"TABLE"

PolyPlay Arena & PolyPlay S in Palmano Park, Wasserburg am InnRAISING THE ROOF – HIGH-OCTANE ACTION ATOP AN UNDERGROUND CAR PARKSituated on an archipelago almost completely surrounded by the River Inn, Wasserburg am Inn’s old town has remained nearly entirely unchanged since medieval times. At the heart of the old town lies the Palmano Park, a popular meeting spot for citizens young and old. The small park – Wasserburg’s first designated greenspace – was built last century, and today its majestic trees and countless benches offer plenty of shady spots to while away the afternoon.Visitors and locals alike are also drawn in by the park’s playground, its bocce court, its table tennis tables and the numerous sports equipment stations specially designed for senior citizens. But the latest addition is a multifunctional sports court that can be used for dynamic basketball and football matches – high-octane action guaranteed. As it wasn’t possible to simply extend the playground surface at will, a PolyPlay Arena was installed on the roof of an existing underground car park to provide more space for the sports court.The PolyPlay Arena is fitted with our durable PolyPlay S all-round surface, a favourite at playing fields and facilities for school sports, ball sports and leisure activities. Its smooth – yet non-slip – surface and good ball-playing properties make it an ideal surface for ball sports of all kinds, as well as variety of outdoor activities. The PolyPlay S is water-permeable, so the court dries quickly and can be used year-round in all weathers. Another benefit of the low-maintenance surface is its high wear resistance.Wasserburg’s local council chose a patina green variant of the PolyPlay S. Adorned with a variety of markings in yellow, blue and orange, it can be used as a basketball court, for street soccer or for handball games. Its special features include modern anti-vandalism nets made of sheathed metal fibres that offer both low noise and high wear resistance – a completely new concept for mini-pitches. And since it’s also equipped with our “PolyPlay Arena Silence Package”, the multisport court boasts extra-high-density LigaGrass synthetic turf on the insides of the barriers to further boost the facility’s overall soundproofing.The multisport court will make Palmano Park even more attractive – something local MP, Klaus Stöttner, believes can only be a positive for Wasserburg’s old town as a whole. “This is a good thing for many reasons, not least among them the fact that Josef Palmano, the apothecary after whom the park is named, was himself a great proponent of sports in Wasserburg during his time in our town, from 1849 to 1910,” Stöttner explained.

An unconventional idea from a Constructing Architect and former Officer becomes unique design furniture under the Danish designer brand WUM. The furniture collection Urban Outdoor is based on very traditional PcP gratings, usually used, i.e. industrial and construction sectors, where very high strength is needed.About WUMWUM is a Danish designer brand and, in fact, short for "WoodUmix". In 2018, the journey started for Marius Øvrum and Peter Wallbohm Olsen - the partners behind the design company - with the explicit goal of designing and producing lamps and furniture in Denmark. WUM's designs must stand out from the market, and the focus of the concept is to offer products that are both designed, developed and produced in Denmark and could still be provided at competitive prices. WUM has taken the first step with garden furniture sets made in classic and Danish PcP mesh gratings.With Danish production and development, this means that WUM will achieve a sustainable mindset..." It fits our moral compass, and we like the mentality of trying to create sustainable and responsible products", explains Peter Wallbohm Olson, co-owner of WUM.Project criteriaWUM's approach to design projects involves close collaboration with all partners. For example, for the development of garden furniture, the idea of using mesh gratings was already in place. WUM, together with PcP, has developed the requirements for the design project based on the knowledge and experience of PcP. Both in terms of designing a beautiful and durable product as well as keeping costs down."That's very much how we think and work. So how can we create an exciting, new and different design product that we can offer at an attractive price for customers? Here, refining and processing classic industrial components is an obvious option", says Peter Wallbohm Olsen.There was a significant focus on product design; how could you transform a traditional mesh grating to look like a real bench and a table? The criteria of appealing and unique design, durability and easy to produce were the focal point of the cooperation with PcP.Solution and manufacturingTogether with PcP, WUM has developed prototypes for garden furniture. The gratings are made in bespoke dimensions for outdoor tables and benches in three different sizes (Small, Medium and Large).The garden furniture is made of 33/33 mill finish steel mesh gratings with 25/2 bearing bars. Instead of 25x3mm edge bars most commonly used, they are made with 25x5mm edge bars. This solution reduces the deflection of the garden furniture as much as possible. In addition, mounting holes are made in the grates to suit WUM's mounting brackets. Finally, the gratings get an extra-fine finish in the form of sharp edge grinding and welding spray. Once manufactured by PcP, they are sent for surface treatment: electropolish and then powder coating. As a result, the material and construction of garden furniture is a very durable solution for both weather conditions and capacity.

THE PROJECTThe Torre Koi in Mexico is the second tallest building in Mexico standing at a huge 917 ft. The tower is in San Pedro Garza Garcia, part of the Monterrey Metropolitan area. The building acts as the centrepiece of four buildings. When the project finished it was the tallest building in Mexico, but the Torres Obispado surpassed the Koi in 2020.VFO Architectos, based in Mexico City, designed, and oversaw the architecture for The Torre Koi. With a mixture of office and residential the skyscraper features 63 floors, 218 apartments, 18 penthouses and 26 floors of commercial office space.THE SOLUTIONThe Safety Letterbox Company was approached by ‘Interni Design Studio’, the interior designers, in charge of the materials for the social areas in the tower. Their requirements were for mailboxes for the residents, with the added requirements of security, efficiency and to be aesthetically pleasing.Quantity requirements and available dimensions were provided to The Safety Letterbox Company, along with design ideas to enable an appropriate product to be specified. The product matched the brief and ticked all the boxes Interni needed on both the practical and creative side of the project.The tower features multiple banks of MODA H 300 mailboxes, fitted to a jet-black support table so they sit freestanding within the mailroom. With a stainless-steel front and a jet-black body these stylish, sophisticated mailboxes really deliver in this incredible skyscraper!

New corporate headquarters for a growing independent distiller called for the perfect blend of outdoor infrastructure to reflect its strong local identity.Ian Macleod Distillers (IMD) embarked on the new HQ project after outgrowing its nearby Russell House head office.The £4.5 million development features two prominent glass towers representing the traditional ventilation shafts of Scottish whisky distilleries.And when it came to the design and creation of the building's outdoor spaces, Broxap's Litchard range provided a similar timeless yet unique aesthetic for the site.Working for Clark Contracts, Broxap designed, manufactured and installed a suite of furniture including two Litchard Picnic Units and 16 Litchard Benches.Our teams collaborated with the project leaders to create 8 Litchard Seats, as well as tables and short benches, to specific dimensions to enable unique group seating configurations.A Palisade Brise Soleil adds another dimension to the breakout space. Door barriers, complete with tapping bars to meet Scotland’s disability access standards, completed the project.The main building delivers 10,000 sq ft of office space for IMD and is the commercial hub for the independent family firm which owns brands including Edinburgh Gin, Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Smokehead.

The scope of the project was to facilitate a waterproofing solution for a substantial brick built detached property with a large 3 elevation basement situated at the bottom of a steep sloping driveway. The basement when constructed had 1 form of external waterproofing incorporated during the build stage, however the system required a second form of internal waterproofing due to the location of the structure and high-water table, capable of protecting the luxurious basement from unwanted water ingress.The property’s driveway significantly slopes from street level to the front elevation of the property requiring a specialist waterproofing system to protect the structure.Working in conjunction with the homeowner, Timberwise’s CSSW qualified waterproofing surveyors specified a Delta Type C (Drained) Protection waterproofing system to provide the necessary Grade 3 (habitable environment) to enable to homeowner to fully utilise their basement space. For Grade 3 habitable environments, two types of waterproofing may be required.A Waterproofing Designer’s philosophy defines what they wish to accomplish in the design of their waterproofing system and which principles they will use to do so. Identifying a robust and suitable design philosophy is an important aspect when designing a continuous system, as this will not only directly impact in how users install the system but also in future maintenance which will directly impact on the property owner.

Flowers Gallery was first established in 1970 on Lisle Street in London’s West End, more recently moving into a 12,000 sq foot industrial space in Shoreditch, East London. Now, Flowers have two gallery spaces in London and one in the United States. Flowers participates regularly in art fairs internationally. The programme in both the UK and US comprises all media by established and emerging artists. The gallery is an active publisher of prints and multiples with an established department in contemporary international photography. When refurbished in 2014, Dan Flowers contacted GEC Anderson to produce a stainless steel worktop that would be incorporated into the gallery kitchen. The gallery kitchen is used on a daily basis by fifteen staff members and also by outside caterers that are hired to cater for exhibitions. The area is well used on a regular basis and needed to be long lasting and hygienic but also to look smart and professional. Architect, Felicity Atekpe, of White Table Interior Designs in relation to the kitchen “I was trying to get a different kind of space from the normal gallery and wanted it all to be hues of blues and moody (restful) with the stainless steel as the sparkle. Dan suggested GEC Anderson. At the time I showed them photographs which were stills from the Japanese film Floating Weeds by Yasujiro Ozu but they chickened out of painting the walls darker and the floor... You never know though, they might yet.”

Known as the leading financial centre in the UK and its cluster of high-rise buildings, it’s a great place to be away from the hustle and bustle but still be connected with London.The fairly low rise building is home to 174 apartments ranging from studios to penthouses, most of which come with a balcony or 2. An expansive terrace covers the roof which offers outdoor heaters, a BBQ, seating and table tennis. Other social amenities include a self service bar and private dining room available for events on the ground floor, and a screening room with a large TV giving access to Sky and BT sports, a games console, and comfy seating.At 8 Water Street, residents will feel truly connected with nature, with a private landscaped garden overlooking the south dock. Perks of residing here include free access to the Third Space health club, gym, and spa, 24/7 concierge, an app to plan and book private events or join community clubs, fully furnished apartments including 50inch TV and TV licences.We supplied a range of interior doorsets to them including concealed frame doors, concealed riser doors, and concealed sliding pocket doors. These were chosen to match with the subtle luxurious design throughout the interior with smart, classy statement pieces dotted around.A rather nice residence all round!

Cuplas are Liverpool’s first choice for providing wholesale plumbing supplies to the trade and public. They contacted us to assist with a project they became involved with at the Tobacco Warehouse, Liverpool’s luxury waterfront apartments.The Grade II Tobacco Warehouse is the largest brick build building in the world. Formally the storage facility for all of the tobacco coming in to the UK from the new world. It has now been converted into a residential complex with ‘New York’ style apartments of varying sizes. To compliment the modern design, the apartments needed to be fitted out with quality bathroom products.Round table discussions took place with key experts within the business and directly with Cuplas to fully understand the challenge and help them achieve their goals. Following these discussions and numerous visits to site to visualise the setting, our design, specification and product teams worked together to present various solutions to satisfy their demands. After looking at all of the options available, the customer chose our premium WRAS approved concealed cistern range along with our Reef dual flush pneumatic push plate.Testimonial“The two main driving factors on deciding to use TYDE for this job was value for money and reputation. The apartments are top end properties, we wanted to use a manufacturer with a solid reputation for quality. The products were easy to install, they function well and have been faultless so far.”

Waterproofing design is a key and critical component for successful construction of below ground structures. Whether it’s a completely new build or making smaller changes to an existing property, waterproofing design should never be overlooked.Waterproofing might account for just a small fraction of a building’s total cost, but waterproofing defects can result in catastrophic consequences. When waterproofing fails, the implications are significant.Delta’s MD, Kevin Dodds was approached to offer advice and guidance on a failed waterproofing system.The existing structure had an impressive 5-level basement which houses: kitchens, food storage and food preparation areas, spa, plant rooms and accommodation. Near to a large river, the site sited well within the water table. The original waterproofing system was based on the secant piled walls and a block wall internally to provide a basic drained protection system with drainage holes at various points to drain to various levels.Over time, the third floor had become completely saturated with all levels of the basement experiencing water ingress in varying levels from damp patches to significant “jets” of water and flows of water through the secant piles.With remediation waterproofing design strategies, it may take some time to specify a suitable system. It is important that investigations are thoroughly carried out by individuals with the capability of diagnosing the defect, assessing the extent of that defect, and recommending a suitable corrective measure.

THE BRIEFA visually stunning new link canopyLocated in Beverley, East Yorkshire, Longcroft School & 6th Form College provides local students a rich and varied range of educational opportunities in addition to their formal curriculum, including drama and music productions, sports and their Skills for Life programme.As part of the Priority School Building Programme 2 (PSBP2), Langley Design working alongside Henry Construction provided a visually stunning new link canopy and covered walkway uniting the schools existing buildings to the brand new block.WHAT WE DIDA striking splash of colourThe new block provides the school three additional floors of teaching space consisting of science labs & preparation rooms, a learning resource centre, teacher workroom and new student reception. The large Sheldon SPG326 canopy features a non-fragile polycarbonate roof, that provides cover and shade whilst offering a striking splash of colour to the scheme. THE RESULTDurable and long lasting solutionThe SPG326 is available in a range of materials, finishes and roofing colours suitable for a variety of project needs, and provided the school with additional space for the Sheldon Picnic Table set (SPT312/SBN310) offering extra dining facilities for the students, with black recycled plastic slats these are a durable and long lasting solution requiring almost no maintenance that will still look great in the years to come.

When Cardiff High school needed a high-quality multi-use sports flooring solution for their main hall, they chose international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply 700m2 of their world class Taraflex® Multi-Use vinyl sports floor. Gerflor also supplied an Isolsport underlay and their ubiquitous Taraflex® Bateco moveable protective covering which would ensure that the Taraflex® sports floor would remain protected during non-sporting activities.The contracting responsibility for the sports floor would be undertaken by Cardiff-based Floor Furnishings Limited. Nick Jefferies, Company Director, Floor Furnishings Ltd commented, “Gerflor’s Taraflex sports floor was extremely easy to lay. The Isolsport underlay also supplied by Gerflor, enabled us to lay the Taraflex Multi-Use directly over the existing concrete floor, this was a real benefit as the project was on a very tight schedule, due to the hall being required for exams.”The Taraflex® Multi-Use is a P1 category sports flooring, designed for both sport and non-sport use making it ideal for multi-purpose areas. Taraflex® Multi-Use protects users with excellent shock absorption and impact protection of 25% to 35%. Yet it’s tough enough to protect itself against non-sport demands often found in many education environments such as the movement of tables, chairs, and exercise equipment.

OverviewHerefordshire Council needed to replace the existing fresh air ventilation unit at Halo Leisure Pool. The unit was old, with several attempts made to improve the pool hall humidity and the unit’s energy efficiency over the years, however it had never worked well.RequirementRecotherm were tasked with creating a bespoke, energy efficient replacement unit. Our engineers worked on various different configurations to utilise heat recovery whilst still maintaining the existing inlet and outlet positions. Avoiding the existing unit’s method of a run-around coil system meant we were able to design and build a bespoke unit that incorporated recirculation, allowing humidity control.SolutionThe existing 20 year old unit was 8m tall, supported by a welded steel frame; utilising scaffolding and reciprocating saws we were able to remove the unit ready for the new installation.A steel table was constructed to take the weight of our new unit, which had been delivered on-site in flat pack form. The entire project took 4 weeks, resulting in an energy efficient, state of the art, swimming pool air handling unit incorporating controlled fresh air and heat recovery via a plate heat exchanger with EC speed-controlled fans.  The council will realise considerable savings on running costs, and importantly much improved conditions in the pool hall with the humidity now under control. Recotherm delivered:Engineering expertiseBespoke designEasy installation with flat pack unitsCertified installersEnergy efficiencyHumidity control

Project detailsIconic London restaurant The Ivy has undergone a major renovation project that has taken five months to complete. This dramatic refurbishment was completed in time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the restaurant. Although dramatic, much of its original identity such as the trademark stained glass windows remains.The interior design team behind ‘The Ivy’ has previously worked on other restaurants in the same group including Scott’s, the J Sheekey Oyster Bar and Daphne’s in South Kensington.The restaurant has had a modern makeover, the bar has been relocated to the middle of the room and is surrounded by pink leather and mohair bar stools, in the main restaurant booths as well as private corner tables have replaced the original seating arrangement. Project overviewWorking alongside our clients we manufactured and supplied the internal ventilation grilles and diffusers throughout the restaurant including linear bar grilles, floor grilles, linear slot diffusers and air valves.Our products provided both supply and extract ventilation with accessories and optional paint finishes to suit our clients’ exact requirements. We manufactured all our products in the UK at two locations in Glossop and Sheffield giving us complete control over the quality of our production process and lead times. Benefits of using GDL Products on the projectWe offer a full turnkey package including design, manufacture and install.We manufacture standard and bespoke products to suit your exact requirements.

An award-winning restaurant serving sustainable and ethical Japanese cuisine, has added a large outdoor terrace for diners to enjoy using a WoodBlocX seating and planter combination.The owners of MOSHIMO Brighton added the sun terrace to the already architecturally pleasing, modernist building, to provide an indoor/outdoor dining experience, with functional sliding screens that separate the two spaces depending on the weather and decorative evergreen planting around the edge of the dining area.We created a bespoke design which fitted perfectly into the deck space available. With bespoke seating featuring a planter border wrapping around the main seating area and one additional U-shaped planter disconnected from the main structure to provide two access points to the deck.The completed design was then painted in the restaurant’s deep charcoal brand colour to match the interior and exterior design. This dark shade is balanced perfectly with the bright red dining tables and chairs. We provide a Free Design Service to all clients to ensure they get exactly what they need for each project and make any necessary adjustments.The modular design of WoodBlocX means that we can create structures that fit into specific spaces perfectly. Not only can our unique timber system provide a great fit, it is also long-lasting and durable thanks to the way it is built. The combination of treated wooden blocks, dowels and internal buttresses ensures that our structures will not crack or warp. With a design life of 20 years, WoodBlocX is the perfect product to specify in your next landscaping project.

New Farnley Cricket Club in Leeds, when given the greenlight to open their bar and restaurant, wanted to ensure that their returning clientele would feel comfortable by providing facilities in line with the government guidance on Covid 19 safety.Along with clear signage and establishing a one-way system through the club house, New Farnley CC commissioned protective screening from wall & door protection specialists Yeoman Shield.To help protect staff and customers alike from viral loads that can be expelled by coughing, sneezing or shouting, Yeoman Shield installed a bespoke 800mm high screen using 4mm thick clear uPVC affixed around the bar with attractive chrome brackets and fixings.Yeoman Shield portable protective screens were also supplied to help with the configuration and separation of dining tables and the social distancing of patrons whilst waiting in the expected queuing systems.Being lightweight the screens can be moved around easily to accommodate requirements whilst being sturdy enough not to be knocked or tipped over.The portable screens are available in a range of options such as clear or frosted uPVC or with the alternative of a clear top half giving a sense of space coupled with a through coloured, frosted or design printed bottom half.The club’s Chairman, Mr John Baldwin, commented “It’s been great that Yeoman Shield were able to provide us with the right solution to our social distancing requirements to enable the club to re-open, which like other sports clubs, provide amenities to the local community.”Yeoman Shield have also been providing similar solutions for Hospitals, Schools and Offices allowing visitors, students and employees to return to safe environments.

Situated in the heart of London, The Natural History Museum is a beacon of knowledge and cultural heritage, drawing millions of visitors annually. Its vast collection spans centuries, offering captivating exhibits ranging from dinosaur skeletons to geological wonders.Astor Bannerman is thrilled to collaborate with the esteemed Natural History Museum in London, making strides in accessibility within this iconic venue. Components of the Changing Places FacilityLet’s dive into the details of the Changing Places facility at The Natural History Museum, designed to cater to diverse needs while enhancing the visitor experience.ABW-CP Height Adjustable Wall Mounted Wash Basin:Adjustable height for user convenienceWall-mounted design for space efficiencyOT200 Overhead Ceiling Track Hoist:Smooth and safe transfers for individuals with mobility challengesDiscreet design and quiet operation for minimal disruptionAstor CTX2-CP Height Adjustable Changing Table:Comfortable assistance for caregivers during personal care tasksSturdy construction and ergonomic design prioritise safety and comfortKwickScreen Wall Mounted Privacy Screen:Versatile screen for privacy on demandSleek design complements the modern aesthetic of the facilityThe Impact The installation of the Changing Places facility reflects the museum’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. It ensures that all visitors, regardless of physical abilities, can explore and enjoy the museum’s offerings without limitations.In summary, Astor Bannerman is honoured to partner with another prestigious landmark tourist attraction. With a proven track record spanning from Windsor Castle to the Sydney Opera House, our specialisation lies in enhancing accessibility for heritage sites and buildings of unique significance.As the leading provider worldwide for Changing Places Toilet installations, we are dedicated to fostering inclusivity in all venues. If your establishment is considering accessibility enhancements, consider Astor Bannerman for reliable expertise and solutions that prioritise accessibility for all visitors.

In a historic moment blending heritage, accessibility, and community spirit, the much-anticipated Ignatius Sancho Café officially opened its doors in Greenwich Park on Saturday, 23rd March. The launch event, attended by esteemed guests and locals alike, marked a milestone in celebrating the legacy of Ignatius Sancho, a remarkable 18th-century figure whose impact resonates through the centuries.Changing Places, Changing LivesAstor Bannerman was pleased to be involved in the project to contribute to the cafes abilities to cater to diverse needs. The Changing Places facility includes:Astor’s Invincible Height Adjustable Changing TableABW-CP Height Adjustable Wall Mounted Wash BasinOT200 Overhead Ceiling Track HoistGeberit – AquaClean Mera Care Shower ToiletKwickScreen Wall Mounted Privacy ScreenThese facilities underscore The Royal Park’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility.Borras Construction, the construction company behind the project, received accolades for their dedication and craftsmanship. Architect Mark Martines from Architype envisioned a blend of historical charm and modern functionality, transforming the old ranger’s lodge into a vibrant community hub just a stone’s throw away from the picturesque deer park in Greenwich.The CaféThe Ignatius Sancho Café promises to breathe new life into the park, offering an array of lunch items ranging from hot and cold sandwiches, freshly brewed coffees, cakes, salads, and much more. Beyond serving as a place to stop by on your visit to the park, the café aims to be a focal point for fostering connections, promoting diversity, and celebrating Greenwich’s heritage.As guests step through the door of the Ignatius Sancho Café, they engage in an experience that encapsulates the ethos of inclusivity, creativity, and community synonymous with the legacy of Ignatius Sancho.For more information and updates, visit Ignatius Sancho Café’s website.

THE LOCATIONHounslow House is the new headquarters for the London Borough of Hounslow. The new facility creates a distinctive architectural form that gives the new building a strong civic presence within the community, with the design promoting a feeling of openness and creating connections between the public and private functions of the building.THE PROJECTThe seven-storey structure is the new civic centre for London offering a library, adult learning classes and a reception area to help with any enquires. The other floors are offices for the local council workers with a civic chamber placed on the top floor. The new civic chamber is a prominent feature of the building framing the views of Hounslow.THE PRODUCTThe Safety Letterbox Company discussed the requirements and strategy for both mail and parcel delivery, giving suitable consideration to future demands, and the inevitable growth of parcels.Hounslow House decided on COM2 letterboxes in Pearl Gold with manual parcel boxes in the same colour. Hounslow ordered 500 boxes to be placed in their blocks A-D. This mail and parcel combination was a bespoke piece as it’s a free-standing combination including a bespoke table and back braces. These popular COM2 mailboxes from our classic range provide a quality solution, manufactured from aluminium and steel, they provide a strong and attractive solution for mail delivery.Hounslow House also added myRENZbox to make sure they could manage their Parcel deliveries. The myRENZbox modular has ten extensions with different size doors in order to maintain their parcel deliveries. The Safety Letterbox Company has an algorithm to work out how many parcel boxes a building requires. myRENZbox was polyester powder coated with the colour RAL 9005 Jet Black with a Matt finish. Copper House also opted for a barcode scanner to help deliveries become more efficient. myRENZbox has also futureproofed Hounslow House with the option to extend the intelligent parcelbox in the future.

"The most modern and largest municipal archive in Europe", Cologne proclaims, is now in their city. The future of the city archive had been uncertain for decades: first due to a lack of space, then came the collapse in 2009. The repository with its fragile treasures lay in ruins. No one expected this kind of new beginning. Through the office Waechter+Waechter Architekten, a new building was erected on a different site. With its opening, the rescued archives, the staff and the users are making a comeback - and a successful one at that. For the architects mastered the merging of two opposites. The transparency and openness of a civic archive is now in harmony with an indestructible security wing for the archives. Bronze and glass enclose the façade, of which there are actually two, because the building consists of an outer and an inner cuboid. The core houses the treasures, while the shell houses the offices, laboratories and workshops, the lecture hall and the foyer, whose interior glass façade provides a view of two atriums and the bronze body of the magazine.The staff offices and the lifts are covered with grey linoleum flooring, because Waechter+Waechter value the flooring as a sustainable and ecological product that meets high hygienic as well as aesthetic requirements and is hard-wearing at the same time. On the outside as well as on the inside, the beautifully ageing material of bronze is used again and again, as great importance is attached to the fact that the materials used haptically tie in with the task of preserving significant testimonies of time. Waechter+Waechter speak of their idea of connecting the areas through the repetition of the materials. This attention to detail is also reflected in the use of linoleum. The stair treads and the custom-made tables made of Douglas fir wood, the benches and the shelves have received an inlay of furniture linoleum "in a pastel moss green" (Bauwelt issue 20.21). Protected, the archival material is placed on gentle material for viewing, the colour tone has a soft effect, which gently dictates the handling of the treasures.

Project: UCLAN, Foster and Hamilton Buildings
Product: Shiluvit by Oranit in Stained Yellow Pine
Architect: AHR Architects, Manchester
Installer: The Giotto GroupUniversity of Central Lancashire, Foster and Hamilton Buildings.(2017) Photos by Paul WhiteSpecification:
Shiluvit 7-501 in A-9-1 Stained Yellow Pine
20 x 45mm Blades with 40mm Gaps
Quantity: 966mLSA Projects Ltd are pleased to share with you a great new Oranit installation at the University of Central Lancaster, Preston Campus.
The new £8 million addition to the Preston campus includes additions to two seperate buildings at the university; an extension to the Foster building and a linking space between the Harrington and Greenbank buildings.The new building is the first part of a £200m regeneration masterplan to expand the campus over the next 5 years, giving additional teaching and learning space as well as contributing to the regeneration of Preston city and the Adephi Quarter.The two new additions to the campus were designed by AHR Architects in cooperation with the University and Students Union to create functional social spaces that would fit the needs and desires of the students who will be using them. Both social hubs have spaces for staff and students to mix and meet socially or for work as well as facilities for refreshments, pool tables, and public computers.Oranit Shiluvit panels were chosen in part for the ceilings of the spaces due to their impressive acoustic power; the configuration chosen which included LSA Black High Density Acoustic mineral wool achieves an overall rating of Class A for acoustic absorption making it perfect for ensuring minimal reverberation in the busy social spaces helping to keep a relaxed casual atmosphere.Yellow Pine timber was chosen for its depth of texture as well as its PEFC Certification, the timber was then stained to resemble the tone of Oak.

For Sheila Dearns, a former language teacher for 32 years, living with MS meant that as her condition progressed, she found her kitchen ill-equipped to cope with her changing needs.Sheila’s home is a bungalow in the centre of Chelmsford, where she has lived since 1996. It was when her MS began to leave her with little energy that Sheila decided to retire in 2010 and since then, she is finding it harder to ‘load bear’ and now classes herself as a full-time wheelchair user.It was when Sheila was left an inheritance from a relative that she began to consider making some practical changes to her home. The former kitchen was narrow with no accessible workspace to prepare meals. In fact, Sheila had to chop vegetables on the dining room table instead. With little energy and as a full-time wheelchair user, Sheila needed something to change in order for her to continue living independently at home.Her friend’s sister, Teresa Shaw; who owns the company Onyx Rehabilitation Ltd  that helps people with life-changing injuries, put Sheila in touch with leading designer of accessible kitchens Adam Thomas of the Adam Thomas Consultancy. It’s thanks to Adam’s input and collaboration that Freedom by Symphony have transformed the lives of so many people by empowering them with a sense of independence, enjoying accessible kitchens that are both practical to use and stylish to look at.Adam worked with kitchen retailer Blaines Interiors to create an accessible kitchen for Sheila that now works as the hub of her home. The project began by knocking down the wall between the former kitchen and living room to create one larger, open-plan space. Sheila moved out while the work was being done and the result is a fully wheelchair-friendly area with widened access to the garden, too.“Working with Blaines, we designed a fully functional and accessible kitchen,” says Adam, “which now includes I-move pull down baskets, allowing Sheila to access top shelves in wall cabinets without standing up from a seated position along with a 2.4m Rise & Fall worktop, a lovely feature that Sheila can adjust to suit her height so that she can use the worktop, sink with front access tap and hob when seated in her wheelchair. It’s a really flexible solution, as it can also be used by family and friends in the rise position. We also included a lowered dining table on hairpin legs for wheelchair access underneath, a pull and twist larder for easy access to dried ingredients, corner Le Mans storage and a combination oven, which suits Sheila’s style of cooking.”Sheila and Adam worked closely with Anthony Elsey from Blaines Interiors, who was a wonderful source of inspiration and ideas. Sheila wanted her kitchen to be calm and soothing with a brightly tiled splashback to add a statement look. “As a one-stop shop, Blaines takes clients on a seamless journey from conception to completion,” says Anthony. “This includes personalised consultation, expert advice, meticulous planning, flawless installation and the final finishing touches. Our team of designers are not only creative but also empathetic and supportive, ensuring that every client’s needs are met. They take pride in designing kitchens that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also affordable and accessible to all.”Design manager Anthony has experience in working with young people and adults with special educational needs and disabilities and is fully committed to serving Freedom clients by creating fully functional and accessible kitchens. Blaines Interiors has two Freedom showrooms with four operational displays, where customers can explore and experience their designs first-hand. Their reach extends across the entire Eastern region, serving Norfolk, Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.Sheila now has the hub of the home she really wanted. “I can now cook for myself and use all the facilities,” she says. “My energy also now lasts longer too, as everything is made so much simpler for me.”

Artform Urban and the Bailey Street Furniture Group continue their ongoing partnership with contractors Renaker who have, over recent years, single-handedly transformed the Manchester City Centre Skyline. Following their collaboration with furnishing the roof terraces at the now-iconic Deansgate Square and Crown Street buildings, Artform has provided an array of high-quality external furniture for the Canalside terrace at Castle Wharf.Castle Wharf is the epitome of boutique waterside living.Castle Wharf is a modern and contemporary development of 188 apartments and penthouses in the heart of the Castlefield Conservations in Manchester's city center.The Building is designed by OMI Architects and reflects the area’s industrial heritage. Inside features high-end amenities; a gymnasium, spa, and lounge spaces.The exterior terrace has been designed by TPM Landscape and features sandstone to mimic the sandstone outcrops that are visible in the Castlefield Basin. To coordinate with this distinct colour pallet and style, Artform has provided a package of complementary street furniture elements. Large aged oak beams mounted on steel frames, as well as inset into the sandstone planter walls, create a plethora of seating options for dining and socialising. Bar stools, benches, and tables - as seen at Deansgate Square and Crown Street have been selected here. The range combines a minimal aluminium frame and hardwood clad toppers to create durable, stylish and lightweight products that offer ease of manoeuvrability and longevity.Finally, the popular Spencer litter bin clad in premium quality hardwood timbers have been placed around the terrace as well as the entrance to the building. The Spencer litter bin is a versatile design available in a variety of materials sizes and shapes - here the quality timbers harmonise alongside the sandstone. The Spencer bin has been used on all 3 projects that Artform has completed to date with Renaker.Artform’s world-leading products combined with their knowledge and experience within this sector has resulted in a unique and inviting outdoor social space for residents and guests.

BackgroundiKoustic were contacted following an acoustic report carried out by Nova Acoustics on the internal acoustics of the restaurant which had begun to receive complaints about the reverberation levels of the room (4.2 seconds), this resulted in poor acoustics caused by any conducted noises from the open kitchen and conversations to bounce around the room, this lead to a negative experience of the Michelin Star venue.We followed up with an onsite evaluation to discuss our range of acoustic absorption options we could implement to address the reverberation issues of the restaurant, we wanted to fit our ideas successfully into the current interior design of the venue of which consisted of a range of ambient pendant lighting, monochrome fixtures and unique granite tables.The restricted and varying head height of the venue brought its own unique challenges and limited us in what we could design, we needed a Sound Absorption system that was slim line, adaptable and semantic to the existing aesthetic of the restaurant.SolutionWithin the ideation phase we came up with a range of concepts/products, spending some time producing visualisations of the concepts and discussing the options with Michael O’Hare himself. Once decided on one primary acoustic concept, consisting of installing our Popped Note™ product on the ceiling with brushed stainless-steel stand-off bolts as a fixing. We also designed and manufactured a bespoke piece of acoustic art for Michael O’Hare that we collaborated on – this was a large black love heart with a lightning bolt in white on top, off setting for a three-dimensional approach.The open plan design of the restaurant led to a large portion of sound coming from the kitchen and then travelling out into the restaurant, to address this noise issue, we installed black MuteSpace Pro around the entrance to the kitchen to absorb the reflected sound energy.ResultsThe resulting installation has provided The Man Behind The Curtain with 30m2 of Class A and Class B absorption throughout the venue, reducing the reverberation time and therefore improving the holistic experience to their customers.

With the introduction of new sports areas and a sixth form college, The Belper School faced a significant shortage of parking spaces. The growing demand for additional parking became evident as staff, visitors, and students resorted to parking on grassed areas. Consequently, numerous muddy patches emerged around the school grounds, negatively impacting the area's aesthetics and making it increasingly inaccessible. Moreover, this led to an increase in the amount of mud brought inside the school, placing a greater burden on the caretaking and cleaning staff.To address the drainage issues and offer an environmentally friendly alternative to concrete or tarmac, the school opted for X-Grid® as a permeable alternative for traditional car park surfacing. The school identified several areas around the premises as suitable locations for the car parks and proceeded to excavate them. A compacted hardcore base made of MoT-type stone was used to establish a strong and stable sub-base for the X-Grid®. By placing a geotextile membrane over the hardcore, the school minimised the risk of weed growth and created a separation layer between the build-up layers. The X-Grid® was then installed on a well-screeded sand blinding layer and filled with durable decorative gravel.By replacing the existing grassed areas with X-Grid® filled with gravel, Belper School successfully resolved their overcrowded car parks without the need for additional drainage infrastructure. The highly permeable nature of X-Grid® facilitated the controlled dispersion of surface water back into the water table. Consequently, the amount of mud around the school grounds was significantly reduced, virtually eliminating it altogether. This enabled the availability of parking spaces throughout the year, providing staff, visitors, and students with ample parking options while preserving the aesthetic appeal of their surroundings. Moreover, the use of X-Grid® ensured that the gravel remained in place, eliminating migration and greatly reducing surface maintenance requirements, thus keeping the areas looking as attractive as possible.