"cladding"

North City Operation Depot is a dedicated staff-only depot facility will comprise of an office and welfare building with briefing rooms, training rooms, office accommodation, a serviced canteen, locker rooms, shower facilities, laundry facilities and drying room. The depot is to provide high quality facilities to enable staff to operate more safely, efficiently, and essentially so the City Council meets its climate action targets, based in Ballymun, Dublin.The client requested for leisure lockers with rolled carcases which helps with keeping the lockers dust free, with the measurements to be 1450mm high, 450mm wide and 500mm deep with the colour mixed between Fundermax and Poleyrey. The colours are mixed with wood effect and beige laminate. Within the lockers they decided to have shelves and internal dividers, additionally, in changing rooms they requested shelves, mirrors and drying racks which are 600mm deep, 2450mm long and 2000mm high powder coated in ‘Ice’.Within the leisure lockers they decided to go with was KitLock KL1200 which can keep the staff belonging secure within the lockers. The seat stands which were cladded with beige laminate, additionally having seat slats made with Fundermax wood effect.It was great working with Purcell Construction LTD on the project and wish North City Operation Depot much success in the future.If you have a similar project or need some information on the products, contact us today at 01284 530 427.

Project:Broxbourne SchoolClient:Chase New HomesContractor:Mid GroupArchitect:Bond BryanValue:£28mLocation: Broxbourne, HertfordshireGIFA: 9,633 m²Completion: 2020NEEDNew school projects require high building performance and quick delivery. Broxbourne School, replacing a sold secondary school site, also includes a community sports and music centre. Offsite methods deliver airtight, thermally efficient buildings quickly, as demonstrated by Broxbourne School, thanks to the close partnership of the architect, developer, and contractors.SOLUTIONMid Group, Innovaré, and Bond Bryan, having collaborated on multiple projects, efficiently deployed offsite methods, including the Innovaré SIP System. Structural SIP walls were used for teaching wings and as an airtight wrap around the steel frame of larger spaces, with brick slip facades by Aquarian Cladding Systems. The design focused on optimal classroom conditions and suitable materials for each structure part.OUTCOME Precise project planning meant that the Innovaré installation teams were onsite for just 15 weeks The buildings feature exceptional thermal efficiency (U value of 0.2w/m²K) and airtightness (5m³/m²/h), surpassing DfE targets, reducing energy demand, and lowering operational carbon. Extensive use of structural timber reduced embodied and sequestered carbon. The project’s success resulted from close partnership, leveraging prior knowledge and resolving issues early

Originally built in 1928, the Fullerton building was initially usedas an office, housing entities such as the Ministry of Trade andthe Chamber of Commerce.Following a brief spell as a makeshift hospital during thesecond World War, Britain’s surrender of Singapore to Japanled to the building becoming the headquarters for Japan’smilitary operation in the country.In 1997, the Building was sold for £300m and work beganon renovating it for use as a hotel. Architects 61 set outto restore the building’s existing facade. The neo-classicalcolumns and high-ceiling verandas were retained and the theShanghai plaster panel cladding was restored.However, the interior had to be completely transformedto accommodate the hotel’s 400 rooms. New additionsincluded the indoor garden and the new restaurant, where thebuilding’s historical lighthouse was kept and incorporated intothe decor.Allgood began work on the Fullerton in 1999, with a viewto supplying a high quality, bespoke package that wouldcomplement the building’s prestigious reputation.Allgood originally specified a combination of stainless steelHaft Elipse levers and matching pulls (top & bottom rightimages) in the public areas, along with bespoke FSB pullhandles for the ballroom doors (bottom left image). In the backof house area, Modric lever handles were fitted throughout,ensuring the hotel had a product that would last for at least 25years.More recently, Allgood were asked to provide new windowfittings in a polished stainless steel finish, to match the whitepainted windows in the bedroom

The official opening of Stourton Park and Ride on 16 September 2021, marks the 150th anniversary of public transport in West Yorkshire. In 1871 a horse tram commenced between the city centre and Headingley. The horse soon gave way to electric trams, trolleybuses and petrol buses, the latter quickly being superseded by those with diesel engines.The £38.5 million public transport project situated in the Stourton area of Leeds, at junction 7 of the M621, was delivered as part of a wider scheme to help Leeds City Council’s aim of transforming the Leeds City Region into a net zero carbon economy by 2038.BAM Nuttall, appointed to develop the site, started detailed designs in January 2019. They approached Twinfix with a requirement for a free-standing mono-pitch canopy and Twinfix worked closely with them to design, manufacture and install a striking canopy spanning 73 square metres.The canopy comprises of the innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) roof glazing system which combines a maintenance-free aluminium frame fitted with virtually unbreakable solid polycarbonate glazing. This innovative system meets the non-fragile requirements outlined in ACR[M]001:2019 and sits over Western Red Cedar roof cladding, aluminium framework and posts, powder-coated in RAL 9005 jet black.The finished canopy enhances the aesthetics of the site, while offering protection from the elements for its visitors.

Saffron Walden County High School is an outstanding academy with over 2100 students on roll. Having already installed a large canopy in 2016 to provide a covered area for students to eat, increasing student numbers put increasing pressure on the existing catering facilities and by 2018 the school were desperate for additional dining capacity.Attention turned to the school’s derelict open-air swimming pool – a dangerous and unattractive area located between the sports hall and tennis courts. Archer Building Consultancy, a long-term provider of the premises services to the trust, proposed and delivered a scheme which involved emptying and removing the swimming pool along with the associated buildings and equipment, filling and levelling the area and installing a food pod and large covered seating area.Streetspace were contracted to design, manufacture and install a huge 25.0 x 15.0 m Triton Maxx clearspan polycarbonate roof canopy. With a symmetric form, the canopy provides covered seating for over 200 students as well as plenty of queuing space for the remote servery station. Integrated gutters and downpipes are connected to surface water drainage to help keep the area as dry as possible.A canopy of this size has many possible uses in addition to dining and social space – it could be used for assemblies, sports activities or as a parent waiting area, creating a truly multifunctional space. Windbreak cladding can be added as required in exposed locations to enable year-round use.

The ChallengeThe design of two new This large urban regeneration project in Pennywell, Edinburgh, included 719 new dwellings. It comprised four different brownfield areas with existing communities between them, meaning that linkage with the existing communities is essential.Homes are arranged around a central open space within an area characterised by low density housing.The predominant material in the overall development is brick – chosen for its durable, long-lasting qualities and ability to introduce consistency and identity. Zinc cladding, white brick and render, with key entrances defined by coloured blocks, also feature.The SolutionThe design used a simple palette of materials and approach to detailing, to bring a consistent and clear identity. The focus is on attractive, simple proportions, both in the form of the buildings and in the development of the elevations.Two types of brick were proposed: one a red/brown multitone and the other a light brown/red multitone; to be used in conjunction with grey and dark grey rooftiles. The brick selected was Village Harvest Multi for it was consistent with the design and referenced developments nearby.The BenefitsThe architecture used throughout the development provides quality and variety.The buildings complement each other and create a distinct character and identity. The feature materials add to the rhythms and patterns in the elevations to create variety in the streetscape and mark key corners and frontages.The extensive development is a result of an investment of £42 million by the City of Edinburgh Council and includes £7.9 million grant funding from the Scottish Government.

So here we have a stunning steel framed barn conversion stripped down and retrofit with a huge hybrid timber frame panel system manufactured and installed by White Haus Bespoke Timber Frame. These panels are made up of 140mm insulated timber frame, 9mm OSB sheathing with Passive Purple External and two 50mm cross battens externally, followed by feathered edge cladding. With the internal side then adding an additional 50mm PIR insulation flowing into the joist zones with one continuous layer of Passive Purple and 25mm counter battens for services. This 326mm wall build up has used both Passive Purple and Passive Purple External which meet in the window formers to guarantee the build its internal airtight vapour control and external weatherproof breather membrane. The Joints in the OSB, PIR insulation and fixings into the timber frame studwork were all prepped like always using the BRUSH versions of both Passive Purple and Passive Purple External. This fibre reinforced product allows for a tough hold and elongation on any shrinkage the insulation or timber may have with building settlement or extreme changes in climate. With only a score of 2.5ach required, Intelligent Membranes have given this wonderfully unique home the full treatment for perfect performance to keep the HVAC system running on low hassle percentage and optimal performance output.

The new build St George’s Quay student accommodation is part of the Luneside East Regeneration Project in Lancaster, which will create a new quarter of the city with a mix of housing, commercial space, high quality open spaces and walking and cycling routes.In a prominent waterfront setting on the edge of the River Lune and built on the site of the former St George’s Mill, the St George’s Quay development comprises four student accommodation blocks, ranging from three to six storeys, delivering 431 bedrooms in clusters and studio apartments.PROJECT INFOThe buildings are modelled around the existing industrial architecture of the site. The client used a mix of materials, including brickwork that reflects the local vernacular and Corten steel cladding to emphasise the site’s industrial history.In addition to the 431 bedrooms, the development also provides a gym, games room, communal dining, study area, and on-site parking.The development aims to be a landmark in urban regeneration and high quality design and be an exemplar of sustainable developments.The brick selected for the scheme is Belgravia Gault Blend, a buff, thrown brick from Forterra’s Ecostock range. It has a rustic finish that resembles a handmade brick. Ecostock bricks are manufactured using the latest technology in sustainability and production efficiency, producing bricks with low embodied energy as well as advanced colour consistency, dimensional accuracy and quality.

The construction of Lidl's largest Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) in both Great Britain and globally has brought 125,000m2 of class B8 storage to the new 58 acre facility - located just outside London on the M1. A new distribution hub servicing more than 150 Lidl stores in London and the surrounding counties, this RDC is the first to feature automation, bringing over 1,200 jobs to the Luton and Dunstable area. ChallengeFull envelope construction provider FK Construction were contracted to construct the building envelope, cladding the building with Kingspan KS1000MR composite wall panels, fixed back to ultra heavy steel. SolutionBeing a secret fix panel, the fasteners needed to fasten through 100mm of insulated panel to fix back securely to the framing. Fixfast supplied in the region of 500,000 DF25-SSA4-HT fasteners for the construction of the external walls and internal coldstore applications, being able to self--drill through steel up to 25mm thick. Hex headed, available with washers for roof, rooflight or wall applications - and in A4/316 grade stainless steel for maximum corrosion resistance: these fasteners are the solution for fixing into ultra heavy steel.(images courtesy of FK Group)"FK have forged a close working relationship with Fixfast over many years and in partnership successfully delivered a number of high-profile schemes"Alistair Bolton - Construction Procurement Director at FK Group

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

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

For its architecturally striking Orwell House scheme in Bethnal Green, London, Bell Phillips Architects (BPA) has specified hand-formed, multi-coloured Antro bricks from Vandersanden, the brick maker renowned for its innovation, craftsmanship and sustainable manufacturing practices. Antro provides just the right balance of colour, texture and contrast for this affordable housing project, designed by BPA for London Borough of Tower Hamlets and forming part of the Berthold Lubetkin-designed Dorset Estate, originally constructed in the 1950’s and 1960’s.Comprising 20 flats in total, Orwell House is a new, wedge-shape, in-fill development, just off Colombia Road, to the North-West of the Borough. BPA’s imaginative design for this six-storey building features balconies and a roof terrace that look out across Ravenscroft Park with the steel-framed volume of Orwell House contained by Vandersanden’s multi-coloured greyish brick envelope. On the two shorter sides, this brick envelope is fronted by balconies clad in pink, glass-reinforced concrete (GRC) panels. This bold chequerboard patterning echoes the tones and patterns used by Lubetkin to animate facades on buildings across the existing estate.Completed in July 2020, Orwell House is a Finalist in the Housing Awards 2021. To find out more about the bricks used in this project or to see the wide range of high-quality bricks available from Vandersanden, click on the 'View more' link 

Falco recently manufactured, supplied and installed four bays of FalcoSpan cycle canopy for the new £15m Ellesmere Port Sports Leisure Village in Cheshire!The FalcoSpan cycle canopy was chosen for it’s light and spacious design providing maximum accessibility but great cycle coverage. The shelter was powder coated in RAL 9005 Jet Black to both increase durability and match the colour scheme of the leisure centre. Additionally hard wood cladding was added to the legs to soften the feel of the shelters and maintain a coherent theme of the overall design. For cycle parking, below ground fix Sheffield stands provide secure accommodation for up to 40 bikes.Ellesmere Port Sports Leisure Village is the prestigious leading regeneration project for Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC). CWAC has a forward thinking cycling policy and this installation provides real support towards that strategy. The development has been co-funded by Sport England on the site of the former Stanney High School and is home to a new purpose built sports and leisure facilities including an 8no lane 25m pool, separate teaching pool, 8 court sports hall to National Premier League Basketball standards with 1400 retractable seats, dance and exercise studios, gymnasium, spinning zone, wet and dry changing areas and café. The new state-of-the-art development is part of a £70m investment in leisure facilities across the borough.

THE PROJECTLocated on the south bank of the River Thames, this iconic building is being renovated and built into a thriving neighbourhood full of culture, art and history. Within the area, you can live, eat, shop and explore a range of places and living options.There is a range of apartments within the iconic landmark as well as the building surrounding the power station. Not only do the apartments offer a prime location in London, but they also come with a wide range of amenities included, including unforgettable London views, rooftop gardens, affordable homes, sustainable living plus much more.THE PRODUCTBattersea was built in stages and so were the mailboxes supplied.Phase 1 included full stainless steel RENZ Mailboxes that look absolutely stunning. They are recessed into the wall and include a soft close function for design purposes. These mailboxes look like they could be a brown colour, but that’s the reflection off the floor!The stainless steel has been engraved for easy identification. The boxes are also double-height for more storage capacity. Phases 2 & 3 are completely bespoke solutions to ensure the industrial cultural look of the building is kept throughout the additional finishes. These mailboxes were designed specifically for Battersea Power Station, they are suspended above the ground and in between concrete and steel pillars. These incredible Tileboxes are fitted with bespoke cladding, engraved numbering for easy identification and powder coated in anodic brown with a dark bronze lock.

The Lindner Group was responsible for the complete interior fit-out and revitalisation of the work areas. For the floor, the FLOOR and more® variant was chosen, a particularly resilient system that impresses with a high level of walking comfort, non-combustibility and optimised acoustics. If you look upwards, you will discover the LMD lamella ceiling and the Plafotherm® heated/chilled ceilings. The AirBox air supply elements also ensure a pleasant supply of fresh air in the office rooms. For elegant room partitioning, Lindner installed various partition wall systems, including the Lindner Logic 100 Timber wooden partition wall and the Lindner Life Pure 620, Lindner Life Clear and Lindner Life Stereo 125 glass partition walls. A special highlight is the Lindner Life Fire fallproof glazing in F90, which was designed as an impressive interior façade. The interior fit-out was supplemented by various door elements, wall claddings and drywall.Completed WorksCeilingsBaffle CeilingsLMD-L 608Heated and Chiled Baffle CeilingsPlafotherm L 608Heated and Chiled Canopy CeilingsVentilation ComponentsAirBox SFloorsCalcium sulphate panelsFLOOR and morePartitionsPartition Systems GlassLindner Life ClearLindner Life FireLindner Life Stereo 125Partiton Systems Full PanelLinder Logic 100 Timber

THE BRIEFTimber smoking shelterCheshire College South & West is a former further education college, located in Crewe, Cheshire with state-of-the-art facilities and amazing student support.Langley Design were approached by the college directly as they had a requirement for a timber smoking shelter to provide a sheltered area and protection from the elements for the students. As a bespoke manufacturer, we were able to design a facetted version of our popular Sheldon Smoking Shelter SSS304 to satisfy the clients requirements. WHAT WE DIDMulti-purpose outdoor shelterConstructed with structurally graded Class 4 Treated Redwood and clad to the back and sides with premium Hardwood Iroko the shelter fits perfectly into the newly landscaped areas. THE RESULTLeading street furniture supplierThe shelter can additionally be used for many purposes such as a waiting area, storage space or simply just for socialising.Langley Design as a leading supplier of street furniture products to all sectors of the built environment offer a full range of benches, seats, cycle shelters, bin store and canopies for a variety of projects.Located within the heart of the Cotswolds and offering both supply only & supply and installation services. At Langley we pride ourselves on our problem-solving solutions so please get in contact if you have a requirement on your future projects.

Surespan designed and manufactured several fire-rated roof hatches for the Killeen ISD East/West Ward Elementary School, in Killeen Texas.  The Project:Huckabee is the architect behind the East/West Ward Elementary School, tasked with replacing two 60-year-old campuses, by combining them into one new holistic learning environment. The planning behind the architecture focuses on efficiency, function and ease of wayfinding. From simple to navigate corridors, modernised classrooms and glazing to illuminate the interior with natural light. East/West Ward Elementary School blends district design standards with innovative thinking to achieve spacial efficiency and maintain equitability.Product:Surespan designed and manufactured five 35.5-inch x 35.5-inch Fire Rated Roof Hatch with an integral guard hand railing attached. These hatches are thermally broken and have been designed and tested with 4-hour fire resistance for integrity to EN 1634-1:2014.  Features:These hatches are using environmentally friendly materials such as non-combustible minerals and fireboard cladding to achieve a top-performing thermal efficiency. All the hatches were finished in a light grey polyester powder-coated finish for an aesthetically pleasing solution. The coating is set to last many years, just like the durable masonry veneer that is featured in the building, helping to maintain the space for years to come. 

Architects: IDOMLocation: Donostia, SpainPhotography: Iñaki BergeraMaterial: NATURSIDING-WFinish: RustikThe Aldapeta María Ikastetxea School is the interpretation of modernity, sustainability, and innovation poured into architecture. With the original building demolished, which dated back to the 19th Century, the new school building accompanies the view of education into the future, leveraging new technologies.Efficiency has been key to this project through the use of geothermal energy and natural light used as a shaping tool of space. Our durable rain-screen system wood panels embrace the refinement and warmth typically of wood into the structure in juxtaposition with other materials such as concrete and metal resembling Japanese architecture, with its pure lines, rhythm, dynamism, and sobriety.To accentuate the rhythm and promote harmony between concrete and wood, we have opted for the vertical placement of the slats that evokes the patterns of the wood framework. Achieving such effect is possible given the aesthetics enhanced by the small piece that attains a harmonious relationship between wood and concrete. With an innovative setup in the architectural sphere composed of a hidden system with no visible screws or rivets, the slatted cladding can be placed vertically even in large buildings, and in an easy way that provides a sense of strength and uniformity to the whole. The PARKLEX PRODEMA panels new setup system allows achieving distinctive finishes with the warmth of the wood, longevity, durability, and limited to no maintenance requirements.

Falkener House is a 17 storey, residential apartment block located near Coventry city centre. It was originally constructed in 1968 to provide council accommodation.New regulations stipulate that buildings of over 18 metres in height must be fire resistant and classify to A2-s1, d0. KEIM Paints are the only paint manufacturer, to date, that meet this classification.Leicester based Elhance Limited, who specialise in cladding and roofing installation and repair, contacted KEIM to provide a fire resistant paint coating. Bryan Roe, Senior Sales Executive of KEIM Mineral Paints, visited site and produced a comprehensive specification. His findings included moss and green growth over the previously painted concrete, particularly on the south elevation and corners. A power spray was recommended to thoroughly clean the surfaces as part of the pre-paint preparation.Upon cleaning, it was found that the previous paintwork was in good condition. KEIM Soldalit-ME was specified due to its A2-s1, d0 fire classification. Soldalit-ME is a durable exterior paint that has the added benefit of breaking down organic material and contaminants, which will keep the surfaces cleaners for longer.The facades will not require decoration for another 10-15 years, if not more.A further two tower blocks, also situated in Coventry, have been commissioned to be painted using KEIM Soldalit-ME again due to its fire resistant and durable benefits

The Chiswick Point development, at Bollo Lane, in West London, is a £20m contemporary mixed-use residential scheme offering 124 one, two and three bedroom residential apartments, including three penthouses. A sustainable approach was important, with all of the units designed to meet Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, and the Lifetime Homes code. Constructed in two blocks of six and nine storeys, the frame is mainly reinforced concrete, with the concrete frame floors and cladding providing thermal mass, which absorbs energy and slowly releases it to help reduce temperature fluctuations.Long continuous ribbon balconies provide solar shading to the two blocks and provide the residents with a very pleasant outlook across the London Wildlife Trust nature reserve at the rear of the development. The continuous balconies are a major feature of the scheme and with several hundred metres of them winding across the two blocks, effective thermal insulation was imperative if thermal bridging is to be avoided. To minimise any condensation problems and subsequent mould growth as a result, plus the avoidance of thermal outflow, Schöck Isokorb® T type K heat-insulating load-bearing elements are installed at various strategic positions along the large expanse of balconies. The Schöck Isokorb® T type K provides high thermal resistance by using stainless steel bars to act as tension and shear reinforcement, plus high-strength HTE pressure bearing modules.

A high-profile project, involving the unique new Sconnex® type W thermally insulating wall connection, is Haberdashers’ Boys’ School, just north of London.   It is one of the UK’s leading independent boys' schools and sets exemplary standards, in both educational terms and in its facilities as well.  Demonstrated by the new reinforced concrete extension to the Preparatory School, where cube_design architects were commissioned to produce a design for three additional classrooms and relocated changing facilities.  Jane Lock-Smith, the founder of cube_design and RIBA Client Design Advisor within the Building Schools for the Future programme, observes: “The design is respectful to the style of the existing building, but offers a contemporary twist through the use of full height glazing and charred timber cladding. A colonnade also minimises the buildings footprint.  Our detailing took into account that around 40% of all thermal bridges in a building are caused by walls and supports.  The Schöck product offers an application-friendly, high-quality solution that contributes to a permanently sustainable building concept”.   The outstanding insulation performance is combined with an excellent load bearing capacity, which transmits very high pressure, tensile and shear forces, both in the longitudinal and transverse direction. The ultra-high performance pressure buffer achieves compressive strength levels in excess of 175 N/mm2. Sconnex® type W also achieves a significant cost reduction when compared with the installation of insulation beneath the floor slab.  

Urban development within St. Helier, the capital of Jersey is gathering momentum with URSA seeing its specialist insulation products specified at one of the capital’s newest and most ambitious developments. The largest of the Channel Islands, St. Helier is a lively harbour town and has become one of the UK's most popular tourist attractions, creating a high demand for ongoing residential and commercial development. Both its commercial port and marina, as well as the centre and the main neighborhoods, are undergoing an in-depth study for the renovation of its building stock and the transformation of the urban landscape it offers. The ultimate objective is a profound urban regeneration carried out through the creation of a commercial heart open to the sea, in the city centre, and modern, sustainable and healthy residential developments on the outskirts to ensure the demands of future growth. It also aims to reduce traffic and create a walkable city for pedestrians and cyclists with green spaces and open spaces. In the north of the city is Ann Court, a large development located next to a large municipal park built on the site of a former car park that has been demolished. Being developed by Andium Homes, construction is nearing completion on the development of 165 new homes of different sizes and orientations (with internal and external courtyards), but with a common standard: the energy efficiency and sustainability of the whole complex. To support the sustainable objectives, architects have specified a ventilated façade that guarantees thermal and acoustic comfort, whilst preventing moisture penetration and condensation. A correctly designed ventilated façade system also guarantees a fire safe structure, prolongs the life of the building and enhances its energy efficiency. As part of the specification, 2,400 square meters of 220mm URSA Walltec Black 32 were specified. The choice of material was the direct decision of the architect Stephen Marshall of Axis Mason Architects, who decided on the glass wool slabs after learning about their performance and the knowledge provided by URSA's technical office. URSA Walltec Black 32 is a semi-rigid glass wool slab treated with a water repellent additive. The slabs have a black glass fibre tissue to one side only that helps to hide the insulation in ventilated façades with open joints. It is a non-combustible product that does not contribute to the spread of fire, is water repellent and has high performance to ensure the thermal and acoustic comfort of the entire residential complex. Once the insulating material has been fixed, the façade is completed with the installation of the cladding to create cavity that ensures the properties of the system. This imposing façade enveloping the courtyards of Ann Court facilitates a new building in the north of St. Helier where social interaction, tranquility, quality, comfort and healthiness are guaranteed.  Ian Claydon, URSA UK Technical Manager, said: “We first became involved in this scheme in June 2020. We were approached by the architect for recommendations on correct choice of product and the thermal assessment for the external walls.  “During the early stages of the project, we were in regular contact providing advice on the target U-value in the wall(a commendably low 0.18 W/m2K), as well as the impact on Jersey SAP energy assessment and the technicalities of rainscreen cladding. The team were particularly impressed with the speed of response and our wider technical knowledge, helping to support the perfect specification.” 

Glazing Vision has helped enhance daylight ina cleverly constructed London home using ourPitchglaze Roof Windows.New build projects in built up areas such as Londoncan be challenging, however Clapton Roadis an example of excellent precision and wonderfullyexecuted construction. Gauld Architecturehave created the perfect modern home usinginsightful architectural detail and two GlazingVision Roof Windows. The drawings called formodern architecture at every corner, from zinccladding to wooden interiors.A single storey doctor’s surgery had previouslybeen converted to a residential building, butunfortunately the home had very little floor area.The property overlooked a private garden behindand suffered from damp as well as a lack ofprivacy from passers-by, and so an upgradewas overdue. Previous planning applications toextend had been refused, and so an alternativeorganisational approach was needed to improveresidential amenity.The proposed works consisted of splitting theaccommodation over three levels, with thebedroom and bathroom a half level belowground, and the kitchen and entrance at streetlevel with the living space a half level above toenable views out over the heads of pedestrians.The split helps to reduce the massing and theasymmetric roof is shaped to minimise impacton the natural light to the neighbour’s windowsand garden behind.Construction commenced on the property, andquickly it was confirmed the boundary brick wallcould be salvaged from the previous structuregiving a familiar and robust public facing edgeand provides a desired sleek finish to the wall.The home also boasts crisp zinc roofing and wallcladding detailing, providing a smooth transitionfrom the exposed bricks to the first storey.The Pitchglaze Roof Windows allowed GauldArchitecture to achieve a seamless junction withthe folded zinc, with the glazing set on the sameplane to give the roof a pleasing continuity.Internally, the glazing is sized so the externalviews are framed only by the lined reveals,with the roof window largely hidden giving asleek finish. The Pitchglaze roof windows wereinstalled by the contractor, an easy installationprocess is guaranteed by following our installvideo or consulting our installation guide. Muchnatural light is captured via the roof windows,positioned strategically to ensure good andeven distribution throughout, while set flushwith the zinc to achieve a surface tension andpleasing solidity to the roof planes. These highqualityelements and considered massing resultin a greatly improved contribution to the street scene.“Glazing Vision helped give guidance on the interface between the roof window and a buildup thatwe were unfamiliar with. Our local Technical Specification Manager was very knowledgeable onintegrating the roof windows into the roof.” – Kevin Gauld, Director, Gauld ArchitectureThe minimalist interior coupled with striking exterior design meet perfectly to ensure a modernand desired look. The Pitchglaze Roof Windows solved a lasting problem with the home and wereresponsible for providing the client with the sought after amount of natural daylight.If you are working on a project which requires rooflights or roof windows get in contact with us on01379 658300 or fill in our contact form.

Sector: Built-to-rent accommodation (mix of affordable and commercial rental)Client: Populo LivingArchitect: dRMMMain contractor: Bugler Developments Specified for:Good cost / quality ratioSustainable window frame constructionFaçade-specific performanceExcellent design supportThe Didsbury, in London’s East Ham, is a high quality ‘Built-to-Rent’ development offering an equal mix of affordable and market rent apartments. Designed by Stirling Prize-winning architects dRMM for Newham’s housing company Populo Living, and built by main contractor Bugler, The Didsbury comprises 148 apartments in two six-storey new-build blocks which sit south of the former East Ham Town Hall Annexe, which is being refurbished. Smart interior design is matched by a highly distinctive exterior featuring brick and gold clad facades. VELFAC 200 windows, patio doors and entrance doors are installed in every apartment to provide both a quality finish and impressive low energy and low maintenance performance. Windows, doors and Juliette balconiesEvery apartment features a combination of VELFAC windows and patio doors (leading to a balcony or terrace) and inward opening, tilt/turn VELFAC IN glazed doors. These are used to create Juliette balconies, with balcony fittings integrated within the VELFAC frame to simplify subsequent railing installation. As every apartment features a range of interior materials, inner VELFAC timber frames are painted white to create a neutral and low maintenance finish ideal for rented apartments. External aluminium frames are finished in a dark grey polyester-powder coating to complement to both the brick walls and gold cladding. VELFAC also supplied head pressings to match the window sills, thereby ensuring a neat and consistent finish at both top and bottom. Our ‘go to’ composite glazing brandHaving successfully used VELFAC products on earlier projects dRMM was happy to specify the system for The Didsbury: ‘VELFAC has become our ‘go to’ brand when specifying composite glazing,’ says Findlay McFarlane, Architect at dRMM. ‘The system offers a good cost to quality ratio, and the frame design results in low embodied carbon, primarily due to the percentage of recycled aluminium used. This was important for Populo Living’s sustainability targets, and for dRMM as we champion climate-conscious architecture and the use of natural wood, which again is a feature of the VELFAC frame.’ Main contractor Bugler Developments was also happy with the specification: ‘We knew from the outset that we would be using the VELFAC system, and as we had used it before we knew it would meet our client’s requirements,’ comments Thomas Bugler, Head of Marketing. First discussed in 2015, The Didsbury has been a long and complex build. VELFAC, however, is one of the few suppliers to remain with the project from start to finish, thanks to the quality of the system and the expertise provided at every stage build. ‘We liaised with VELFAC right from the start of the project, through the detailed design stage, procurement and eventually to installation on site, with amendments and updates included along the way when necessary,’ says Thomas. ‘The project’s sustainability and affordability targets became more challenging due to this long planning phase,’ adds Findlay, ‘but the VELFAC system continued to meet the specification as it evolved.’ Technical support above and beyondWhile The Didsbury’s minimalist exterior may look sleek and simple, specification was in fact very complex, comments Findlay, and required expert input from the VELFAC team: ‘The stepped façade and variety of façade-specific performance targets meant that not all floors had an identical specification,’ he explains. ‘In addition, while VELFAC double glazing met all low energy targets, we needed to fit acoustic trickle vents into road-facing windows and ensure lower floors and balconies had windows with Secured by Design accreditation.’ Issues regarding weathering within the gold cladding also needed attention, comments Thomas: ‘This required some on site consultation with the VELFAC team, and updated detailing to ensure the end result was compliant and of the right quality - we are very pleased with the finish, and the windows and doors work well within the overall development.’ In fact, VELFAC support made a significant contribution to the success of the whole project says Findlay: ‘We worked closely with VELFAC on detailed drawings for the windows and doors, and were impressed with the level of support provided – more than that typically provided by a supplier, and another reason why we like to use the VELFAC system when we can. The thoroughness of the detailing meant there were fewer surprises when it came to installation, helping us keep on schedule during the final build and installation phase.’