"cracks"

In May 2018, Australia’s visionary theatre, La Mama, was destroyed by fire. Thanks to the generosity and hard work of The La Mama Community, this iconic theatre has now reopened to the public and UltraScape are delighted to have played a part in its restoration.BackgroundLocated in Victoria, Australia, La Mama Theatre is home to responsive, inclusive and diverse independent theatre making. With a reputation steeped in visionary arts, La Mama Theatre is the number one destination for audiences to discover the next generation of theatre artists.The ChallengeA fire devastatingly destroyed this much-loved theatre in May 2018. The damage was so extensive, La Mama theatre needed to be completely rebuilt. Part of the restoration included an additional structure to the front of the theatre and new paved area.The SolutionThe incredible La Mama community raised over $3,400,000 to help restore the theatre back to its former glory. To grout the Recycled Brick Paving at the theatre, Instarmac International’s Australian partners, and specialist paving distributors, Prolific Stone International, supplied UltraScape flowpoint smooth.Greysea Group, the contractors completing the paving installation, have been using flowpoint since it was first introduced into Australia in 2020.UltraScape flowpoint smooth is a flowable grout which allows for large areas of paving to be grouted quickly. Suitable for joints from 3mm to 50mm and as deep as 200mm, flowpoint smooth has been developed over a number of years to provide a durable finish which will not crack or stain – even in the hot Australian temperatures.With an initial set after just 15 minutes, and a walk on time of one hour, it is unsurprising that flowpoint smooth has become synonymous with fast application, cost-effective and robust jointing.UltraScape flowpoint is available in four varieties – original, eco, smooth and fine – and two colours – Natural Grey and Charcoal. UltraScape have jointing solutions for all designs and tastes.ResultsLa Mama Theatre opened to the public in December 2021 with great applause. The newly refurbished theatre is fully accessible, has a dedicated rehearsal space, new bar, green room and mezzanine floor for their next generation of theatre artists to perform on.

Once known as a local police station, Westbourne Place was eventually converted into a lavish building with an add-on in the rear. Developed by Redrow, the building retained a number of details from its original design, such as high ceilings and period features. It even remains connected to what was once the police station’s parade ground and is now a scenic and serene courtyard.Still, the building itself is anything but stuck in the past. Redrow’s conversion gave the Westbourne Place more modern features as well. These include fully fitted contemporary kitchen units and engineered oak flooring. All of which benefit the 49 luxury suites there. Those who reside in any one of them will not only enjoy those features in a one-, two-, or three-bedroom unit but will also enjoy the advantage of living within the heart of West London next to multiple transit, taxi, and cycling areas.Of course, to make any of this possible, Redrow needed to restore Westbourne Place efficiently. For that to happen, it was vital that they find a concrete waterproofing solution that would be low-maintenance, set no limits on concrete pouring, and have an easy installation process.SolutionWhen considering a solution that fit all those requirements, the contractor for Westbourne Place decided on KIM as their desired form of concrete waterproofing. As a result, they used 1,000 m3 (35,315 ft3) of KIM-treated concrete to waterproof the building’s basement parkade’s slab and walls. That allowed the contractor to build straight up to the property line and to save on the cost of application. It also allowed the KIM-treated concrete to self-seal if any minor cracks occurred in the concrete and to block water from passing through the concrete, reducing the need for maintenance.For further waterproofing protection, the contractor applied Krytonite Swelling Waterstop and Krystol Waterstop Treatment to all the construction joints and details. With this dual-protection waterstop system, the contractor could ensure that no leaks would occur and that water would not be able to infiltrate the concrete and corrode the steel rebar within. Moreover, this system and KIM will work for the life of the structure, providing permanent protection.

The circa 100-year-old Westerham farmhouse had been on the market for over four years when Amy Taylor and her family decided to take on the property as a renovation project and completely revamp it.The property was extremely run down when the family first viewed it - a cream rendered bungalow that had turned green and was harbouring a multitude of cracks inside and out, with wet and mouldy internal walls. The Taylors had originally dismissed the property as the renovation project they were seeking on the basis that “the price was bonkers”, says Amy. “To us, the price didn’t reflect the state of the property or the work that would need to be carried out to restore it, which meant we couldn’t really afford to knock it down and start again.”However, some negotiation on the price eventually made it a more viable prospect and Amy began researching her options in earnest.“The house sits in over 16 acres of wooded land and paddocks, so the black cladding option jumped out at me as a great option because I felt that the combination of a new brick plinth and the cladding would give it a barn-effect feel – in keeping with its surroundings, but also significantly improving the look and quality of the property.”After extensively researching the cladding market – “there are a lot of different cladding materials out there and big differences in quality and price” says Amy – she finally made her choice.“When I saw Cedral, I liked the grain, I liked the texture, I liked the fact it looks really realistic and I was very impressed with the minimum life expectancy of 50 years.”For Amy, a product that continues to look good through the years is key. “I don’t want something that looks good but in a year’s time becomes extremely high maintenance.”Cedral’s durable fibre cement cladding met the requirements perfectly, manufactured to withstand the harshest weather conditions and supplied with an excellent fire performance classification of A2-s1, d0. It doesn’t need regular repainting and won’t rot, rust, warp or crack.Amy was so impressed by Cedral that she decided on Cedral Lap in colour C50 Black, laid horizontally, for both the main house and the annex and Cedral Click in the same colour, laid vertically on one section to create an eye-catching feature wall.And the final result?“It is more than I ever could have dreamed of,” says Amy. “Cedral has helped us to transform the look of the main building and annex, allowing us to turn something so unappealing and run down into a beautiful home. We also hope it has added substantial value to the property, not only looks-wise but also in terms of adding extra insulation, which is also good for the EPC rating.” That’s because Cedral cladding acts like a second skin on a building’s exterior and is also frost, mould and water resistant.Cedral allowed Amy to get the stylish wood-look barn effect she wanted, without the hassle of caring for real wood with its high maintenance demands and associated costs. In fact, the family’s new home looks so good that the neighbours assumed they had knocked the property down and rebuilt it from scratch!Cedral facades are the perfect option for homeowners who can’t afford to - or don’t want to - move, advises Amy, as the cladding can be used to totally transform a home.This renovation has been an incredible achievement for Amy, who didn’t use a building company, architect or interior designer on the project. The revamp was completed in less than a year – all while coping with the restrictions of a global pandemic - aided by a group of highly trusted tradesmen that she has previously worked with.Amy pays special tribute to Cedral installer Derek Pout who completed all the brick work on the house as well as the perfectly fitted cladding. “Derek has single-handedly transformed our home on the outside and we can’t thank him enough,” she says.She was also extremely impressed with Cedral’s after care service and her local Area Sales Manager who visited the property several times during the installation. “Cedral’s communication was excellent,” says Amy. “They were easy to deal with and I felt they really cared about our wishes and the project.”“I would recommend Cedral 100 per cent. It’s not just about the longevity and insulation – though that’s important of course – it’s also about the end result and kerb appeal. We never looked at the property before we bought it and said, that’s our dream house. But now it really is.”

Professional flooring contractors, Elvet Flooring Solutions, have made a homeowner’s dream come true after installing 40sqm of luxury vinyl flooring at their property using UltraFloor’s expert subfloor preparation materials.BackgroundAs part of their extensive home renovations, a homeowner in Durham dreamed of installing beautiful Tarkett Mini Plank flooring throughout their hallway and kitchen – the perfect finishing touch to their modern and luxurious home.The ChallengeThe 40sqm area is the main thoroughfare from front door to garden and so the floor needed to be smooth and bump-free to keep the family, and dog, safe. It was also important that the flooring was installed speedily so as not to delay the rest of the renovations.The SolutionUltraFloor have a reputation for providing the flooring market with quality and innovative subfloor preparation materials. For this project Elvet Flooring Solutions first secured 5.5mm FG1 plywood across the entire area and then primed the surface using Prime IT Multi-surface Primer.Formulated to promote the adhesion to all UltraFloor smoothing underlayments, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer reduces pinholing, minimising the risk of costly failures. With a coverage rate of 200sqm at 3:1 dilution, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer is a must-have product for all flooring installation projects.Once cured, Level IT Renovate was applied at a 5mm depth and left for 3 days before the LVT flooring was installed in a herringbone design.Developed for the renovation of existing floors, Level IT Renovate is fibre reinforced for added strength and to minimise the risk of hairline cracks – reducing a common cause of failure.Suitable for deep applications from 3-40mm, Level IT Renovate is multi-purpose for extensive use and boasts excellent flow properties, making this flexible and versatile floor leveller ideal for a wide range of flooring substrates.What’s more, Level IT Renovate can also be used externally, as a light wearing surface, can be walked on in as little as 2 – 2.5 hours and can receive floor coverings in just 4 hours.ResultsThe flooring took just 4 days to install from start to finish and the homeowner is now enjoying their beautiful new kitchen living area.On the performance of Level IT Renovate, Matt Williams owner of Elvet Flooring Solutions, commented: “The flow rate was very impressive and easy to work with. Perfect smooth finish ready for the LVT.”

The multi-million pound refurbishment project saw the iconic building and its landscaped gardens restored to their former glory. Axter’s cold applied liquid waterproofing systems delivered a high quality solution to this challenging refurbishment.Systems in useStarcoat® QCStarcoat® PMMAKensington Roof Gardens is one of London’s best known venues, once famous for its flamingos and celebrity guests. The Grade II listed gardens were designed by landscape architect Ralph Hancock and date back to the 1930s. The venue features one of Central London’s most famous intensive living roofs and also includes an indoor restaurant, entertainment space and elevated terracing.ChallengesThe refurbishment of Kensington Roof Gardens was technically demanding. This was due to the complexity of the waterproofing details and space restricted installation locations as well as the specific waterproofing requirements.The refurbishment of the pond and waterways required a liquid waterproofing system that is proven to be safe for aquatic life, is UV stable and meets the aesthetic requirements. In addition, the waterproofing for the elevated terraces and walkways needed to be robust, rapid curing and appropriate for high traffic areas with a high quality, anti-slip finish.SolutionsAxter’s Technical Sales Team was able to provide BBA approved liquid waterproofing specifications for both areas. Axter ensured the highest quality waterproofing installation in all areas.Starcoat QC flame free single component PU resin waterproofing was used for the pond and waterways. The system cures fast in just 4-8 hours depending on the conditions and creates a tough, seamless, elastomeric membrane. This makes it ideal for complex refurbishment projects, such as Kensington Roof Gardens, where effective bridging of cracks and resistance to structural and thermal movement is essential. The robust, solvent free membrane also simplified the waterproofing of the site’s complex details and is resistant to chemicals and root penetration.The Starcoat PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) two component waterproofing, used on the walkways and terraces, is zero fall accredited, hard wearing and can withstand significant loading and mechanical stresses. Available in a choice of colours, traffic and anti-slip finishes, it also provides an excellent solution for complex detailing and challenging application areas.AcknowledgmentsThe refurbishment of the iconic Kensington Roof Gardens demonstrates the versatility of our Starcoat PU and PMMA liquid waterproofing systems. Working closely with our partners, we were able to provide a high-quality technical solution that benefits from a 25-year system guarantee.Phil Wilcox Moore, Managing Director at Axter

Prepping decking with PrepdeckAfter cleaning their decking with bleach and removing any loose or flaking bits from the surface, our customer then used our professional stripper, Prepdeck to remove the old stain from their decking.Our customer applied Prepdeck in small areas that he could complete in 15-30 minutes, then, after leaving it to do its magic, used a stiff nylon brush to ‘lift’ the stain from the wood, ensuring that they worked in the direction of the grain.They then thoroughly rinsed the product off the decking using a garden hose – again, working in the direction of the grain.If you want to make this part of the job a little easier, you could opt for hot water instead.This is a great product, as it can also be diluted to make a powerful cleaner for weathered woods and can even be used on thermo (burnt) wood.Next neutralise with Net-trolThe customer then used our wood cleaner Net-trol to neutralise the surface of the decking, in preparation for the finish.After applying Net-Trol to the wet decking, they scrubbed the surface with a brush.They then left it to stand for around 15 minutes, keeping an eye on it to ensure that the surface of the decking didn’t dry.If it had begun to dry, he would have had to dampen it with a mist of water.They then scrubbed the decking again, this time whilst rinsing it.Now, it was just a matter of leaving the wood to dry for 48 hours before applying the finish.Choose a finish to protect your deckingThis customer opted for Aquadecks, our water-based penetrating finish. One of the great things about this product is that not only does it protect the wood from warping, splitting, cracking and UV damage, it is also easy to apply and maintain, as our highly penetrative formula guarantees there will be no peeling or flaking.Plus, it dries quickly and has a low odour, so you can be back on your decking with a glass of wine in hand, in no time at all.Our customer applied an initial coat of Aquadecks and allowed it to penetrate into the wood. Then, after around 15-20 minutes (when the ‘wet look’ of the first application had disappeared), they applied a second application and allowed this to penetrate.After a further 15 minutes, they brushed out any puddles so that the decking wouldn’t dry with shiny spots on the surface. Aquadeck’s place is in the wood, not on top of it!“Very pleased with all products purchased.”This customer was so delighted with our products, they got in touch to tell us how well everything had gone.“On advice gratefully received from Ken I had several stages to complete. It’s looking great and I am hopeful the results will last”, he continued.For more information on Aquadecks, please click here.

Lambton House Care Home in County Durham, has taken extreme care in designing a home that caters for the lifestyle of their older generation clients. Creating beautiful décor, relaxing lounges and spacious light living areas which are constantly maintained and cleaned to a high level.With the hygienic concerns that have been magnified with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of their infection control improvement projects, Lambton House connected with Yeoman Shield to carry out the replacement of damaged wooden handrails with a PVCu alternative.The wooden handrails not only looked unsightly but were becoming a problem when it came to the care home’s thorough cleaning regime.With the varnish peeling and cracks and dents forming, a perfect haven was being developed for the incubation of bacteria & viruses, that were difficult for cleaning cloths etc. to get into.Yeoman Shield supplied their Guardian 50 mm diameter handrails as a hygienic alternative replacement.Manufactured from a rigid PVCu the handrail is resilient to abrasion and impact damage preventing scratches and scrapes that can promote the growth of bacteria.The warm-to–the-touch circular handrail has a non-porous surface which is easy to clean and can be wiped down with commercial strength cleaner without affecting the colour or finish of the product.Yeoman Shield Guardian 50mm Diameter handrail is available in a choice of colours that easily dovetail into existing or new décor schemes helping to achieve a warm and homely, less sterile, ambience.Lambton House added colour strips, in dementia friendly colours, to sit behind the rails as part of the pathfinding scheme throughout, assisting residents in locating their bedrooms and other services around the building.Lambton House Infection Control Project Manager, Glen Pickering stated“Infection Prevention and Control is of paramount importance to all of us here at Lambton House.“We are delighted to have partnered with Yeoman Shield for the upgrade of our handrails throughout the care home. We have been extremely impressed with Yeoman Shield’s professional approach to working with us. The guidance and support offered to us when we considered an hygienic and dementia friendly handrail solution from their extensive product portfolio was invaluable.“We are absolutely certain we chose the right partner in YS, for this critical project. The results are fantastic.”To complement the Yeoman Shield handrail and colour wall strip Lambton House also installed matching coloured door protection kick plates and PVCu clad glazing bead units. These door products will protect the lower part of the doors from impact damage which can be caused by trolleys, wheeled equipment and the movement of residents and staff around the building.

High volume of traffic, heavy use, accessibility and easy cleaning – contemporary sanitary facilities in schools are subject to very demanding requirements. Due to the fact that ceramic tiles have proven their worth as a practical and attractive covering for walls and floors in these settings, the PRO ARCHITECTURA system concept from Villeroy & Boch Tiles was used for the renovation of various sanitary areas in the Cologne-Zündorf school centre. At the Zündorf school centre in Cologne-Porz – comprising Lessing high school, Wilhelm-Busch secondary school and Johann-Amos-Comenius general secondary school – a total of approx. 1,800 students are taught by nearly 140 teachers. The school buildings were constructed in the 1970s, and have been continuously extended ever since. In 2016, work included the spatial optimisation and modernisation of the approx. 250 m² toilet facilities in the main building. The Cologne architecture firm spies architekten developed a colour concept for this project that combines a light and a dark shade of a colour in each setting, to create harmonious contrasts in each area. The resulting colour schemes offer different looks: more feminine rust shades, masculine blues, and fresh variants of green and turquoise. Accessibility requirements were also taken into account. The white sanitary elements are mounted on the darker colours in order to ensure a stark contrast with the walls, allowing them to be more easily recognised even by those with impaired vision. PRO ARCHITECTURA from Villeroy & Boch Tiles made it possible to successfully implement the architects’ design specifications. The colour matrix offers a broad spectrum of classic and contemporary colours in a variety of gradations, while the modular formats on a 100-mm grid provide additional planning scope. This allowed 10 x 10 cm tiles to be laid in staggered arrangements that bring the wall joints to life. The PRO ARCHITECTURA range is equally impressive from a practical standpoint: The ceramic tiles are durable, scratch- and crack-resistant, and do not wear down, even after decades of use. They are also easy to clean and particularly hygienic, as their surfaces are so dense that micro-organisms hardly stand a chance. The ceramic material itself does not give off any vapours, nor does it take on smells, which means that it is also recommended in terms of building biology. And, tiles from Villeroy & Boch are sustainable, because they are made entirely of natural components that occur naturally in almost unlimited quantities, are manufactured by means of environment-friendly processes and are completely recyclable.

Project descriptionDixons Academies Trust is a well-established multi-academy trust that aims to challenge educational and social disadvantage in Yorkshire and the North West.The trust transforms schools into safe and high-performing learning environments, enabling students from all backgrounds to realise their potential and maximise their opportunities after school.Alpha Roofing Systems was brought in to refurbish two roof areas at Dixons Croxteth Academy in Liverpool after the existing waterproofing failed.A number of complex challenges arose from the start; after stripping back the aged and failed single ply system, Alpha identified a water-saturated bituminous roof beneath, which also overlaid the original asphalt waterproofing.The excess weight imposed on the roof from the multiple, heavily saturated waterproofing systems led to cracking and depressions in the deck, as well as rusting of reinforcement within the structure.This meant that, before installation work could even begin, many hours of labour were required to remove the top two waterproofing layers to expose the original asphalt. What’s more, this work had to be undertaken both during term time and a period of heavy rainfall.Solution and installationAfter close consultation with their IKO business manager, Mark Taylor, the Alpha team selected the IKO ULTRA Prevent 25 waterproofing system for this project.To adhere to Department of Education requirements, a 35-year durability statement was necessary, so the long-lasting, durable finish offered by the IKO ULTRA Prevent system was ideal.Challenges continued to come thick and fast throughout the project; after stripping the roof back to the asphalt waterproofing, a large expansion joint was found near the clerestory window. Tapered designs were subsequently adjusted to accommodate.30 tonnes of waste material – primarily due to the uplift of the previous failed waterproofing systems – also had to be removed from the roof over the course of a week.Furthermore, complex design variables meant that Alpha could not fully determine the existing roof falls until the roof had been sufficiently exposed. Working closely with the IKO technical team, design information and solutions were identified to keep the project on track.To complicate matters further, Alpha was also required to carry out this extensive work during active teaching time. This presented not only additional health & safety considerations but also the need to minimise disruption.With a stringent construction phase plan and regular active monitoring, the project was completed with a zero incident/accident rate and excellent feedback from the client on Alpha’s approach to safety.Despite a number of hurdles and complexities to overcome, Alpha Roofing Systems delivered the project ahead of time and within budget, providing a low maintenance, long-lasting roof for Dixons Croxteth Academy and a satisfying outcome for all involved.

Project descriptionDixons Academies Trust is a well-established multi-academy trust that aims to challenge educational and social disadvantage in Yorkshire and the North West.The trust transforms schools into safe and high-performing learning environments, enabling students from all backgrounds to realise their potential and maximise their opportunities after school.Alpha Roofing Systems was brought in to refurbish two roof areas at Dixons Croxteth Academy in Liverpool after the existing waterproofing failed.A number of complex challenges arose from the start; after stripping back the aged and failed single ply system, Alpha identified a water-saturated bituminous roof beneath, which also overlaid the original asphalt waterproofing.The excess weight imposed on the roof from the multiple, heavily saturated waterproofing systems led to cracking and depressions in the deck, as well as rusting of reinforcement within the structure.This meant that, before installation work could even begin, many hours of labour were required to remove the top two waterproofing layers to expose the original asphalt. What’s more, this work had to be undertaken both during term time and a period of heavy rainfall.Solution and installationAfter close consultation with their IKO business manager, Mark Taylor, the Alpha team selected the IKO ULTRA Prevent 25 waterproofing system for this project.To adhere to Department of Education requirements, a 35-year durability statement was necessary, so the long-lasting, durable finish offered by the IKO ULTRA Prevent system was ideal.Challenges continued to come thick and fast throughout the project; after stripping the roof back to the asphalt waterproofing, a large expansion joint was found near the clerestory window. Tapered designs were subsequently adjusted to accommodate.30 tonnes of waste material – primarily due to the uplift of the previous failed waterproofing systems – also had to be removed from the roof over the course of a week.Furthermore, complex design variables meant that Alpha could not fully determine the existing roof falls until the roof had been sufficiently exposed. Working closely with the IKO technical team, design information and solutions were identified to keep the project on track.To complicate matters further, Alpha was also required to carry out this extensive work during active teaching time. This presented not only additional health & safety considerations but also the need to minimise disruption.With a stringent construction phase plan and regular active monitoring, the project was completed with a zero incident/accident rate and excellent feedback from the client on Alpha’s approach to safety.Despite a number of hurdles and complexities to overcome, Alpha Roofing Systems delivered the project ahead of time and within budget, providing a low maintenance, long-lasting roof for Dixons Croxteth Academy and a satisfying outcome for all involved.

UltraFloor are delighted to have supplied subfloor preparation materials to Specialist Screed (Flooring) Solutions Ltd. to complete a 180sqm project at leading family attraction, Hobbledown Farm.BackgroundHobbledown Farm is home to a huge variety of family attractions including animal experiences, indoor play area, Raptor Centre as well as a world of adventure in the Imaginarium. Part reptile house, part water play and part interactive jungle, the Imaginarium is an extremely popular attraction at Hobbledown which welcomes thousands a visitors a year.The ChallengeHobbledown Farm is open 7 days a week and therefore the 180sqm refurbishment project needed to be completed on time and without delay. What’s more, the interactive floor needed to have a perfectly flat finish so not to pose any trip hazards for the children playing in the barn.The SolutionWith a long and established relationship working with UltraFloor, the team at Specialist Screed (Flooring) Solutions Ltd knew that UltraFloor’s subfloor preparation materials would be perfect this exciting project.To begin, Specialist Screed (Flooring) Solutions Ltd applied UltraFloor DPM IT damp proof membrane to the clean, contaminant free subfloor and left it to dry for 2 days. Once dry, the team returned to apply a neat coat of UltraFloor Prime IT Multi-surface Primer before applying Level IT Renovate at a depth of 5mm.Level IT Renovate dried within 3.5 hours giving a solid, strong subfloor to lay the finished floor covering – Altro Operetta low glare for the interactive areas and Forbo Sure Step Laguna for the remaining areas.Formulated to promote adhesion to all UltraFloor smoothing underlayments, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer reduces pinholing, minimising the risk of costly failures. With a coverage rate of 200sqm at 3:1 dilution, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer is a must-have product for all flooring installation projects.Developed for the renovation of existing floors, Level IT Renovate is fibre reinforced for added strength and to minimise the risk of hairline cracks – reducing a common cause of failure.Suitable for deep applications from 3-40mm, Level IT Renovate is multi-purpose for extensive use and boasts excellent flow properties, making this flexible and versatile floor leveller ideal for a wide range of flooring substrates.What’s more, Level IT Renovate can also be used externally, as a light wearing surface, can be walked on in as little as 2 – 2.5 hours and can receive floor coverings in just 4 hours.Results“The materials used were all perfect for the job needed. Delivery was met by our chosen distributor and all fitted within the time frame required. UltraFloor is always my first choice of subfloor prep materials. I always get the best advice and guidance from the team at Instarmac.” Steve Fincham, Head of Specialist Projects at Specialist Screed (Flooring) Solutions Ltd.

Benenden Hospital is a state-of-the-art private hospital in Cranbrook, Kent specialising in a wide range of discretionary healthcare and well-being services to individual and business healthcare members.• The original hospital opened in 1907 by National Association for the Establishment and Maintenance of Sanatoria - to treat postal workers suffering from tuberculosis. By 1951 the Association had disbandedand the Benenden Healthcare Society took over the sanatorium, dramatically expanding the services available.• Architects C A Vaughan Blundell were appointed to design a new atrium and welcoming area to enhance the patient and visitor experience.• The £55m project attained a Breeam status of ‘Good’.The SchemeThe scheme, designed by architects C A Vaughan Blundell with assistance from SR Architects Ltd, has created a wonderfully light and airy entrance atrium designed to welcome and create an enhanced patient and visitor experience with maximised natural daylight. The extensive breakout and catering facilities support theatres, en-suite rooms, outpatient department and ophthalmic suite along with diagnostic imaging, rest and recovery areas. The main contractor was Willmott Dixon Construction.The AdvantagesThe skylights have a unique ability to bathe interior spaces with diffused and glare-free daylight, which creates a stimulating and healthy environment. In addition, their heavily insulated composition eliminates glare and hotspots, thereby reducing the load on temperature control systems and the need for artificial lighting.They provide additional light in the large atrium projecting it deep into the interior. They were specified complete with highly insulating Nanogel which achieves an impress U value of 0.28W/m2K, helping the project attain a Breeam status of ‘Good’. This is particularly impressive given the amount of curtain walling and clerestory glazing involved in the scheme.Kalwall skylights can be manufactured to large spans up to six metres. The aluminium or thermally-broken grid core with interlocking I-beams gives Kalwall incredible strength. The lightweight system reduces the need for supporting structures while offering the highest protection in terms of wind-borne debris and resistance to impact, abrasion and point loads. The exterior face is colour stable and includes a UV resistant, self-cleaning surface. This means that normal  rainfall helps to keep the surface free of dust and dirt while at the same time retaining its original colour during the weathering process. Furthermore, the inclusion of an erosion-prevention barrier protects the interior from weather exposure and the risk of fibre-bloom, cracking and crazing.The CommentsGeoff Holden, Senior Technician at C A Vaughan Blundell comments, “The use of Kalwall represented the best value balance of energy saving and cost and provided us with the ideal way to achieve spatial daylighting within the requirements of Part L”Jane Abbott, Hospital Director, “We want to ensure our patients have an excellent, efficient and streamlined experience from the moment they arrive until the time they leave.”

The Little Chapel in Guernsey was built in 1914 and, at only 16 feet by 9 feet, is said to be “one of the smallest functioning chapels in Europe, if not the world”. The chapel and its unique appeal gained national fame after an article accompanied with a colour photograph was published in the Daily Mirror, and it has since been considered one of, if not the most famous tourist attraction in Guernsey.In 2015, work began to weatherproof the intricate building, with the Protec System specified as the best solution for the job.The ChallengeHaving never been finished by its original builder, Brother Déodat, the chapel has been undergoing a long-term restoration project to create a structurally sound building that retains the beauty of the original vision. Firstly, the foundations were underpinned and properly secured for the first time since they were created over 100 years ago. The next priority was to fix the roof, as described by Pat Johnson, chairman of the Little Chapel Foundation:“The asphalt on the roof was hollow and had to be taken off. The concrete underneath was hollow. We ended up with a substrate of soil and clink, so to repair it we had to go inside and grout all the cracks in the ceiling. [The new roof] comprises three layers of concrete, 340 stainless-steel plugs, a stainless-steel mesh and a final coating of concrete”.The task of making the new concrete surface waterproof fell to local Polyroof approved contractor Sarnian Roofing Ltd. Andy Gavey (Company Director) said about the project:“As a boy I would regularly visit The Little Chapel and I’ve always been blown away by its beauty and character. To get the chance to help restore the building to its full potential is a dream come true for me – this has to be my favourite roofing project yet. Polyroof’s contribution towards the roofing works has meant that we were able to provide a top-quality roofing solution that has done justice to the amazing exterior of the building.”The SolutionWith its ability to be applied directly to the concrete to form a lightweight, seamless and durable waterproofing membrane, Polyroof’s Protec System was a clear choice for waterproofing the chapel roof.The first stage was to make the entire roof area fully watertight. Following a coating of primer to seal the porous concrete surface, the first coat of Protec was applied which incorporated fibreglass reinforcement. After 30 minutes the coating had cured and the second coat was applied to the whole roof area. To areas where new mortar was laid to re-embed the pebbles and seashells, which had been painstakingly removed from the old roof, a coating of Polyfinish was applied to provide extra protection.The architect chose a sanded decorative finish to complement the exterior of the building, which is covered in a mosaic made from seashells, pebbles and broken china. To create this finish, a third coat of Protec was applied and, whilst still wet, Quartz Sand was broadcast into the resin. After brushing off the excess sand, the whole roof surface was sealed with an application of Polyfinish Clear.

Job:Wilton House BelfastSmet Supported Partner:Kelly Bros Contracting for Poplar Investments LtdProducts:bauprocalc KG – Hydraulic Lime-Based Skim Coatbauprocalc 830 – Hydraulic Lime-Based Render/PlasterRelated DownloadsTDS CASEA bauprocalc KG – Hydraulic Lime-Based Skim CoatTDS CASEA bauprocalc 830 – Hydraulic Lime Based Render/PlasterEPD – CASEA bauprocalc 830SMET and Haldane Fisher NHL BrochureCLEAN WALL® BrochureDescriptionbauprocalc KG – Hydraulic Lime-Based Skim Coat and bauprocalc 830 – Hydraulic Lime-Based Render/Plaster was selected for the internal plastering and external render in the renovation of this important historical building in Belfast. Principal building contractor, Kelly Bros. on behalf of Poplar Investments Ltd was tasked with this mammoth renovation project which comprised 15 Luxury Apartments, in-situ concrete frame, brick and render & Zinc standing seam Facade, completed with a flat roof.WHY USE LIME-BASED RENDER AND PLASTER?SMET’s bauprocalc products are CE-marked, factory-produced hydraulic hardening skim coat plasters and render based on lime, specially designed for hand and machine application produced to DIN EN 998-1. bauprocalc KG and bauprocalc 830 contribute to a healthy internal atmosphere. They are an excellent alternative to plaster and renders containing gypsum or patent cement that have less vapour permeable qualities.They are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and rooms where high humidity levels are expected. bauprocalc KG produces a mortar that is softer than cement mortar. After the initial set, stability and strength gradually build up over time, allowing enough flexibility to cope with minor settlement or movement in the building during this period, thereby reducing the risk of cracking.bauprocalc 830 has unique properties, making it suitable for application on low, medium and high-density substrates, especially suited for the renovation of old /listed buildings and ecological new builds. Good vapour permeability performance allows an unhindered transference of excess internal moisture through the building to the outside, thereby contributing significantly to a balanced and healthy internal atmosphere.SMET is delighted to have supplied its bauprocalc plaster and render for the lime rendering and plastering of Wilton House, helping Poplar Investments Ltd & Kelly Bros transform the 19th-century Belfast city centre building into unique, hotel-like, serviced apartments. Michael Brannigan from Poplar Investments said, “Historical features are preserved not only in the appearance of the building but also in the actual buildup, which was exemplified by the use of lime plaster as it was done 200 years ago to ensure wall breathability” (Source: NB 32-4).Check out SMET’s range of lime and lime-based products available from Smet Building Products Ltd.

Client: Rothschild FoundationLocation: Waddesdon, UKYear: 2023Project size: 100 m²Vebro systems: vebroflex Comfort UV PlusA resin floor was required to ensure a seamless visual transition between the floors and walls at a unique, 12 metre high, wedding-cake-shaped venue, colour matching perfectly to the vibrant pastel pallet of the tiles and sculptures adorning the exterior façade.Set in the beautiful English countryside in Buckinghamshire, Waddesdon Manor was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his collection of arts and to entertain his friends.According to Rothschild Foundation, who manage the house, “The contemporary ethos of the estate looks to ensure all of its assets are cared for holistically and the past, present and future combine and are presented to the highest standard and level of inspection at all times”.Standing within a grove of trees on the estate of Waddesdon Manor, this ceramic sculptural pavilion – in the form of a three-tiered wedding cake – is the latest Rothschild Foundation commission from celebrated Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos.Aptly named Wedding Cake, over 25,000 gleaming, icing-like ceramic tiles decorate the cake – all made in a traditional Portuguese manufactory – glazed in pale pinks, greens, and blues.100 square metres of Vebro Polymers’ vebroflex Comfort UV Plus system was installed in two colours – RAL 6019 Pastel Green in the central area atrium with RAL 9010 Pure White around the perimeter.vebroflex Comfort UV Plus is a solid-coloured, UV-stable, elasticised, polyurethane liquid-vinyl resin that achieves up to 200% elongation at break. Once cured, the material delivers a smooth, matt-finish surface that deadens sound transfer between floors by up to 4Db. Additional sound absorption can be achieved with a liquid membrane or rubber matting.The cementitious screed was reinforced using vebroscreed R&S (Repair & Strengthen) to improve the compressive strength of the sand / cement screed.vebroscreed R&S is a transparent, solvent free, epoxy material used to penetrate fine crack and fissures in cement-based semi-dry cementitious levelling screeds – injecting additional strength and reinforcement prior to the installation of floor coverings.One of the most interesting aspects of the install involved an intricate mandala formed in brass, which was positioned in the centre of the lower atrium floor, creating a stunning central focal point underfoot for visitors.The pigmented aliphatic comfort resin was used to infill each of the brass trim petals using a large syringe. Each petal was meticulously injected one by one, taking a whole day to complete.Resin Flooring Specialists (RFS) are one of the UK’s leading resin flooring installers, based in Kent, and working throughout England.RFS works alongside the UK’s largest construction companies, as well as working direct for clients across a wide range of industry sectors.Mindful of slip resistance, cleaning, performance and aesthetics, RFS pride themselves on being able to deliver the right solution for all resin flooring needs no matter what the environment.RFS are members of the Resin Flooring Association – FeRFA – and Construction Line as well as being an Alcumus Safe Contractor and CHAS Accredited contractor.

The Rhondda Heritage Park is a renowned tourist destination in South Wales, offering a glimpse into the coal mining community that thrived in the area for over 130 years until the early 1980s. Every year, thousands of visitors take a guided tour led by former colliery workers to experience the life of coal miners.The Heritage Park takes great pride in its appearance and the local heritage it represents. However, the aging asphalt roof terraces that covered the old mine shafts had been leaking constantly, damaging the visual appeal of the visitor site.The ChallengeThe Polyroof technical team was called in to help with the waterproofing and refurbishment of the two roof terraces, measuring over 1100m², that protected the underground mining attraction. After conducting a thorough survey of the roof terrace areas, a customized specification was prepared. This specification included a comprehensive set of recommendations for addressing the issues that had caused the aged and worn condition of the terrace areas over the years. To support the proposal, additional information was provided to the client to demonstrate how a liquid system could seamlessly encase and waterproof the terraces while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing solution that was true to the authenticity of the site.Satisfied that the solution proposed would provide the long-term peace of mind they were looking for, the Heritage Park awarded the contract to RM Polymers Ltd.Before starting the work, any areas affected by fungal growth or moss were treated with Polykill Anti-Fungal Wash to eliminate all spores. Any holes in the asphalt were smoothed out or removed, and levelled using Polyroof Structural Repair Mortar. All large cracks and voids were cleaned and repaired using the same mortar.PVC protrusions were removed and surfaces were cleaned with acetone. Any damaged, loose, or unsound concrete or brickwork was removed and repaired using Polyroof Structural Repair Mortar. All repairs were allowed to cure and dry before priming.The SolutionOne of the main features of the tourist attraction is the mining carts that were used to transport coal around the mine tunnels during its operation. Similar to train tracks, the mining cart tracks are fixed into the ground using metal bolts and fixings which over time had become a weak point for water ingress. Concrete and sandstone had been used as a “quick fix” to prevent rainwater entering the mine shaft below but a long-term solution was now needed. The cement and sandstone was carefully chiselled from the rails, exposing the original metal tracks which were then lifted and abraded back to their original condition. Whilst lifted, the underlying surface was made good before the application of the Protec System. Railway sleepers were then laid on a sacrificial layer on top of the waterproof membrane, upon which the tracks and mining carts were re-instated.As the terraces are constantly trafficked by the general public, the client was clear that an anti-slip finish would be required on any walkway areas.Following the application of the Protec System, Polyfinish and Quartz Sand Anti-Slip was applied to all walkway areas, to provide slip resistance and surface protection. A 50mm margin around the perimeters of the terrace was masked off to provide a neat termination of the anti-slip finish. Ensure masking tape was removed whilst resin was still wet. Then a third coat of Protec Resin was applied at a minimum coverage rate of 0.5Litres/m² (2.0m²/Litre) and whilst wet, clean dried quartz sand (0.7 – 12mm) was broadcast at an approximate coverage rate of 4.0kg/m². Once cured, the loose sand was removed.WorkmanshipThe engine houses along the tour experience featured vast amounts of intricate details and unique items and structures, such as “Bertie and Trefor” – the names given by the mine owner to the mine head stock wheels. This presented an exceptional challenge, particularly in regards to the difficulty of working on the intricate details of the degraded mastic asphalt upstands and decking.As a result of many years of weathering and gravity, the vertical sections of asphalt on the raised terraced roof had slumped and rippled, leading to stress cracks and ultimately water ingress. To overcome this ugly problem, the asphalt was stripped from these vertical sections back to the concrete and removed from site in accordance with the Health and Safety policies in place. The contractor then installed new 18mm OSB3 to these areas to create a flat substrate for the Protec System. The incorporation of Polyroof pre-formed GRP Drip trims at the bottom of the OSB3 ensured the timber would not be exposed to any rain water in the future as well as provide a neat, edge detail.To keep the overall aesthetic feel of the site, the application of the liquid waterproofing system at wall abutments was critical. This, combined with the undulating nature of the stone and brickwork meant that the contractor would not be able to install a cover flashing or termination bar. Instead, the contractor carefully dressed the system onto the wall to the standard minimum 150mm upstand height and into a chase.The edging was then finished with a mortar to provide a neat and clean weatherproof finish, in-keeping with the traditional methods of the site at the time of its construction.The roof terraces that cover the old mining areas also act as the main walkways to the Heritage Centre’s tour routes. Therefore, one of the main challenges of the project was the complex planning of the works to ensure that the site continued to operate so not to financially impact the heritage park. It was imperative that works were complete within an 8-week period with 17,500 visitors booked in for their annual Santa’s Grotto Experience Tour beginning in early December.The application speed of the catalyst cured Protec System, combined with communication between the contractor and the site to ensure unobtrusive installation, meant the centre stayed open and the tours running with minimum disruption.The benefits of using a fast-curing liquid waterproofing solution were also vital due to the ever-changing micro-climate in the Welsh valleys. On any single day, the weather would serve up anything from bright sunshine to windy, rainy conditions. Therefore, the fast-curing Protec System, combined with the flexibility of the installation team, who gave up weekends when required, ensured the project was finished on schedule. The works were completed to an extremely high standard with full encapsulation of the roof terrace areas and without a single detail being left exposed to the elements.ConclusionThe unique aspects of this project certainly kept the team on their toes. But they were determined to complete the project on time.The team worked tirelessly, even giving up their weekends to ensure that the project was completed on schedule. Despite the harsh Welsh weather, they pushed on and were determined to make sure that Santa could visit the children of the Welsh Valleys. It was a challenging project but the team’s hard work and dedication paid off.Finally, the project was completed and the results were astounding. The roof terraces are now fully waterproofed and refurbished, and the visual appearance of the visitor site was greatly improved. It was a project that was both memorable and rewarding to all those involved.

CMS Danskin were able to provide Regupol 4515 (REGUPOL sonus eco) to the prestigious new Gateway project in central Leeds. As the city centre’s largest residential project to date, it has also provided the area with a luxury landmark.In keeping with high-end living, the interior design of the new build project incorporated a number of characteristic atrium and foyer spaces. While this lack of uniformity gave the building and its apartments an impressive level of individuality, it also created irregular shaped rooms which were difficult to work with from a finishing perspective.The finish of the apartments incorporated tiles throughout all of the bathroom and shower areas. To comply with Part E impact sound regulations, an acoustic flooring system had been specified for use under the tiled floor finish. However, when the tile fitters began installation, a number of challenges emerged.Phil Johnson, building development manager at Aqua Interiors, explains:“The acoustic matting and adhesive combination we were initially using at The Gateway caused us a few problems. There were issues from the tile fitters regarding application of the adhesives, and the over flexibility of the system meant that the grouting was cracking and crumbling once the surface was subjected to weight and traffic.” As the tiling contractors were already on-site, a reliable alternative that would meet Part E standards for impact sound had to be sourced and delivered against extremely tight timescales.The SolutionAs the only acoustic tiling system on the market to comply with the UK Tiling Association’s (TTA)Coefficient of Restitution figure (0.56), a test method to assess the impact resistance of ceramic floor tiling, Regupol Acousti-Tile was identified as the best solution to overcome the difficulties being experienced at The Gateway.The main component in the Regupol Acousti-Tile system is Regupol 4515 Multi (REGUPOL sonus eco), a high performance acoustic underlay which isolates impact sound at source. Regupol 4515 Multi (REGUPOL sonus eco), which can be used with any finish, is first bonded to the construction’s base floor using Ardex AF200.Tiles are then laid on top of Regupol 4515 Multi (REGUPOL sonus eco) using BAL Acousti-Bond adhesive. The acoustic tiling system is completed by filling in the joints using an appropriate grout finish, which is dependent upon whether the base floor is concrete or timber.As a complete acoustic tiling system, all components of Regupol Acousti-Tile are delivered to site in a single delivery. Regupol 4515 Multi (REGUPOL sonus eco) and the complete Regupol range is available exclusively in the UK through CMS Acoustics.The ResultThe quality of the finished bathroom environments is in keeping with the ambition and attention to detail of The Gateway project overall. By installing RegupolAcousti-Tile, Aqua Interiors has ensured that the impressive tiled floor surfaces will not cause residents disruption because of excessive noise transfer between dwellings.Having undergone independent site trials, Regupol Acousti-Tile has been shown to achieve an impact sound value of up to 52dB, which is significantly less than the 62dB required by Part E of the Building Regulations.Johnson concludes: “All of the environments were around 4-5m², but there was a great deal of variation in the room shapes and sizes, meaning there were some changes to the setting once we were on-site.Regupol Acousti-Tile was versatile enough to cope with any changes we made – the Regupol 4515 Multi (REGUPOL sonus eco) element was easy to trim and shape while BAL Acousti-Bond offered the same.

BackgroundThe new multi-million euro Buncrana Primary Care Centre development was an exceptional project to be involved with. This high-profile project was funded by the HSE, with the aim of bringing many healthcare services together in one new state-of-the-art centre. Construction was led by local company McCallion Group and the 56,500sq ft. facility, which is spread across three storeys, boasts underground car parking which can house 126 staff. The centre is an excellent asset to the local community, ensuring the vital health services people need to avail of on a regular basis are available in one central location. For the client, the key requirement was to build a modern, aesthetically pleasing, energy efficient facility that achieved a target U-value of 0.15W/m ² K. After extensive planning, focusing on matching an appropriate insulation system with a complementary finish, K Systems provided a full technical specification and a comprehensive delivery plan.Our ServiceOur dedicated team of technical specialists were on hand to fully support throughout the duration of this project, ensuring the highest levels of construction were achieved. The K Systems Technical Manager, Gerry McErlean regularly visited the project to inspect progress and offer hands-on-guidance and technical support. Local installer GD Plastering worked very closely with Gerry to ensure a high standard of work was achieved and great attention to detail is evident throughout this project. Due to the size and scale of the Care Centre, Gerry recommended that the TC render finish was spray applied to ensure a consistent finish and aid the speed of application. GD Plastering took this advice on board and invested in a spray machine, resulting in a uniform finish, faster completion and reduced labour.Technical Project Details After numerous design meetings taking into consideration client requirements, budget and timeframes, the K Systems E EWI system was specified. This high-performance, light-weight and cost effective system based on expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulating panels offers a great fire rating of B-s1,d0 and is available in a range of finishes. The mixed substrate of reinforced concrete and lightweight block had alignment issues. We specified the use of multiple thicknesses of insulation boards, that were fixed adhesively and mechanically to overcome these alignment issues. Our specification included bespoke technical detailing, such as compression joint detailing on every floor and our site inspection teams were on-site when required to offer a range of support and guidance. For the finish, thin coat silicone render (Silicone TC) was specified. Providing a variety of benefits, K Systems thin coat render offers silicone and polymer-modified technology to provide long term weather protection, alongside excellent breathability and water repellency properties. With the unpredictable Irish weather, this durable finish will withstand the elements and offers an eye catching, clean design, creating a modern and crisp aesthetic. Available in a wide range of colours, K Systems silicone render is the most flexible on the market, making cracking over its lifetime less likely. Its ease of application made it an ideal choice for a project of this scale and size and its hydrophobic properties provide a low-maintenance finish for years to come. We delivered a long-lasting, safe, eye-catching design for the Buncrana Primary Care Centre that brings exceptional thermal comfort to the property. The target U-value was achieved, allowing energy savings and reduced costs for the client throughout the lifetime of the Centre.

BackgroundBelfast City Council designed Walkways Community Centre with the local community in mind, providing them with places to both work and play. In this £1.37m project, the original portable modular building was demolished and replaced with a new 575 square metre build. The two storeys include a creche and soft play area, a 250sqm sports hall and a series of multipurpose rooms for meetings and courses aimed at the local people. Main contractor, McKelvey Construction led the project and worked alongside Michael Whitley Architects to design and deliver the most appropriate solution for Belfast City Council and the local community. K Systems provided on-site technical support and installation guidance throughout the build which resulted in delivery of a modern, aesthetically pleasing facility that achieved the target U-value of 0.18W/m ² K. Our ServiceHaving originally specified rainscreen cladding, K Systems technical team worked with the architect to design a bespoke engineered system with the drained cavity to suit the metsec frame. Regular site visits from our team ensured support was available throughout the build. The Centre is located on a busy street with limited surrounding space, so we had to manage a very congested, condensed site with deliveries planned and arranged by appointment only. We worked closely with McKelvey Construction to manage such challenges and ensure that local access for residents was uninterrupted, as well as ensuring the overall safety of the site area. From design advice through to installation, we offered a partnership approach which ensured a smooth installation process with minimal disruption, and the delivery of a fantastic community centre for the local area to enjoy. Technical Project Details Originally rainscreen cladding was specified for the Walkways project. However during the construction process, due to spiralling material costs and budget restraints, this was deemed too expensive so alternative solutions had to be sourced. It was decided an external insulation system would be used and a ventilated cavity system was required, as this provides a secondary defence in commercial buildings like Walkways. The K Systems Exicco E drained cavity façade system was specified as it ticked all the boxes. Exicco provides excellent protection and can offer an excellent fire rating of up to A2-s1,d0, providing high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility. The drained cavity behind the insulation in the Exicco system will ensure that any interstitial moisture will escape without detriment to the performance of the system. As EWI was not originally specified for the project, no metsec frame had been designed. This is a crucial element for the Exicco system, which meant a bespoke metsec frame had to be designed specifically to suit our system. The Exicco E system for Walkways used Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation boards that were mechanically fixed and attached to 12mm BBA Approved sheathing boards to create a 25mm drained cavity. EPS boards are extremely light-weight and the system offers a great fire rating of B-s1,d0. It is a high performing, economical system that generates high levels of thermal performance and ensured the target U-value of 0.18W/m ² K. was achieved. For the finish, Silkolitt+ silicone renders ensured a clean, crisp contemporary finish that offers protection to the exterior of the community centre. The flexibility of this finish provides resistance against cracking and increases the durability, ensuring a long-lasting finish for Walkways. 

Teesside University’s Greig Building, named in honour of the founding father of computer science Bill Greig, is the home of the university’s Computer and Mathematical Sciences Studies department. When the aged bituminous roof coverings had shown failures including splits, blow holes and crazing, it was of paramount importance that a waterproofing solution could be provided as quickly as possible to prevent the risk of water damage and disruption.The university’s site maintenance team turned to Polyroof for a solution, which started with a detailed survey of the three roof areas totalling 750m2.The ChallengeCore tests taken at appropriate locations throughout the roof areas demonstrated that the existing warm roof build-ups were free from signs of decay. This meant that the roofs could be retained and over-coated with a new waterproofing system allowing for a rapid, minimal-disruption solution.A bespoke specification was put together based on the findings from the Polyroof Survey Report that provided a comprehensive set of recommendations, including remedial instruction for many problematic roof details. With the peace of mind and satisfaction that the various problems on the roof would be solved through Polyroof’s proposals, the client progressed with a tender process that resulted in a successful application by Polyroof Approved Contractor BBR Roofing Ltd.The SolutionPolyroof’s Protec System, a hybrid polymer liquid system with extremely fast curing and installation times was chosen as the ideal solution for the project. Due to its fully cold-applied application, the works could be carried out during the university’s term times, without having to wait for closure periods between semesters.Works began with the existing asphalt and felt coverings being made good where required, including the levelling and filling of blow holes and cracks with Polyroof Structural Repair Mortar. Next, the surfaces were thoroughly cleaned and degreased to provide a sound substrate for the new waterproofing system.Many of the roof perimeters and junctions featured parapet walls which were identified as a potential point of water ingress during the survey. The inner faces and tops were therefore boarded-over with 18mm Polyroof approved plywood which would allow these details to be fully encapsulated with the Protec System, meaning their waterproof integrity would be covered under the new system’s guarantee. Protec can waterproof vertical areas with the greatest of ease due to its thixotropic formulation, which means slumping and running is minimised during application.Polyroof’s extra-tough GRP trims were then installed to create neat and robust edge detailing for exposed perimeters before the main Protec system application commenced. After priming surfaces where required, the first coat of Protec was applied and reinforced with PolyMat 450. With its RapidCure technology, the Protec can be walked on and over-coated after only 30-60 minute after applications, meaning large roof areas can be made fully waterproofed within a matter of hours.After the second coat of Protec was applied to complete the waterproofing system, designated maintenance walkways were formed through embedding quartz sand aggregate into a third coat of Protec liquid.Completion and InspectionThe refurbishment of the roof was completed within the client’s target timeframe and budget. Following a final inspection by Polyroof Technical Services, which highlighted quality workmanship of BBR Roofing, the client received Polyroof’s trusted Accredited System Guarantee and now has the peace of mind the roof will be leak-free for decades to come.

Ashdown Forest in East Sussex is a major destination for horse lovers, with several stables and riding schools amidst miles of bridleway. Clark-Drain supplied drainage solutions to one of the forest's prestigious equestrian centres, which is undergoing development of its visitor amenities.The centre has installed 3,000 square metres of new paving and parking areas, along with other upgrades to its facilities. Contractor Codrin Iordache of Cody Building took the opportunity to use Clark-Drain’s new HD-PE Technodrain solutions for the first time. Codrin says: “I was interested when I heard about Technodrain as an alternative to the polymer concrete drainage channels we generally use. Technodrain seemed to combine value with meeting all our technical specifications.“We found that the lightweight system is easy to handle. It’s also clear that, despite being light, the drainage channels have all the strength required.”All the Technodrain channel installed at the centre is in fact load rated to D400 and able to accommodate vehicles up to 40 tons. This means the area is equipped to handle even the biggest horseboxes, including HGVs carrying up to nine horses.Channels of two sizes were sourced from the range for this project:1. An external depth of 210mm, internal width of 100mm and max through-flow of 8.25 litres per second. 2. An external depth of 310mm, internal width of 200mm and max through-flow of 42.6 litres per second.Integrating sump units with channel drainageAlso supplied were several Technodrain sump units. These remove silt from the surface water, preventing dirt and debris from entering the drainage system and causing blockages. Codrin says: “I was impressed by the sump units. As with the channels, the galvanised steel edging made it simple for us to integrate them with the 80mm paving. They also feature grating that bolts in place, which is really easy to remove for maintenance inspection and cleaning of the unit and the channels.“The design of the Technodrain system also means that it’s easy to connect units together. Simple tongue and groove joints allow for the installation of channels with a ready-mounted grating, saving time on site and providing accurate connections. We will definitely be using Technodrain again on future projects.”Cody Building sourced the Technodrain products through the Tunbridge Wells branch of Professional Building Supplies, who specialise in drainage products as part of their wider range. Terry Hallett says: “We have been talking to customers since Clark-Drain introduced the Technodrain range and have had a really positive response. People like the value the range offers, and the fact that the light weight makes the units easy to handle.“The light weight is also good for us as a merchant. It makes this product sustainable to transport, and the HD-PE construction means there’s less likelihood of channels cracking in transit. It will also make storage at our central warehouse and branches simpler, with fewer issues around safe handling to deal with.”WHY THESE PRODUCTS WERE CHOSEN:Value - Technodrain consistently adds great value to excellent specifications.Load ratings - units chosen for this project were rated at Group 4 (D400), suitable for HGV parking. Robust - the HD-PE (high density polyethylene) channels and sump units are resistant to a wide range of acids, salts and hydrocarbons.Ease of installation - the 210mm deep channels used in this project weigh just 15kg each, including the ductile iron grating and galvanised steel edge.System integration - products in the Technodrain range connect easily together using simple tongue and groove joints.

BackgroundLocated in Stroud, the Park Parade, Park Road refurb project was part of a large refurbishment planned by Stroud District Council. The shopping area and sheltered accommodation scheme were given a complete revamp with internal and external work being completed.MD Group from Bristol were awarded the contract by Stroud District Council and were appointed as the main contractor. A new external wall insulation system was installed, along with an extensive refurbishment to the communal areas, external balconies and roofing. Our approved installer Elite Rendering Systems were contracted by MD Group to complete the exterior wall insulation.Alongside Elite, we transformed the premises aesthetically creating modern homes and commercial premises. The buildings were given a new lease of life, and together with Elite we delivered safe, stylish and energy efficient buildings that will help to reduce fuel bills for residents and help decarbonise the Council’s housing stock.Our ServiceOur Technical team were available to provide hands-on-guidance throughout the duration of the project. As part of our service commitment, our K Systems Site Technician regularly visited the project to inspect progress, offer support and ensure high levels of construction quality.As the ground floor of Park Parade is used for commercial premises, one challenging aspect of the project was the detailing and installing around complex interfaces such as air conditioning/refrigeration units. We transformed the outside of the properties with a durable, low maintenance solution that is fully compliant with fire regulations and fulfilled the Council’s criteria.The combination of finishes used not only delivered the desired contemporary aesthetic but provided an additional benefit of cost savings for the client. Residents of Park Parade, Park Road will enjoy reduced energy bills and better living conditions thanks to the U-value improvement.Technical Project DetailsFollowing design and site meetings with the K Systems Technical team, K Systems M (Mineral Wool) was specified by Bailey Partnership Architects and Stroud District Council. This system incorporates eco-friendly mineral wool insulation boards. As an A2-s1, d0 firerated solution, it is widely specified to provide thermal and aesthetic improvements to buildings, reducing energy usage and therefore energy costs.K Systems M, utilising non-combustible insulation, ensured the latest building safety regulations were met. Thanks to its exceptional properties, the thermal performance of the walls after installation has been significantly enhanced. A U-value of 0.27 W/m²K was achieved, which will help to reduce the residents fuel bills and reduce the level of condensation forming on the inside walls – two key objectives for the client.For the finish, high-performance Silkolitt+ silicone renders were supplied along with our lightweight synthetic brick slips (VBriQ). This combination improved the aesthetics of the buildings for its residents.Silkolitt+ silicone thin coat renders are available in a wide range of colours offering a contemporary finish. The excellent vapour permeability allows the building to breathe and prevents interstitial condensation. The flexibility of the finish provides resistance against cracking and increases the durability, ensuring a long-lasting finish to the properties. It is very user friendly, and its hydrophobic properties reduce maintenance requirements.Accredited by the BBA, the K Systems VBriQ brick slips provide top tier Cateogory 1 impact performance and are ideal for use on this project. This lightweight system is quick and simple to install and has high UV resistance while also allowing the original brick colour to be maintained. An extremely durable finish that will withstand the day-to-day demands placed Park Parade, Park Road.

TRC was appointed as principal contractor by Barker Associates in May 2019, to carry out specialist sash window restoration works.Trinity Primary Academy is a primary school located in Bounds Green Road, Wood Green, London. It was built in 1899 by Mitchell and Butler and consists of yellow brick and red brick dressings, tiled roofs, irregular fenestrations, and sash windows that give away its Queen Anne Revival style. It's currently categorised as a Grade II Listed building with Historic England, and is part of the Academies Enterprise Trust.Nature of the worksAs the building was Grade II listed, timber window repairs had to be sympathetic and complementary to the historic nature of the property. Many of the existing timber sash windows were inoperable due to the build-up of decorative coatings, timber degradation, and defective and broken sash window ironmongery, as well as opening mechanisms. The requirement was for the windows to be fully refurbished, repaired and operational as originally intended, but also modified to meet health and safety requirements.Phase one of the refurbishment of 200 sash and timber casement windows commenced on the area needing most attention: the west elevation of the building. Following the success of phase one, the client team extended TRC’s appointment to continue around the remainder of the building, systematically completing all other windows, door and roof light refurbishments.This overall refurbishment project included:Stripping back the existing paint from the historic sash windows and repairing any decayed timber.Repairing glazing as and where necessary.Improving the thermal and acoustic containment by installing draughtproofing.Repainting windows and installing ironmongery.Undertaking brick and stone repairs to the building’s exterior.This project also required our specialist attention on some specific areas of traditional glazing. This aspect of the project required the repair and refurbishment of all four oriel bay windows and the oriel bay glazed roofs. Completion included the supply and fixing of new safety glazing and hardwood timber roof rafters, along with the repair and refurbishment of the two existing openable roof lights. The supply and fixing of new code 4 lead flashing, with lead wedges, was also carried out and fully pointed with the correct cement mortar at the wall abutment.Additional detailed work throughout the project included the following:Removal of all existing fitted window blinds for refixing upon completion of works.Removal and repair of existing window ironmongery, including original mechanical winding gear, solid bar opening mechanisms, locking fasteners, slide bar restrictors, cable restrictors, handles and stays.Careful removal and repair of all internal fixed-glazed hopper units, casements and pivot openings.Removal and replacement of all cracked and broken glazing, and replacement of the existing Georgian wired-glazing, with 6mm safety glass or 4mm polished plate glass to areas up to 1.2m height from floor level. Where privacy was required, white opaque glass with thickness in accordance with above was used.Removal and replacement of all loose and defective glazing putties, and removal of all flaking, loose and built-up paint coatings.Exposure of all timber rot and decay ready for repair with Repair Care Systems products, followed by sanding and priming ready for decoration.Vertical sliding sashes repaired, refurbished and rehung on new sash cords and weights, and adjusted as needed. Sashes were routed to accept new brush pile weather stripping. New parting beads and staff beads were serviced with brush pile weather stripping where appropriate.Final internal and external decoration was carried out using Dulux or Leyland trade paints, allowing for one undercoat and one gloss finish.

The high performance weberend MT multi-coat render system has been applied as the exterior finish on the new-build Woodward Close, a pioneering 60-bed dementia care home in Winnersh, Berkshire.This project has been developed by specialist care home developer Castleoak, Cardiff, for national care operator The Abbeyfield Society.Designed to meet Abbeyfield’s innovative dementia design strategy, this new care home comprises intimate circular bedroom wings which minimise corridors and lead to communal spaces to aid way finding and spatial recognition. Ground floor rooms have patio door access to garden space and internal links to safe and secure inner courtyard gardens. It has been carefully planned to provide a unique approach in residential care for those living in the local area in a manner which hasn’t been seen before.The complex clover leaf layout of the five linked buildings has been achieved using timber frame construction with much of the fabrication carried out off-site including the curved outer skin formed by the render carrier board for the weberend MT system. This off-site construction method reduced time and cost early in the build program, overcoming the requirement of bricklayers and bricks, resulting in a cleaner and tidier site and substantially reducing the on-site program.The weberend MT multi-coat render system by Weber, the leading UK formulator and manufacturer of innovative materials, systems and solutions for the construction industry, has full BBA Certification. This accreditation meets NHBC requirements for new build housing where house builders and developers are constantly seeking modern methods of construction for speed and cost efficiency. The weberend MT system is designed to rapidly finish buildings of frame and panel construction.weberend MT is a light-weight render system which incorporates glass-fibre meshcloth reinforcement with a resin-rich adhesive coat that can carry a choice of finishes in a wide range of colours. This modern render system is designed for large areas of stable render carrier boards without the need for expressed joints to create smooth, modern design aesthetics. Equally, weberend MT is ideal for application to uneven masonry or mixed substrates where a high level of crack resistance is required. Application on to a panel background requires an initial 3mm of weberend LAC. The glass fibre reinforcing mesh is laid in as this coat takes up and a second 3mm of weberend LAC is applied. Sponge finish achieves a flat surface. When fully dry, weber PR310 primer is applied prior to the selected finish. A variety of textured and coloured finishes can be used to produce weatherproof, vapour permeable protection.The weberend MT application was carried out by WHS Exterior Rendering Limited, Bristol, whose director Nick Hood is enthusiastic about this project. “It was really interesting to see this unique design and the fast build program achieved with off-site construction. It gave us a great finished board to work on and as always the weberend MT system is first class. It’s straight forward to apply and the finish is excellent. It involved 1900m² of hand application and four pastel colours really make the buildings attractive and welcoming."Castleoak’s project construction manager Dean Hamblin reports positive comments on the render finish of the buildings. “People are remarking how sharp the buildings look, that’s sharp in colours and sharp in straight surfaces and edges,” advises Mr Hamblin.Woodward Close offers a wide range of highly innovative communal facilities, including a cinema, activity rooms for painting and sewing, a restaurant and a cafe, sensory rooms and wellbeing areas including spa bathrooms, a hair and nail salon, a library, and a shop stocked with groceries.In terms of design, memorabilia and reminiscence will be a strong focus across the development. There will be classic cars and bikes in the grounds and a vintage theme prominent throughout the interior decor. It is hoped that this vision and the calibre of the building will act as a blueprint for future Abbeyfield care homes

Located between St. David's and Aberdour, the tanker terminal at Braefoot Bay is a base for the export of liquefied petroleum gas. The terminal consists of two jetties located on the north shore of Incholm Island. The gas is piped to the Mossmoran Plant in Fife direct from the North Sea, broken down to form ethane and then converted into ethylene, the basic hydrocarbon 'building block' of the petrochemical industry. The products are then piped the final three mile journey to the Braefoot Marine Terminal where they are fed into tankers and gas carriers for markets in Europe and the USA. The terminal is operated jointly by Shell Expro and Exxon.The jetty was suffering from increasing levels of deterioration of the reinforced concrete structure due to the relentless corrosive action of the marine salt environment on the reinforcing steel. A remedial plan was developed to carry out repairs and to introduce a cathodic protection (CP) system to greatly enhance the protection level and therefore extend the life of the structure. The plan was prepared by structural engineers from Shell, led by Hans Verheyde, and Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK (BBCS) was awarded the contract.Two major factors had to be accommodated within the repair programme. Firstly, the tidal flow that submerged the lower part of the jetty twice every 24 hours and secondly, the jetty is a fully live and very active transport hub and shipping schedules had to take precedence at all times. Round-the-clock flexible working maintained delivery of the twelve-month project.Saint-Gobain Weber's specialised repair concrete products were specified for the remedial actions on the Braefoot Bay jetty and technical application advice was provided for the active phase of the project. A suspended scaffold was designed and installed which allowed fast access when the tide ebbed so that productivity could be maintained. Traditional techniques were used to breakout the spalled and cracked concrete and to wash out the surface chlorides and clean the existing reinforcement steels.webercem five star repair concrete CP is a shrinkage-compensated, high strength, low resistivity, flowing repair concrete designed for use in conjunction with CP systems. This pre-blended cementitious concrete fully complies with the Highways Agency Specification Class 29F for high-strength flowing concrete for major structural repairs. It contains non-reactive aggregates with a low soluble-alkali cement content which is particularly important where CP is to be used. The rapid strength development and dimensional stability of webercem five star repair concrete CP – which reaches 27N/mm² in 24 hours – was especially valuable in the tidal conditions in Fife. Tight shuttering was used on the wide beam sections of the jetty to take the poured concrete which reached an integral bond with the original concrete. This process reformed the structural integrity using products with proven durability.An innovative CP system using Duogard® hybrid anodes from CPT was installed to protect the steel reinforcement with the anodes fixed into the soffits with a special CPT mortar. Where the CP installation required chases to carry the cabling, webercem HB40 high-build structural repair mortar was used to fill and seal the chases. webercem bondcoat, a polymer-modified, cementitious bonding aid and steel reinforcement primer, was first applied into the chases to ensure enhanced bonding. webercem HB40 is an acrylic-polymer modified, single component mortar and is lightweight with high build qualities. It can be applied in layers up to 75mm thick vertically, and 50mm on overhead soffits, and can be used without formwork. It was then applied onto the tacky webercem bondcoat primer and finished flush to the concrete surface.The Braefoot Bay terminal project has been completed successfully and Dewi Miller, contracts manager, BBCS, is confident that the jetty protection will extend the working life of the structure. "The products we have used are excellent and the application methods have enabled us to deliver a high degree of protection and reinstatement to the concrete structure. Working on a live site in a tidal zone has required a flexible work schedule but the whole project has worked exactly to plan and the client is very pleased with the result. The Weber materials have been the key to achieving this success."

Even if your sun beds have spent the majority of the British summertime inside, it’s still vital to give them a good clean before applying any kind of finish.Net-Trol, is a fast-acting and powerful wood cleaner, neutraliser and colour restorer, that will effortlessly remove any surface or ground-in dirt on your untreated sun beds, leaving the wood looking vibrant and bright. Designed to remove all traces of weathering that have been caused by UV rays, pollution and mildew, Net-Trol’s main purpose is to prepare your sun beds for their finish.One of the great things about Net-Trol is that it is non-aggressive, so it’s harmless to your plants. We think is an essential element of any product that is going to be used in the garden. Plus, it’s biodegradable and doesn’t contain bleach or solvents.Even better, it works in as little as 15 minutes and using it should mean that you won’t need to undertake any time-consuming, backbreaking sanding. You can just sit back and relax while it works its magic.Applying Net-TrolBefore starting, you will need to wet your sun beds with fresh, clean water.Then, simply apply Net-Trol with a synthetic brush or roller and scrub your sun beds with a stiff synthetic brush.Leave it to work for 10-20 minutes. If you notice that the surface starts to dry, you’ll need to dampen it with a mist of water.If your sun beds were particularly dirty, you may need to repeat the procedure.You’ll now need to let your sun beds dry for at least 48 hours before applying any kind of finish.One of the great things about Net-Trol is that you can clean your tools with soap and water. There is no need for any white spirits!Finishing with TextrolTextrol, our penetrating oil finish developed for weathered wood, is available in 7 different colours, so you can give your sun beds a finish to suit your garden.This product has been developed so that it penetrates and protects wood from within, so it won’t form a film that could crack, peel or flake. Additionally, Textrol has in-built UV protection and will also protect your sun beds from moisture damage.As well as keeping your furniture safe from the British weather, Textrol will also enhance the natural beauty of the wood.One of Textrol’s main selling points is that it can be applied ‘wet-on-wet’, so you won’t have to wait for coats to dry during application.The maintenance is also extremely easy, with local touch-ups and no backbreaking sanding necessary.When you first apply Textrol to your sun beds, it will give them a rich, matt colour. This should gradually lighten over time to give you your finished look.Applying TextrolTextrol is applied in ‘wet-on-wet’ coats. Apply your first coat of Textrol then leave it for 15-30 minutes. This will allow time for it to penetrate into the wood but not to dry.Then, apply another coat of Textrol and leave it for another 15-30 minutes.You should repeat this process until the wood of your sun beds will not accept anymore oil. Then, wipe off any excess oil that hasn’t penetrated into the wood. This is important to ensure that you avoid shiny spots.It’s vital that you don’t allow Textrol to become touch dry between coats.That’s it – you’re done!Can I follow the same process if my sun beds are treated?If your sun beds have been treated in the past, you will need to use Aquanett or Dilunett before applying Net-Trol, in order to remove any previously applied treatments.Aquanett is our solvent-free wood oil remover, which will help to prepare your sun beds for their new coating. Aquanett is suitable for environmentally sensitive areas and as it has a gel-like consistency so it won’t run everywhere.After using Aquanett, it’s important to treat your sun beds with Net-Trol while they are still wet. This is because you need to neutralise the wood.If your sun beds have been painted, you should use Dilunett, our solvent-free paint remover, to prepare your sun beds for their makeover. Dilunett has also been developed with a gel-like consistency. This makes it ideal for use on the legs of your sun beds and underneath, as it won’t run onto the floor.Again, after applying and removing Dilunett, you should immediately treat your sun beds with Net-Trol, while they are still wet. This is to neutralise the wood.

The NHS Estates Team required a new office space and workshop area and proposed the refurbishment of an existing building.Systems in useHyranger®Starcoat® PMMAOverviewAxter Ltd were instructed by William Gough & Sons Ltd to produce a design for six roof areas, following a site survey report. The project included a mixture of new build and refurbishment areas, comprising of various systems and design requirements. This included a cut to falls insulation design to comply with Part H and BS 6229:2018. Roof A, the focus of this case study, had a series of convex or ‘barrel roofs’, requiring bespoke detailing and careful design to achieve robust detailing and the required U-value.The project value was circa £1 million. This included all building works and a strict budget for the roofing package, which was achieved. The programme for the works was 16 weeks and completed in Autumn of 2022, to the required deadline.The successful project was also nominated for a National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) award 2023.ChallengesAxter were appointed at RIBA Stage 2 to undertake site surveys and work alongside the Principal Designer as Designer under the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015.The existing asphalt had shown signs of cracking and blistering, and the outlets were damaged from vegetation growth from a lack of maintenance. New outlets were installed with leaf guards, allowing free flowing water whilst preventing blockages.The proposed office section of the works required thermally upgrading to comply with Building Regulations: Part L. The U-Value requirement was 0.18W/m2K which could be achieved with a 120mm PIR flat board. Due to the curved profile of the roof, installing the insulation below deck level was considered. However, due to an inadequate ceiling height this was disregarded.Furthermore, this would have resulted in the development of interstitial condensation. Further design solutions had to be considered. To bend a 120mm board would have required multiple cuts to the insulation so the decision was made to split this into two thinner boards to achieve the radius more easily.When split into two layers the requirement changed to 2 x70mm boards (140mm total) as worked out using U-Value calculations by the in-house design team at Axter. A timber hard edge was introduced to abut the insulation at the building perimeter to separate the façade and the main field area.Systems and productsAxter’s Hyranger multi-layer RBM system was used across all six roof areas. The system is fully BBA and BRoofT4 compliant, and achieves a guarantee period of 20 years. For this project, Axter’s Goldshield Guarantee was chosen, which covers materials, workmanship and design liability. This was overseen on site by Axter’s Quality Assurance team, who audited the project inclusive of the installation, safety and general management of the roofing works.Axter Starcoat PMMA was used as a cost effective solution to coat the copper fascia and provide a fresh and seamless look to the exterior of the building.SolutionsThe Axter Hyranger multi-layer RBM system was installed using traditional gas driven torches to fully bond the (AVCL) Air and Vapour Control Layer and cap sheet layers. The underlayer was installed over a tissue faced PIR and therefore needed to be self-adhesive in order to reduce the risk of fire, complying with NFRC Safe2Torch guidelines. A cold applied Starcoat PMMA liquid was installed to the façade to achieve a seamless and cost-effective upgrade.The Axter Quality Assurance Team regularly attended site and were in constant communication with the appointed Axtershield Installer, Empire Roofing operatives, to ensure that the system was being installed correctly and to the expected standards in order to achieve the Goldshield guarantee required by the client. To achieve the guarantee level, all materials and workmanship had to be installed as per the Axter specification.The site agent from the main contractor was also regularly on site to oversee the project and ensure that deadlines and timescales were being achieved to keep the build on target for completion. The installation of the multiple roof areas was achieved to exceptional standards leaving the client very impressed with the workmanship.AcknowledgmentsWilliam Gough & Sons Ltd were very impressed with Axter Ltd on our first scheme with them at George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton. The requirements of the scheme, which included a complex barrelled roof were investigated on site early in the design phase of the project and Axter’s recommendations were swiftly proposed and agreed with the client’s Architect. Once the design requirements had been established one of Axter’s approved installers were employed by us to very successfully deliver the scheme. The 20 year Goldshield guarantee provided for the Reinforced Bituminous Membrane system offered peace and mind to our client. Chris Hinton, Senior QS, William Gough & Sons

The refurbishment scheme at Buckley View in Smallbridge was completed in March 2022 and is one of a series of demonstrator projects that Rochdale Boroughwide Housing are completing.These projects are part of an ongoing approach to improve the energy efficiency of homes and reduce carbon emissions, helping to identify the best ways to meet Greater Manchester’s 2038 target to be carbon neutral.The scheme has seen 23 bungalows in Buckley View receive investment to help improve the energy efficiency of the homes and reduce carbon emissions using a whole-house, fabric first approach.The work carried out included replacing cavity wall and roof insulation, installing External Wall Insulation (EWI), upgrading ventilation and installing new windows and doors.We worked in close partnership with our approved installer Profac and provided a suitable EWI solution for the project and complementary finish. A brick slip finish was utilised, which was supplied in three colours to totally refresh the facades.The bungalows in Buckley View were totally transformed and will enjoy increased energy efficiency, improved thermal comfort, reduced fuel consumption for residents and, as a result, lower carbon emissions.Our ServiceK Systems prides itself on having an inspiring and effective solution for every style, and this project is just one example of how it provides the flexibility to fulfil any specific design criteria.We tailored the specification process for the project based on the set and very specific requirements of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing and its properties, and every single request / objective of the client was not only met but exceeded in the refurbishment.The design and delivery of the refurbishment not only received 100% satisfaction ratings from all parties involved, but has also gained external recognition for its excellence and already been shortlisted for three prestigious industry awards:Large Scale Project of the Year at the North West Energy Efficiency AwardsSustainability Project of the Year at the Aico HomeLink Community Awards 2022Best Retrofit Initiative at the Northern Housing AwardsOverall, an outstanding and successful refurbishment by our team that has given Buckley View in the North West a new lease of life.Ryan Robson at Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, said:“We are delighted and incredibly proud to have worked on the refurb project at Buckley View which has been recognised with three award nominations so far. These nominations are a testament to the great partnership approach by all involved parties, the highest levels of construction quality showcased throughout, and the exceptional performance outcomes of the entire project, for the housing residents, housing provider and for the wider area.”Technical Project DetailsThe external façade and sheathing boards on the existing, poorly insulated timber frame structures were removed. The sheathing boards were replaced with A1 rated carrier boards and the K Systems M, Mineral Wool Insulation System was specified.This system not only generates exceptional thermal performance and provides high levels of fire resistance (A2-s1, d0), but also boasts exceptional environmental qualities – by choosing it, we not only demonstrate our innate understanding of best-suited solutions but our dedication to sustainable working.The bespoke system specified for Buckley View was designed using 110mm non-combustible mineral wool insulation to meet the desired u-value of 0.20W/m2K, improved from 0.43W/m2K. This meant homes were more energy efficient, warmer, and less expensive to heat – a major bonus given the current cost of living crisis.For the finish, we specified a unique finish of VBriQ+ clay brick slips. This cost-effective, lightweight traditional clay brick slip system replicates traditional brick construction on low-rise buildings like the Buckley View bungalows.Our unique and innovative VBriQ+ clay brick slip finish was specified due to its robust, durable characteristics and wide range of colours. The brick slips were supplied in three colours, which totally transformed the facades aesthetically and with their low maintenance and element resistance qualities, will ensure the homes avoid cracking and maintain their appearance over time.At K Systems we are confident that we have the inspiring solution for every style, and this project is just one example of how we provide the flexibility to fulfil any specific design criteria.We tailored the specification process for the project based on the requirements of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing and their properties. Bespoke technical detailing included use of pistol brick slips around window reveals with a soldier course detail specified above window heads to create a contrasting aesthetic feature to the main walls. A band of silicone thincoat render was added as a design feature around the doors– yet again showcasing K Systems’ unrivalled attention to detail.

The Hurlford Avenue new build project, situated on the former Garscadden Primary School site, truly harnesses innovation and design. This ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ project, completed in partnership with CCG, showcases technical prowess and constructional excellence.Garscadden Primary School closed back in 2017 but the 1930s school building remained standing. Spotting the potential for something impressive on the site, Glasgow Housing Association proposed a modern replacement – a portfolio of properties.The key requirement was to build modern, energy efficient homes which would provide much-needed affordable housing in the sought-after area of Dumbarton and make a significant difference to the local community.After extensive planning, focusing on matching an appropriate insulation system with a complementary finish, K Systems devised a comprehensive delivery plan using our unrivalled experience and expertise.CCG fabricated the building off-site with timber kits and incorporated elements from our Aricco system, with the final finish being completed on-site. This approach was advantageous for a few reasons, including the speed of construction and a reduction in required labour.Hurlford Avenue is a prime example of our experience with off-site modular builds and our project-specific approach to EWI solutions. We brought Glasgow Housing Association’s vision to life and delivered 28 houses and 42 flats for mid-market rent.Our ServiceThe build of the Hurlford Avenue development wasn’t without its challenges. Precision planning was required to ensure minimal disruption to the residents in surrounding estates. All traffic ways remained free for passage and noise pollution was kept to a minimum.During the build, our team encountered some detailing challenges. However, working directly with the contractor and main contractor, these challenges were quickly resolved by key colleagues within our Technical Team, and the build remained on schedule and of the highest quality.From specification and design to planning, delivery and evaluating, our team transformed a derelict site to a contemporary multi-dwelling development that rejuvenated the Dumbarton area.“I would like to thank everyone on the K Systems technical support team for their contribution in accomplishing the Aricco System project at Hurlford Avenue. The regular visits from senior technicians always go a long way to keeping any project in check and it makes the job of our management much easier by having honest, professional judgement to go back to our guys, with well earned praise on this occasion. Everyone was onboard from the outset in working around any potential difficulties and you will agree it shows in the final results.”Garry Barton, Contractor.Technical Project DetailsAs the client of this project, Scotland based construction company CCG, approached K Systems to provide a suitable façade solution that would complement their design. A build with timber kits and a drained ventilated cavity system was specified, along with a silkolitt thin coat render finish.CCG are renowned for off-site manufacturing (OSM) and manufactured the kits from their production site in near-by Cambuslang. They sourced the correct material according to our exact specification. CCG’s ‘iQ’ System was chosen, which is designed with a fabric-first approach where greater tolerances are determined by fewer junctions and thermal bridges to deliver enhanced U-values and significantly improve airtightness. By incorporating OSM and the iQ system into this project, it is just a small insight into our unrivalled knowledge and expert approach that we take to fulfil the requirements of our clients.For the supporting façade, the K Systems Aricco system was specified - a drained ventilated cavity system perfectly suited for use in low rise buildings, particularly new build projects and timber framed construction. The Aricco system is also the most compatible with offsite/modular construction techniques and boasts an A2-s1, d0 fire rating and therefore complies with the latest building regulations, ensuring the safety of all residents.The finish was just as important as the façade system, with the cost-effective, industry-leading Silkolitt thin coat render specified. Silkolitt renders provide a contemporary finish to new-build applications, something this project very much required to modernise the area. Silkolitt is simple to apply, and its hydrophobic properties makes the render low maintenance. It also has excellent vapour permeability, allowing the Hurlford Avenue properties to breathe and avoid interstitial condensation. It is the most flexible system on the market, making cracking over its lifetime less likely and therefore delivering a pleasing aesthetic with outstanding longevity.The combinations specified by the K Systems team resulted in the build of impressive dwellings boasting a U-value of 0.13W/m ² K – meaning homes were easier and cheaper to heat, a particularly attractive benefit given the current cost of living crisis.

A college in East London lost the use of their sports hall due to a flood that infiltrated the building. The Customer Care Team from @DYNAMIK Sport inspected the existing sprung floor and were able to offer a seamless Polyurethane (PU) re-coating application from leading coatings manufacturer @herculan.DYNAMIK Technical managers were asked to confirm the sports performance of the existing sprung structure and it’s suitability for refurbishment rather than a total replacement. This solution avoided the costs associated with uplifting, disposal and the installation of a new replacement sprung base. DYNAMIK have many playing surface and repair options available that can breathe new life into an old sports floor. This type of transformation is fast, cost effective and extends the life of the floor, not to mention the massive environmental benefits associated with not having to uplift and dispose of the sprung system. Most wear and tear shows up on the top-layer playing surface, which often shows signs of cracking, loss of slip resistance or damage caused by non-sporting events or the use of table and chairs without suitable protection. Re-coating old surfaces with a Herculan PU by DYNAMIK can seamlessly repair the issues of the past and create a solution for the future. A re-application of line marking can also be carried out at the same time as the refurbishment process, as can club or school logos, coloured surrounds, highlighted court zones, as seen at many of DYNAMIK Nationwide sports flooring projects where their “Be-Spoke Court Design Service” has created the wow factor.If you have a damaged or worn out solid timber court, solid block tile, vinyl, lino or seamless PU playing surface, and need trusted advice for refurbishment options that could save your facility time and money by simply applying a new Herculan by DYNAMIK re-coating system. Please contact their Technical Team who are always happy to meet and test your floor to confirm compliance to the new comfort and shock absorption requirements which protects users from injury caused by non-existent or very low levels of shock absorption and comfort. @Craig Jack, Commercial Director of DYNAMIK Sports Floors, recently attended a technical group meeting, where leading indoor sports flooring manufacturers, suppliers, installers and consultants meet to discuss ways of maintaining standards but also ways of improving the performance and safety of products and systems available to end-users throughout the UK. The group discussed overlay options and their success and suitability within the modern sports and activity environment and highlighted some important points worth considering, prior to any overlay option being approved.Jack commented “Solid tile or thin playing surfaces used in the past, before standards existed are being coated with a paint like surface or simply over laid with another thin pad and playing surface but in reality, this only makes the surface look good and doesn’t consider the safety, comfort or compliance to the latest flooring standards, which now require any multi-sport space to have a shock absorption value of more than 25%”.Jack also explained the importance for responsible contractors to test existing surfaces prior to over coating, confirming the shock absorption values required and expected within indoor sport and activity spaces. “Rather than just kicking the can down the road, expecting others in the future to upgrade the playing surface, we need to act now as it is just not the right or responsible thing to do and highlights a grey area in terms of what is considered a sports flooring refurbishment or what is considered a regular maintenance process”.An existing leisure facility is only required to meet the 2007 indoor multi-use sporting standard EN14904, when they upgrade or replace their old sports flooring. The interpretation of this requirement has created a grey area which confuses the difference between a maintenance coating and a playing surface upgrade.It is Jacks view that safety requirements should not be lost in greyness and the industry needs to provide clarity and help protect users of indoor sporting and activity spaces.When asked, Jack confirmed, “I for one wouldn’t be happy to have my family play any form of sport or activity on a solid floor, no matter how fresh or colourful it looked. A quick fix coating or thin pad overlay just doesn’t provide the safety I expect from a sports or activity floor, especially when considering the standard came in 15 years ago. I can’t believe any facility considers painting solid surfaces or tiles but sadly, some still kick that can down the road and expect kids to play on a solid concrete or painted tile, non-compliant surfaces. It’s shocking and quite scary when you think about how many floors still do not get upgraded to the current standards and are in use today”.DYNAMIK Technical consultant Sarah Beck clarified that “DYNAMIK always put safety and compliance first, above anything else. Playing surface compliance should be top of any list and our sports flooring team certainly see why 15 years ago, the standards were implemented to improve safety and performance within multi-use indoor facilities, big or small. Just because you can paint an old solid surface doesn’t mean you should, which is why we check the comfort and safety levels of old surfaces, prior to offering overlay options”.    For a free survey of your existing sports flooring to check its suitability for re-coating or refurbishment, please contact the DYNAMIK Technical Department on 0117 456 5024.