. The Spencer bin has been used on all 3 projects that Artform has completed to date with Renaker.Artform’s world-leading products combined with their knowledge and experience within this sector has resulted in a unique and inviting outdoor social space for residents and guests.

Duke Court is a development of 37 affordable homes for rent, built on the site of Fred Styles House, formerly a sheltered housing block, providing 42 bedsits, that had been empty since 2013. The development is part of Royal Borough of Greenwich’s commitment to delivering new high-quality homes and sustainable communities.The new development of 29 houses, 7 flats and 1 maisonette creates a pretty neighbourhood of terraced houses running along Charlton Church Lane, and a series of mews streets which run perpendicular connecting into the urban fabric behind the site. Glazed screens lead into a generous open plan kitchen dining room. Stairs lead up to bedrooms and to a light and airy open plan living room with fully glazed screens leading out onto a secluded sun trap roof terrace.The buildings along Charlton Church Lane alternate in height between two, and three storeys. The houses are built from a beautiful soft and rustic brick that helps ensure that the new homes feel embedded and ‘worn in’ to the surrounding area. The brick selected was Forterra’s Ecostock Belgravia Gault Blend. Its varied tone is important for ensuring the new homes do not feel too monolithic adding visual interest, factors that were integral to reassuring planners that the brick would be sensitive to its surrounding context.Low cost, robust but high quality brick detailing is integral to the project. Traditionally built brick arches front a number of the homes and help create a semi-private space where people can put out pots and plants, wellies and umbrellas etc. Snapped headers create tightly curved external walls where the site requires thinner accommodation. Other brick details include projecting brick surrounds to pop-up windows, arched window heads, soldier and header courses, articulated parapets and beautiful angled window reveals on prominent corners.

When undertaking a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) maintenance and upgrade contract on a North Sea offshore platform, RBG Limited identified that critical noise levels were apparent in a range of working areas.Investigating the issue, RBG Ltd commissioned environmental sound testing, which revealed that ambient noise exceeded a specified minimum of 55dB (A) throughout the electrical workshop, store room, hydraulic workshop, subsea office and mechanical workshop, reaching its highest levels of 88-96dB (A) in the mud pit room. Additional noise generated by operating pumps, cranes and machinery would further increase the noise levels in these areas.As such, RBG Ltd needed to source a high performance industrial acoustic solution that would sufficiently reduce the noise contamination and make the working environment acceptable.Seeking expert industrial acoustics advice, RBG Ltd briefed CMS Acoustics on the project parameters, who responded with a bespoke ISO Acoustic Enclosure Panel system design.The SolutionThe ISO Enclosure Panel is a prefabricated sound reduction system, designed to create noise-protected structures in industrial environments. A self-supporting and robust construction, it offers the additional benefit of a short assembly time, facilitated by the panels being lightweight and easy to handle.The industrial acoustics technical team at CMS Acoustics calculated that a combination of 50mm and 100mm thick ISO Enclosure Panels would be required to achieve the specified noise reduction in the different areas. Depending on panel thickness, fire resistance ranging from 30 minutes to two hours can be achieved.For RBG Ltd, CMS Acoustics manufactured the panels in white and supplied them in ready to assemble kits clearly labelled according to area for installation. Some panels were manufactured to allow removal for maintenance while others were designed to be stud welded to external walls.To increase system robustness, CMS Acoustics integrated acoustic doors and vision panels into the ISO Enclosure design.

Developed on what was previously the Strathclyde Police Headquarters, Holland Park is a residential complex with 4 towers ranging from 6 to 22 storeys in height, around a courtyard formation.ChallengeSpecialist building envelope company MetalTech Roofing & Cladding were contracted to secure the façade on this new development, with the task of fixing nearly 9,500m2 of façade to the external face of the buildings.SolutionMetalTech approached Fixfast and requested a technical façade calculation for the Fixfast façade support system, which we provided alongside technical advice.The Fixfast façade support system is a system for any application - including SPIDI® Max brackets: one bracket design means the system can be used in vertical or horizontal installation configurations and is engineered for both fixed and sliding points. Essentially, one bracket design means all challenges solved - simplifying material selection and on-site installation management.The unique ribbed bracket design offers superior strength, allowing systems to be engineered for heavier loads, or potentially fewer brackets per square metre for lightweight panels.With MetalTech needing to fix the façade simply but fast, Fixfast were able to work with them to get deliveries to site when they needed them, with the assurance of a versatile façade support system that works in a range of applications - wall cladding, soffits, or ceilings. "In addition to supplying an innovative support bracket for this contract, Fixfast also continued to provide their usual first-class service. Engineering and design services were available from the outset and technical support was gratefully accepted during the build to help overcome some difficult details. We were fortunate in being able to use the same SPIDI Max bracket for both façade and soffit support in both aluminium and stainless steel. This greatly helped to simplify our process from design through to install. And with the site being in a restricted, city centre location, timely and flexible deliveries were required - which Fixfast duly achieved."MetalTech Roofing & Cladding Ltd