"synthetic anhydrite calcium sulfate based flooring"

Find out more about our work at Grantley Hall in North Yorkshire, which used the ROOFTRAK™ IFP as the base for some stunning natural stone cladding.

Client: Singleton Distillery Visitors’ CentreLocation: Scottish Highlands, ScotlandYear: 2022Project size: 700 m²Vebro systems: vebroscreed Industrial, vebro Classic Terrazzo, vebrores PU SL HDA combination of luxurious seamless terrazzo and high performance polyurethane coatings were required to complement the interior design scheme of a new whisky distillery visitors’ centre in the Scottish Highlands.A new visitors’ centre at the existing Singleton at Glen Ord Distillery in the Scottish Highlands has been unveiled, representing part of a significant investment into Scottish tourism by the brand’s parent company Diageo, with several similar venues also opened across the country.Located on the North Coast 500 route, the centre aims to attract additional tourism to the area, helping to contribute to the local and national economy.Although the Singleton story began back in 1987, the award winning Singleton whisky is renowned for being modern, vibrant and perfectly balanced, appealing to a new generation of whisky drinkers.The visitors’ centre was designed to reflect this brand positioning, combining heritage and modernity to create a welcoming high end space for its visitors. Housed in one of the distillery’s original buildings, the renovation has married the traditional stonework of the building with modern and industrial materials in order to create a visually striking interior scheme.The floor levelling and resin flooring package for the new Singleton of Glen Ord distillery included vebroscreed Industrial, vebrores PU SL HD and vebro Classic Terrazzo. The combination of floor coatings has covered a total area of 700 m2 and delivered a high end, modern finish for the distillery’s visitors’ centre.vebrores PU SL HD is a heavy duty, solvent-free, flexible, self-smoothing polyurethane flooring system offering outstanding strength and performance, making it ideally suited to areas with heavy footfall and wear from chairs and other similar objects.Designed for use in commercial areas subject to high levels of pedestrian traffic, the vebro Classic Terrazzo system incorporates an attractive blend of decorative aggregates and is ground, grouted and sealed to deliver an eye-catching terrazzo surface.Wrapping around the central bar area is vebro Classic Terrazzo in Genoa, which features a blend of subtly toned grey and beige aggregates encapsulated in a light grey, low emission epoxy resin binder. This provides a traditional-yet-chic impression at ground level. Elsewhere, the solid, matt, deep grey finish of vebrores PU SL HD contrasts with the texture of the terrazzo to lend a modern industrial touch to the scheme.IFT offers clients across Scotland and the North of England a fully integrated flooring service ranging from floor preparation, to screeding and levelling through to installing underfloor heating pipework and seamless resin-based floor toppings.Founded in 1985 by James Love, IFT has been involved in some of the most prestigious construction projects north of the border including work for National Museums Scotland, the Scottish Prison Service, Edinburgh Airport, Education Scotland, and Macallan Distillery.

Born in the historic headquarters of a nineteenth-century factory, Lanolin Fabrik is an ensemble of offices, lofts with kitchen spaces, terraces, loggias and green oases that make it a modern, functional and human-sized workplace.Our customer has implemented a new system consisting of domestic water supply and irrigation pumps for this historic complex: Esybox Max was chosen as the mains water booster set, whilst for the irrigation of the green areas the DAB Esytwin compact variable speed booster was identified as the solution.3 Esybox Max is a market leading technologically innovative water booster set, demonstrated to be highly efficient. The use of permanent magnet motors has contributed to a 20% efficiency improvement over industry standard pumps. The solution was designed and perfectly sized to obtain constant pressure for all users but with the minimum possible energy use.All the pumps in the water booster system were connected to a single control panel, which regulates the power supply to the multipump units.The complex consists of 2 buildings, one with 5 and one with 7 floors, and the entire water boosting system that powers it is monitored and managed remotely using the DAB D.Connect cloud based service.

Flexible workspace providers x+why’s new 33,000 sq ft location at 100 Embankment aims to provide “an impressive space from which to grow and thrive” for start-ups and established businesses across Manchester.Radii, working through our northern contracting office, joined John Robertson Architects and ADT Workplace in May 2023. Working across Ground, Mezz and 1st and 2nd Floors of the space, Radii’s popular single glazed Linear 25 (Rw 39 dB) and Linear 30 (Rw 41 dB) partitions and Hogan single and double pivoting doors (Rw 47 dB) were used for glazed fronts for a variety of different size meeting spaces and offices. Many of these were installed with our popular ‘Rio’ banding.Ei30 single glazed fire rated screens, complete with timber door frame junctions, provide exit route protection.The finished space also benefits from some of the 11 Ei60 FireTec double door sets installed across all eight levels of the building during the original base build Cat A fit out in 2020.

A state-of-the-art sports and learning centre in Cambridge features a dramatic space-defining acoustic based on the use of MEDITE PREMIER FR fire rated panels from MEDITE SMARTPLY.

Plymouth-based Right Price PVC-U & Home Improvements has installed Logik Flush Sash windows at the first phase of the West Carclaze Garden Village residential development.

Profile 22 has supplied its Optima Casement solution to 62 social housing properties in Rusholme, Manchester for Arawak Walton Housing Association. Merseyside based Total Glass, a longstanding member of the Profile 22 Approved Window Contractor scheme, supplied 434 Profile 22 Optima Casement PVC-U windows during refurbishment works on the homes. The Windows were installed by Lancashire based Countrywide UPVC. Paul Campbell, Director of Countrywide UPVC, said: “We have a long standing relationship with Profile 22, We also regularly use their free specification support services which really assist us with the tendering process.

The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, is one of the countries most valued heritage sites and contains many rare, unique and priceless artefacts.GEC Anderson stainless steel sinks and worktops were specified in a recent refurbishment of some of the Museum’s restoration and conservation rooms. Mica Architects included stainless steel worktops, sinks and tables from GEC Anderson’s Decimetric range. The Decimetric system offers a modular range of sizes (based on 100 millimetres = 1 decimetre) increments, providing cost effective solutions with a tremendous range of sizes and options. The range includes sinks, worktops and tables but also shelving, base cabinets, wall cabinets and tall cabinets.

Brick manufacturer Vandersanden is launching the very first CO2-negative facing brick on the market under the name Pirrouet®. One tonne of Pirrouet® facing bricks absorbs up to 60 kg of CO2 during the curing process and throughout its lifespan. This breakthrough is due to a unique industrial application of carbonation technology. In addition, only 20% of the Pirrouet® brick consists of primary raw materials – the rest comes from residual flows from the steel industry. With this first in the construction industry, Vandersanden is ensuring that attractive facades can contribute to a smaller environmental footprint. “Vandersanden wants to be completely CO2 neutral by 2050. With this CO2-negative facing brick, this intended reality comes a big step closer,” says Darren White, UK Sales Director, Vandersanden.Vandersanden has launched the first CO2-negative facing brick, Pirrouet® in the UK. The brick is unique because it is not fired but cured using CO2 from other industries. During the carbonation process, the CO2 reacts with calcium-containing materials, creating carbonates. This permanent bond creates a hard, limestone-like brick that meets the European standard for ceramic facing bricks. It is the first time a facing brick has been produced in this way.The Pirrouet® brick is largely a circular product. It consists of as much as 80% mineral residues (carbinox and stinox) from the steel industry. These residual flows don’t end up in landfill but are sustainably recycled. Only 20% of the new facing brick consists of primary raw materials such as sand, water and any dyes.The new brick is not only a fine example of sustainability, but it also delivers on aesthetics. Vandersanden achieved this attractive result by giving the Pirrouet® brick a unique surface texture. It is available in 11 colours, giving every facade a unique and aesthetic look. “Years of hard work have gone into developing a CO2-negative and circular facing brick. This innovation brings us another big step closer to our promise of a CO2-neutral future, as set out in our sustainability programme, Together to Zero. We are therefore immensely proud of this achievement by our team. This facing brick is a milestone for our sector, and with it, we are contributing to more circularity and reducing the CO2 footprint in the entire construction sector,” says Darren White, UK Sales Director, Vandersanden.Capturing CO2 from factories for reuseThe most energy-intensive aspect of producing facing bricks is no longer necessary with Pirrouet®. Instead of being fired in a kiln, they are hardened in a CO2 chamber. To fill this chamber, Vandersanden uses CO2 captured from other industries. As a result, a waste product becomes a raw material again and less CO2 is released into the atmosphere. During the production process, each tonne of Pirrouet® facing bricks absorbs as much as 60 kg of CO2, which bonds permanently with the calcium hydroxide present during the curing. To complete the sustainable process, Vandersanden generates most of its green electricity via its own solar panels and windmill.Production started with slim facing bricks and the range will be extended with WF and DF sizes of bricks later this year.Towards a CO2-free futureThe innovations by family company Vandersanden are all part of its sustainability programme, Together to Zero. With this initiative, it is committed to making all its processes, production methods, factories and products even more sustainable. “We are not just doing business for ourselves. We want to contribute to solutions for the major challenges in our society and for this reason we have created Together to Zero. Vandersanden wants to be completely CO2 neutral by 2050. With this revolutionary facing brick, we are one step closer to achieving that goal. We also want to inspire others and we’re calling on all our sector colleagues to work together towards a neutral footprint. We challenge everyone to join this pledge,” commented Johan Deburchgrave, CEO of Vandersanden.The revolutionary Pirrouet® facing brick entered the Belgian and Dutch markets in 2023, to a positive response. The construction and equipping of the new Pirrouet® factory in Lanklaar is almost finished and the first Pirrouet® bricks have been delivered to the very first project to specify them, the pioneering Groen Nobelhorst project in Almere, in the Netherlands, where 60 sustainable homes are being built. “We didn’t choose the name of the brick, Pirrouet®, at random. We wanted to pay tribute to our former CEO, Pirre Wuytack, a visionary man who was the founder and instigator of this pioneering sustainable innovation. The name is also a reference to the 360° rotation, the circular, and represents a movement towards a CO2-neutral world,” comments Darren White, UK Sales Director, Vandersanden.To find out more about the innovative production process of Pirrouet®, visit the Vandersanden website here.

Fearnach House on The Black Isle in the Highlands of Scotland was designed by architect Iain Macbeath, and built by the firm’s sister company, Thermopassive.The house is a 190m² new house, built to the architect’s “Thermopassive” specification with larch timber and render walls and profiled metal roofing. It has PV solar panels with a “diverter” heating up water and charging an electric car. High levels of thermal capacity storage in an insulated concrete floor slab (so it stays warm and flattens out rapid temperature fluctuations) and very good air tightness.There are no cold bridges (which is more important than you would think) and also a heat recovery ventilation system for fresh air.This project uses FAKRO top hung and pivot window preSelect MAX and L-shaped combination windows.When asked, why Fakro roof windows were specified for the project, Ian McBeath told us, “We have been specifying and buying Fakro roof lights for many years. They are well-priced compared with competitive products and of excellent quality and design.The positioning of the handles at the bottom of the window is also a major factor. It makes it much easier to operate a window with the handles at the bottom rather than the top of the window, which is often out of reach of many shorter and disabled people. The windows are also very well insulated and airtight.”The windows have helped achieve an extremely energy-efficient home as well as flooding the upper floor rooms with an abundance of natural light. And the client loves the internal and external finishes.Based in the North of Scotland, Thermopassive Ltd is an architect-owned company which specialises in highly insulated buildings (better than passive house standard) constructed in Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS).

The structureThis residential property emerged from the ashes of a World War II bomb site formerly occupied by a coach house, and was constructed circa 1945 by a local postman to serve as a family home.The distinctive characteristicsSurrounded by grand white stucco houses, this property was a joyful oddity amongst the archetypal street. With an off-centre pitch, horizonal windows and a central door, the owner was keen to work with and improve the existing fabric. The renovation The property had been re-built under a new centred pitched roof extending across two storeys to the rear. Stepping down at ground floor to a deep brick-finned façade opening onto a protected and peaceful walled garden.At the front, the old and new bricks were sewn together under a coat of bagged lime wash and mineral paint and insulated internally. The rendered base speaks to its stuccoed neighbours and grounds the building; the subtle depth of the relief creates a play of light across the front facade in the evening sun, celebrating its distinctive character.Why KEIM?The owner had been aware of the unique properties of mineral paints for allowing bricks to be painted but crucially to breathe, understanding so often houses are painted with non-breathable paints and the suffocated bricks lead to condensation. A mineral paint was required that can be painted over brickwork as well as the rendered base.The owner reached out and arranged a site visit with James Best, Senior Sales Executive at KEIM Mineral Paints. Following his expert guidance, it was recommended to utilize KEIM Soldalit for the project. Samples of five distinct shades of white were provided for testing across various façade orientations and times of day. The owner ultimately selected KEIM Soldalit in colour 9870, commenting “It is the perfect white. It is warm without being yellow and looks great in direct sunlight, shadow and of course our many overcast days.”

ChallengeThe Building Centre, a central information point for all sectors of the construction industry, recently refurbished its London based headquarters. The second stage has seen Knauf Insulation Acoustic Roll supplied to the Construction Products Association, the UK Green Building Council and Design for Homes offices located on the first floor.In order to maximise all potential space available to the offices, it was essential to select a product that would take up as little space as possible, while satisfying the environmental and acoustic criteria required to achieve the BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating.SolutionTo accomplish this, 50mm Acoustic Roll was specified as it is lightweight, flexible, non-combustible and provides a high level of sound absorption, furthermore, it has been specifically designed for friction fitting between members at 400mm and 600mm centres. Acoustic Roll significantly improves the sound insulation performance of partitions whilst at the same time delivering improved thermal and fire performance. Plus, thanks to ECOSE® Technology, offers outstanding environmental credentials.Knauf Insulation products with ECOSE® Technology are made with a formaldehyde free binder technology derived from rapidly renewable, bio-based materials, which reduces embodied energy and delivers superior environmental sustainability. The insulation doesn’t look or feel like any other insulation. It is naturally brown in colour as there are no artificial colours or dyes added and it produces a ‘super softer’, odourless and easier to handle insulation.Colin Henderson, CEO of the Building Centre comments on how specifying Knauf Insulation was an easy decision to make: "After looking at the requirements and from our existing knowledge of Knauf Insulation, we knew the company would be able to meet all our needs quickly and efficiently."Maria Morgan, Market Manager – Building, Non Residential at Knauf Insulation explains: “Our unique position in having a broad product range, coupled with our expertise within the industry, enabled us to fully advise and install the appropriate insulation solution for the Building Centre.”

GEC ANDERSON OFFERS PRISTINE PERFORMANCE FOR UCS SPORTS PAVILIONThe fit out of a major new academic sports facility in North London has included the selection of custom built sinks, work-surfaces, shelving and other stainless steel units, manufactured and installed by sector specialist, GEC Anderson.The University College School Sports Pavilion in Hampstead has been designed by Marcus Beale Architects (MBA) with LIFE Build Solutions of High Wycombe filling the role of main contractor. The area was farmland until the 20th century. The use as playing fields dates from the 1920s.The 18th month project encompassed upgrades to the schools playing fields themselves and the erection of a two-storey structure with extensive changing room facilities, showers and toilets on the first floor. The comprehensive catering facilities include kitchens large enough to serve a dining area which can seat 200. Amongst the stainless steel fabrications designed and fashioned by GEC Andersons highly experienced workforce are a number of base units which combine with single section work-surfaces, sinks and splashbacks to create an easily cleaned, hygienic and ergonomic working environment.As well as the actual kitchen, GEC Anderson also supplied adjustable wall shelving and an L-shaped, three level base unit for a food storage and preparation area. In several places GEC Andersons site survey and subsequent liaison with the project team, which also included The Litmus Partnership Ltd. Catering Consultants, led to units being tailored to fit around structural columns and to accommodate different sized pieces of catering equipment.The stainless steel back bar, with associated fabrications and appliances were also supplied and installed by GEC Anderson.A spokesperson for MBA commented: In 2015 MBA won an invited competition to design a new sports pavilion on the site. Thorough analysis of the topography and the wider views led to a radical design for a pavilion in two parts, linked by a bridge angled westwards to align precisely with the Wembley Arch.

The interior designer Davenport Campbell was looking for a system that was sympathetic to the base build, a monolythic asthethic and a bold perforation pattern. SAS could accomplish all of these features with our SAS150 ceiling system.

A recent example of an outdoor kitchen, that includes a single-piece worktop with integrated sink. Stainless steel base cabinets and special lowered section to receive BBQ unit. Architect: Jonathan Freegard

Based in Cheltenham, Collicutt Meats is the largest meat depot in the South West. After almost 30 years, the Elite FRP panels and fixings that were fitted are still looking and performing as good as new.

Fountainhead Ventures is a small construction and housing development company based in Harrogate, Yorkshire. The company specialises in full house renovations and conversions, for private clients, and developments of newbuilds up to ten houses at a time.

A conversion of an old office block based in Wick, UK. Purchased for the price of £1.35m, with the impressive plan to convert the old offices into 30 residential units containing a mix of studio and one-bedroom apartments.

Designers and specialist flooring contractors were tasked with specifying a system for this facility to provide a long term decorative flooring solution. Challenges on the project included the existing substrate requiring to be levelled as it was out of specification and no longer suitable for the intended pharmaceutical production processes. It was recommended that initially a pumped industrial sub base be applied prior to the surface finishes. A protein free flowable cementitous compound was used to level existing concrete substrates or make up to required levels and create a suitable profile. Typically laid from 7 - 50mm in one application, this provides a fast and economic way of refurbishing and levelling substrates.Once the surface had be regulated using the sub screed the surface was mechanically prepared by diamond grinding to provide a mechanical key, the surface was then primed using Resuprime MVT, which is a moisture tolerant liquid damp proof membrane.After priming the substrate with Resuprime MVT the main screed product Resuflor Q Screed was applied by a steel float and trowel at 5mm. Coloured quartz granules which are bound in a clear epoxy resin provide an aesthetically pleasing and decorative finish whilst providing high levels or durability and impact resistance.Hygienic coving was also required for this project. One of the benefits of Resuflor Q Screed is that it can be applied to form in situ coving detail which is seamless from floor to wall. This would enable the areas to be sterilised and easy to clean and ensure the high levels of cleanliness and hygiene required in this type of facility can be achieved.Once the Resuflor Q Screed is installed the surface is then grouted using Resuprime GC clear resin sealer. Finally a coat of Resupen WB Matt Clear was applied to give a contemporary matt finish. Resupen WB Matt also enhances the level of scratch and abrasion resistance to ensure that the system keeps attractive for longer.Resuflor Q Screed was applied to the main production areas, testing and laboratory facility and all the connecting corridor areas.The result was a hygienic and decorative surface installed with superb detail, enhancing the performance and aesthetics of this facility.

Hoffman Tiling & Bathrooms, New Romney, Kent is a trade member of the Tile Association, they worked in conjunction with Dural to renovate and tile a bathroom of a new oak barn for Edridge Green Bespoke based in East Sussex.