"general engineering services"

 Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) facility that treats all of the residual household waste generated in Essex and Southend. To meet the structural design criteria of the contract, a very strong roof profile was required. To ensure fully effective sealing, this had to be a plain sheet without stiffening ribs. The requirement was met by a specially modified Trisobuild® R60 roof profile in a higher strength steel. The modified Trisobuild® R60 solution spans 2.65m. Tata Steel altered its production tooling to manufacture 26,000m2 of the modified R60 roof profile in double-sided Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®.Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® was chosen to optimise protection against the corrosive internal environment and external weather side of the bio-stabilisation halls. Super durable Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® provides exceptional corrosion resistance which has been proven in natural and accelerated testing. Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® exceeds the requirements of CP15 (as per EN 10169.2010), demonstrating excellent barrier properties when used internally.Images courtesy of UBB (Essex) Construction JV.

Long house is a modern interpretation of a Derbyshire Dales longhouse and houses three generations of their respective families. It was built to Passivhaus standards and to have minimal visual impact on its rural surroundings and featured in a September episode of Channel 4’s Grand Designs. On the ground floor, a combination of floor-to-ceiling windows and a completely open-plan layout fills the house with sunlight and creates a feeling of space and tranquillity. A shared sitting room for Sarah and Mike’s mothers is known as the ‘lady chapel’ and its oversized windows provide spectacular views across the valley.Energy efficiency, thermal performance and sustainability are all key when building to Passivhaus standards. The couple were also keen to meet the Royal Institute of British Architects 2030 Challenge targets for operational energy use, water usage and embodied carbon. Durability and security were also priorities.‘The windows are the stars of the show. The whole house feels full of light and life. The views are spectacular and in every room we feel part of the landscape, but without having to put a jumper on!’

Hush Acoustics provided a solution to reverberation issues at the newly extended Queen Elizabeth Hall in the village of Layer de la Haye near Colchester.The hall was designed to be used as a multi-functional amenity for local residents and the general public and is host to anything from Scouts groups to wedding receptions. It was therefore imperative that the acoustics within the building were to a good level to be able to comfortably make use of the hall for all the varying activities.As in many domestic and public places, reverberation and in severe cases, echoes, had become a problem in with mid to high frequency sounds (in most cases) of speech causing disruptive and discomforting noise problems.After an initial inspection, Hush Acoustics proposed the installation of 30x Hush Absorber 50A panels. This Class A sound absorber has built in support frames to allow for bracket fixing to provide an air void behind the absorber for enhanced acoustic performance. The absorber panels were fitted over two days which meant the work had minimal impact to the running of the community activities.The client’s feedback was that the acoustics in the hall after installation “are perfect”.

This scheme was based around a prestigious new commercial office development which included a public realm space. The goal was to create an attractive outdoor space that would provide a relaxing outdoor environment for workers and serve as a communal space that the general public could also utilise. By diligently selecting a range of design led external furniture items from Artform Urban Furniture, the completed project has resulted in a sophisticated and popular external space that enhances the local area and will be enjoyed by a wide variety of people for many years to come.The Box Litter Bin is a popular option from Artform due to its flexible design options. The main structure is manufactured from a robust 6mm thick sheet with various options for the door finish. From the most popular timber-clad versions to Steel rods, and solid or laser-cut steel plate. For Wellington Place, the solid steel door with integrated ashtray was chosen with the addition of customised decals that coordinate with the area's recognisable branding. The design is simple and robust making it perfect in a whole host of external spaces. 

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

Refurbishment of a campsite services facility at a popular country park provided an unusual testing ground for part of a new stainless steel kitchen furniture range developed for the professional catering sector. But after a full season’s camping at Emberton Country Park, the double bowl sinktop from GEC Anderson’s new Decimetric® range has met all expectations and is set for a long service life.Emberton Country Park, near Milton Keynes, was developed from disused gravel workings and is today an attractive parkland setting of 200 acres. It caters for a variety of uses and includes 58 pitches for tents and touring caravans, rally fields, lake and river fishing, a conservation area, children’s play areas, a shop and washroom/toilet facilities.As part of a major refurbishment of the services block for campers in the touring field, Milton Keynes Council’s Construction Services Department refitted the washroom where campers wash their crockery and cooking utensils. After another supplier was unable to deliver a suitable sinktop within the council’s timeframe, Robert Gritton, Project Manager for Milton Keynes Council, shopped around for a cost effective alternative – and became one of the first customers to order from the Decimetric® range. “GEC Anderson was able to custom make the sinktop in a very short time, and everyone has been very pleased with it. I’m very glad that the other make was not available,” he says. “The other big advantage of the Decimetric® product is that its 100mm modular size increments permit specification of the largest possible unit to fit a space, without the premium of a true bespoke installation.”The Decimetric® sinktop is extremely durable, but requires minimal maintenance. Park Manager David MacCarter says: “It’s really solid, well made and it will never wear out. The cleaners just give it a wipe over every day: it’s easy to keep clean and it looks great.”The 1,700 x 600mm sinktop of commercial grade stainless steel has a water-retaining 40mm lipped edge at the front and sides, and an 85mm sloping upstand at the back. The bowls are 400 x 400 x 250mm and positioned 100mm apart, centrally along the length of the sinktop. Both have 38mm outlets and two 30mm diameter tapholes at 200mm centres behind each bowl. The sinktop stands on square section stainless steel legs with adjustable feet. A solid stainless steel shelf is fitted under the sinktop. The new Decimetric® range from GEC Anderson offers a flexible and comprehensive selection of sinks, surfaces, support frames, cabinets and shelving. The range was developed mainly for the professional catering market, but its versatility, good looks and low maintenance requirements make it an excellent choice for applications requiring hard-wearing and hygienic surfaces. Decimetric® units are easy to specify and are offered in sizes from 500-3,000mm, with 100mm sizing increments (100mm = 1 decimetre). The modular approach makes for economy and short delivery times. Founded in England in 1962, GEC Anderson has pioneered the development of made-to-measure stainless steel products. Today, the company’s range includes bowls, worktops, cabinets, shelving and sanitaryware for use in domestic, commercial and specialist environments. All products are manufactured to ISO 9001 and backed by a comprehensive support service from planning and product specification to installation and maintenance.

Nottingham Trent University required a secure cycle parking facility for their campus. The Witton Compound was recommended by Able Canopies, due to it's ability to completely enclose the bicycles inside the compound, for security, with the option to add locking system to provide enhanced security. Initially one compound was installed for the university, however since the first compound, the university were impressed by the product and service provided and 4 more have been ordered and installed for the university.

This wonderfully designed project by Spaced Out Architecture incorporates the Topakustik 30/2M in American Walnut. Installed by T & M Building Services the Topakustik 30/2M planks (absorption class c, NRC 0.75) were manufactured with a moisture resistant core board and finished with an American Walnut veneer. Due to the environment of projects with spas and swimming pools the core board ensures the integrity of the structure and acoustic performance of the planks.

Stone Cladding: Red Sandstone - natural stone rainscreen cladding. The new Brodick Ferry Terminal opened April 2018 following completion of the £30 million infrastructure upgrade project, which has transformed the harbour area. ARCHITECT: NORR MAIN CONTRACTOR: George Leslie INSTALLER: Entec Design Services PRODUCT: AlterStone Red Sandstone CLADDING AREA: 1,150m2 START ON SITE: August 2016 COMPLETION: November 2016

The Roads & Maritime Services now benefit from a highly progressive workspace in their refurbished HQ on Parramatta Street. SAS800 Trucell ceilings were installed in the open plan lounges and stairwells of the renovation. The system gives a decorative feature to the fit-out with the illusion of a much larger space for activity-based working. Comfortable lounge furniture and bright colours have also been chosen to encourage communication and create a flexible working space.

Stapleton House is a design & build project by Balfour Beatty Construction Services who created 862 high-specification student spaces across nine floors in the large and logistically challenging student accommodation project in London.The property is located by the very busy Holloway Road and therefore needed an enhanced acoustic rating for each elevation facing the public highway, as well as the achievement of high thermal, weather and security standard throughout.

Twinfix walkways protect patients and visitors from the elements at the new Clatterbridge Centre in Liverpool A new hospital in the heart of Liverpool is part of a £162m investment in expanding and transforming cancer services across Cheshire and Merseyside. The 11-storey Clatterbridge Cancer Centre at Liverpool Hospital delivers highly-specialist care including pioneering immunotherapy and the most advanced forms of radiotherapy to the 2.4 million people in Cheshire and Merseyside, and those in surrounding areas.

This project highlights the DYNAMIK Sydney system finished in sports vinyl, DYNAMIK solid, perforated and fabric acoustic wall panels and DYNAMIK protective giant carpet tiles. The client installed their DYNAMIK internal wall panels themselves and were pleased with the overall service: “We love the place now… thanks for all your help and patience in selecting the right [wall] panels and flooring. It has really proven to be worth it in the end.”

Yotel’s stunning flagship hotel in Singapore has translated the language of luxury airline travel into smart, well-designed spaces without the hefty price tag. The unique digital experience of this hotel features an airline style self-service check-in and features SmartBeds which turn in to sofas at the touch of a button. Lorient supplied DS acoustic, smoke and fire seals and LAS8013 si drop seals to this ultra-modern hotel.

When Bodmin Community Fire Station in Cornwall needed a hardwearing, hygienic, and safe flooring solution for their fitness room and gym, they turned to international flooring specialists Gerflor. Its’ Taraflex® sports flooring was supplied and would deliver to the highest standards required by the site users. In acknowledgement of the brave and hard work of Cornwall Fire Service crews, Gerflor donated 60m2 of this world-renowned sports flooring in the colour ‘Red’.

Award-winning FF&E fitout for Foss Park MH HospitalWates delivered this £28 million York facility for adults and older adults in 2020.The hospital is part of ongoing community services rather than a long-term place of stay and admission is viewed as the exception rather than the norm. The beautiful surroundings, natural daylight and muted colours of the interior provide a calm, peaceful environment for patients and staff alike.

Located in the village of Featherstone on the outskirts Wolverhampton, Featherstone & Hilton Community centre is an attractive 80’s-built building surrounded by the luscious green of the countryside. Since construction, it has featured a man-made interlocking slate-style roof that was installed under conditions of strict professional workmanship. The old roof material, after decades of service, was in need of modernisation as it was worn from years of use and had become a target for vandalism...

Pets are at the heart of everything that the Blue Cross charity do. Each year, thousands of cats, dogs, small pets and horses arrive at their animal hospitals, clinics and rehoming services for treatment.Some, who cannot afford private vets, will need medical attention, while others will be looking for the new happy homes they deserve. Blue Cross prepares the future pet owners for their new responsibility and their behaviourists prepare the pet for their new home.

Over six years ago, law firm Kingsley Napley considered consolidating its three Clerkenwell offices into a single building. Before committing to do so, the firm first embarked on a programme of partial refurbishments and pilot testing in its existing offices to examine how a transformation from cellular to open plan working might suit their business and its more than 400 employees. Once the decision was made to move, Kingsley Napley collaborated with design specialists KKS Savills and Overbury fit out and refurbishment, along with BPC interiors as sub-contractor, to create an environment which would help enable the company to flourish and meet its aspirations for recruitment, retention and growth. Fast-forward to 2021 and the firm occupies six floors at Twenty Bonhill, Shoreditch.Delivering a best in class workplace Kingsley Napley CFOO Darren Jesse spoke about the project, “I am delighted we have delivered this project, pretty much on time and on budget, despite the challenging circumstances of the last year or so. We had an incredible team working on this internally, and our external advisers… provided superb support for which we are grateful. Together I believe we have delivered a first rate, best in class workplace for Kingsley Napley that will support the firm in its next chapter.” The new space has been designed with collaboration and activity-based working in mind by allowing lawyers and other team members to choose workspaces according to their needs. The guiding aesthetic throughout the six floors is one of hushed self-assuredness with a hint of opulence characterised by classic contemporary furnishings in muted tones, modern art and the use of deep blue and orange on feature walls. In the reception, elegant slim lighting is fixed at a distance from the high ceilings in converging angles while a fully glazed wall lets diffused natural light stream in. The move coincided with a new brand identity incorporating the phrase, ‘when it matters most’ into its communications – words which underpin the role often played by the company in the lives of its clients and informing the values it wants to portray in everything it does.Creating that Wow with added HushBPC Interiors Senior Construction Manager, Stuart Dowling, “We managed the project and instructed Pacy & Wheatley to install Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic throughout the large double-height reception. The Installation went very well and an impressive smooth finish was achieved that even with sunlight or interior lighting shining on it did not show any of the services behind, which can be the case with plasterboard.”Installation specialist Pacy & Wheatley Director Craig Wheatley, “This was a prestigious and exacting project where creating a space to project the perfect first impression was vital. Rockfon Mono Acoustic is unique as it combines the elegance of a monolithic ceiling with performance characteristics and sound absorption thought only possible with modular ceilings. The ceiling tile substrate is installed and then finished with a specialist acoustic render to create a seamless surface.” Beauty and performanceThe system allows for easy incorporation of lighting, audio and other mechanical systems whilst delivering Class A2 fire protection. It also offers dimensionally stability at up to 100% relative humidity and can be installed in temperatures ranging from 0˚C to 40˚C.KKS Savills Associate Director and Senior Designer Paul Butterworth, “Mono was chosen for its appearance but also for its ability to mitigate against the unwanted sound generated by hard surfaces. It delivered clean lines while successfully hiding the services above. We are so pleased to have discovered this beautiful, fabulous product!”Fully recyclable, all our ranges are made from a core of naturally occurring, non-hygroscopic and non-combustible stone wool. Their surfaces provide no sustenance to harmful micro-organisms, embody high humidity resistance and are impervious to most environmental pressures – ensuring that perfect first impression will last.  

Bellway had a prime location, just four miles from Canary Wharf and eight miles from central London, with 300 metres of river frontage and panoramic city views, in which to build an attractive new housing complex.Due to its prestigious postcode, the new homes needed to be of the highest quality in terms of construction and elegant in appearance to appeal to the target clientele.Following extensive planning, K Systems brought Bellway’s vision to life and created a beautiful collection of new one, two, and three-bedroom waterside homes on the banks of the River Thames.Each home in the River Gardens development boasts outstanding thermal performance incorporating a façade with an A2 fire resistance rating and a high-quality finish with superb durability and resistance to the elements.Our ServiceThe River Gardens project took place during a global pandemic when the construction industry was significantly impacted in terms of workforce and availability and costs of materials. Despite all these external factors we delivered a stunning, successful project, within budget, without delay or compromise on quality, that not only met but exceeded the requirements and expectations of the client, Bellway Homes.We worked in close partnership with Jessella Ltd (the installer) throughout the duration of the project. As part of our service commitment, our technical team were available to provide hands-on-guidance, offer support, technical guidance and ensure high levels of quality.Jessella Ltd Project Manager, Pavel Mihaylov explains:“River Gardens was one of the most challenging but rewarding projects I have worked on. It was a very complex project with a strict scaffold strike programme and being dependent on weather and many other trades. That made it very difficult to achieve completed areas on time. Thanks to working closely with Jason and Patrick from K Systems and their regular site visits and guidance over the phone, we managed to achieve the required completion dates, safely and with an excellent quality finish.”Technical Project DetailsAfter extensive planning and a comprehensive scoping process with the client and all involved third parties, we specified the K Systems Exicco M, drained cavity façade system with mineral wool insulation. This high performing system is suitable for steel and timber framed buildings and is highly compatible with high rise projects like River Gardens.Fire safety with high rise buildings is of utmost importance and the K Systems Exicco M system generates exceptional performance and provides high levels of fire resistance and noncombustibility (A2 rating).K Systems specified River Gardens with a façade system with an A2-s1,d0 fire rating. The system specified was made up of a combination of A1 fire classification substrate (sheathing board), a Tenmat 120-minute cavity barrier, an A1 non-combustible, dual-density stone mineral wool insulation slab, and a galvanised steel rail. The latest building regulations were complied with ensuring the safety of the future residents.Mineral wool has superb acoustic qualities, another reason it was specified for this project. Its inclusion in the build meant that noise from the wind and traffic travelling up and down the River Thames would be significantly reduced, ensuring a quieter residential option for target clientele who wish to avoid an audible disruption yet still live within the hustle and bustle of city life.For the finish, high-performance 1.5mm thin coat silicone render (Silicone TC) was specified. Our Silicone TC render is renowned for its ease of use on application, variety of texture and colour, and its high-performance properties. Each waterside home in River Gardens was finished in a variety of shades complimentary to the development’s surroundings.Aesthetically the development had a clean, crisp attractive finish with an impressive thermal performance and a protective exterior. The hydrophobic qualities of Silicone TC ensure a low maintenance finish, ensuring it will remain aesthetically pleasing for years to come.

“We needed extremely detailed U-value calculations, and Knauf Insulation is one of the best at supplying these”, Paul Mann, Sales & Pre-Construction Director, TAC Projects.3,000m2 of Knauf Insulation Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is providing essential comfort and fire safety for vulnerable residents in a new development on a challenging site.Quantock House, Taunton is a new collection of 88 assisted living apartments set over nine storeys in a prime position at the heart of Somerset’s county town. It is the latest development from Platinum Skies, part of the Affordable Housing and Healthcare Group (AHH). Specialist contractor TAC Projects was tasked with the technical design and overall delivery of the façade.There were two essential considerations for the insulation specification. The first was that it had to be non-combustible, with a Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. “We never use combustible materials on any residential façade, regardless of height” explained Paul Mann, Sales & Pre-Construction Director, TAC Projects. “This is especially important in developments with vulnerable residents.”The second was thermal performance. The façade had to achieve a U-value of 0.18W/m2K, but with a complex design including acute angles between elevations and an undercroft car park, detailed calculations would be needed to support the specification. This was not just for best practice; to insure the building, the NHBC insisted on detailed supporting data for all products used in its construction.“The original specification from AAH’s architect was for Rock Mineral Wool. Our need for more robust U-value calculations, among other reasons, led us to choose Knauf Insulation Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab” said Paul. “That meant we were able to get 3D U-value calculations from its Technical Support team”.3D U-value calculations provide a much more detailed and accurate model of a building’s thermal performance. They give contractors, architects and third parties valuable reassurance that the interactions between different building elements have been properly considered, such that the calculations will more accurately reflect the energy efficiency of the building in the real world.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is a non-combustible Rock Mineral Wool insulation that offers exceptional thermal and acoustic performance. It achieves Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, and is BBA certified for the broadest range of build-ups of any rainscreen solution on the market.It is designed to be easy to install correctly. Slabs are robust enough for easy manoeuvrability, but capable of flexing to adapt to imperfections in the substrate and to interlock when butted together. This is critical as it prevents the air gaps that can occur when using other, more rigid types of insulation; gaps which can compromise thermal, fire or acoustic performance.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is also manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally-friendly. Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs, and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.In addition to the 3D U-value calculations, the project required an extra level of service and logistical support. With no storage space on site, and only room for one lorry at a time, deliveries had to be meticulously planned to keep the job running smoothly. Distributor CCF, who supplied the insulation, worked closely with TAC Projects to schedule deliveries in line with their plan of works.“Our business is all about trust” continued Paul. “AAH is trusted by its customers to provide safe and warm homes. We’re trusted by them to build non-combustible, energy-efficient façades. And in turn, we trust Knauf Insulation to give us the innovative products and service we need to do that.”Thanks to these trusted relationships, the residents at Quantock House will enjoy their new homes in warmth and comfort, with the peace of mind that comes from knowing they are built using sustainable, non-combustible materials.

A fault-tolerant network of MxPro 5 intelligent fire panels from Advanced was chosen to protect the 3Ts Redevelopment programme at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.A total of 36 4-loop MxPro 5 panels, 46 repeater panels and two custom-built AdSpecials panels from Advanced were installed as part of 3Ts, a construction programme to modernise the front half of the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. Phase one involved the construction of a 13-storey building with two basement levels. Incorporating all the functions of a modern hospital. The building includes a three-storey atrium reception, outpatient departments, operating theatres, wards, a teaching facility and administration facilities.The fire system was installed by the team at Essex-based EA-RS Fire Engineering Ltd, who installed Advanced’s industry-leading MxPro 5 fire panels alongside bespoke sprinkler indication and ventilation override panels, all linked to approximately 5,000 Hochiki devices.

CastSlot and Paveslot, the leading channel drainage systems from Gatic Civil Drainage, have been installed at Rushden Lakes, the new high end shopping centre in Northamptonshire. Specified by consulting engineers, BE Design, and working with contractors Winvic, CastSlot with a tread safe top was carefully selected for its robust composition – essential for a busy shopping centre. CastSlot’s tread safe top is important in areas with high volumes of pedestrians, removing the risk of heels getting caught in the grating. PaveSlot was installed in the project’s central boulevard – home to a bespoke water feature.Gatic is a globally recognised brand, specified for many prestigious projects around the world. Its leading range of surface water drainage is strong, durable and reliable, with load ratings from A15 to F900 to suit a wide range of applications. CastSlot’s high capacity channels provide effective surface water management, protecting areas from excessive rainfall. PaveSlot is ideal for paved areas, with a discreet profile that sits neatly in the ground for a subtle and unobtrusive finish.

Project DetailProject: Radisson Blu HotelLocation: East Midlands Airport, UKProduct: TS.11204 Cam Action and TS 9205 Door ClosersProject DescriptionImmaculate en-suites, ball rooms, conferences or just a bed for the night is never more peaceful than when you are behind highly engineered door controls.Rutland Door Controls are used on the Radisson Blu Hotel – East Midlands Airport, part of The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, that cares for the CEO, directors and key share holders of companies.The TS 11204 Cam Action and the TS 9205 Door closers were used extensively on these hotels due to the:ease of openingconsistent controlaesthetic appearancesall giving the user a seamless experience during their stay inside.Although a door closer is a small element of building design it makes an enormous difference to its operation.Check out our website and insist on certification standards, guarantees and fire door safety by using Rutland door controls. www.rutlanduk.co.uk;

A trailblazing pre-school – in more than one wayIn Sweden, as in all Nordic countries, education is front and centre when it comes to societal priorities, and – unlike in some other places, where actual action sometimes falls short of intention – the country is allocating resources to the system that fully match its ambitions. This is nowhere truer than in Umeå. Located far up on the Baltic coast, 650km north of Stockholm, the city is home to slightly over 120,000 inhabitants. No less than 39,000 of them are university students!Higher education, though, is only one part of the story. For Jonas Kjellander, “Pre-schools are the most important buildings, because they lay the groundwork for everything that follows. That’s why I have specialised in pre-school concepts”. Based on this rather unique know-how, the architect, who is part of Sweco, Sweden’s engineering behemoth – with over 17,000 employees in 13 countries – spearheaded the team that won the architecture competition for the ‘Hedlunda Förskola’ in Umeå.

Four metres of stainless steel provides a ‘model’ worktop solution for one of the UK’s top fashion and photographic model agencies. Take 2 Model Management had the worktop installed in its new London offices, where it plays a key role in boardroom catering. The worktop was supplied by GEC Anderson, specialist in made-to-measure stainless steel products.Take 2 has on its books many top international and local models who feature on fashion catwalks and in campaigns for leading brands. Founded 25 years ago by Melissa Richardson and Gabriella Palmano, the agency was based in Covent Garden until its recent relocation to a converted 19th century warehouse at Willow Street, Shoreditch, the heart of London’s fashion district. The new premises includes a modern fourth storey boardroom, which is also used for general meetings and corporate events, necessitating a stylish and well-appointed kitchen-bar.  Bespoke manufacturer Woodbury Furniture Company was commissioned to build the kitchen-bar, with a stainless steel worktop specified by the architect. Woodbury designer Matthew King says: “We approached GEC Anderson for the worktop as we had worked with them on several previous commissions. They offer a wide choice of edge details and upstands, and can be relied on for seamless joins and a perfect fit.” The worktop was supplied in two sections to facilitate handling into the boardroom – via a spiral staircase. The sections were mounted on top of storage units and appliances and were clamp-jointed on site to provide a virtually seamless finish. A cut-out to accommodate a glass-top hob was provided, along with an integral 500mm x 400mm sink from GEC Anderson’s standard range. Melissa Richardson says: “It’s great – it looks lovely and it’s working well for us.” Woodbury and GEC Anderson also provided a 700mm stainless steel-topped teapoint with a 300mm diameter sink to serve staff and visitors on the lower floors.   Based near Exeter, Woodbury Furniture Company has a small team of craftsmen who produce custom furniture and kitchens in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Matthew King says: “Stainless steel is an excellent choice for worktops because its seamless finish virtually eliminates the risk of leaks affecting storage or appliances.”  The GEC Anderson worktop and teapoint at Take 2 are made from satin finish stainless steel, which provides a hard-wearing surface that is easy to maintain to high standards of hygiene and retains an attractive appearance for many years. Founded in England in 1962, GEC Anderson has pioneered the development of made-to-measure stainless steel products. Today, the company’s range includes bowls, worktops, cabinets, shelving and sanitaryware for use in domestic, commercial and specialist environments. All products are manufactured to ISO 9001 and backed by a comprehensive support service from planning and product specification to installation and maintenance.

Floor preparation products donated by F. Ball and Co. Ltd. have enabled an outbuilding to be turned into a therapy room for Jack Tyreman, from Burythorpe in Yorkshire, who was left with severe head injuries after a road accident four years ago when he was 18.The room provides a space with amenities, including an entertainment system and sofa, where Jack can relax and enjoy spending time, with the potential for it to house exercise equipment to assist with rehabilitation in the future.After a botched construction left the original building unusable while exhausting initial funds raised for the project, local tradespeople, including Richard Forbes, owner of Forbes Flooring, stepped up to offer their services for free to complete the project. F. Ball technical representative for the North East, John Rowlands arranged for the donation of flooring installation products. Floorcovering manufacturer Interface also donated LVT and carpet tile floorcoverings.A team of three fitters from Forbes Flooring began the flooring installation by grinding the surface of the new concrete screed to ensure it was suitably smooth. A moisture test indicated that subfloor relative humidity levels were low enough to proceed with the installation without the requirement of a moisture management solution.Contractors then primed the subfloor using P131 general-purpose primer before applying Stopgap Fast-Track 30 levelling compound – the fastest setting levelling compound on the market allows floorcoverings to be installed in as little as 45 minutes after application.Once the levelling compound had cured, a combination of Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVTs) and carpet tiles was installed over the 40m2 area. Styccobond F46 pressure sensitive adhesive was used to adhere Interface ‘Studio Set’ wood grain LVTs on one half of the room. Styccobond F41 carpet tile tackifier was used to secure Interface graphite-coloured ‘Employ Lines’ carpet tiles. The adhesive dries to a permanently tacky film that will hold loose-lay carpet tiles securely in place when subject to normal foot traffic while allowing them to be lifted and replaced at a later date should they become damaged or worn.Commenting on the project, Richard Forbes said: “At first, we were asked if we would undertake the work for a fee, but we didn’t want any payment for it. Things can be very cutthroat nowadays, and it’s good to be able to look out for other people. I’d like to thank David Edmondson at Interface as well as John Rowlands at F. Ball for supporting the project. Using F. Ball’s Fast-Track 30 meant that we could achieve a quick turnaround, allowing other trades to do what they needed to.”On the benefits of the therapy room for Jack, his mum, Julie, added: “It’s got all the things in it a young lad needs and to help him get on with life, as well as a place to relax on his own and with other people. He loves it.”

These are the latest nine smart FalcoPod Bike Hangars, installed this week, for The University of Glasgow’s Gilmorehill Campus - creating a new network of secure cycle parking infrastructure across the Universities West End campus.Commisioned for staff and student use, the nine new bike hangars provide the University with up to 54 secure cycle parking spaces, all within a sheltered, smartphone accessed, secure lockable unit.The design of each bike hangar includes the Universities own logo, instructional signage, a QR code for easy registration and powder coating in an attractive ‘Fir Green’ RAL colour for additional durability.Installed across the campus at locations including the Bower Building, Graham Kerr Building and Cardiovascular Research Centre, each bike hangar takes up no more room than a single car parking space and is capable of accommodating all types of cycles - from road and mountain bikes to bikes with a child seat on the back or storage basket on the front.Each state-of-the-art bike hangar provides University cyclists with quick and easy accessibility via the users smartphone. The user simply downloads the app, registers for a space, is granted accessibility via the back office and then can access their chosen hangar within seconds. For users without a smartphone, a physical key can be supplied instead.The FalcoPod bike hangar, as shown here at The University of Glasgow, is a robust on-street cycle parking solution designed to meet the needs of cyclists who don’t have access to private cycle parking facilities. The improved innovative shape means that users no longer have to remove some baskets or child seats when storing their bike!Falco design is both evolutionary and innovative by nature and the new FalcoPod is no exception. This is the third generation of ‘bike hangar’ type product building on the pedigree of the original street locker the ‘Midi Bike Box’ with some great new features over existing products as follows:Size - fits in half a car parking space and houses 6 bikes, with covered weather protection.Family inclusive – with an ergonomically improved design, the additional space/height (55% more) means there is no need to remove child seats or baskets from the back or front of bikes.Bike security - the six place FalcoSound bike rack has three locking points including the ability to use a ‘D’ lock through the rear wheel and frame.Easy access - single door with integral lock and gas strut for assisted lifting.The effective bike hangar has already been successfully rolled out to the London Borough of Waltham Forest, Brent, Camden, Westminster and Merton Councils. For more information about the FalcoPod Bike Hangar, the FalcoPod Bike Hangar service or your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080. 

Fire extinguishers are a vital piece of the Active Fire Protection puzzle; often the first line of defence they are integral to preventing costly fire damage and ultimately, loss of life.The importance of fire extinguishers is highlighted in Chapter 4 of the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice: “Portable Fire Extinguishers are the best available first response to table the fire at its incipient stage.”The Code of Practice adds that to ensure this first aid response, fire extinguishers shall be “kept in their designated places at all times when they are not being used” and “conspicuously located where they will be readily accessible and immediately available in the event of fire.”However, the misuse and neglect of fire extinguishers and their accessories in Dubai’s buildings is not uncommon, rendering them inaccessible or ineffective in a real emergency.As part of the Office of the UAE Attorney General’s ongoing campaign to increase the public’s level of awareness of the law, it was announced that fines and even jail sentences would be handed down for fire extinguisher misuse.The office states in Article 311 of the Federal Penal code, that: “Any person who removes a fire extinguisher or changes its location or renders it unfit for use shall be punished by a jail sentence for no less than one year or a fine of not less than 50,000 AED.”With requirements for extinguishers to be installed near doors or exits, it is all too tempting for fire extinguishers to be used as temporary doorstops.Seeking to improve airflow, the removal of fire extinguishers to wedge open doors threatens to undermine fire safety, making the extinguisher difficult to locate in an emergency.Safety Technology International’s Extinguisher Stopper® is a sturdy, tamperproof, standalone alarm that prevents the misuse or unwanted removal of fire extinguishers. Strong PVC coated metal rope wraps around the neck of the extinguisher and when removed from the unit will activate a piercing 95/106 dB alarm to alert you to any misuse or removal.Acting as a physical safety seal and audible tamper indicator, the Extinguisher Stopper® helps the person responsible for the inspection and maintenance of extinguishers avoid fines or a jail sentence for failing to keep them fit for use.The self-contained unit will leave the extinguisher accessible for emergencies and will not interfere in the event of a real fire; the alarm is also useful in the case of an actual emergency acting as a pre-alarm, helping to alert people in the surrounding areas to the fire before an official alarm has sounded.The compact design of the UV-stabilised polycarbonate unit means it mounts easily next to a vulnerable fire extinguisher, the alarm is easy to install and a deactivation cable is supplied for ease of servicing the protected extinguisher – a requirement of the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice.Recent updates to the unit include universal sound symbols for global recognition and space for a choice of 21 different language labels that are provided, including Arabic. Wireless options allowing for remote monitoring are also available using STI protocol.

A.J Wells manufactured and supplied vitreous enamel white printed cladding panels for the new Bakerloo Line Link Project at Paddington Station, London. The panels were supplied in flat, convexed and concaved profiles that were printed with individual patterns in one of two subtle grey colours to meet the client’s specific project requirements.KEY FEATURES: • Cladding • Vitreous enamelA.J WELLS SERVICES: • Design development • Manufacture • Screen print

When embarking on converting an existing London building into a new music studio, Claudio (Doctor Mix) Passavanti a music producer, pianist, YouTuber, and digital entrepreneur who offers online mixing, mastering, and music production services through his website doctormix.com, needed to create an acoustically-sound environment that would optimise music production whilst preventing disturbance to neighbours.For this project ROCKWOOL Sound Slab insulation was used throughout the walls.

The proven, durable properties of Sika’s high-quality waterproofing system were required to ensure the successful upgrade of one of the UK’s busiest rail terminals.The multi-million pound refurbishment of London Bridge station – which brings an estimated 56 million passengers into the city each year represents a huge undertaking by Network Rail to create new connections and increase peak hour services by 30%. The project is part of the government-sponsored Thameslink Programme.

All apartments are accessed at the rear of the building via stairs and walkways and the existing asphalt walkway surfaces had blistered, causing various leaks and creating a trip hazard for residents. There was an urgent requirement to carry out the walkway refurbishment while the building remained fully occupied and with minimal disruption for occupants. The building’s flat roof had also reached the end of its service life, requiring a refurbishment to protect the apartments from water ingress.

Woking Borough Council instructed main contractors Sir Robert McAlpine who then engaged Airflow Design Services to carry out the design, supply and installation of Market Walk’s smoke extraction system at Woking Shopping Centre in Surrey. S&P UK Ventilation Systems was selected to support the new smoke extraction system by providing smoke axial flow fans which also help to optimise ventilation and indoor air quality.

Aspiring to create a brand new design concept with a Fresh and Contemporary feel, Asda working closely with Resopal, has achieved this goal. Resopal Candy Wood 4147 - EM texture (HPL) Laminate has been selected, offering a natural wood feel, whilst giving a modern authentic look. Used to stunning effect in the cafe, signage above the customer service desks and fresh food areas, this concept will be rolled out in future stores.

Over 200 Optima windows and doors from Profile 22 were installed in an £11 million community hub in Leeds city centre.Westerton Walk in Leeds city centre is an extra care housing development comprising 63 one- and two-bedroom flats with care services, shared lounges and dining facilities. It has been built on a vacant Leeds City Council-owned site and has createda dynamic community hub.