"louvres"

Jaguar Land Rover’s new £500 million engine manufacturing facility at the i54 business park is situated close to the M54 motorway outside Wolverhampton.The new plant, which is the size of 14 football pitches, is JLR’s largest investment for in-house engine design and manufacturing in a generation. As it was impractical to install a perimeter fence to provide adequate screening from the motorway, Lang+Fulton supplied 5 separate compounds with double and single leaf gates made from 400 linear metres of Italia-100 louvres:Waste Compound (2.4m high)Chiller Plant Compound (4m high)Data Centre Compound (3m high)Filter Mist Compound (4m high)Smoking Shelter (2m high)Finish: hot-dip galvanized & ppc RAL7016

Project: Greenlaw Business CentreDate: 2018 Background:·        APL were involved from an early stage with the architects, providing design and costing advice throughout the tendering process·        APL’s strong supplier relationships ensured that long-lead items were all delivered to the project timeframes·        APL’s design expertise enabled a bespoke profile to be created to meet the architects vision and inhouse fabrication capability upto 6m in length resulted in single-length profiles and flashings Systems:·        1,000m² of Newton-range custom bespoke in aluminium with an anodised-bronze coating·        850m² of AP6ZS factory-produced standing-seam built-up system·        APL Tritherm™ GALV support system onto SFS·        LB4 live louvre system·        All flashings, fixings and accessories  Building Location:·        Glasgow

The designers for the new offices in Atherstone, Warwickshire focused on creating a building that would be in tune both with its rural surroundings and also with the inventive and artistic profession of the occupants. The premises are the headquarters and design studio for a well known video game development company.The design of the building is based on a large barn with attractive contemporary wooden panelling and external posts and beams. Running alongside these posts and beams is dramatic bespoke aerofoil solar shading and weather louvres.As a perfect colourful contrast for offsetting the wood, ‘Copper Mine’ - gives the effect of patinated copper or Verdigris. The project comprises of 475 linear metres of 170mm elliptical aerofoil blades.The final effect of the blue/green aerofoil fins set against the wood is stunning as the images show. ‘Copper Mine’ is a textured finish and will give a pleasing variation in shade as sunlight moves across its surface

The Luton DART (Direct Air-Rail Transit) transfers passengers from Luton Airport Parkway station to the terminal of London Luton Airport in under four minutes, spanning a distance of 2.3km. The replacement of the conventional bus service with the DART cable car-hauled system marks a significant leap in efficiency and convenience for travellers. To provide adequate ventilation at the Luton DART terminal, where all travellers congregate, DUCO was called in.A breath of fresh air in the busily visited terminalA lot of travellers pass through the terminal every day which means the space needs to be well ventilated. Two DUCO intensive ventilation products were used for this purpose: DucoWall Classic 50/75Z and DucoGrille Clasic 50HP.DucoWall Classic 50/75ZThe reason for selection of this continuous louvre wall system was the requirement to match the claddings 75 mm alignment. The sample provided gained approval swiftly. Notably, this system offers extensive spanning capabilities with minimal support sections, coupled with a large airflow and water resistance. The DucoWall Classic 50/75Z series offers a continuous aesthetic appearance and its unique click and turn clips ensured a fast installation.DucoGrille Classic 50HPThe sheer volume of passengers carried by Luton DART means a large build-up of stale air. The high airflow of the DucoGrille Classic 50HP at a huge 60% ensured that this could be evacuated quickly and that a large amount of fresh air could replace it.Impact of the DUCO intensive ventilation productsThe integration of DucoWall Classic 50/75Z and DucoGrille Classic 50HP systems within the Luton Dart Terminal also contributed to the interior environment. Not only do these solutions optimise ventilation, ensuring a constant flow of fresh air, but they also contribute to the terminal's sleek architectural appeal. The continuous louvre wall serves as both a functional screening and cladding element, elevating the terminal's aesthetic while maintaining operational efficiency.In essence, the collaboration between innovative ventilation solutions and architectural design exemplifies a harmonious blend of form and function, setting a new standard for modern transportation hubs.

The North Devon Enterprise Centre in county Devon was constructed using sustainable materials and techniques.DUCO also played a role in this with its intensive ventilation techniques.Main contractor ISG has constructed the Enterprise Centre at Devon County Council’s Roundswell Enterpise Park development. The centre has been designed to offer flexible office accommodation for small and medium size businesses that are looking to grow. The building was constructed using sustainable materials and techniques.DUCO also played a role in this with its intensive ventilation techniques.Environmentally sustainable buildingThe Enterprise Centre, which is known as NODE, has still a few office facilities for sale, but most of the facilities were sold already by companies both local and from the county.The design and construction of the building was developed with environmental sustainability in mind, resulting in the achievement of the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Excellent Status.Intensive ventilation for a healthy indoor climateDUCO is proud to be part of this achievement through the installation of its high-end intensive ventilation products in the Enterprise Centre’s building. One thing’s for sure: no compromises were made on ventilation in this project.No fewer than three high-performance DUCO ventilation products can be found in the building. Combined, they provide sufficient intensive ventilation in the entire building.DucoGrille Solid F 30Z window grilles are made of punched solid louvre blades which are very robust and equipped with an insect screen. A reinforced version of this frame profile can acheive burglar-resistance to Class 2.DucoGrille Solid G 30Z is a recesses mounted wall louvre, manufactured from extruded aluminium profiles. The perforated blade profiles act as an insect screen, whereas the Z-shaped blade ensures a robust design.DucoGrille Close 105 blade dampers were installed and fitted with the DucoGrille Solid window grilles. Thanks to the high airflow rate the DucoGrille Close 105 damper is also suitable for adjustable extract. It allows fresh air from the outside enter the Enterprise Centre building through the building envelope ensuring a healthy indoor climate!

One Crown Place is a striking, mixed-use development, close to Liverpool Street Station in the commercial heart of London. Two towers providing a mixture of private residential apartments and office and retail spaces.Rising 28 and 33 stories, the towers provide glorious views across the city of London, however it is down at ground level that Renson’s Linius L.050W CLS system was required.Renson worked closely with MACE to achieve a complex design layout for this louvred façade to a ground floor plant area.This highly technical blade, offering significant weather protection up to 3m/s airspeed, whilst still providing excellent airflow at 57% free area & K-Factor of 10.47.We often see the L.050W blade being used in Data Centres due its high performance, providing airflow, reducing humidity and offering significant visual protection.

This Freedom Day, as people are able to gather once again in large spaces, such as cinemas, galleries, theatres and offices, this case study we explore the challenges of designing acoustics for public spaces, with our expert guests of Episode 25 - FREEDOM DAY SPECIAL - Acoustics in large public spaces - Richard King - Sandy Brown and Martin Rawlins - BASWA acoustic.  Sandy Brown is the largest independent acoustic consultancy in the UK. Since 1969, they have been at the forefront of building acoustics and are recognised experts in the acoustic design of studios, auditoria and performance spaces. Projects include MediaCity UK, BAFTA - 195 Piccadilly, Leeds Playhouse and Apple Store Marina Bay Sands.  For BASWA, the Swiss pioneers of modern seamless acoustic ceilings, good acoustics are essential to wellbeing - just like natural light. BASWA projects include, The Sala Beckett theater, Barcelona, The V&A Museum Members Bar, London, The Louvre, Paris and Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg. 

The new flagship outlet of Pioneer Foodstore in Carlisle was built to a high specification with the aim of significantly extending their client base. The planning application had to meet the requirement for a screen to conceal the roof-top services and air-conditioning plant.Italia-80V was proposed, which could be bent to a radius, to fulfill the vision for a semi-circular end to one side of the compound. The 2950mm high steel louvre panels were welded onto appropriately shaped RSA support rails at top and bottom, which were supplied with multiple holes for fixing to the posts to ensure perfect continuity of spacing. A double-leaf gate was also seamlessly incorporated by using a front fixing design.Lang+Fulton worked closely with the architect at an early stage to advise on the fixing points for the posts which would carry the screen. This ensured that the thermal barrier and waterproof membrane could be wrapped up the footings for a neat and effective installation.

The Quadrangle building in the historic heart of Cheltenham, once a 1970s landmark, has been completely transformed into a contemporary mixed-use commercial development featuring exclusively AluK window, door and curtain walling systems.Designed by AWW Architects from their Bristol studio and completed by Beard Construction, it now features an inner courtyard, ground floor retail space, four storeys of open plan workspace and the town’s first rooftop restaurant.The fenestration package was absolutely key to retaining the design language of the original building within a more contemporary aesthetic, whilst also meeting the requirement for improved thermal efficiency, more natural light and better natural ventilation.Having been impressed with the design and quality of AluK products on previous projects, AWW specified a comprehensive mix of AluK systems at the Quadrangle – the SG52 capless curtain walling system to give a frameless appearance to the retail façade, the more conventional SL52 capped curtain walling system for the courtyard area and rooftop restaurant, the GT55 system for the entrance doors, and the tried and trusted 58BW window system for the 400+ windows fitted into the existing openings around the façade.The entire fenestration programme was carried out by AluK fabricator Aluminium Sashes, which used its extensive experience in the repair and replace sector to overcome the challenges inherent in surveying, fabricating and fitting windows into openings which, in many cases, were irregular in shape and form and not aligned with the concrete slab finish.Aluminium Sashes worked closely with AluK at planning and detailed design stage to achieve the contemporary look for the façade that the client and architect wanted. For example, where the original windows had a transom and modesty spandrel panel below, the slimmer sightline replacements replicated the line of the transom but with fritted glass below to provide a similar level of privacy with more natural light. They also designed a solution for fixing the anthracite grey windows to the metallic bronze louvre sections specified to break up the uniformity of the façade, give users the option of manual ventilation and to provide fresh air and exhaust points for the AHUs. The reinforcing bar in the windows has effectively become the carrier bar for the louvres and gives the impression that there are two colours in one window panel.

Located within easy distance of the University of Edinburgh, this six-storey development provides 52 studio apartments for the city’ vibrant student community.Designed by Yeoman McAllister, the stone clad building complements the existing architecture of the area, while the high-performance aluminium fenestration package from Senior Architectural Systems provides a modern and compliant solution.Senior’s thermally-efficient SPW600e aluminium windows, installed with Louvre Guards in front of the opening lights, have been used throughout, combining a robust and secure construction with slim frames to frame far-reaching views of the city and ensure effective levels of daylighting. The main and communal areas benefit from Senior’s slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and low U-value PURe® Commercial Doors.Senior worked closely with main contractor Clark Contracts and fabricator partner GG Glass to deliver the scheme which has received wide praise for the quality of its accommodation and convenient links to several of Edinburgh’s main university campuses.

It was a partnership that was meant to happen. Premier Inn Hotels meets Premier Security & Fire Ltd.It was our absolute pleasure to assist commissioning company Mulalley by manufacturing and installing the external glass and steel communal entrance doors, industrial louvres and security gates (all to LPS 1175 SR2 standard) at the impressive Ladderswood Estate regeneration project in New Southgate, North London, a development that includes a new 85-bedroom Premier Inn hotel.New Ladderswood LLP is a joint venture between top UK developer Mulalley and housing association ONE HOUSING GROUP LIMITED, working in collaboration with the London Borough of Enfield.This major regeneration development features:93 social housing properties56 shared ownership apartments368 privately owned properties517 properties in total (426 apartments and 81 houses)There will also be:6 commercial unitsAn 85 bedroom hotelA new community centerFor more details, call us on 0208 559 8295.

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

Wall dividers custom made by Technowood demonstrate style and substance in this twisted design. The room dividers allow visibility through the space whilst creating the feeling of exclusivity, you can see some but not all… a semi secluded room divider.The stylish interior design of the Endless Art Hotel was accompanied by the natural wood texture and elegant aesthetics of Technowood products. The project was designed by Apart Design & Architecture and completed in 2017.The nature of TechnoWood products allows the touch and feel of real wood, the organic flow of the grain adds to the biophilic nature of the product.Considering the complexity of creating this in sold timber would have been costly, steaming and veneering would have had issues from the start. Technowood overcame the problems of using solid timber and offered a substantial cost saving.Do you have a complex project, have you designed the unachievable… want us to take a look… I’m sure we can help.Credits and Further informationArchitect: Apart Design & ArchitectureLocation: IstanbulProduct: Twisted vertical louvresCompletion: 2017

Emmett Russell Architects has designed social housing on several infill sites on the Northern fringes of Bristol to Passivhaus standard, achieving thermal comfort solely by post-heating or post-cooling of the fresh air mass. The projects address the demand for smaller housing units.The key architectural challenge was to make efficient use of tight site limitations without overlooking neighbouring properties. The metal screened balconies allow light into the first floor flats whilst minimising views into adjacent gardens. The balcony screens step down at the sides to open up and allow longer oblique views.DeltaWing-70 was chosen to fulfil this requirement. The louvred panels were inverted to provide a privacy screen which combined the maximum screening effect in a downwards direction with minimum restriction of natural daylight.Lang+Fulton also supplied panels of PL-66×11/30×2 to form a heel-proof decking for the balconies.In addition, DeltaWing-100 was used to create secure, visually obscured storage for two bikes at each property which was integrated within the entrance canopies. Some of the properties had 2000mm wide stores with double doors, others were 900mm wide with single swing doors for vertically hung bikes.

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.

Technowood facade and ceiling systems, pergolas and many other products are used in Istanbul Airport spaces. These have different function such as entrance gates, check-in areas, passport control points and restaurants.Technowood real timber veneered product were used in this high-energy environment was due to the Euroclass A2 fire rating, adaptability in design and performance as real timber all without the short comings of solid timber.Lightweight, fascinating shapes and hidden fixing systems all add to make these products the most innovative and GOTO products used for all scale projects for both interior and exterior projects.“Why use solid timber when you can use a little 2% if you use Technowood products”If you can draw it, send it to us and use the skills of our in-house Architects to offer advice, realisation of all fixing considerations to be presented with the full scale of problem solving and a simple solution of installation for your contractors.I could write thousands of words, hyperbole and details of what for how and why but in this instance, I’ll leave you be with the photos that speak sufficiently for themselves…Credits and Further informationArchitect: Grimshaw in partnership with Nordic Office of ArchitectureLocation: Istanbul Airport Interiors Materials: Technowood louvres, panels and claddingCompletion: 2013

Canaan Lane Primary School has been built within the Grange Conservation Area in Edinburgh, an affluent suburb of early Victorian villas. The context of the project therefore called for thoughtful consideration of the neighbouring buildings and the use of a natural palette of materials.The bin store area for refuse and recycling collection occupies a prominent position between the front of the building and the low stone boundary wall to the street. Durability and quality were therefore prime considerations in the choice of product.The wheelie bin stores were made from Italia/100, a robust steel louvred product which provides total visual screening. The double leaf doors were supplied with extra heavy 100×100 SHS posts with base plate fixings to meet the special loading requirement for an environment with small children. A site survey ensured that the hinges were precisely positioned on the posts in a staggered arrangement, to suit the existing slab which was stepped across the rising ground.Each compound was divided with lateral bump rails to accommodate 1100 litre eurobins; in addition the back panel was protected from potential damage by an internal bump rail. Panels and posts were hot-dip galvanized and polyester powder coated RAL7043.Lang+Fulton also supplied Siena fencing around the playground boundaries; a railing fence which provides secure perimeter protection and features a conical top for a smart, traditional appearance.

Project detailsDerby City Council’s new Innovation Centre is at the heart of Infinity Park, Derby’s new 250-acre commercial and technology park.Designed to embrace the characteristics of transport engineering, the centre will play a vital role in supporting companies in the aerospace, automotive and transport industries by helping existing companies to grow and new ones to develop. Project overviewThe Innovation Centre demonstrates its environmental credentials through a number of sustainable features to reduce the carbon footprint. These include GDL natural ventilation products to help provide efficient heating and cooling.GDL worked in conjunction with Derry Ltd to provide and install Intelivent Wall Units and Penthouse Turrets.Designed to meet the ventilation demand of the occupied spaces, our in-house design team assisted making the correct system choices. Our Intelivent products are particularly effective in offices, seminar rooms & workshops where occupancy levels vary throughout the day and a controlled ventilation rate is required.Benefits of using GDL Products on the projectThe Wall Units allow a controlled environment by allowing natural fresh air to enter the building via external weather louvres. The heating coil within the unit is used as a front line heating source during winter.Our Intelivent Turrets offer a balanced supply of fresh air whilst removing warm stale air, an ideal product to ventilate the workshops effectively and efficiently.Intelivent Transfer Fans have been installed to ductwork to assist with the supply and extract of air within the offices and seminar rooms.

Castlebrae Community Campus officially opened its doors in Spring 2022. The new 700 capacity secondary school, which has the potential to be increased to 1,200, was constructed next to the East Neighbourhood Centre and Library (a project Metal Technology also delivered for Hub South East Scotland).Designed by JM Architects and delivered by Morrison Construction, this fantastic new building for The City of Edinburgh Council provides an exciting, inspirational and creative learning hub for the community. It forms one of the final pieces of a 20 yearlong regeneration project to improve housing stock and community facilities in the area. The development was very much a collaborative design, with numerous workshops and meetings to engage the community in the process.The relationship between the interior and exterior of the building was crucial, developing a holistic approach to improve the learning, attainment and health and wellbeing of the community. Metal Technology Ltd supplied its System 4-35Hi+ top hung windows, System 17 curtain walling, System 5-20D Hi+ doors and System 23 louvres and were manufactured and installed by approved fabricator Avtek Ltd.The project has been shortlisted for the following awards: Pupil/Student Experience and Inspiring Learning Spaces at the Education Estates Awards taking place on 18th Oct and Inspiring Learning Spaces at the Learning Places Scotland Awards taking place on 15th Nov.Word has it that the pupils are greatly enjoying and benefiting from their wonderful new learning space and environment – what it’s all about! We’re delighted to have been a part of this build for the Craigmillar community.(Photography Credit – Cadzow Pelosi)

Park Central and Quay Central are part of the £5 billion redevelopment Liverpool Waters project to transform 150 acres of historic docklands, the single biggest regeneration project in the history of Liverpool. The Central Docks neighbourhood will be a world class business and leisure district with over 2,000,000 square feet of mixed use floor space, including 710,000 square feet of office space and over 1,000 new waterfront apartments in buildings up to 44 storeys high. PROJECT INFOPark Central is the second phase of the Central Docks residential development. It offers 129 one and two-bedroomed apartments over 14 storeys.Quay Central comprises two blocks offering 96 one-bedroomed and 141 two-bedroomed apartments alongside 5,000 square feet of commercial space and undercroft parking for 50 cars.Elevation design is driven by the historic context of the site, being situated near the Waterloo Warehouse within the wider Waterloo Docks. The site is bound by two contrasting edge conditions. To the south are buildings with a strong industrial character and to the north is a soft landscaped park. The development presents two different external characters depending on the elevation: the south, facing Waterloo Warehouse, features regular punctuated openings with formal recesses while the north pushes out with the use of piers and louvres, expressive depth and verticality towards the green public space.The brick selected for the projects is Woodside Mixture from Forterra’s Butterley range. Made at the company’s Accrington factory, it is a wirecut red clay brick with a printed texture that complements the site’s historic context

OverviewHead of stairwell High Rise Student Accommodation Ventilation designed and installed by ADS (Air Design Systems) at a brand new student accommodation on Friars Road, Coventry.Project BackgroundTrinity View is a brand-new student accommodation in Coventry with Six iconic blocks for 614 students, all set around a private courtyard which required a smoke ventilation system.Project SolutionADS (Air Design Systems)  installed Powrmatic N-SHEV Stirling natural and smoke ventilators at the head of three stairs along with Stirling vents above the smoke extract fans in two smoke shafts. Along side these smoke ventilators, a Powrmatic N-SHEV Wall Opensky was installed at the head of a separate smoke shaft that terminated in the Façade. The Stirling Casement Ventilators were operated by 24v drive open/drive close actuators opening to 90° and painted to a RAL 7016 colour to match the existing building. The Roof Opensky N-SHEV ventilator was also operated by an electric 24v drive open/drive close actuator with single skin aluminium blades mounted on a turndown base.Project ResultADS (Air Design Systems)  delivered an expectational high rise student accommodation smoke ventilation installation which was handed over on time and in budget with their customer. The student accommodation now benefits from a life safety smoke ventilation system. ADS also provided the smoke shaft dampers, the facade FLW Fieger louvred vents and the full control system for the accommodation. The 4 different sized Stirling Casement ventilators offered 1.04m² (x2) , 1.32m², and 1.15m² Free area to Approved Document B.

Normandy Bin Bays manufactured from recycled plastic; encouraging recycling and keeping communal bin bay areas tidy. A win-win for Stoke City Housing.GOplastic Ltd were contacted by Ruth Smith the former Landscape Architect for the Landscape Team at City of Stoke-on-Trent Council to look into a solution for their communal bin bay areas.Ruth was considering specifying our Normandy Bin Bay system for the Mier Estate neighbourhood project which is located to the south east of the North Staffordshire conurbation.There are many solutions for bin bay storage using brickwork, timber and recycled plastic. Recycled plastic bin bays have many advantages. They are supplied fully assembled and ready to install. No labour intensive brick work, no holes excavated for posts, and no maintenance plans are required after installation. The panels won’t rot or splinter and are very easily cleaned. At site meetings anchorage options were discussed to ensure that the bin bays could be fitted onto hard standing or into the ground with extended posts if required. The bin bays at 1.5 metres high allow for 240 litre household wheelie bins to be used, and the 1.8m high panels for larger 1100 litre bins if required.For communal storage adjacent to apartment buildings, this recycled plastic bin bay solution provided open storage for a number of bins. The open top design with louvred slats allow for dissipation of odours and are aesthetically pleasing.Contractor: Stoke-on-Trent City CouncilJob type: Supply onlyProject Value: Approximately £50KWaste plastic prevented from potential landfill: 18 tonnes.

Installed alongside some interesting brass architectural detailing, TECHNAL aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling has been specified and installed at Heathervale House, transforming the outdated office development. Situated in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, Heathervale House is a commercial property that has been used as an office space for decades. Originally clad in brick, slate and hung tile, the building had shown signs of disrepair, looking tired and dilapidated. To bring it back to life, the building owner developed plans to undertake a wide scale refurbishment and extension of the property. Following a feasibility study, the building was handed across to design-led architectural practice MortonScarr. From the outset, MortonScarr recognised how important updated glazing systems would be in improving the aesthetics and performance of the building, both internally and externally. Previously, Heathervale House had featured small, brown-framed windows, which limited how much sunlight those inside the offices received throughout the day. The entire facade of the three-storey building was re-clad with concrete tiles, with interesting projecting brass window boxes also incorporated. The window boxes, which feature TECHNAL systems, added visual relief to the building externally, whilst maximising internal vistas for the occupants. TECHNAL also assisted on a large rear extension, a new glazed lift to the front and two additional fully glazed storeys on top of the existing roof. Flooding the new office spaces with daylight, the large glazed expanses are shaded by two-storey bronze louvres. As a result the newly fitted office now brings in much more natural light than before.

PROJECTAquilana, Baden [CH]COMPLETIONMarch 2023ARCHITECTofficeKonzept GmbHPRODUCTSTICELL-N open-cell ceilingSingle-louvre open-cell ceiling made of ’woven’ aluminium; cell dimensions: 33 mm; height: 40 mm; rectangular and round design; white strip-painted [74 m²]TANGENTA-Q24 linear LED lightingLight distribution: 2 x 60° wide distribution; light colour: 4000 K; DALI dimmable; CRI > 80; various dimensions [approx. 15 linear metres]PUNTEO-N 1x1 S02 LED downlightLight distribution: 2 x 38° wide distribution; light colour: 4000 K; CRI > 80 [81 units]’Health for Generations’ – Aquilana Versicherungen has been committed to this guiding principle for the best part of 130 years. This company values direct and personal contact to its customers. This is reflected in the modern design of its new customer zone. Sustainable materials, plants and natural colours create a pleasing atmosphere. The reception area is visually fascinating thanks to the round curves of the TICELL-N single-blade open-cell ceiling made of ’woven’ aluminium. The integrated and highly efficient PUNTEO-N downlights feature superlative anti-glare properties while also delivering maximum light output for a pleasing and well-lit ambience. In the consulting rooms, TICELL-N combines with the elegant TANGENTA-Q24 linear lighting installed above the open-cell ceiling and with LED spotlights to create unique light reflections, bathing these interior spaces in homogeneous light. Aquilana’s generously proportioned customer zone succeeds in creating interior spaces that situate customers and employees centre stage.

Four residential blocks on Albert Road, North London, have recently undergone renovation, including removal of wooden screen shutters across the frontage of each apartment. The sliding shutters create an attractive appearance as well as performing shade from direct sunlight, but over recent years the wood has warped and deteriorated. Warping meant that the screens no longer travelled smoothly across the windows, and deterioration was causing the louvres to loosen with the danger that they might fall on people walking below. A refurbishment would also provide the opportunity to refit with materials conforming to current fire safety regulations. Considering the refurbishment, the developers were keen to retain the screens and felt that the appearance of wood was appealing, giving the apartments something of a continental appeal, albeit in north London. The blocks were developed and are managed by L&Q, a housing association that aims to deliver high quality affordable homes, and in their own words ‘better places to live’. The screens could easily be replaced using aluminium for the frame aerofoil blades and the look of wood could just as easily be delivered by using a shade from our Wood Finish (PWF™) range. PWF30, a dark shade, was closest to the original wood. In total Powdertech pre-treated and coated 9500 linear metres of extruded aluminium, each individual foil being 1.22m in length. Using aluminium brings the obvious benefits of strength combined with lightweight. The screens will not warp and need only minimal maintenance. Our Wood Finish conforms to the required reaction to fire specification for residential buildings of this type, A2-s1, d0, and the metal itself is non-combustible thus solving a number of issues in one, Wood Finish on aluminium is a winning combination.

250 Houston Street is a luxurious 13 story residential building in the vibrant Lower East Side of Houston, New York. The building is home to a number of one, two and three-bedroom residences where the occupants can enjoy a full suite of amenities including a serenity garden, fitness centre, and rooftop terrace which includes the iconic Tibor Kalman clock and offers beautiful New York views.The client was looking to inject some much needed natural daylight into their new fitness centre, and so Architects, Stephen B Jacobs Group PC, and Glazing Vision worked closely together to make sure the best rooflights were chosen to meet the brief.Considered an architectural feature as well as a rooflight, and an evolution of the traditional roof lantern, three of our Double Glazed Bespoke Fixed Asymmetrical Pyramid Rooflights were specified to help inject as much natural daylight into the fitness centre as possible. This was important to the client as natural daylight has been proven to help our bodies produce Vitamin D, improve our sleep, and help us focus.“For, Stephen B Jacobs, the inspiration for the pyramid shaped rooflights and the surrounding gravel court yard came from the Louvre in Paris.” Thorsten Foerster, Architect, Stephen B Jacobs ArchitectsThe rooflights were constructed of 4 panes with glass-to-glass silicone joints, minimising framework and therefore offering excellent light transmission. Our pyramid rooflights are straightforward to fit, and only require a raised upstand on your roof built to our standard specification. The units are supplied with high specification heat soak tested low e safety glass for optimum thermal performance and durability. The product is also robust and long-lasting, boasting excellent thermal performance and air tightness.

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

The initial phase of a large-scale regeneration project featuring community sports facilities, office accommodation and an Enterprise Hub in Irvine, North Ayrshire, has been constructed with the use of 50,000 Carsington Cream bricks produced by Forterra in Measham exclusively for Taylor Maxwell. The construction on Quarry Road, Irvine, houses the office headquarters of a local leisure company and work spaces for Business Gateway, who aim to support local entrepreneurs and business start-ups, encouraging local employment. It provides a gateway into the development that will include local indoor and outdoor sports facilities and multi-use community spaces. The building was designed to mark the development entrance, draw people into the site and set the construction standard for the phases to follow. Andrew Martin, Sales Executive at Taylor Maxwell, said: “We were tasked with finding a suitable facing brick for Irvine Community Hub. With a budget to adhere to and a remit to provide a buff/cream coloured brick with a traditional appearance, the Carsington Cream Facing Brick was ideal. “This brick type is part of a commitment to certain product lines manufactured in the UK and mainland Europe that Taylor Maxwell makes to provide a ‘Select’ range of brick types. This provided Clark Contracts with a commitment on price and availability for a soft mud manufactured brick with the technical qualities needed for the Scottish climate.” Steven Nicolson, Forterra’s Area Sales Manager for Scotland, said: “The Carsington Cream brick is a handmade, low water absorbency brick that was used here to combine with the modern aspect of the building and to complement the surrounding buildings.” Nick Shepherd, Architectural Assistant at Anderson Bell + Christie, said: “Forterra and Taylor Maxwell’s Carsington Cream brick was used to contrast with the residential context and establish the building as a landmark. The tone of the brick was selected to harmonise with the timber cladding, as well as the timber louvres within the window openings which accentuate the texture of the brick.” Forterra nominated the project for the 2018 Brick Awards, in the Public category. 

OverviewThe BP2 office building was constructed on reclaimed land at the eastern gateway to the Canary Wharf estate and comprises 14 stories above ground, plus three basement levels. The building’s design places a strong emphasis on energy-efficient performance, so this was an important criterion in the selection of ventilators.OverviewThe BP2 office building was constructed on reclaimed land at the eastern gateway to the Canary Wharf estate and comprises 14 stories above ground, plus three basement levels. The building’s design places strong emphasis on energy efficient performance, so this was an important criterion in the selection of ventilators.Project BackgroundAir Design Systems Ltd provided a full design and build package for the client. This included installation of local control panels and electrical wiring, as well as micro-switches to allow a positive signal that each ventilator is fully open prior to the pressurisation system starting up. Air Design Systems Ltd also supplied and installed numerous continuous louvres to the plant wells that rise through the building and terminate at roof level.Project SolutionPowrmatic supplied a large office building ventilation solution with a combination of single and double flap Skyvent ventilators to provide natural and smoke ventilation at the BP2 building in Canary Wharf, East London. Each of the 13 BS-EN 12101 ventilators was installed by Air Design Systems Ltdonto existing upstands with insulated lids and bodies and polyester powdered coated to RAL 9007 matt.Project ResultSkyvent ventilators are designed for both smoke and natural ventilation and are available in single and twin flap versions to suit the needs of each project. They can be installed on upstands, roof sheeting and into glazing systems. They feature very low air leakage when closed, and are weatherproof when closed, as tested to BS Parts 1 & 2. Insulated options can achieve U-values as low as 0.17W/m2/K.Skyvent ventilators are available with optional aluminium (single skin and insulated), polycarbonate or glazed lids in polyester powder paint finishes to any standard BS or RAL colour. A full range of accessories is available including bird guards, security guards and insect mesh.

Fire Retardant aluminium cladding that looks like real timber. This system of real timber that wraps aluminium cladding has been around for 30 years; its not a new phenomenon, in some practices, it’s the norm.Exceptional Architecture with contrasting aluminium wood cladding against a striking white stucco facade. Incredible detailing and accurate installation has made this private residence an iconic statement. Real timber veneer over aluminium results in a contemporary timber cladding, its not an effect, its not plastic… its timber.Aluminium cladding that looks like real timber.Set over three floors and a basement, beautiful landscaped surrounds and many balcony terraces make this dwelling the envy of other property owners. The cladding by Technowood ® has been used to good effect for the wall cladding, soffit board arrangement and also the fascias. This system has many options for start and stop beads with alternatives for reveals and corner detail. The design of these projects is only limited by the designer.Pergola design and Brise Soleilby Technowood®As Technowood have been manufacturing since the 1980’s they are well versed in many different profiles and systems in aluminium covered in real wood. Pergolas that span with a clear run up to 12.5 metres, louvres and Brise Soleil that match. We can create a complete system in timber that looks the same, made at the same time by the same hands… the design can also incorporate powder coated or anodized aluminium elements; supplied at the same time. These are also made in the same manufacturing process.Cladding illumination Up lighting, down lighting or washing warm white illumination across the facade of cladding looks beautiful. Further, this offers a welcome from the building during the darker hours, makes your home more inviting, it also looks stylish. It’s a simple effect to achieve and doesn’t cost a lot in comparison to other illuminated elements of the project.Technowood aluminium timber claddingThe simple system is an inclusive platform of cladding. It starts with a simple L shape bracket, a long length of supporting section T shape (like a timber batten); the cladding directly fixes to it. Think rain screen, when you are designing and you won’t go far wrong. Technowood has been here for 30 years and it’s here to stay. Certified FR A2, FSC and certified for Environmental Product Declaration, its also warranted for 20 years.