"decorative plastics and wood laminates"

When Dundee-based architects Jon Frullani wanted to refurbish their own Grade B listed office they turned to international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply 250m2 of their Creation 70 LVT Dryback vinyl flooring in ‘Deep Forest’.Creation 70 LVT is a synthetic, decorative, flexible, antistatic abrasion group T floorcovering available in tile or plank, with bevelled edges. It consists in a 0.70 mm thick transparent wear layer, a design film, and a Resilient Comfort Core to provide softness and comfort surface.The LVT flooring has been used throughout the practice including the offices, communal areas including corridors, staff break-out areas, recreation space and the kitchen.Jon Frullani, Architect, and Company owner commented, “We specified Creation 70 LVT from Gerflor as it was the most suited product for our bespoke requirements. In fact, there is not one level floor in the entire building and the Creation 70 LVT has coped very well in this challenging situation.”

Following the current trend for basement installations our client had an interesting twist; a large underground area was to be created under the rear garden. Designed to house the client’s beautiful motor cars, there was still plenty of room to include an opulent, huge swimming pool and generously sized sauna and steam room with shower between. Both rooms were designed with a U shaped, emphasising the great social occasion of heat bathing with clear glass fascias providing a wide view of the pool and client’s stunning décor including a feature faux-living wall.Sauna: Warm Alder panelling was chosen for the sauna with a hidden heater to have clean lines and ensure absolute safety for young ones.Steam Room: The matching steam room was lined in beautiful pearl green mosaics to echo the pool finish.Yet another angle on how to introduce a wellness feature at home, all beautifully presented and a project in which Sauna360 were proud to play our part!

THE PROJECTBeautifully designed apartments situated in the heart of Fulham High Street, a prestigious area of London just minutes from the river, tube station and park. These carefully restored gatehouses offer striking architecture with beautiful interiors and stunning views.These design-led apartments are decorated with beautiful quality finishes and the finest detail, all carefully considered by Sitesales property group. The finishing touches throughout are complimented with all aspects of the fit-out, with mail delivery being no exception.THE PRODUCTIt is yet another luxury high-end development to incorporate our new unique ‘Tile’ mailboxes. These horizontally fitted, wall recessed mailboxes with highly innovative composite doors are manufactured to an exceptional standard with consideration to both aesthetics and functionality.Banked in a configuration of 5 x 9 mailboxes, each one has Gothic font engraved numbering positioned on the bottom right-hand corner. The mailbox locks are a dark bronze finish while the mailboxes boast a stylish polyester powder-coated bronze finish.

Yeoman Shield recently supplied and installed a handrail system in an NHS Trust’s seven mental health accommodation units.With a requirement for a handrail that was also sensitive to the nature of service users, an Anti-Ligature Guardian Handrail was chosen from the Yeoman Shield range to be fitted to corridor and passage way walls, offering both support as a handrail for those who may require it as well as a form of protection from impact damage to walls from footfall and wheeled equipment.Using a continuous fixing bracket running the full length of the handrail installation eliminates points where ligatures can be attached. Close fitting wall return ends ensures complete enclosure of all mechanical parts of the rail.Supplied in Red, the contrasting colour not only adds to the interior décor but can assist in wayfinding. Manufactured from a rigid PVCu material Yeoman Shield’s Guardian Handrail products do not promote the growth of mould or viruses and are easy to clean, being impervious to commercial cleaners.

Our Allura Flex luxury vinyl tiles have been used to great effect in the new offices of Becherovka in the Centrum Stomovka shopping mall in Prauge. Becherovka is part of the Pernod Ricard group, one of the largest producers of spirits and wine in the world. CAPEXUS was given the task of creating an office with a more distinctive and prestigious appearance, one that would be comfortable, feature interesting materials and, last but not least, be practical. The unifying element of the new offices is a more industrial concept. Not to be overlooked is the open ceiling with its visible concrete beams and ducts. The exposed materials in combination with the wooden furnishings and Forbo’s Allura Wood and Material luxury vinyl tiles create a pleasant atmosphere for work, business meetings in the conference rooms and relaxation.

When the Trade Council of Denmark exhibited a real world Danish Living Room at London Design Fair. The stand featured a curated mix of Danish brands to highlight Denmark’s strong heritage within quality design. Facilitated by the Embassy of Denmark in London and sponsored by Junckers, whose Hexparket flooring formed the backdrop to a host of iconic and promising contemporary Danish brands. Made in solid wood, the hexagonal design showcases Junckers’ long-standing tradition for quality and craftsmanship with a contemporary take on the classic parquet floor. The joint stand presented furniture, lighting, homeware, kitchen, TV and sound. Other brands included Fritz Hansen, Overgaard & Dyrman, Spekva, LOP Furniture, Arttiles, Møbel & Rum and Made by Toft. 

A large expanse of Junckers’ Nordic Oak flooring forms part of a new archive and research facility in Cornwall. Designed by Purcell, the landmark development comprises public search, exhibition, education and workshop spaces. Based on historic records, many of the original buildings’ remaining structures were restored. For the floor, the original granite flagstones were lifted and re-laid, installed alongside Junckers’ solid 185mm wide Oak Boulevard flooring in a white-pigmented Nordic finish. Junckers 20.5mm thick solid wood floor can be sanded and refinished up to ten times. A long lifespan, PEFC + FSC certified and produced in a CO2 positive facility, means specifying a Junckers floor is an environmentally sound option. The flooring contractor was Tre Concepts. 

Ryno Signature Decking in ‘Silver Birch’ takes pride of place in this new Brentwood development. The apartment block has a bold red brick exterior, with simple anthracite windows and detailing.The glass balustrades of the balconies allow the maximum level of light to enter the apartments, while making the paved courtyard feel even larger and more spacious.Products UsedTerraSmart® Composite in Silver Birch was used across the private balconies. Silver Birch, from the Signature Range of premium ‘capped’ decking, has an elegant textured wood-grain finish.The terrace spaces had additional height build-up requirements, so fixed-head adjustable pedestals were used to raise the decking to the door thresholds.

Manchester Museum has opened a new gallery dedicated to South Asian culture where Junckers’ solid wood flooring forms an integral part of the interior scheme. The new gallery celebrates the lived experiences and contributions of the South Asian diaspora and is part of the Hello Future initiative, a Heritage Lottery Fund project to encourage diverse communities to visit the museum. Architects Purcell created a new two-storey extension which includes two new galleries, as well as re-designing the original buildings to add a new main entrance, foyer, and visitor facilities. The new building has achieved BREEAM Very Good standard and was designed to adhere to the conditions required for museum collections. The design also places a strong focus on inclusivity, with improved accessibility for all visitors. The interior, designed by Studio C102 and Mobile Studio Architects, takes its inspiration from South Asian architecture and design with a material palette of rich colours and textures. Junckers Oak Natural Pearl flooring is paired with hand-patinated brass panels and a deep ochre wall colour that brings South Asian culture and creativity to life, a fitting backdrop to the many interesting exhibits on display. Junckers’ oak flooring provides the museum with a durable surface to accommodate high foot traffic. Made in solid wood, the floor is easy to care for and maintain and with a proven long lifespan, the floor can easily outlast the building’s design life of 60 years. Junckers flooring contributes to a healthy indoor climate and helps minimise any static from electrical devices and equipment. Having undergone rigorous degassing and odour tests to ensure there are no chemical substances in the flooring which adversely affect the air quality in a room, all Junckers floors carry the Danish Indoor Climate label certificate. The South Asia Gallery is a British Museum partnership. 

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

Australia House’s design is striking. Its facade combines classical and Art Deco elements, making it a unique addition to London’s architectural landscape.With a thickness of just one millimetre the translucent stone element that gives the ceiling lamps at the Australian embassy in London their mesmerizing look is highly innovative material - Fini Curve Safe with Stone Laminate - glass-stone composite bent into the desired shape.For more information on the project please feel free to contact:FINIGLAS Veredelungs GmbHWierlings Hook 548249 DülmenTel.-Nr. +49-2594-78905-137Fax-Nr. +49-2594-78905-130Andre Seifert / Sales curved glassCell: +49-172-4560654Email: aseifert@finiglas.deHilal Aksit / Sales & MarketingTel: +49-2594-78905-128Email: haksit@finiglas.deWeb: www.finiglas.deThe project was developed in collaboration with Lixos GmbH. LIXOS GMBHChristoph HoferTel + 49 7802 70 44 99 - 93E-Mail info@lixos.comKonrad Adenauer Straße 1, 77704 Oberkirchwww.lixos.comContact GlassParts for #evguard® in UK & IrelandTony Mallick +44 7392 458390tony@glassparts.co.ukwww.glassparts.co.uk

The ProjectFfestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway’s new Caernarfon Station forms part of a £15m Waterfront regeneration project led by Gwynedd County Council.Designed by Architects Purcell to include catering and retail facilities, the project hopes to bring an extra 5,000 visitors to the area as well as boosting the local economy. The Welsh Highland Railway is the UK's longest heritage railway, having been extended to a 25-mile line starting from beneath the castle walls in historic Caernarfon, the railway climbs to the foot of Snowdon before dropping again to sea level at the harbour in Porthmadog. The ChallengeProvide a washroom package befitting the iconic new station building.The station will need to cope with up to two hundred people at departure / arrival times with facilities to tell the story of both the waterfront and railways.Produce first class facilities capable of withstanding the rigors of high traffic footfall. The Solution Excelsior Mariner range offers extremely high levels of durability. Free standing, 12mm solid core panels are extremely robust and vandal resistant.Solid grade laminate used for the vanity units ensure water resistance and a solid, hard-wearing surface, guaranteed to withstand the test of time.

Installation of 3 number MG100 Semi Electric Movable Acoustic Walls for a large company in London. This design has allowed our client to have 4 separate rooms or 1 larger flexible working space. With a flick of a switch there is no need to manually lock each panel off with the automatic top and bottom seals locking off the system. One of the closed spaces did not have an internal access door so we included an inset door panel within one of the standard panels to allow for access in-between the rooms once the panels are in their closed position. Our client wanted as much clear workable room space as possible and using the double point stacking tracks the panels foldaway into a recessed pocket. Grey laminate panel finish chose to give a clean design and match other furniture within the room. An element of flexibility is suddenly added to your space. And the environment can quickly be manipulated to cater for any of your flexible space needs, whether that be for meetings or a little bit of privacy. At ModernGlide, we have sourced an excellent range of panel finishes, ranging from our standard melamine to veneers to personalised digital images, to give you complete design flexibility.

ChallengeThe London Stadium (formerly Olympic Stadium) and home of Premier League football club West Ham United, required an insulation solution that would not only upgrade the thermal and acoustic performance of the HVAC and service pipe areas, but also one that could meet the overall environmental demands of the project.SolutionAfter a series of consultations with the main contractor, Knauf Insulation developed a bespoke, one product solution, which met all requirements and helped to reduce engineering costs and installation time.23,000m2 of Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard was installed in the different elevations of the stadium, from level two to the lower ground level of the West Stand.Manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Standard is a laminate of a compression resistant, non-combustible Rock Mineral Wool slab with a variety of aesthetic finishes designed to provide a robust faced solution suitable for installation in semi-exposed environments such as stadiums like this.The project was completed before West Ham’s first competitive game at the London Stadium in August 2016."The insulation product knits together to prevent open joints, which helped us to maximise the thermal efficiency of the insulation."Kunal Vekaria, Project Manager at HLS Installations

Situated in Bedfordshire, Millbrook Golf Club is a magnificent golf course that sought to enhance specific areas of its course to ensure year-round suitability.In this case study, the greenkeeping team focused on improving the walk-on walk-off areas of newly constructed tee boxes to prevent erosion and the formation of muddy or boggy ground during the winter months.To create a pathway that would offer exceptional grass protection while preserving the natural beauty of the course once the grass beneath had grown, the team opted for our rubber grass mats.Our rubber golf path matting is highly sought after due to its remarkable benefits, including durability, ease of installation, permeability, and compatibility with wheelchairs and golf carts. These attributes make it the perfect solution for a wide range of projects and applications.Robert the Millbrook course General Manager told us; "We chose rubber grass mats to be used for the walk-on walk-off areas to two of our tee boxes, one of which has recently had a new pathway to the rear of the tee installed".Rubber Grass Mats On The 7th TeeExtending from the 6th green to the 7th tee, this particular section of the course experienced noticeable wear and tear. Without careful maintenance from the greenkeeping team, it could easily become an extremely boggy spot.To alleviate the risk of muddy ground in this area, the team devised a plan to revamp the space. They constructed a new pathway at the rear of the tee and re-turfed the slopes on either side. The surface of the path was then adorned with artificial grass. In addition, the lead-up to the artificial grass path was covered with our protective rubber grass mats. These mats were effortlessly laid in place by the team using plastic fixing pegs and cable ties.Once the area has matured, the golf path mats will become nearly invisible, providing a natural-looking yet protective surface to ensure the course remains in optimal condition for its members throughout the year.Robert kept us up to date with their progress; "Our Greenkeepers have been busy putting the finishing touches to the 7th Tee. Turfing the slopes, laying artificial grass for the path and installing a rubber grass mat infrastructure which the grass will grow through".Rubber Grass Mats On The 12th TeeSimilar to the work done on the 7th tee, the team at Millbrook devised a plan to enhance the approach from the 11th green to the 12th tee using our rubber grass mats.To enhance year-round usability regardless of weather conditions, they improved the approach to the tee box from the 11th green by installing our rubber grass mats. These mats were laid out, interconnected with cable ties, and easily secured in place using plastic pegs.Once the grass grows through the carefully designed holes in the rubber grass mats, the course will maintain its natural appearance while benefiting from a reinforced pathway that prevents the formation of boggy areas.Robert again informed us of the upgrade of this tee approach path; "The 12th Tee approach work is progressing really well thanks to our greenkeeping team. The area around the 11th bunker has also been re-turfed".The ResultRobert and the team are delighted with the project's outcome and the advantages provided by the rubber grass mats. Some club members have also expressed their appreciation for the new tee boxes and approaches on the Millbrook Facebook page; "The tee boxes looked very smart on Saturday".We are thrilled that our simple yet highly effective rubber grass mats have proven to be a resounding success for Millbrook Golf Course.Our exceptional golf pathway mats have assisted the greenkeeping team in achieving their objective of creating reinforced and natural-looking approach areas for their new tee boxes. Undoubtedly, these improvements will benefit the team, members and the course for years to come.For more information on our rubber grass mats and other rubber surfacing solutions, or to request a quote for an upcoming project, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The extensive capabilities and technologically-advanced formulations of Dulux Trade products proved essential in the successful £60million transformation of one of London’s most iconic landmarks. The Old Admiralty Building forms the backdrop to the annual Trooping Of The Colour ceremony. Home to Winston Churchill when he was First Lord Of The Admiralty, it is instantly recognisable the world over. But after being occupied by the Foreign And Commonwealth Office for a number of years, it required an extensive refurbishment to bring it up to today’s standards - and make it fit for purpose for its new occupants - The Department For Education and its 1,600 staff. Extensive engagement with Historic England and Westminster Council took place throughout the project to ensure the transformation of the Grade II-listed building was undertaken sensitively and with the use of products that would preserve and enhance its historic fabric. Dulux Trade Specification Team Andrew Cleaver, Steve Darnell and Anthony Bell worked with contractor Primetone Builders to advise both on the selecting and application of products that were used to transform the interior and exterior of the 23,000 sqm landmark across a range of surfaces including timber, intricate cornicing and masonry. Primetone Builders Founder Kevin Rabbitte commented: “Helping to transform such an iconic building was a real privilege and honour. “I’m immensely grateful for all the support and expertise that Dulux Trade provided on this complex and challenging project. “From initial site visits onwards, their specifiers were critical in helping my team of expert decorators get the very best out of all the products used.” The project also proved a showcase for the strengths of Dulux Trade water-based products, which have a positive environmental impact due to their low level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and contributed positively to maintaining air quality on site throughout the process. Among those used were Dulux Trade Diamond Glaze. Up to ten times tougher than conventional varnishes, it was applied to the building’s historic natural timber staircases. Intricate cornices and trim were carefully cut in using Dulux Trade Diamond Satinwood. Quick-drying, it comes into its own in high-traffic zones, such as corridors, stairways and access areas. The interior wall and ceiling surfaces benefited from one of the most technologically-advanced products Dulux Trade has produced - Dulux Trade Evolve Matt. The high opacity emulsion is made with 35% recycled paint content - offering a lower carbon footprint than traditional alternatives. Meanwhile, Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior High Gloss System and Dulux Trade All Seasons Smooth Masonry Paint combined to give a high-quality finish to the external elements of the building, while the fungicide they contain also inhibits mould-growth. Kevin added: “We were tremendously impressed with the performance of the water-based products that we used on the project. They flowed exceptionally well and there were no problems with coverage. The environmental impact of these large projects can be significant, so it was also really welcome that we could keep ours down by using recycled products like Dulux Trade Evolve Matt. “I look forward to collaborating with Dulux Trade using more new product innovations on many more projects in the future.” Steve Darnell, Specification Development Manager South London, Dulux Decorator Centre 360 commented: “We’re delighted to have used our expertise to support Kevin and his team of expert decorators on this historic project. “From limiting environmental impact, to maintaining the historic fabric of this iconic building and ensuring an all-round high-quality finish that lasts - there were a host of considerations that went into specifying the products for this project. “Happily, the extensive range of products Dulux Trade offers, combined with its commitment to technological innovation, means we could fulfil this brief and provide the materials to breathe new life into this London landmark.”

High performance, one-coat, weberpral M through coloured monocouche render from Weber has been specified for recent new-build properties at St. George’s Park Retirement Village in Burgess Hill, West Sussex.The new buildings will provide extended accommodation for the retirement community established and run by Augustinian Care which is set in 250 acres of glorious parkland and gardens.The buildings are finished with weberpral M, a one-coat, through-coloured external decorative render. An elegant ashlar architectural detail has been used to underscore the traditional aesthetics required to blend perfectly with buildings already established in this community. The project was designed by award-winning PRP Architects, with practices in London, Manchester and Surrey, who undertook the original brief for the St. George’s Park Retirement Village.  PRP Architects specialise in designing high quality buildings that enrich the lives of users and their communities.The main contractor, Galliford Try Building, is very impressed with the weberpral M decorative render noting that it is a high quality material and that the application work carried out by Complete Rendering Systems was first class and has given the very best possible finish for St George’s Park.weberpral M, a one-coat, cementitious, through-coloured render, is suitable for application to most brick and block work substrates. It is factory produced from carefully selected raw materials for consistency and supplied ready-mixed requiring only the addition of clean water on site. It is formulated for pump application which makes for quick and efficient installation, contributing to shorter programme periods, reducing associated scaffolding and site costs and permitting the completion of ground works at an earlier stage.weberpral M has excellent weather resistance and durability whilst allowing the structure to breathe. The through-coloured render requires no decoration, is truly low maintenance and offers a variety of ways to achieve distinct architectural features. On the St George’s properties ashlar patterns have been applied. weberpral M is applied in a two pass operation to a thickness of 20-28mm and then scraped when green giving a minimum render thickness of 15 to 25mm. When set but not fully hard, the ashlar detail is cut into the render ensuring that a minimum of 15mm is left at the base of any cut. The through-colour characteristic of weberpral M ensures that the overall colour aesthetic is maintained even in the deepest recess.The properties at St. George’s Park Retirement Village have been finished in Ivory, just one of 24 colours in the weberpral M range.  Specialist applicator Complete Rendering Systems of Lewes, East Sussex, were awarded the contract and director Bradley Halls supervised the project. “Our extensive experience of applying Weber render products gave us complete confidence that we would meet the client’s expectations. Overall there was 1000m² of weberpral M applied and the ashlar work covered approximately 600m² with the remaining surface carrying a plain scraped finish. We worked at St. George’s Park Retirement Village over a six month period as the buildings were readied and the colour consistency is perfect.”Weber is the first manufacturer of monocouche renders to be awarded an A+ rating as defined in the BRE Global 2008 Green Guide to Specification. This audited material helps specifiers to make selections that will collectively reduce the environmental impact of their buildings while achieving a higher number of BREEAM material specification credits.St. George’s Park Retirement Village is located on the site of the original Retreat that was the first home established by the Sisters of St. Augustine when it was re-formed in 1866, principally to care for the mentally and physically ill. The Sisters have continued to care for those that need it ever since in several care facilities in Sussex.

About the projectIn the summer of 2016, Paterson Gordon Architecture were approached to renovate an existing steading that stood in a derelict state. However, the stunning views of Loch Lomond created an inspiring opportunity to design and build a modern family home.Which FAKRO products were used?This property required an increase of natural light for a dark space within the building which could not fulfil its highest potential. By specifying DMF-D U6 and DXF-D U6 flat roof windows, Paterson Gordon Architecture was able to deliver a substantial proportion of natural light into the central hallway. DMF - D U6 Manually-operated Flat Roof WindowManual opening flat roof windows.The type F window is equipped with an energy-efficient triple-glazed DU6 glazing unit.The external glass is 6mm toughened while the internal glass is laminated and anti-burglary P2A Class.Heat transmittance co-efficient for the whole window is U-Value 0.88W/m²K. (glass U-Value 0.5W/m²K).Acoustic rating 34Db (-1.-3).The multi-chamber UPVC upstand is RAL 9010, the internal finish is RAL 9010 white PVC.The step and profiles are in black 9005, the glazing edge colour, called darkness, effect which comes from RAL 9005 (black) the coating has hue of grey.Can be used on roofs with pitches between 2-15°.DXF-D U6 Non-opening Flat Roof WindowNon-opening flat roof window.The Type F Window is equipped with an energy-efficient triple glazed DU6 glazing unit.The external glass is 6mm toughened while the internal glass is laminated and anti-burglary P2A Class.Heat transmittance co-efficient for the whole window is U-Value 0.88W/m²K. (glass U-Value 0.5W/m²K).Acoustic rating 34Db (-1.-3).The multi-chamber UPVC Upstand is RAL9010, the internal finish is RAL9010 White PVC.The step and profiles are in black 9005, the glazing edge colour, called darkness, effect which comes from RAL 9005 (black) the coating has hue of grey.Can be used on roofs with pitches between 2-15°.The existing part of the barn specified conservation-style roof windows to suit the original roof openings. To meet this requirement, FAKRO conservation windows were specified and installed. The characteristic feature is a black vertical mullion bar down the middle of the window and its black cladding. Making it suitable for traditional construction. Most of FAKROs standard windows are available as a conservation window.Why were FAKRO products specified?Primarily, the appearance of the flat roof windows was behind the reason for choosing FAKRO, along with the diverse product range and the ability to install the windows onto zinc, slate, and single-ply membrane roofs.

Custom 3D Gustafs walls were designed and created especially for the Weir Group HQ at 1 West Regent Street in Glasgow.The two 35m long feature walls on both the 9th and 10th floors of the building are constructed of bespoke 3D facetted panels with integrated doorways, seating, and a reception desk.Gustafs panels were specified for their A2-s1,d0 resistance to fire, retaining their structure and producing minimal smoke and spread of flame. Gustafs' 100 year history of carpentry and working with wood enabled them to create the 3D wall to the exact specifications of the architect to be installed perfectly by Giotto.LSA Projects also supplied standard flat acoustic ceiling panels and linear ribs to the scheme to give acoustic control in the open plan meeting room area.

Riverside Campus at City of Glasgow College has won a multitude of architectural awards for its outstanding design. Home to the world-leading Maritime College, the building features a grand atrium where Junckers 22mm Oak Harmony finished in Ultramatt lacquer was specified for the expansive staircase and walkway. Designed in a joint venture between Reiach and Hall Architects and Michael Laird Architects, the building is BREEAM ‘Excellent’ with many innovative on-site energy generation measures. Junckers solid hardwood flooring is made from renewable, sustainable forests and the entire manufacturing process is powered by Junckers’ own on-site power plant, which uses the residual wood of the forested timber. The Oak Harmony floor adds natural warmth to the large, open space and provides a hard-wearing surface for a busy college environment.

A dilapidated department store in the centre of Royal Leamington Spa has been transformed to create a block of 26 luxury apartments and retail space.Developer Tag Urban Properties enlisted the help of London-based architects TateHindle to design The Hide to reflect the history of the town. The front elevation of the building reinstates a Georgian terrace using the same architectural characteristics as the adjacent building, but as it wraps around the corner it becomes more contemporary. Although the apartments have very modern interiors, there has been a very sensitive approach to the external design.The residential element of the scheme includes a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and duplex penthouses. The homes have ‘upside down’ living where bedrooms are below the open-plan living areas which look out onto private terraces with panoramic views across the town. A communal courtyard provides a suntrap for residents to share at first floor level.The location of the building meant that Harish Ratna, director at TateHindle, and his design team needed to address two potential issues: working within the space constraints and designing a façade in keeping within a conservation area. “Traditionally masonry and a silicone render would usually be used for this type of project, but as we couldn’t go outside the boundary, we used a steel frame system with a narrower wall paired with an external wall insulation (EWI) system to maximise the internal space and speed up the whole process,” explains Harish“This is a Georgian conservation area, and we consider ourselves as custodians of a public area and see it as our duty, not just for the client to be proud of the building, but to make sure it stands the test of time.”As part of this, it was critical that the cornices – the decorative moulding that crowns a building – integrated with the listed building and were the correct shade of white. Architectural moulding specialist Build-Lite worked with TateHindle to design a cornice that was in keeping with the surroundings and would also help to keep the building’s white render looking crisp for longer. “Normally you would have a lead and stone capping, but we designed a cornice, used at four levels, that should help to lower the amount of external maintenance needed,” explains Harish. “The cornice has the optimal angle to ensure rain will run off, away from the wall, rather than run down the wall which can cause staining and therefore need more regular cleaning to keep that crisp white finish.”The leading contractor on the project, HC Linings, was responsible for the steel frame, render, internal partitions, ceilings and joinery on the scheme, but enlisted the help of Central Facades to install Saint-Gobain Weber’s webertherm XM EWI system.It was important that the installation of the cornice didn’t compromise the performance of the EWI system so Build-Lite and Weber liaised closely to ensure the two products could work safely together. Nicola Burbury-Walters, National Account Manager at Saint-Gobain Weber, said: “In new build schemes, insulating on the external walls can be combined with a simple and reliable single skin construction to deliver both a cost-effective and efficient build programme and attractive façade. It also allows developers to address the ever-increasing thermal requirements of the building regulations by minimising heat loss and reducing CO2 emissions.”Weber provided technical support for the U-value and condensation risk calculation and pull-out tests were undertaken to ensure that the correct system was specified. Once the full specification was finalised, Weber talked the team through the system and advised on fixing patterns and wind loading calculations.Target U-values achieved: 0.15W/m2K in the steel frame section and 0.18W/m2K in the concrete sectionJames Wood, an application manager at Weber, worked with Central Facades on site throughout the project with weekly visits to address any technical queries and ensure the EWI system was being installed in line with Weber’s best practice installation guidance.  “Central Facades received training through our technical academy so that they had a good knowledge of our systems. It’s great to see such good quality work and to be assured they understood that our systems must be used in the correct way to meet all the necessary standards. They showed diligence to quality and specification, and we had a great spirit of openness throughout the project.”Robert Harriman, managing director of HC Linings, explained that the support from Weber was important to the success of the complex project.  “The building required a high thermal rating and it had to reach all the necessary fire standards. We needed an EWI system with a warranty that could be mechanically applied to the steel frame of the building so as not to compromise the fire wrap system and Weber offered us a comprehensive solution.”To make the project more efficient, weberend LAC rapid, a polymer-modified adhesive render coat was specified to reduce time and remove the need to prime the substrate prior to finishing the whole building in webersil TF, a silicone enhanced textured decorative finish in Silver Pearl.The Hide was completed in September 2021 and won a Leamington Society Award 2021. The Society presents the awards to projects that promote high standards in architecture and the preservation of the town’s historic features.

Welcome to 120 Moorgate, a grade A office in the City of London. 3,000m2 of AGC ipasol Neutral 70/37 solar control double-glazing units and matching spandrel glazing was chosen for the facade of this extensive refurbishment project completed in 2020.In order to meet the demands of today's contemporary workspaces, a new facade was needed in order to improve the energy and acoustic comfort for occupants. With seven floors of full-height glazing, the ipasol Neutral 70/37 double glazing specification allows for the highest level of daylight and connection with the outside environment whilst protecting against overheating thanks to its solar gain reduction properties (g-value of 0.37). The fastest growing use of energy in buildings is for cooling, so harnessing existing technologies such as solar control glass can contribute to a sustainable building strategy.A low U-value of 1.0W/m².K was also a given, in view of the facade's thermal insulation requirements. Laminated glass was also incorporated in the specification of the double-glazing units as an acoustic enhancement to help protect against nuisance noise and also as a safety measure since the full-height glazing is accessible from interior spaces.Design work by Darling Associates and installation undertaken by specialist facade contractor Anglian Architectural.120 Moorgate is rated BREEAM Very Good.

The Project A new Science and Health Building consolidates the University’s existing science laboratory and health simulation facilities into a new modern multidisciplinary building that will include new healthcare simulation, research and ‘super-lab’ environments.The building offers the latest facilities for teaching and research, to enhance opportunities for continuing education and professional development and to attract the best students and staff to Coventry University.. The Challenge Ensure the products offered are in keeping with the universities ‘Modern University of the Year’ status.Manufacture, deliver and install premium quality system befitting the development and the client’s requirements. Include within the package benches and lockers.     The SolutionMariner Range was used through the building; Solid Grade Laminate is highly durable and always recommended within the Education Sector. The finishes and layout design particularly enhance the aesthetics of these washrooms BAM Construction delivered the £59 million building, which is transforming training opportunities for nurses, paramedics, midwives, and other health professionals. The building was officially opened by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in January 2018.SpecificationProduct Range: Mariner SGLDoors: 12mm Compact SGL POLYREY N026 Noyer OmbrePilaster: 12mm Compact SGL POLYREY G003 Gris PerlePartition: 12mm Compact SGL POLYREY B015 Blanc MenuiresIronmongery: Aluminium Ironmongery

Manufactured panels have a different level of acoustic reduction, but all of them provide the kind of flexibility needed to work perfectly within any office or commercial environment following a professional installation from ModernGlide.Because there is no need for a structural head support, this makes the MG200 series perfect for smaller openings. The versatility of our sliding folding wall partitions continue through the format of slimline stacking. This means that when the wall is not in use, it will take up minimal space in your environment.Additionally, the MG200 sliding partition series comes standard with a pass door panel which allows movement from side-to-side with seamless ease. We are able to offer a complete solution for all of your acoustic sliding partition needs.A continuous acoustic wall partitions system, it is perfect for a quick and easy set-up process and is our most popular budget solution for acoustic partitions that move.MG200 Wall Partitions Key FactsAcoustic reduction from 37dB to 49dBFloor-supportingPanel widths 450mm to 900mmHeight up to 4,000mmPass door as standardCentre-folding or end-folding stacking optionsPanel finishes include melamine, laminate, veneer and white boardIntegral glazing options30 minute fire rating option

The Project A new Leisure Centre at Dudley is part of a multi-million-pound Leisure Centre program and regeneration of the area. The new facility will include a 25metre swimming pool, teaching pool, four-court sports hall, gym, exercise studios, soft play area, and caféDudley Council has committed £17.4 million to the project in the heart of the town centre. Working in partnership with Alliance Leisure, through the UK Leisure Framework, the council will create a vibrant modern hub for residents and workers to enjoy a range of physical activities.The ChallengePropose a system suitable for a wet, high humidity environment including Cubicles, Ducts, Vanities, Lockers & Benches. Ensure the material used and the system proposed is suitable for a high traffic environment. Changing cubicle divisions to have increased height at the rear of the cubicle to prevent users standing on the bench and peering over. Fully framed cubicles to be free standing & self-supporting, positioned in centre of the changing area. Create a locker area suitable for use by wheelchair users. The SolutionSolid Grade Laminate was used throughout the scheme. 12mm core boards, self-supporting, highly durable and impervious to water penetration.Hydroline system installed as a fully framed island constructed cubicle with profiled division panels at 2400mm.

Cardigan Integrated Care Centre is a brand new healthcare centre in West Wales, housing a GP practice, dental service and pharmacy.Each unit was pre-plumbed and tested at the Venesta factory, reducing installation time by 50% and giving the end user added peace of mind.The aim of the £24m development was to provide safe, sustainable, integrated care for local residents. The anticipated high footfall meant durable and hardwearing solutions were required in all consultation rooms and washroom areas.Hygiene and infection control were of paramount importance, so we worked closely with Accredited Installers, Shire Integrated Systems, to ensure fit for purpose healthcare solutions were selected.Vepps Boxed-Out Units were specified for all the consultation rooms and offered speedy installation, while maintaining the integrity of rear fire walls and acoustic rated walls. The Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) box sides in ‘Shadow’ were rebated into strong extruded aluminium frames that provide flush, easy to clean surfaces.Meanwhile, Vepps Wall System panelling was specified for the toilet areas, which meant the WCs, flushes, basins and taps were pre-plumbed and thoroughly tested before being delivered to the Centre for installation.Read the full case study for full details.

Architect/Designer: BenedettiLocation: London Project OverviewFront of house refurbishment including developing bespoke signage and hardware to meet the client and architect’s requirements. ServiceFull hardware scheduling service. Bespoke signage & ironmongery. Project Details 3v worked alongside Benedetti architects to provide a full interior hardware package for the beautiful refurbishment of the British Academy of Film & Television Arts headquarters at 195 Piccadilly. This project included development of bespoke signage panels and hardware designed to complement the overall design aesthetic for the refurbishment of this Grade II listed building.The Expansion includes new top floor by raising & restoring two large Victorian rooflight structures & decorative plasterwork considered ‘lost’ for 40 years, from the original 1883 Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours Gallery, built in ‘opposition’ to the Royal Academy across the road.Facilities include: doubled capacity, two cinema theatres, banqueting hall, multipurpose event and exhibition spaces, members’ bars/restaurant/club, roof terraces, judging/meeting rooms and offices.

The ChallengeBowthorpe is a high-quality development of 174 new homes together with landscaped open space, community gardens and a children’s play area on an area of undeveloped land in Norwich.The development was inspired by nearby Bowthorpe Hall and explored the idea of an historic walled garden with homes built within its boundary.As part of the site’s high environmental standards, it was critical that existing features, such as important tree belts and hedges were retained while also accommodating a proposed network of cycle and walking routes.The SolutionForterra’s Breckland Reserve – a red, tumbled, wirecut brick – was used alongside flint on the ground floor of some of the homes to create detailed wall work that echoed Bowthorpe Hall.Traditional red tiled roof pitches sit above the wall and reference Bowthorpe Cottages. On top of the wall sit cedar shingle clad upper floors.Traditional terraces form most of the new homes, with flats provided alongside unique mews-style housing.The BenefitsThe building form, the materials selected, and the use of pattern and decoration, helped to create a visual connection to the local area.

"Expanding boundaries, horizons, capturing space and transforming it into new, modern, and welcoming lines": it is with this leitmotiv that the Pietra Perla reception hall in Sannicandro di Bari welcomes its guests, accompanying them in an experience where exclusivity and elegance reign supreme.In this evocative and dreamlike setting, a pearl of the small town in the Apulia region, Atlas Concorde has contributed to furnishing some of the indoor and outdoor spaces of the facility with a contemporary style.The romantic entrance comes to life thanks to the combination of different formats and contrasting colours, where the earthy essence of stone and its rich details bring together the refined look of natural materials with the excellent technical performance of porcelain tiles.The beauty and practicality of the stone effect is repeated in the floors of the interior spaces, like halls and restaurants, where warm shades make the rooms welcoming and give them a clean, avant-garde design.Decorations inspired by simple geometries with metallic-effect inserts further enrich the furnishing project, covering the walls of the bathrooms in perfect harmony with the dark nuance of the concrete-effect floor for a unique compositional balance.

The Glass Yard is a prestigious mixed office and retail development in Chesterfield, on the site of what was the once the largest manufacturer of domestic glassware in the UK. It has been designed sustainably and ergonomically by developer Blue Deer Ltd. for an open plan, daylight filled environment. The client approached Tarmac’s representatives looking for a safe, practical, durable and visually distinctive finish for the main external walkways and first-floor balconies that would complement the modern design and sustainable ethos of the building. After providing advice and number of samples, the client chose TOPTINT Glow a unique, glow in the dark decorative concrete that uses light sensitive chippings to help illuminate areas such as footpaths, cycleways and pedestrian areas. The glowing aggregate provided a passive and energy efficient form of demarcation to help guide clients along the balconies and walkways at night-time and in low ambient light conditions. This fitted with the building’s sustainable design ethos. The gentle glow provided by the light emitting chippings also provided an ambience that was sure to be a talking point for customers and would help put the new development on the map.

Designed by Shawn Hausman Design this hotel features a retro interior style which some may call kitschy or ‘hippie’ style. But there’s no doubt that this hotel is unlike any other, bursting at the seams with bright, vibrant colours and minimalist furniture and décor reflecting a somewhat 70’s glam style. While the interior might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the exterior is quite a sight to behold. With its brutalist-style architecture, it draws on the curved windows that cover the building as the main focus of the design. Originally built in 1974 as an office block and public library Orms were responsible for retaining this stark exterior. The hotel was heightened by a glass extension across the top of the building that holds a restaurant and club.Perhaps the coolest feature of the hotel, the red pill lift. A single external red pod, contrasting vividly with the plain white concrete frame, that transports its guests to all the 266 rooms and the rooftop bars.Selo provided simple, sleek riser doors that fit in perfectly with this modern look, and allow the eye to be drawn to the more important design features of the interior.

Built in the 1990’s, Carden Park is Cheshire’s privately-owned country hotel. A £10m luxury spar and gym facilities opened in 2019. Farr & Harris Ltd, trusted retailer for bathroom suites, were involved in the project.The hotel required modern, quality bathroom products for their hotel, spa and gym to reflect the contemporary décor but water saving was also imperative.Farr & Harris approached us after successfully installing mains operated taps at the hotel previously. This time around, they were interested in our touch-free taps. Our specifications team met with the client to discuss our full range and their features and benefits. We presented our Electroflo infra-red linear range for consideration. The client liked the hygienic aspect and the sleek minimalist style. Samples were provided to ensure the product would be fit for purpose before installation commenced.Testimonial“The touch-free operation is excellent and as with all Dudley products, they are high-quality and robust. Water saving was an important factor with this project so this range was perfectly suited.”Karl Lummis, Maintenance Manager

Junckers solid wood flooring has been installed at the UK’s first extra care scheme to be built to Passivhaus standards. The specialised housing and facilities at Edward’s Court in Exeter houses 53 Extra Care self-contained flats providing Exeter Council with the ability to offer its older community a way of preserving their independence and at the same time have access to flexible care and support if needed. The development has been designed and built to deliver low energy use and a healthy indoor climate using high quality materials. Junckers solid wood flooring forms an important part of the interior of the apartments and common areas, providing a natural and homely feel. The floor was specified by architects Architype for its proven ability to provide and maintain healthy indoor air quality, a key consideration for the scheme. Junckers floors carry the Danish Indoor Climate Label, recognised by BREEAM, and have undergone extensive degassing and odour tests to ensure there are no chemical substances in the flooring. With Edward’s Court, Architype has created an environment that prioritises the needs of the older generation while also offering optimal comfort, accessibility, and affordability. As Edward’s Court is built to Passivhaus standard, the occupants can remain warm in the winter and cool in the summer without using a great deal of energy and without experiencing severe fluctuations in utility bills. From the first stages of the development the architects were guided by the intertwined principles of ‘building biology’ and Passivhaus. Building biology prioritises human-based design, fostering community within the building and beyond its walls, sustainable environmental performance, indoor air quality, and thermal and acoustic comfort among its 25 principles. Said Lee Fordham, Associate Director, Architype: “Junckers flooring provided a natural feel to the space but also with its environmental accreditation gave us confidence as designers and specifiers that the material would be a healthy alternative to other standard floor finishes.” 

Troldekt’s wood wool acoustic ceiling panels have made a major contribution to the Enterprise Centre at the University of East Anglia. Dubbed the greenest building in the UK, it is also one of the most sustainable. It is recognised as the first large scale project to target both Passivhaus Certification and BREEAM Outstanding and one which meets the highest energy and environmental standards. Designed by sustainable architects Architype, in collaboration with contractor Morgan Sindall, it is a great signal for clever thinkers and designers to be equally inspired in their choice of materials. The rationale behind the decision was to make the Centre a live and educational demonstrator of the performance of renewable materials. Here it would be possible to see any changes over time and to understand their impact, including energy efficiency and carbon offsetting. The building has become a classic source of knowledge for designers and builders. The more they are informed of the environmental impact on their own projects and the options available to them, the easier it becomes to break with convention and design something innovative using traditional natural materials.  In addition to the Troldtekt wood wool panelling, good examples from this project include the interior glulam beams which make up the main timber frame and the thatch for the wall panels which is an innovative system comprising hundreds of straw cassettes. This makes the Centre the largest exterior thatched building in Europe with one of the finest interior acoustics for learning and study.  Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept, Troldtekt’s natural and inherently sustainable panels are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED ratings. In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, they offer high durability and low cost lifecycle performance. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. Samples, case studies and technical guidance is available from tel 01978 664255 or Troldtekt.co.uk while more information about the project can be found here at http://bit.ly/troldtekt-uea1

Patalab architects were commissioned to convert an intriguing building off Acton High Street in the London Borough of Ealing into a new certified school for children with Special Education Needs and one with a special focus on pupils with severe autism. Snowflake School is an Ofsted-outstanding teaching environment in a building which was originally a purpose-built hall for the Salvation Army before being turned into an animation studio. Inserted steelwork mezzanines over a herringbone-floored hall contributed to a mishmash of conversions. Given the nature of the school and the links between autism and noise sensitivity, Troldtekt’s acoustic wood wool panelling was specified to minimise sound reverberation and to promote a healthy sound environment and calmness.Project Architect Sophie Fuller explains “The double-height central space works really well as the school’s main hall. In order to minimise sound reverberation, we chose to clad the upper half in acoustic panelling made from wood wool. The texture and neutral colour of the panelling also help to make this tall space feel friendlier and warmer.” Following design guidelines, as well as meeting fire protection and safety requirements, meant many aspects of the building’s history had to be covered although glimpses remain. For example, the original parquet floor used in the assembly hall, original metal handrails protruding from new plywood balustrades and relocated doors as internal windows. At the same time, ramps and a platform stair lift have been added to create accessibility. Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept, Troldtekt’s natural and inherently sustainable panels are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED ratings. In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, they offer high durability and low cost lifecycle performance. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour.

Abode was the tap designer of choice to inject eco-luxe convenience to a unique water tower restoration project in Castle Acre, Norfolk with Pronteau: a high-specification range of steaming hot water taps. Paul Illingworth, Design Manager at Abode says, “We were delighted to be a part of this project alongside property owner Dennis Pedersen and Tonkin Liu Architects, as they meticulously came together to reimagine a derelict industrial water tank into a contemporary, family home. Dennis purchased the water tower at auction for £20,000 in 2015, and then project-managed all the building work himself to save money and realize Tonkin Liu’s architectural vision with the help of a local builder. Following the addition of a new CLT timber tower and careful infilling, the original water tank is now an open-plan kitchen living space complete with Pronteau Propure 4 IN 1 steaming hot water tap in ultra-fashionable Urban Copper finish. As the property needs to cater to a family of four, the additional breakfast room on the second floor, is also designed with a Pronteau Propure 4 IN 1, to ensure the height of convenience, design continuity and eco luxury in the modern home and living space.”  The 160 sqm Water Tower project, is testament to the increasing demand and complexity in personalised building projects across the UK. As the trend for flexible kitchen living is a key focus for today’s multi-generational homes, homeowners want to make sustainable choices wherever possible. Pronteau by Abode is the ideal way to combine high function design with a superior style, heightened level of safety and sustainable consideration in reducing the consumption of plastic bottled mineral water.  “We believe that safety goes hand in hand in interior design and construction, which is why we continually invest in new product development to ensure our designs are fit for purpose. As a practical example, our exclusive Filter Recycle Scheme enables end users to return redundant filters directly to us for recycling.”