"external wall accessories"

Proteus Façades sets pulses racing at world class university training hospital. A facility that trains healthcare professionals of the future has become the latest project to benefit from cladding panels from Proteus Facades.The new £15m ‘mock hospital’ at Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton Campus will help train healthcare professionals in a realistic hospital setting, including hospital wards, consultation and counselling rooms, and even lifelike patient manikins to give students the experience of working with a variety of injuries.Pick Everard architects specified Proteus HR 1.0m Coil Pre Anodised Aluminium for the entire external element of the new Heath and Allied Professions Centre. The cladding panels were supplied in a mix of Bronze B40 Satin and Bronze B40 Brushed finishes.

The striking First Direct arena boasts a unique 'honeycombed' external façade that has been based on a mathematical diagram to create a pattern of varying cellular shapes, which are further complemented by glazed panels and the use of coloured lights.Creating such an unusual façade was no easy feat - Lakesmere worked very with main contractor BAM Construction to devise a specification that would satisfy the vision of the extensive design team (headed up by architects Populous), while also providing a practical and economical solution.The Lakesmere team therefore suggested the use of a built-up cladding system featuring aluminium shingles and perforated rainscreen cladding, which come to life through the use of kaleidoscopic lighting."By far, Fixfast are the best company to deal with for fixings"Richard Wingate - International Director

Project: Bin Bays for Worthing HomesWorthing Homes recently completed an external project at Pearson’s Retreat, Worthing.The original timber bin bays had seen better days and were in much need of repair or replacement.Worthing Homes chose Normandy bin bay panels from Goplastic Ltd, and uniquely designed bays which also incorporated large clothes drying areas.The panels, which come ready assembled in various heights and widths, are constructed from solid recycled plastic meaning the bays are extremely robust, weather proof and maintenance free.Normandy Bin Bay Panels have been used to create neat communal areas for housing bins and drying clothes.Job type: Supply onlyContractor: Worthing Homes

This jaw dropping project featured Lazenby Light Natural polished concrete floors and cast in situ stairs. The concrete flows from the entrance hallways throughout the ground floor and up the feature staircase to the first floor landing.This 4 week phased project saw the polished concrete floor installed first. The formwork and reinforcement for the staircase was then fixed and built off the floor. Once the stairs had been cast the brass balustrades and handrails were retrofitted to the concrete.This self-supporting concrete architectural feature staircase involved discussions with external engineers who then designed the reinforcement. The complex angles, joins to other structural elements and the sleek elegance was meticulously planned and executed. The polished concrete floor joints carefully designed to enhance the creative charm of this project.Photography by David Butler

Broadleaves, in Boughton, near Ollerton, is the fourth ‘housing with care’ scheme to be opened by Newark and Sherwood District Council. The state-of-the-art scheme has been designed for people aged over 60.There are 30 spacious and accessible apartments designed to meet possible future needs, with features including a wet room and wider doorways.SMART Balustrades were contracted by NMCN to design, manufacture and install their stainless steel balustrade system with oak handrail to 4 stairs as well as 15 stainless steel Juliet balconies, 250m of timber corridor handrails, and a large external terrace with 1600mm high stainless steel balustrade.SMART’s timber balustrade system comes complete with a steel core rail to ensure the balustrades meets the required 0.74kN/m horizontal line load requirements.

To facilitiate their exciting BSc Paramedic Science course, the University of Surrey identified that they needed more practical training space for their students. By working alongside Scott Brownrigg Architects, Newton Specialist Contractor Advanced Basements, and the Newton Technical Team, an extensive existing undercroft was converted into three large, dry rooms that are ideal for the purpose.With an emphasis on practical elements, the exciting BSc Paramedic Science course at the University of Surrey needed a new, well-equipped training facility for its students at the Surrey Research Park, Guildford.Having identified a large existing undercroft for the purpose, the University consulted with Scott Brownrigg Architects, as well as the Newton Technical team and Advanced Basements in order to create a new, dry space.The extensive undercroft area was first separated into three large rooms, based on what each room was going to be used for. These were defined as:A live environment Paramedic Training room, with an existing concrete floor, concrete retaining walls, and blockwork internal wallsA storage area, requiring a new insulated floor, and with concrete retainng walls and blockwork internal wallsA plant room, requiring full internal waterproofing to the walls and floorConsidering that the existing structure was already quite robust, Newton and Advanced recommended an internal Type C Newton CDM System. This method of waterproofing is the most failsafe method, using membranes to capture the water, and sump chambers and pumps to collect and remove it. The pumps are also supported by a battery backup system for total security.Advanced Basements acted as the specialist waterproofing contractor and the waterproofing design specialist on this project, working alongside the architect and client to design the system, before providing a high quality installation.Furthermore, thanks to their early involvement, Advanced also took design liability for the project and guaranteed the installation for the client.

Canadian hospital chooses Altro for new MRI suiteIssueThe Centre Hospitalier Hôtel-Dieu D’Amos short-term hospital in Quebec, is part of the Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) of Abitibi-Temiscamingue. The hospital is a designated regional trauma centre and its main regional vocations are orthopaedics and vascular, plastic and maxilo-facial surgery.Since 2001, the region had an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) service via a mobile unit that moved from centre to centre, that reached the end of its useful life a few years ago. In 2021, the hospital became the home to the region’s first fixed MRI scanner.ApproachMaterials in the room must not interfere with the powerful electromagnets, while also being aesthetically pleasing, as the procedures performed could be quite stressful for many patients.As the region’s only fixed MRI, capable of performing 6,000 exams per year, this project required protective wall cladding with superior and long-lasting durability. Materials had to be non-porous, hygienic and easy-to-clean. Due to frequent wheelchair and stretcher traffic, a high impact-resistant surface was also a very important criterion.SolutionMLS Architects selected Altro Whiterock wall designs. The hospital was familiar with Altro Whiterock, having used it in other areas of the hospital. They especially liked that Altro Whiterock wall designs combine the durability, hygiene and resilience of Altro Whiterock wall cladding, with natural looking patterns. These helped enormously with the warm and comforting ambiance that they desired. The Altro walls system easily replaces the typical laminated particle board typically used in applications such as this, all while offering a more durable surface finish and a longer lasting product guarantee. Altro Whiterock Satins in Mint was used in the bathroom and changing area.

The ChallengeSimon Balle School asked BrookhouseUK to help them create two new Unisex washrooms in their Block 1 and Block 2 Sixth Form areas of the school.The aim was to create open plan washroom spaces but with two sides to them by creating a partial height wall separating the two sides. As the layouts were completely changing and structural work needed to take place, this was a challenging undertaking.Full height IPS cubicles were required with separate vents in each along with new hand washing facilities. Simon Balle School were fully committed to investing in these new modern toilet blocks which future-proofed them for generations to come. They also did not want to wait until the next summer holidays to complete the work.The SolutionBrookhouseUK, having created a strict methodology for term time work, were able to refurbish both washrooms during term-time. We created a design which included demolishing the central dividing wall and installing new half-height partition walls using timber studs and hygiene wall cladding.Two new modern solid surface wash troughs sat on each side of the new walls which included automatic taps and automatic soap dispensers, vastly improving the facilities. Oak effect doors with contrasting dark IPS panels gave the washrooms a fresh, updated look.New automatic dryers were installed to complete the modernisation. Simon Balle School were delighted with the results and have happily recommended BrookhouseUK to other schools. We Provided:Full Height IPSUnisex DesignsContrasting Colour Doors and PanelsAutomatic Taps and Soap DispensersHygienic Hand-DryersModern Solid Surface Trough

The Carnaby Street Living Wall, spearheaded by a collaboration between Shaftesbury Capital PLC, Brimelow McSweeney Architects and Terapia Urbana, Scotscape Urban Greening, seamlessly integrated Terapia Urbana's patented Fytotextile® living system into the historical and vibrant landscape. This innovative living wall system is uniquely manufactured to fit perfectly around architectural elements, such as windows, ensuring an aesthetic and functional blend with the building's facade.A key aspect of the project's success was the strategic selection of plants, informed by detailed microclimate and sunlight analyses conducted by Terapia Urbana. This approach ensured the chosen vegetation thrived, enhancing the wall's ecological value and sustainability. Furthermore, the use of large planting cells in the upper sections of the wall allowed for the inclusion of shrubs, increasing soil volume, and thereby supporting a richer biodiversity and healthier plant growth.One of the Fytotextile® system's main advantages is the enhanced aeration it provides to the plant roots. This crucial feature improves the plants' performance and health by ensuring that roots receive the necessary oxygen to support respiration, significantly boosting the plants' overall vitality and resilience. Enhanced root aeration leads to healthier plant growth, reducing the risk of root diseases and ensuring the living wall remains a vibrant and dynamic feature of Carnaby Street.The collaboration between the involved parties resulted in a landmark Living Wall that not only transformed Carnaby Street's visual landscape but also set new benchmarks for integrating green spaces into urban environments. This project exemplifies the potential of combining innovative green technology, such as Terapia Urbana's Fytotextile® system, with meticulous ecological planning to create sustainable, vibrant urban green spaces that harmonize nature with city living, inspiring future sustainable urban developments.Brimelow McSweeney’s quote: ‘Carnaby Street is one of the most iconic fashion streets of London and a desirable address for commercial offices. The project involved substantial extensions and a full refurbishment behind an existing, uninspiring façade. The Fytotextile system is an easy to apply system that allows over-cladding existing and extended structures without over-loading. The expertise on suitable planting provided by the Terapia Urbana/Scotscape team was a fantastic support for developing our artistic vision to include patterns of the fashion industry within the planting schedules.’Photos courtesy of Brimelow McSweeney Architects

Finishes: Interpon D2525 YW206F and YW207F Parts coated: Curtain walling roof panels, louvres Architect: HOK Applicator: Argonaut

Rubio Monocoat was specified on the interior and exterior timber surfaces, such as the furniture, kitchen counter top, built-in cupboards, stair casing, as well as outdoor furniture. The interior has a minimalistic and uncluttered feel, rather placing a greater emphasis on the sea, and to the mountains on the Northern side. A dark charcoal colour was chosen for the exterior, and this is in contrast with the light walls inside the house. The kitchen has a clean contemporary feel. There is a spine-wall running through the house, which is cladded with dark ribbon stoning, and copper colours. The furniture is uncluttered as well as being practical for a house that is right on the beach/

Creating highly adaptable working space, Style has installed four Dorma moveable wall systems to the Berkshire offices of a world leading multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company. The semi-automatic partitions can be used to quickly divide a laboratory learning facility as well as office space, creating smaller areas or opening up the area as required. For this high-spec project, Style worked with architects, Perkins and Will, and contractor, Tetris Bluu. Finished in a blue fabric combined with magnetic white boards, the semi-automatic operation walls are both functional and practical.

Over 300 architects, specifiers, contractors and clients recently enjoyed the official launch party of Style’s impressive new London showroom. A market leader in operable wall solutions and the exclusive UK partner to Dorma Hüppe, Skyfold and SWG, Style welcomed the prestigious guest list with beer, bubbles and a buffet, whilst demonstrating the very latest moveable wall innovations and flexible space concepts. Conveniently located in London’s Shoreditch, Style shares the showroom with Optima Contracting, experts in glazed partitioning systems and Atrium, the UK’s largest independent specialist lighting distributor.

Gateway 12 is multi-million pound industrial development on a c.16-acre site located three miles to the South West of Gloucester, adjacent to the A38 dual carriageway and just one mile form Junction 12 of the M5.For the main structure of the buildings Trisobuild® R32 was used for the roof and Trisobuild® C32 was installed vertically on the walls; Trisobuild® HR50 was used horizontally at the higher level for the soffits in Merlin Grey. The offices area wall elevations were constructed using Trimapanel® insulated panel system.

During the recent hosting of the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone, partitioning experts from Style were requested to be on hand at a prestigious hospitality venue, ensuring a crucial moveable wall system that divides the main room into private spaces for the world’s sporting press, operated smoothly and with maximum acoustic performance. Style’s aftercare and service division offers regular check-ups of almost any partitioning wall system, helping maintain the acoustic performance of the system, extend its lifespan, as well as ensuring operation remains within current health and safety guidelines.

Puzl CowOrKing selects our clear whiteboard paint to boost productivity while keeping their colourful walls. Puzl CowOrKing is a coworking space that thinks outside the box for everything they build. From custom desks, shelves, arcades, even sinks they design any space to fit its unique needs. When they wanted to add some additional space for creative collaboration that matched the décor of their meeting rooms they turned to ESCREO. The idea of the wall is to act both as a place for expression but also as a strong design element, something that the clear whiteboard paint was perfect for.

Begbroke Innovation Centre - the new multi-use building at Begbroke Science Park will help small and medium-sized science businesses take their projects to market, and provide facilities for researchers from the University. The open space outside the new building comprises of a number of straight and curved gabion walls, which on their own do not provide any suitable seating for users. Furnitubes supplied a number of Lapa gabion seat and bench platforms for the new building, which were installed on the gabion walls outside the facility offering new comfortable seating provision for everyone.

Howe Green manufactured and supplied a number of custom made wall access covers and 1050 Series floor access covers for Crossrail in London. The wall access solutions were custom made from 5mm of stainless steel and lockable for added security. They were required to provide reliable and stylish access to the lighting circuitry. The 1050 Series floor access covers were installed along the walkways of Adams place to give quick and easy access to the water, power and data feeding the station. Each cover had an additional load bearing to accommodate specific requirements.

In a secluded corner of the Northern Highlands lies Skibo Castle, home to the Carnegie Club, an exclusive members club offering the best of Scottish hospitality & grandeur. Gratte Brothers designed and installed the new kitchen with Gavin McDonald Flooring. As part of the design, Gratte Brothers selected a range of Altro floors and walls to meet the exacting standards of the brief. Altro floors and walls are Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) approved meet all current European Union (EU) Directives on health and hygiene, making them particularly suitable for use in commercial kitchens.

In a secluded corner of the Northern Highlands lies Skibo Castle, home to the Carnegie Club, an exclusive members club offering the best of Scottish hospitality & grandeur. Gratte Brothers designed and installed the new kitchen with Gavin McDonald Flooring. As part of the design, Gratte Brothers selected a range of Altro floors and walls to meet the exacting standards of the brief. Altro floors and walls are Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) approved meet all current European Union (EU) Directives on health and hygiene, making them particularly suitable for use in commercial kitchens.

Integrating over two thousand employees from across Dublin into one location, Microsofts new offices take on a human-centric form. Covering 33,000 sq m of floor space the new development connects employees from over seventy two different nationalities. Using both Aluprof MB-SR50N capped curtain wall and MB-SR50N EFEKT capless curtain wall systems the project achieves the architectural performance and aesthetics desired. Providing the building users with exceptional natural daylight. Architect: RKD Architects Main Contractor: BAM

Mace Group purchased the units directly and free-issued them to the steel frame contractor, VBH JV (a joint venture ofHollandia and Victor Buyck). Some of the units were 7m x 1.5m wide which Ambar Kelly designed to incorporate horizontal fire protection and drylined fire walls as part of the RiserSafe® system. This allowed for a group of shafts, or openings, to be combined into one unit, which reduced the number of trimmer steels and concrete beams required for walls, thereby reducing crane lifts and construction time. (Courtesy of James Reid Photography.

Although we have cast iron slotted air bricks in metric sizes to perfectly engage with modern plastic ducting and periscopes, there may come a time when the installation requires imperial old patterned cast iron air bricks. Connecting these can be especially difficult which is why we've introduced these aluminium sleeves known as the metimp adapators (short for metric imperial). They are available in two sizes, single air brick size to connect up to a periscope duct and cavity wall sleeve or the double brick size for connecting to a larger wall sleeve

Installed by WD Group for main contractors RG Carter, the curtain walling was an integral part of architects Stride Treglown’s vision for the landmark structure, which also features a flying roof. It features AluK’s SL52 flexible capped curtain walling system throughout, with an entrance door fabricated using the suited GT55TB door system. The diagonal design and irregular angles meant that AluK had to create a solution with multiple transom and mullion sections which was cost effective, while still being true to the aesthetic and meeting the static considerations and performance requirements laid out.

Stoneworld’s involvement in this spectacular landscaping project from its early stages, to its fabulous completion have helped create a stunning garden at this luxury hillside home.Stoneworld products used here include Moleanos limestone pool copings, Raj Sandstone paving, Purbeck walling, Extra Thick Raj Sandstone wall copings. Plus every part of this project features our ability to create bespoke stonework in our masonry factory, eg digital templating for precision water jet cutting of pool copings, terrace copings and steps

Overlooking the beach on the north coast of Cornwall, Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall restaurant underwent a major refurbishment in 2013. Absolute Design took the lead on the project, with the aim of creating a more colourful and contemporary space. Inspired by a new wave of expressive art called “Pop Surrealism”, Newquay artist Ben Allen was commissioned to paint onto a blank white wall to transform the restaurant into a living work of art. The designers wanted to create an equally striking flooring installation to complement the new, bold walls, and the Tarkett Floorcraft Design team were a perfect fit.

We worked closely with the architectural team to create a bespoke washroom design as part of this refurbishment project. The washrooms feature a full height, fully integrated wall cladding system including wall mounted mirrors with concealed soap and towel dispensers. Our Concerto integrated duct panels were faced with anodised aluminium to provide an exceptionally durable surface. We also installed glass partitions and our full height Alto Kristalla glass toilet cubicles, each manufactured with acid etch mirror to the face. Highly durable Corian was used for the vanities.

Located in the small, but lively town of Bangor, Eclectic, a luxurious mind and body wellbeing retreat, has opened a three-story studio on the main street. The state of the art studio features wall and ceiling slats throughout the tranquil and elegant space in woodgrain decor H1146 ST10 Grey Bardolino Oak, which fits in perfectly with the contemporary interior. Its light colour tones and delicate texture complement the other materials used in the design, to create a warm and inviting space. As well as the slats, the decor was used to create wall units, door frontals and shelving.

Like every other institute of learning, the University of Bristol has to provide world class educational facilities, but also find new revenue streams. One such area is the provision of commercial conference space. This of course brings an extra pressure in the quality of the space provided to fee paying delegates.The atmosphere of the large open atrium was dependent on controlling the level of reverberation, without compromising on the architectural finish.Working closely with the Main Contractors Site Team, Architect and Client, we were involved in the specification for the new Atrium Feature Wall, along with all complex detailing, including expansion joints, louvres and display cabinets.Working closely with Vinci Construction, to carry out the Absorb-R GypLine αw Acoustic Plaster treatment to the Atrium Feature Wall at the University.Soundis Absorb-R GypLine αw system was installed to give a very desirable natural white stippled effect, combined with a highly absorbent functional wall spanning the length and height of the building, rising a full 5 floors.

Sustainable construction was placed at the core of the first Enterprise Zone office development at Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP). Featuring TECHNAL aluminium curtain walling, windows and door systems with the curtain walling extruded using Hydro CIRCAL® 75R contributing to reducing the building's carbon footprint and helped to achieve the BREEAM Very Good rating awarded. This £22 million project begin in February 2019 and comprises of a 7,500 sqm nett area. four-storey building which houses the headquarters for the leading software company, The Access Group. When completed in November 2020, the office development, funded by Leicestershire County Council, is said to be the largest, single-occupier office deal in Leicestershire.The TECHNAL team were approached to offer specification solutions to suit the aesthetics and meet the technical requirements of the project. Designed around a central core with a linking wing either side, aluminium Curtain Walling spans vertically, with the facade also incorporating aluminium casement windows and doors. 

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.

VISION 8000 Non fire rated doors were installed at Hamad International Airport.These were a bespoke specification to feature in the stone tiled walls.

Finish: Interpon D2525 Bespoke High Gloss Silver and Blue Grey Parts Coated: Curtain walling, infill panels Architect: Robin Partington

The heat efficiency of a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in the historic city of Bath is set to be dramatically improved as a result of the introduction of Spacetherm® Multi insulation.The challenge of dealing with heating inefficiencies, major heat loss and high heating costs are a common problem with many listed buildings and solid wall dwellings.Property owner Mike Mower explains, “I obtained planning permission to insulate the top floor of my Grade II listed Georgian townhouse as it is single skin 6” Bath stone (Oolite) and very heat inefficient, all walls have the original lime render and skim and so they need to breathe. The property in Bath was built in 1818 and has been in my family for 101 years since 1919! I am the 3rd generation to live in it and it was last renovated in 1935 so it needs serious upgrading!“The architect originally specified another insulation but this would have required encroaching 100mm into the room and would necessitate moving door frames and rebuilding window reveals. After extensive research, I identified the Spacetherm Multi aerogel product from the A. Proctor Group.“The architect was so impressed by the thermal efficiency of the Spacetherm Multi. With a total thickness of 20mm when rendered, this will not encroach onto the floor space, and the door frames and windows will not need to be altered. Subsequently we included Spacetherm Multi on the planning application as an alternative to the traditional insulation originally specified, which was approved by the Conservation officer and building control.”In addition to the Spacetherm SLENTEX® A2 blanket, foil encased Spacetherm A2 (CBS) Cold Bridge Strip was also included at window and door junctions to address areas susceptible to cold bridging.Spacetherm Multi is a high-performance laminate specifically designed to be laid directly onto existing floors & walls. Spacetherm Multi consists of Spacetherm Aerogel insulation blanket bonded to a 6mm Magnesium Oxide Board.At just 16mm thick, the use of Spacetherm Multi has virtually no negative impact on floor space, making it ideal for refurbishment projects where space is at a premium.Typically, a solid wall will have a U value of around 2.1 W/m2K. Following the application of Spacetherm Multi, this can be reduced to around 0.8 W/m2K, dependent on the wall structure.Finally, Mike Mower commented “I think Spacetherm Multi is ideal for listed building insulation as it has a minimal effect on the infrastructure of the original building. It has the potential to be used extensively in old buildings such as we have in Bath where heat loss is at a maximum, the original walls need to be able to breathe when insulated and insulation has hitherto been impossible due to the visual impact encroaching on the listed building. I am also seeking planning permission to use the product to insulate the basement floor and walls.”

DescriptionLocal Smet Supported Partner, a seasoned Lidl Contractor, McCallion Group machine applied the LIDL External Render System onto Poroton blocks externally using as Base Coat: Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement Render, and as Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block or mass concrete and insulated plinths: Bauprotec RHS Multi-Purpose Render.The internal Render System specification onto Poroton blockwork consists of a base of Coat: Bauprotec 850 M, Lightweight Lime Cement Render, sponge floated in warehouse areas, and skim finished in sales areas. Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block: Bauprotec RHS is used.The Irish LIDL render spec, available from SMET consists of:Bauprotec 850 M is a factory-produced Lightweight Lime Cement Render, specially designed for machine or hand application produced to EN 998-1: 2010 and is CE Marked.Bauprotec RHS is a CE Marked, factory-produced highly polymer-modified render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.The special render properties; lightweight, low thermal conductivity, high yield, and the Smet Supported Partner superior technical backup, are key factors in choosing SMET.SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.  If you’d like to speak to us about your Lidl job – contact SMET.All LIDL spec SMET Render System products are available directly from Smet Building Products Ltd, which ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical backup in the machine application of the LIDL specification.Related DownloadsTDS CASEA Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement RenderTDS CASEA Bauprotec RHS – Multi-Purpose Render

DUCO contributes with sun protection to the £78m project for The University of Manchester. The architectural sun control DucoSun Ellips 200 mm, supplied by Contrasol, was chosen for the Fallowfield campus. The solar shading is so much more than decoration.About the Fallowfield CampusThe Fallowfield is a student accommodation with 8 multi-storey blocks including a Warden’s flat and Energy Centre, amenity hub, landscaping and external works. Each residence will have 10 bedrooms per floor with ensuite bathroom pods and a shared kitchen. 1,122 student rooms are spread over the blocks with a combined floor area of 32,020m2. The Fallowfield Campus is the main residential campus of the University of Manchester. It’s a vibrant place where thousands of students live alongside residents – creating e a real sense of community. The mix of shops, cafes, bars and a frequent bus service to and from the city centre makes it an ideal location to live.Construction detailsThe blocks are constructed using pre-fabricated lightweight steel framing system panels which provide structure to the building when used along with composite concrete floors. External materials are predominantly buff brickwork with feature elevations picked out in charcoal fibre cement slate roofing and cladding. Study bedrooms incorporate built-in storage and furnishings and a high specification pre-fabricated GRP en-suite shower pod.  Solar shading is much more than decorationThe vertical solar shading system DucoSun Ellips was chosen for this project and supplied by Contrasol. This solar shading system, in which a blade with of 200 mm was chosen, guarantees not only maximum daylight, thanks to the optimal inclination angle and number of louvre blades. At the same time, DucoSun Ellips 200 ensures that the sun’s rays do not get a chance to heat up the Fallowfield interior spaces directly. The vertically installed solar shading system offers maximum privacy while maintaining the view outside.