"ONE DNA"

Queen’s University is a member of the Russell Group, and one of the United Kingdom and Ireland’s leading universities which continues to shape and serve the world through research and teaching. Based in the heart of Belfast, Queen’s University is committed to enhancing its historic campus and the surrounding conservation area while providing 21st century facilities for education and research.With the entrance atrium combining various double and triple-height spaces over different floors, Armstrong METAL Cellio was the perfect choice to provide a sleek contemporary ceiling that connected and unified these spaces into one recognisable volume, with a sense of lightness and transparency.HERADESIGN® was used throughout the building as a recognisable and repeated element that provided good acoustic performance with texture and pattern. From a wall and ceiling installation highlighting the reception area, to acoustic absorption on the walls in meeting rooms and subtle black hanging baffles in a bar space.

The ChallengeCarmichael Court is a new development of 14 one and two-bedroomed flats primarily intended for the elderly, and wholly for social rent.The scheme occupies the site of a Victorian villa in the town of Stevenston, Ayrshire. Traces of its former use remain – most notably in the form of a stone wall which extends around the northern and western boundaries of the site.The former War Memorial Institute, a handsome Victorian sandstone building which lies adjacent, has provided design cues for the Carmichael Court scheme.The scale of the surrounding context and the relatively confined nature of the site itself, required that the completed development be a restrained and sympathetic insertion into the existing townscape. The choice of facing brick would be integral to achieving this goal.The SolutionBelgravia Gault Blend by Ecostock was used throughout the scheme.It is a rich grey-buff stock brick that references the blonde sandstone buildings around the site, as well as the existing stone boundary walls.Projecting Flemish bond panels and recessed soldier courses create modelling and depth within the elevations of each block and enhance the overall character of the scheme.The BenefitsWhilst the Carmichael Court development is modest in its scope and conception, it is a carefully considered solution that closely aligns with immediate townscape. Working within the restrictions of a confined site has required greater emphasis to be placed on creating a more low-key and human scaled proposal, focusing on using the space available to create a meaningful and attractive environment.Ecostock is the most sustainable stock brick available in the UK. It is a high quality facing brick with recycled content. The range carries BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification.

13 new dwellings situated in the small village of Doddington, Lincolnshire are providing much-needed affordable housing for people working at nearby Doddington Hall.Located on Main Street, the development enhances this area of the village, providing important infill on the site once occupied by the local school, which was demolished in the 1960s and has latterly been used as a car park and general storage area. It is bordered by a mix of farmland, mature trees and shrubs, and existing housing, and lies partially within a conservation area.The development comprises two 2-bedroomed, five 3-bedroomed and six 4-bedroomed terraced and semi-detached dwellings. One of the terraces fronts onto Main Street while the remainder have been sensitively designed to create an attractive group of dwellings centred around a newly-created ‘village green’.Perhaps the most significant element of the appearance of the scheme is the elevation of the terraces towards Main Street. In developing the specifically tailored to design for this elevation, account was taken of the nature of the surrounding buildings within the village.Although not prominent to public view, the balance of the development has been designed in a manner sympathetic to the architectural vernacular found within the village. With a common thread running-through which will serve to unify the development and reinforce the sense-of-place which is presented by the scheme.In particular, simple, uncomplicated/uncluttered designs have been developed. High quality materials have been utilised for the development, essential in reinforcing the architectural character of the development, reflecting the high-quality of other developments which have been executed within the village recently.The brick selected was Forterra’s Butterley Breckland Multi Reserve, a red brick with a tumbled texture.

Retail Lighting Project completed with one of our wholesale partners BEM Finchley.Bikesoup is to launch its flagship store in Westfield, London, in early November.Founded by the late Anthony Auty and backed by retail entrepreneur and Dragons Den investor Touker Suleyman, Bikesoup is a one-stop shop for second-hand bikes and equipment.Suleyman said: “In the aftermath of the pandemic Tom, Tej and I saw an exciting up rise in cycling and the community culture that comes with it. It brought back many memories of cycling as a child and later in life with our own children.“We noticed a significant gap in the market to provide London cyclists with a premium, same-day servicing, bike shop in West London. We wanted to fuel the passion that comes with this sport by showcasing the latest technologies, being home to the best bikes across a variety of sectors and housing a coffee shop that will encourage conversations and storytelling amongst like-minded cyclists.”In February 2021, Suleyman welcomed Tom Singh, entrepreneur behind high street giant New Look, and former Dragons Den investor Tej Lalvani, CEO of Vitabiotics, as co-investors of Bikesoup.Bikesoup is now set to bring West London a curated edit of premium and bespoke bikes, carefully selected products and a showcase of the latest cycling technologies.Visitors can expect to see the latest bikes from brands including BMC, Scott, Giant and Gogoro, as well as some bespoke one-of-a-kind builds displayed over two floors totaling 5500 sq. ft.

Over 4000sqm of Optima TFC+ in 3mm Aluminium polyester powder coating has been used in the completion of One Ashley Road, near Tottenham’s tube station in North London, with 5.0mm aluminium selected for column at the entrance to offer a more rigid panel face.The Optima TFC+ system was collaboratively selected by Sotech, CCS Façades and the Client Design Team as it could be adapted to suit the unique geometry of the architect’s vision.Taking inspiration from The Eagle Pencil Co (later taken over by Berol), which operated in the area, the building’s geometry follows the hexagonal shape of a pencil.The hexagonal style of the building meant adaptations were required to manufacture and install the unique pattern and shapes of both the ground floor soffits and the perforated panels.3D models were created by the Sotech team to perfect the final panels before manufacture. This required a lot of design collaboration with Our Client CCS FaçadesThis modelling process saved huge amounts of time and money over producing physical mock ups, and ensured the installation process on site went smoothly.Sotech’s Principal Technical Engineer, Mohammadreza Jenaban (Mo), ran number of specific computer simulation analyses on various panel types including colonnade panels, soffit panels, feature band panels, parapet panels subject to abseil loading and standard panels. The main purposes of carrying out these analyses were first safety and then performance / rigidity within the given boundary conditions.Amy Burns, 3D Model Coordinator at Sotech, played a lead role on the design side, creating detailed manufacturing schedules and 3D assemblies of each area of the building. This allowed CCS Façades to check and approve panels before they were manufactured and also ensured timely delivery and installation at every stage.TESTIMONIALSAmy Burns, 3D Model Coordinator at Sotech, noted: “Having weekly meetings with CCS Façades, Design and the site team was a great way of highlighting any issues and ensuring the design and install went smoothly.“After 3 years of working on this project it’s great to see the finished building in reality! I look forward to working with Ian Gibbs, Ian Sessions, Ryan Sutherland, George Robbins and the CCS Façades team on future projects.”As Alison Brooks Architects explained on their company web site:“With a rich orange brick outer skin and a faceted metal courtyard façade, our design employs the graphic colours and hexagonal forms of the iconic Berol Eagle Pencil. These have been translated formally as abstract surface patterns within the architecture of the building, gathering and reflecting light into its heart.”Source: https://www.alisonbrooksarchitects.com/practical-completion-in-tottenham-hale/Josh Stevens, Estimator at Sotech added:“It has been a pleasure working closely with CCS Façades on this project throughout. They are a very professional team, and I think we’ve helped develop our relationship moving forward on future projects.”One Ashley Road is a striking addition to the Tottenham skyline. It includes residential accommodation, co-working spaces, and a south-facing communal roof garden.Ian Gibbs, CCS Contracts Manger added:“Having worked closely with Sotech on this technically challenging project for 18 months from inception to delivery of the panels, the 3D design and collaborative sign off process proved invaluable to ensure each bespoke panel went together seamlessly. It was a pleasure to work with Sotech throughout the project and as a business we are already working on the next project together and looking forward to many more successful projects with Sotech in the near future”.Phil Fisk, UK & Ireland Sales Manager at Axalta Coating Systems said:“I love the contrast of brightness and shade created by the use of the intense Gold of Alesta Supranodic Halo, juxtaposed with the more subtle Grey of Alesta Supranodic Mink.”

The ChallengeThe designer of an exhibition at Tate Modern in London wanted to build a series of stools and benches out of bricks, but instead of using ordinary, rectangular bricks they wanted to use something more unusual.The live, public exhibition, called Endless Book Club, would see reading enthusiasts from notable book clubs sit on the brick benches and stools while discussing their chosen books, in the Turbine Hall of the famous art gallery.The SolutionForterra’s Cradley Heath facility provided over 500 special shaped bricks to create more than 20 seats as part of the exhibition.Cradley Special Brick has provided millions of non-standard bricks for refurbishments of listed buildings, luxury newbuilds and one-off projects including schools and leisure centres. Forterra have made more than 7,000 different bespoke bricks over the years for clients across the UK and as far away as Saudi Arabia and Scandinavia.The BenefitsBook clubs from the Royal College of Art and the Institute of Psychoanalysis took part in the event, which was produced by Self Publish, Be Happy.Bruno Ceschel, Director of Self Publish, said, “The brick seats are visually very striking and we’re thrilled with the results.”

A ‘one-stop-shop’ waterproofing solution installed across the entire structure of this exclusive project. Located on the site of the old Bowater House in Knightsbridge, this esteemed development was dubbed ‘the most luxurious address in London’. 

Counting about 3,000 residential properties, Glenvale Park is a brand-new neighbourhood in the north of Wellingborough. To cater to the local community’s educational needs, the project also includes a new nursery school and primary school. Together with single-ply specialist Rock Roofing and main contractor Lindum Group, Soprema took care of the pitched and flat roofs of the educational facilities, waterproofing 3,000 square metres with the aesthetically stunning FLAGON membranes.ONE SITE, TWO PROJECTSSoprema secured the Glenvale Park project in October 2022, providing its developers with a significant commercial advantage over competitor solutions. The actual construction of the Glenvale Park nursery school started in January 2023 and was soon followed by works on the primary school. So, the project consisted of two separate buildings located on the same site, with the same client and main contractor overseeing both endeavours simultaneously.Soprema not only supplied the necessary waterproofing and insulation solutions: our team of experts was also responsible for interim site inspections, thermal calculations, and other services – always in close collaboration with Rock Roofing.Leon Horobin, Technical Sales Manager at Soprema, greatly values the longstanding relationship with Rock Roofing: “We have worked with the company founders, with Contracts Manager Steve Hatcher and with other members of the team for almost a decade. The level of collaboration has always been outstanding.”OVERCOMING NUMEROUS CHALLENGESSteve Hatcher stresses that the quality of roofing works for Glenvale Park nursery and primary schools benefited massively from the strong partnership between Rock Roofing and Soprema. Steve: “We relied on Soprema’s valuable on-site assistance and leveraged the expertise of their technical professionals to resolve the issues we encountered – and there were quite a lot of them, making the project all the more engaging and interesting for the team.”1.   DESIGN CHALLENGESThe first challenges arose from the fact that we were not working on a flat but on a pitched roof, requiring careful thought and planning. The detailing becomes more complex as the angles of the profiles change, and working on a slope is also challenging in general as it makes installing the sheets and products trickier.2.   CHALLENGING WEATHER CONDITIONSThe winter season, too, posed a challenge at the start of the project. The light snowfall and rain made the roof wet and slippery. Moreover, the low temperatures prevented the use of adhesives and a lot of the work had to be put on hold. This initially resulted in delays and increased deadline pressure. However, we were able to overcome these setbacks and make up for lost time when it became warmer.BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH SOPREMA1.   INCREDIBLY WIDE RANGEBoth fully adhered and mechanically fixed systems were used for the Glenvale Park schools, testifying to Soprema’s extensive product range and showcasing our ability to tailor solutions to the most diverse roof situations. We can select multiple products from our range to meet client needs and cover cost considerations. Moreover, the roofs being highly visible and their aesthetics a major selling point, we ensured that our solution added to their visual appeal.1.1 Cost-effective alternative to metal roofingFor the visible roofing areas, we used single-ply membranes while adding profiles to make them look like standing seam roofs. The result looks as stunning as a metal roof yet is much more durable with a product life of more than 35 years. In addition, our synthetic roofing membranes are recyclable, easier to install, more cost-effective and much lighter than aluminium, lead or copper roofing. The lower permanent load results in additional cost savings because the roof structure can be lighter as well.1.2 Fully adhered systemOn the pitched areas, which are very visible, we used fully adhered membranes to obtain a beautiful flat appearance. More specifically, the build-up is FLAGON SB, our fleece-backed membrane composed of flexible PVC, on top of SOPRATHERM G, a glass tissue-faced PIR insulation. The self-adhesive SOPRAVAP STICK ALU 16 membrane served as a vapour control layer, and the metal deck was primed with ELASTACOL 600 primer.1.3 Mechanically fixed systemsFor areas that were not visible, we opted for two mechanically fixed systems. As achieving the same flawless surface as the fully adhered system was not necessary, quick installation and cost-effectiveness (especially since no adhesives are required) were the deciding factors.The first mechanically fixed area consists of FLAGON SR DE, SOPRATHERM F insulation and a VAPOR FLAG vapour control layer. The second area has the same build-up, but with tapered insulation to create falls in the roof to the outlets.1.4 Solar PV and roof lightsThe roofs of Glenvale Park nursery school and primary school have been fitted with solar PV panels. Rock Roofing took care of their integration into the roofing system and installed remote and temperature controlled roof lights on the nursery school. Steve Hatcher: “It really is an all-encompassing package you get. Only a big supplier like Soprema has the different products you need for optimally waterproofing and insulating multiple roof areas.”2.   ONE-STOP SHOP AND WARRANTYAn additional advantage of having one supplier for the entire build-up is the reassurance that all products, which are designed as a system, are fully compatible. Moreover, you get a single-point warranty. For the Glenvale Park schools, we even extended our standard 20-year Sopracover warranty to 25 years. Finally, all the fire requirements of BROOF(t4) are of course covered.EXCITING PROJECTS AHEADBoth the nursery and the primary school have been completed. The buildings look stunning and perform excellently. The complexity of this project is what makes it stand out, showcasing the advantages of employing a complete system tailored to unique installations. And more exciting collaborations between Rock Roofing and Soprema are in the pipeline.Interested in our one-stop shop approach for your own project? Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

The Challenge The Horsted development in Chatham, Kent, was to provide for a range of housing suitable for its suburban context. Incorporating a mix of two and three storeys, properties ranged from one and two-bedroomed apartments through to two to four-bedroom family homes with gardens, parking and garages, all set with an attractively landscaped setting of shared surface with pedestrian priority zones. The Solution The development incorporates 169 houses, 111 apartments, 9 coach houses and 63 affordable extra-care accommodation The design has been carefully crafted to create a relationship with the surroundings, with the choice of brick being key to achieving this objective. The combination of smooth red stocks and subtle and heavily creased soft mud bricks provide a pleasant aesthetic, alongside a combination of red, brown and occasional black slate roof tiles to give added variety. Chelsea Smoked Red brick from the Ecostock range was the brick selected for this development. Projecting Flemish bond panels and recessed soldier courses create modelling and depth within the elevations of each block and enhance the overall character of the scheme. The Benefits The site strikes a good balance between communal and private space, with the choice of brick adding warmth and connection to the surrounding environment. The brickwork contributes to achieving a high-quality finish. This project won the Large House Builder category in the 2018 Brick Development Association’s annual Brick Awards.

Our INTRAgrille XT system in stainless steel was specified for the project. Designed for high-traffic areas and suitable for wheelchair access, INTRAgrille XT’s open construction allows air to flow freely, making it perfect for the application.

The ChallengeThe former Gourock Ropeworks building on the banks of the River Clyde had been refurbished back in 2006. As part of a multi-million-pound regeneration from the Scottish government, Forterra supplied 170,000 bricks to the site adjacent to the Ropeworks for 41 new social homes.The design of the four-storey blocks of residential apartments was to tie in with the original design of the former Gourock Ropeworks.The SolutionForterra’s Farmstead Antique brick type was put forward for the build owing to its highly textured face and warm appearance, which sat well with the tone and texture of brickwork in the surrounding properties.The BenefitsSteve Nicolson, Area Sales Manager for Forterra, said, “The Farmstead Antique was a good match to the local vernacular, and is also pretty hard-wearing, which made it very suitable for this location on the banks of one of the longest rivers in Scotland, as it will need to withstand the elements.”Adelle Jess, Project Architect for JM Architecture, said, “Due to the site being located within the historic curtilage of a listed building, the development needed to provide a strong frontage to Bay Street with fenestration, proportion and material finishes relative to the context in which it sits.”“Forterra Farmstead Antique was selected as the main finish to the buildings so as to tie in with the existing surroundings and contribute to the overall design concept of a modern interpretation of the site’s industrial past.”

Creating a Luxury Blind SystemThis project was a series of high-end luxury apartments developed by the Berkeley Group. There were multiple techniques used throughout the project that were vital to keep in-fitting with the luxury nature of the development.One of which was the coupled use of Umbra's Sirios motorised roller blinds with concealment profiles. The Sirios line is designed with compact functionality in mind, making the blinds perfect for projects that require concealment to create a sleek finish.The blinds also make use of a feature known as 'slave and drive', a system whereby a pair of blinds next to each other use a singular motor and a shaft to create a synchronized and energy efficient blinds system.Umbra's wide range of fabrics also came into play, the high end material were chosen to provide both privacy and an aesthetically pleasing design.

Winchester Cathedral, a place of worship for over 900 years, has been brought up to modern accessibility standards with a light-filled passenger lift from Stannah. The installation now sits comfortably alongside the fine craftsmanship within the extraordinary Grade I Listed building. This is one of the first passenger lifts to be installed in a medieval cathedral in the UK, paving the way for other heritage buildings to offer step-free access for visitors. 

In addition to series 190 heavy-duty entrance doors, Kawneer AA®100 zone-drained curtain walling has been used within rainscreen cladding from the ground to second floors and at the upper floor levels of a courtyard at Tameside One, the second phase of VisionTameside, in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.

SystemGenerix Lite RainscreenMaterialBASALTINEMain ContractorBOWMER & KIRKLANDInstallerSIMCO EFS

New pedestrian surface linking Tooley Street with the southern end of Tower Bridge. Bound construction using natural stone setts and slabs to form the main pedestrian route and a variety of private and community amenity spaces.

Whites Concrete has supplied a pre-cast concrete chamber for an 11-tonne Archimedean screw turbine installed on the banks of the River Esk in Whitby, North Yorkshire by national engineering and construction company JN Bentley. The Whites Concrete chamber has been constructed using robust Groundwall L-shaped units, to house the 2.9m diameter screw turbine. The latter will operate with up to 4 cumec with a rated capacity of 51.6KW as it generates electricity for Esk Energy (Yorkshire). Esk Energy secured funding towards the cost of the project through a community share issue.

Visitors of all mobilities to the Alexandra Hotel in Fort William in the Scottish Highlands are thankful for Stannah Lifts’ recent passenger lift refurbishment. Why? Because, with five floors to navigate in this 93-bed hotel, the lift takes the strain off compromised legs—of all ages and capabilities—in an area known for its outdoor challenges and sites of historic interest. The lift refurb is one of three for this eight-strong hotel group, with similar revamps in sister hotels, The Royal Hotel in Oban, and the Cumbria Grand Hotel in Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria.

The new Student Centre at Queen’s University Belfast brings together student services and the Student Union in a spectacular new building. Designed through collaboration between Hawkins\Brown and RPP Architects, the building sits at the heart of campus and cleverly bridges the gap between the University’s heritage and future. An accessible, modern space with an open plan entrance area creates a vibrant hub for students to socialise, engage, collaborate, and access support and advice. The interior exploits the high ceiling and large-scale steel structure where a central staircase doubles as terraced amphitheatre-style seating. Clad in Junckers’ solid Nordic Oak flooring with nosing in contrasting Black Oak to achieve an LRV differential of 30 points, the stairs form a visual and social focus in the building, creating a flexible, infinitely useable space. “The central social stair is a key design feature that links the spaces on different floors and provides clear, intuitive wayfinding for visitors. The warmth and natural character of the Nordic Oak flooring complimenting the red laminate cladding helps visual orientation running up through the public spaces” said Alan Shields, director, RPP Architecture. The solid hardwood flooring forms a hard-wearing and long-lasting surface ideal for high traffic areas and the natural warmth of the timber adds to the material beauty of the interior. With strong sustainability credentials, Junckers’ flooring plays a part in the architects’ design to create a building which is more efficient and less costly to operate and maintain, future-proofed for generations to come. The building also houses a performance studio with Junckers’ sprung SylvaSport Beech flooring and the one-of-a-kind Union Bar which has been fitted with a reclaimed Junckers’ sports floor. With the old line markings intact, the floor has a rustic, industrial look which will hide a multitude of sins in a busy student bar. It was finished with Junckers’ High Performance Friction+ lacquer to provide a slip resistant surface. The reclaimed floor was sourced with the help of Junckers’ Buy Back Scheme. Junckers connects with flooring contractors who specialise in reclaiming wood flooring by providing details of projects where an old floor needs lifting, as well as acting as liaison between contractors sourcing a floor which can be repurposed. The sports floor fitted in the student bar by Oakvale Wooden Flooring was lifted from a school sports hall in England by Hargreaves Reclaimed Flooring. 

The new Dunfermline Learning Campus will incorporate the relocation of a college and two schools: a new Fife College Halbeath Campus, St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School. Due to open in 2024, the 55 acre, circa £220m ‘super-campus’ will accommodate up to 2,700 school pupils and 2,500 college students.Designed by AHR Architects, the high school development is being delivered by BAM Construction for Fife Council and is one of the largest Passivhaus buildings in the world, at 26,666m². The schools form part of AHR’s and Fife Council’s journey to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.Metal Technology has been appointed to supply its ‘next generation’ System 5-45 Hi+ Inward Opening Windows and System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling. Both high performance products have been purposefully designed to meet the required Passivhaus energy-efficiency criteria and have been approved as Certified Components by the Passive House Institute, with System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling achieving the highest ranking of A+.Metal Technology’s systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. Further products to be supplied for this exemplar campus include System 5-20D Hi+ doors, System 23 Louvres and LV023 Barrier Grilles.

Exclusive distributor of HI-MACS® in the UK and Ireland, James Latham, recently supplied 100 sheets of HI-MACS® solid surface for the construction of Hyundai’s new Rockar dealership at Stratford. HI-MACS® was selected for its elegance, functionality, technology and creative flexibility. The Hyundai specification required the material to have a light finish and give the appearance of being cut from one seamless, flowing piece across the entire project. The designers achieved this due to the ease with which HI-MACS® can be manipulated, cut and worked, creating a sleek, uniform and polished look.

Located next to the Old Bailey, England's most famous court, New Ludgate consists of two buildings which provide 35,210sqm of commercial office, retail, and restaurant space. Both buildings have distinctive designs and roof terraces with great views of St Paul's Cathedral. Project: Full ironmongery package for the whole project, which included the laminate door sets’ schedules and a specialist package to cover the reception fit out and stair cores. We also supplied ironmongery for the washroom package. Awards: City of London New building Award, LEAF Developer Project of the Year, International Architecture Award, NLA Award (shortlisted).

Our client required a bespoke fit-out with significance placed on meeting environmental standards and adhering to building regulations.Project BreakdownEfficient installation was another important consideration. As this project was a refurb, all the doors and balustrades were already fitted, with as little as 45 mm build up height in some areas. This project required a versatile substructure solution and careful planning.The SolutionOverlooking St. Paul’s Cathedral and benefiting from panoramic views of the London skyline, the curved aspect of the 10th floor terrace area presented an interesting challenge. The angled cuts create more deck board wastage than usual, but with support from EnviroBuild this was allowed for and calculated before the works started, helping to manage costs and ensuring no delays.Project DetailsSize: 168 m²Product: Stone Hyperion DeckingSubstructure: MESA Aluminium Joists, MESA Aluminium PedestalsClient: Collins Construction LimitedArchitect: BDS Architecture and Interior DesignSub-Contractor: BOA ContractorsLocation: London

Situated in the heart of the business district of Salford this seven story project offers 125,000 sq ft of state of the art office space. With the contribution of Aluprof's high performance capless curtain wall system, the project meets the latest BREEAM "Excellent" (2018) specification. Architect: AHR Main Contractor: Bowmer & Kirkland

The ChallengeStoke Football Club (FC) launched a project of investment and modernisation to achieve first-class facilities at its Clayton Wood training ground and reach the coveted Category One status in the Premier League-driven Elite Player Performance Plan.The site, which is the main training ground for the first team squad, will include modern and technologically advanced facilities on a par with other Premier League clubs and top-flight European teams, which will aid Stoke FC in attracting new talent to the club.The SolutionThe 1,800-square metre site incorporates a full-sized indoor pitch, so players can train throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions. It also offers nine spacious changing rooms, office accommodation, a medical centre, gymnasium, hydrotherapy suite, dining area and press room.The addition of classrooms to the building means the site can now become home to the Club’s football academy where future footballing talent is trained.Forterra supplied their Dark Multi Smooth Butterley Bricks for the development of the club’s training building.Manufactured in the UK at Forterra’s Wilnecote brickworks, this 150-year-old brand provided a perfect, smooth finish and clean lines to complement the building’s glass panels and metallic cladding.The BenefitsStoke FC’s investment and regeneration of its facilities has earned it two construction awards: The Local Area Building Council (LABC) Business Excellence Awards for 2014 for the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire.

Five Xtralifts and two sets of Xtralift duplexes will support access-for-all to 153 apartments ranged over five and seven floors, in two distinct blocks. To match the heavy duty demand of this environment, the nine 8-person lifts are fitted with higher-grade stainless steel lift cars and Dewhurst push-button controls. Eight are traction, without motor rooms, and one is hydraulic, with a motor room. All the lifts have been installed with a range of options, with a mix of vandal-resistant categories 1 and 2. Two models are equipped as firefighter lifts.

Delivered an elegant Green (Living) Wall at the iconic One Hyde Park building using a a combination of Jakob’s high-quality stainless-steel ropes, rods and planters.Our green wall has been installed to the eastern edge of the One Hyde Park building; where it lines the route of a new pedestrian walkway (Serpentine Walk), just a few steps away from Harrods. The wall creates a stunning green corridor between Hyde Park and the nearby Harrods store and 80 luxury apartments.The Jakob Green Wall system was chosen due to its aesthetic appeal suiting the architectural design of the building and the 21st century trend of city greening.The green wall provides both a visual and physical link between the expansive open spaces of Hyde Park and the busy street scene along Knightsbridge. The greening is also a taster of the views from the opulent penthouse suites above.Alongside the LED lighting, the green wall makes the building unique and distinctive. Ensuring that it looks great, both day and night.

Social housing provider One Manchester highlighted this flagship development, located on Blackrock Street in Beswick, Manchester as a scheme in construction that featured the first true net zero carbon social homes in the UK. Glidevale Protect’s wall construction membranes are used in every property across the scheme, ensuring a high level of airtightness and contributing significantly to the homes’ energy efficiency and achievement of Passivhaus standards.

One of Ireland’s most prestigious stadiums Pairc Ui Chaoimh, has undergone a major redevelopment and chose Franke products to fulfil the washroom requirements. In partnership with John Sisk and Son Ltd, & Cork Builders Providers, Franke Water Systems supplied a range of stainless steel products, including 143 water-free urinals, which are perfect for high usage washrooms. Franke also supplied over 370 AQUA201 self closing pillar taps, 108 SANX washtroughs, janitorial units and inset sinks. Michael Dinneen, John Sisk and Son Ltd. Commented “We used Franke for this project, as we knew we were guaranteed the highest quality.”

Procheck A2, the high-performance fire-resistant vapour control layer system from the A. Proctor Group has been selected as part of a £6bn regeneration project that will create over 10,000 homes in Enfield, London, over the next 20 years.Leading regeneration specialist Vistry Partnerships has been appointed for the first phase of the Meridian Water scheme working in partnership with Enfield Council. Meridian One will see the development of 1,000 new homes with a mixed tenure of private sale, private rent (PRS) and 50% affordable housing spanning 13 blocks ranging in height from four to twelve storeys. In addition, the scheme incorporates 2,235m2 of employment space and over 2 hectares of green, parkland and open space.Sam Bennett, Commercial Director at SCL LONDON, a Structural Framing Systems and Drylining specialist, commented.“Procheck A2 was selected because it has a Class A2 performance and excellent vapour-controlling properties. In addition, the membrane comes with a high vapour resistance and is airtight, allowing its use as an AVCL.This means that Procheck A2 provides high levels of airtightness which ensures the thermal efficiency of the building.”“Procheck A2 has an A2-s1,d0 fire classification to BS EN 13501-1, is considered limited combustibility and minimal contribution to fire, and therefore, conforms with the requirements for high rise construction (18m).” The superior performance of Procheck A2 from the A. Proctor Group is the perfect solution, delivering significant benefits to the combination of in-factory manufacture and on- site housing construction.Procheck A2 comprises a unique design consisting of a glass fibre backing with a pure aluminium foil and clear lacquer coating. It is this clear surface which provides Procheck A2 with the added benefit of a low emissivity surface, which, when used with a service cavity, can enhance the overall thermal performance of the building fabric, as well as ensure a high fire protection performance, with an A2-s1,d0 fire classification. Procheck A2 is designed to protect the building fabric from the potential risks of condensation whilst providing the added benefit of serving as an effective airtight barrier.Sam Bennett added,“the technical team at the A. Proctor Group supported us throughout and provided comprehensive installation guides giving vital information for both operatives and clients and helping with sign-off at specific hold points throughout the project.” Based on years of investigation, research and development, the A. Proctor Group can offer a superior range of technically advanced membranes to address the safe design of fire solutions in building construction.The installation of Procheck A2 will ensure a high level of protection throughout the building’s lifespan.

Stannah were absolutely delighted to supply moving walkways to Dawnus Construction on behalf of ASDA for Andover’s newest and most eagerly awaited development, particularly as Andover is the home of Stannah and hundreds of their employees will be using the walkways on a regular basis.

The transformative effect of creative brickwork.A modern, five-storey building in London’s Fitzrovia that once paled in comparison to some of its more elegant neighbours is now arguably the street’s most striking resident.The Interlock is an outstanding example of what is possible when architect and clay brick manufacturer put their heads together.Forterra’s Technical team worked with architect Bureau de Change, drawing the building’s new façade brick for brick to ensure technical possibility and aesthetic ambitions aligned. It then fell to the team at Forterra’s Cradely Special Bricks facility to design and produce the bricks.Guided by 1: 1 templates the complex construction took three months to complete, as each of the 5,000 bespoke Etruria Clay Blue bricks was painstakingly laid to form the three-dimensional, interlocking pattern.We are proud to announce that The Interlock won three awards at the 2019 Brick Awards. The project won the prestigious Architects’ Choice award along with also winning in the Innovation and Small Housing Development categories.This project is a great example of a collaborative approach with our customers.

The ChallengeThe village of Ewerby sits within the heart of the Lincolnshire Fens, amidst a heavy farming community highlighted and punctuated by the local architecture.Historically, Lincolnshire villages produced their own, indigenous facing bricks from brick pits, and most farm buildings and tied cottages within this community are constructed from Ewerby Yellow facing brick. Together with local Ancaster limestone and handcrafted clay pantiles, this forms the pallet of materials that are considered indicative of the local vernacular architecture. As such, careful consideration needed to be given to the choice of materials used in building The Elms.The SolutionCombining existing detailing and colourings gave architects D.B. Lawrence Associates a strong initial concept for their first stage design process. Sourcing bricks and materials that blend with their surroundings can be challenging, but they were successful in achieving this for The Elms.A yellow stock brick sourced from Forterra was an important part of the concept. The brick was used alongside the use of local Lincolnshire limestone quarried seven miles away at Ancaster. Handmade clay pantiles were sourced to match existing roof tiles.The brickwork was constructed in English Bond to achieve the desired aesthetic and reflect the existing surrounding outbuildings.Complementary Stone quoins, cills and heads together with dog-tooth oversailing courses to the eaves and verges were also used.The brick chosen was Ardleigh Yellow Stock Brick from Ecostock. Ecostock is the most sustainable stock brick available in the UK. It is a high quality facing brick with recycled content. The range carries BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification.The BenefitsThe overall intention of the dwelling is to replicate a barn, and careful thought and detailing to the large openings have helped to create the desired effect.When approaching the village of Ewerby from Thorpe, the barn gives the impression of having been there for years, not months. The build has successfully fulfilled the requirements of the planners, and the client has contributed an inspiring development worthy of the village.

The Challenge The creation of a retail and leisure destination occupying a 16-acre site on a former chemical works in the heart of the historic market town of Beverley, East Yorkshire. The Solution The development needed to be designed and constructed as a natural extension to the traditional and original town centre. Forterra’s Oakthorpe Red Multi Stock brick was chosen to achieve the desired effect. The Benefits Alongside retail space, the scheme also encompasses restaurants, a multi-screen cinema, college campus, office accommodation, a hotel and 500-space carpark. Since its opening in November 2015, Flemingate has been credited with having a transformational impact on the local economy. 

The Challenge Commissioned in north London in 2010, this new-build project within a conservation area needed to be discrete and respectful to fit in with the surrounding environment.The SolutionForterra’s Dark Moroccan Smooth Butterley Brick was used to adhere to the necessary requirements along with a pitched roof and flush and square bay windows.The BenefitsThe post-modernist build respects the immediate environment with regard to both material and form.This build was shortlisted for the 2017 BDA Brick Awards in the Individual Housing Development category.

The ChallengeAn Italian restaurant in central London wanted its ceiling to be the heart of a new design that would be a visual interpretation of contemporary Italian taste.The SolutionDesigned by Andy Martin Architecture, the intricate ceiling was constructed using 32,155 bricks requiring 55 different dimensions to be cut by hand to create a smooth, curved surface.Forterra’s plain Fletton bricks were found to have the necessary smoothness and hardness to accommodate the amount of cutting required.The colour of the bricks was modified by washing with a lime slurry to achieve a soft, elegant but rustic surface.The BenefitsVisually striking, the sculptural ceiling adds to the dining experience.The project was shortlisted in the 2017 BDA Brick Awards in the Innovative Use of Brick and Clay Products category. Fucina was awarded Best London Restaurant and Best UK Restaurant at the 2017 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.