"rubber panels slabs"

There is, rightly, a continuing trend towards sustainability and sustainable design being spearheaded by forward-thinking architects and designers and building product manufacturers all keen to minimise waste in the construction industry.  Initiatives and schemes from PEFC™ and FSC® certification through to Cradle-to-Cradle design, circular economy LEED, BREEAM, and DGNB are all leaders in the fields of sustainability. This is helping drive manufacturers and specifiers to think about how they work and the products they use. One of the manufacturers which has been championing this is Danish wood wool panel manufacturer Troldtekt. Both FSC® and PEFC™ certified, the company has set strict environmental targets for its manufacture and products culminating in a transparent roadmap in its 2013 CSR report. This has led the company to be one of Europe’s most vociferous advocates for sustainable design and one which contributes positively to BREEAM, WELL, LEED and DGNB-certifications. It was recently awarded the prestigious Danish Industry Award for Green Transformation presented by HRH Crown Princess Mary.  The company’s green stance has not gone unnoticed among designers and ethical designers such as Sibley Grove which pioneer strategies that deliver sustainable interior schemes. For example, when they were appointed to re-design The Chamberlain Hotel’s public areas, sustainability was paramount. The studio’s unique approach to design assesses the environmental and social impact of every design decision, from the origin of the materials to where they end up at the end of their lifecycle. As a result, they specified as many sustainable and Cradle-to-Cradle certified materials as possible, including Troldtekt’s panels Cradle to Cradle-certified to silver level. By specifying these, the environmental impact is minimal. Troldtekt is circular and the material can go back to nature as a nutrient in the biological circuit or be included as a raw material in the production of cement in the technical circuit. By adopting a circular approach to design, Sibley Grove removes the traditional linear system of consumption and waste that plagues the design industry. It considers the entire lifecycle of a product, ensuring materials are reused or integrated back into the natural world. This reduces demand on resources, reduces landfill and encourages the production of clean, reusable materials. Troldtekt acoustic panels, manufactured from certified wood, a 100% natural material, and cement extracted from Danish mineral resources, achieve high levels of technical performance and is free of harmful substances so can therefore be returned to nature. They offer projects high sound absorption, high durability and natural breathability with low cost life cycle performance and sustainability. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. Samples, case studies and technical information are easily sourced from www.troldtekt.co.uk (tel 01978 664255). In addition, information about Troldtekt’s Sustainability theme can be found at www.troldtekt.com/environment-and-csr

 Across Europe there has been a surge in the swimming pool sector. With many more people staying at home and foreign travel restricted both domestic and commercial pool manufacturers have seen a rise in new builds and renovation of existing pools. Trends indicate that 2021 will see a further rise in local markets as more people cocoon and less people travel abroad. Commercial pool operators are also seeing a rise in popularity and are taking the opportunity of enforced closures to update and renew existing infrastructure. In the UK it is expected that now Brexit has been finalised, investors in UK hotels, Spas and High-end residences will drive the wet leisure market further. In a new feature on their website, leading acoustic panel manufacturer Troldtekt summarises the knowledge, trends and examples which will help influence the design of swimming centres today and in the future.  The feature includes 16 trends compiled by the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities. These cover everything from economics and digital features to new uses and products which influence the architecture of pools and their construction. Pools can be used for different purposes and by quite different groups of people. This places demand on designers and developers to provide perfect layout and solutions to create the best atmosphere.  One interesting aspect is how modern swimming centres need to satisfy many expectations from different types of user. For example one pool needs to accommodate the needs of elite swimmers with those people wanting to exercise, young families and wellness enthusiasts. Each group is looking for a different type of experience and unless planned, there is a risk of friction between them. Architects such as GPP Arkitekter and Bay Arch have succeeded in this balancing act as shown in the newly built Frederikssund Swimming Centre.  One of the most important aspects and one universally agreed across all types of user is the control of noise. For example, absorption of the loud sounds from splashing, shouting and playing is essential. This is why Troldtekt’s acoustic wood wool panels are often specified because of their durability, appearance and are natural breathable meaning they will absorb and release moisture making them perfect for wet area installations. Manufactured from certified wood, a 100% natural material, and cement extracted from Danish mineral resources, they achieve high levels of technical and acoustical performance and can be disposed of harmlessly, breaking down in the soil.  Founded on the Cradle-to-Cradle design concept, the natural and inherently sustainable panels are available in a variety of different surfaces and colours and contribute to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED ratings. In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, they offer high durability and low cost lifecycle performance. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. The theme is available at https://www.troldtekt.com/news/themes/swimming-centres/ or https://bit.ly/2LJJiGU while samples, case studies and technical guidance is available from tel 01978 664255 or Troldtekt.co.uk. 

Helmsman Z Lockers, 4-compartment Heavy Duty Lockers and Inline Cubicles were supplied, delivered and installed by Helmsman professionals in Cambridge. Our new range of cubicles went into both male and female shower rooms with seat stands attached to bespoke sloping top Z Lockers suitable for wet environments. Bespoke privacy panels and benches were supplied in each cubicle to keep the bench clear of water. Natural Ash laminate was used across the bespoke project.

ASF Manufactured these stunning stainless steel pedestrian guardrails for the Princess Street area of Swansea.Posts manufactured from the ASF 5008 Bollard offer a 114mm diameter upright with a solid machined top. The upright has a satin finish whilst the top is left as machine finished which gives a bright polished look.Panels are from stainless steel tube and uprights from solid stainless steel bar, making this product look great but also be low maintenance, robust and long lasting.

SAS International bespoke metalwork comprising of a striking waveform shaped ceiling was designed by architects Arup Associates to feature in the construction of Ropemaker Place, London EC2 for British Land. Specialist bespoke wave ceilings were installed in the atrium, main reception area, lift lobbies and main external canopy. The waveform panel, although elegant in appearance, had to have the required strength to support the light fitting. Place, is a state of the art commercial development with impressive sustainability credentials.

Recent economic growth in Cambridgeshire has led to huge demand for new educational facilities. An ambitious £37.5 million Littleport complex comprising special educational needs (SEN) and primary schools, an Academy and a leisure centre is nearing completion. Rockfon ceilings, baffles and wall panels are installed throughout the Academy and the SEN school which opened their doors in 2017. Rockfon products were chosen because they offer excellent sound control, Class A1 fire safety, durability and are environmentally friendly.

Helo was commissioned to create a poolside sauna in keeping with this traditional style pool hall in a country estate in the south west. Space was limited and effort was made to reduce, as far as possible, the impact of the cabin on the surrounding décor. The client wished to enjoy a view of the existing pool area whilst bathing in the sauna. This was achieved with an angled glass door and full height glazed panel. Helo’s sophisticated Fusion heater, with steam generator, was used to allow a multi climate sauna to suit varying tastes.

Wakefield has had a sporting boost with the construction of its new Minsthorpe Leisure Centre which was opened February 2018, after the 14-month project was completed on schedule. Facilities at the centre include a 25m, six-lane swimming pool, a 60-station health and fitness club and a group exercise studio.The project cladding design underwent a value engineering programme and the originally specified product was changed to include our Trimapanel® smooth faced insulated panels for the external building envelope.

Telford’s Leegomerry Community Centre provides a range of services to the local community and surrounding areas including educational courses, assistance for job seekers and other social activities, as well as providing care and education for children from 2 to 5 years.To help provide children with washroom facilities tailored to their specific needs, cubicles and vanity units from the Pendock Education range have been installed, which include durable high-pressure laminate doors and panels finished in bright primary colours

Almost the entire Proteus portfolio features on four stations on the new overground railway that helped to underpin London’s successful bid for the 2012 Olympic Games and provide the capital with a 21st Century integrated transport system. The Proteus panels make their mark on Transport for London’s new stations at Shoreditch High Street, Hoxton, Dalston and Haggerston. All of these are in the London Borough of Hackney at the heart of the £10billion project which runs partly along the existing lines of the former London Underground’s East London Line

Profab Access Ltd, part of the Access 360 portfolio, is prioritising fire safety in buildings with the introduction of fire testing for both sides of its 4000 Series riser door range. Established in 2001, Profab Access Ltd is a leading UK manufacturer of wall and ceiling access panels and riser doors. The company employs a team of 71 and operates from a 46,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and distribution facility in Atherstone, Warwickshire. All aspects of the design and manufacturing process are carried out onsite.

The intricate facade on Garden Halls was inspired by the existing large-scale Victorian and Edwardian buildings that populate Bloomsbury, such as the Russell Square Hotel and Victoria House. The windows employ a very thin profile section, achieved with Reynaers CS 38-SL systems, and have a decorated, perforated aluminium screen to the side. This uses an insulated panel that can be opened from the inside for ventilation. The lower level screens are bronze-coloured anodised aluminium, while the upper screens are powder coated.

Proteus Facades has helped to create a grand entrance at the new Grange University Hospital in Gwent, through innovative use of Proteus HR TECU Patina Iron Two copper rainscreen cladding panels and architectural fins. Designed by BDP Architects, the hospital, which opened four months ahead of schedule in November 2020, was built as part of the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s Clinical Futures Strategy and houses the region’s accident and emergency and intensive care facilities.

A new cancer research facility at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. Following a devastating fire which caused significant damage to the building in 2017. United Anodisers worked with BDP to produce an A1 fire rated solution for the project.The new building will be a fantastic opportunity to accelerate cancer research.Architect BDP Manchester.Consultants Arup.Contractors Vinci and Robert McAlpineExtrusions Kawneer.Rainscreen panels Taylor Maxwell and AKV.Finish UA Anolok 541™

With its team of experts in the polycarbonate and roof glazing fields, Twinfix works on developing the best, newest and most cost-effective roof glazing products. A family business, Twinfix has been involved in the polycarbonate roof glazing market for nearly 30 years. This year, Twinfix worked with Principal Contractor AmcoGiffen restoring Pembroke Dock Station. Twinfix supplied its non-fragile roofing system the Multi-Link-Panel to replace the old tired, discoloured glazing at Pembroke Dock Station.

The roof area was badly damaged by heavy storms, with all existing ballasted solar panels lifting off the single ply roof and destroyed beyond repair. The client needed the remedial work completed to fixed deadlines in order to comply with insurance requirements, and wanted to optimise the roof by replacing the pre-existing photovoltaic (PV) array with a solar solution that would deliver superior energy generation. The office also had to remain operational throughout the works, creating logistical challenges

Walsall College is an ambitious £38M project to deliver a number of specialised music, business and IT academies within one centralised college campus. A key driving factor in this project was the tight building schedule and the need to stay on-track for the college’s admission of new students for 2009. The BCL panel system not only helped facilitate the installation speeds required to stay on track and deliver the project in time, but also helped deliver the complex slat arrangements efficiently and with a consistently high level of quality

Bushboard were highly privileged to carry out this renovation of the school washrooms. Our Paraline range in SGL was chosen due to the high use nature of the school washrooms.The staff chose a sleek and simple design with doors in Stone White and partitions in Welsh Slate. The Ezeeduct panelling was also chosen in SGL. Feedback from the staff and children say the school washrooms have given the school a whole new lease of life. Read the whole case study on our website.

Concierge Camping come back to Bushboard for their latest luxury washroom refurbishment. Concierge Camping at the Ratham Estate in Chichester just became even more luxurious. This year, brand new shower suites were added to the 5 star washroom offering. Boasting wet room style shower facilities with Bushboard’s solid grade laminate (SGL) IPS panelling in Wenge laminate along with top of the range brassware and fittings. Read the whole case study on our website.

Ogura Ward is one of 6 wards that makes up Chapters House, the mental health facility in Goodmayes Hospital, Ilford. Bushboard supplied high risk healthcare units – healthcare boxed out units with a rigid aluminium frame and panel system – specifically designed for safe ensuites and communal wet rooms in a high security environment. Anti-ligature sanitaryware, crafted from high impact resistant, anti-shatter moulded resin, was pre-plumbed to the units ensuring the safest possible environment.

The former Royal Military Academy overlooking Woolwich Common finds a new place in history with its stunning restoration, featuring Kingspan OPTIM-R Flooring System. The vacuum insulation panel system was chosen to most of the available space. The original beam and block flooring limited the ability to dig down, so installing the Kingspan OPTIM-R Flooring System in a 30mm thickness allowed for the maintenance of the existing threshold levels whilst also achieving excellent thermal performance.

LAMILUX designed and installed a shallow pitched glass roof for the central courtyard atrium of the student accommodation halls. The 60 equal glass panels formed the 7m X 29m rooflight featuring a sound reduction index of 38dB with double layered heat protection glass. Why LAMILUX were chosen ? LAMILUX could install with a surface inclination of just 3° ? The architect wanted to achieve a class 2 roof for safety of maintenance personnel whilst maintaining a low pitch

Bloomberg’s European Headquarters opened with excitement in October 2017. The marquee building in the heart of London provides new office space for Bloomberg’s 4000 London based employees. We installed over 37,000m2 of Kingspan raised access flooring and 34,000m2 of Kingspan Attiro real wood engineered floor. The combined systems allow quick and easy access to the steel encapsulated floor panels and the underfloor void whilst delivering 98.5% score against the BREEAM sustainability assessment method.

No timber was allowed as part of the new refurb to conform to FM Global (Airbus Insurers) regarding system fire rating. IKO recommended an overlay on the existing deck, which complied with all the latest British Standards and Regulations. IKO Mach One System was chosen as it provided a flame-free System. Where detailing was difficult IKO Polimar EC/UV System was used. The roof refurbishment also included the installation of smoke vents, associated smoke control panels and accessories.

The Barking Central Development project in the Thames Gateway used Howe Green’s 7500 Series access panels to cover vital building services on a colonnade walkway. The durable 7500 Series covers were used to provide access to building services beneath the walkway. The covers are corrosion and weather resistant, a crucial element given their outdoor location. Specialist contractors DMC Group inlaid the surface of the covers with chequered tiling to follow the pattern of the rest of the walkway and to result in an excellent aesthetic finish.

Helmsman won the Berwick Leisure Centre cubicles package and worked across two floors. We manufactured, delivered, and installed fully framed leisure cubicles alongside the integrated plumbing system panels.We altered our orginal fully framed leisure cubicle design to create a bespoke product for Berwick Leisure Centre, creating a floating look from the front. Most cubicles were changing cubicles located on the ground floor and some toilet cubicles on the first floor.

Since it first opened back in October 2017, Liverpool Shopping Park has become one of the UK’s biggest retail and leisure destinations featuring fashion, food and recreation. The retail park boasts particularly good connectivity, both locally and regionally, with approximately 1.8 million people living within a 30-minute drive. The yellow-panelled buildings, designed by AEW Architects, are home to several big brands, including Boots, H&M, Smyths, Outfit and JD Sports.

The Big Data Institute is the second phase of the £115 million Li Ka Shing Centre, and sits alongside its sister building The Target Delivery Institute, which was also delivered by Mace. Working with Swift Crafted on the project we were tasked with supplying a full ironmongery schedule for all the doorsets and WC packages, Swift Crafted commented on how challenging the project was for them due to the complexities surrounding the atrium panelling, entrusting us with the ironmongery scheduling was one less detail they had to be concerned with.

Ash & Lacy supplied curved, expanded mesh Screen panels for a fantastic new office development to house some of the UK’s National Sports Governing Bodies, in Loughborough. Owned by Loughborough University and located on a gateway site to the University campus, SportPark plays host to various sporting organisations in 3 pavilions, over 4 storeys. The project was designed by David Morley Architects and the external envelope materials strike a balance between life span, low maintenance requirements and aesthetics.

Metropolitan Works is London’s first Creative Industries Centre, offering digital manufacturing services, IT suites, training and workspace to local creative businesses and designers. Echoing the form-making processes undertaken at the Centre, the building was conceived as a series of interlocking volumes unified with a perforated aluminium cladding. On the ground floor level, a dramatic frieze by local artist Tom Price has been laser cut into the Ash & Lacy anodized aluminium panels to give the facade a sense of movement and life.

We’ve given a Victorian office building a modern makeover by replacing the existing washrooms with a modern new design. Our flush fronted Alto toilet cubicles, which are designed to provide a virtually seamless façade, were finished with an attractive dark wood effect Engineered Veneer to ensure a consistency of colour for each cubicle door. Laminated duct panels were installed behind the toilets and urinals in a soft grey colour and we also designed bespoke white Corian vanity units.

Good acoustics, like high quality thermal insulation, is one of the most important considerations for house builders and architects. This is because of high density living and, in particular, the popularity of sold floors. For example, one of the latest trends are concrete floors. The problem is further exacerbated by the desire for large areas of glass and the absence of soft furnishings, such as curtains and carpets. The result of all this is that absorption of sound is difficult creating an unpleasant environment. One solution is to line the ceilings with cost effective and high performance Troldtekt acoustic panels.

One of the most talked about subjects in timber cladding are the Vertical Fins.Solid timber or even huge steel forms are cumbersome, heavy and expensive. They often require specialist structural fixings and tame consuming to install.Technowood fins have been created to transform this arena. Simple in design, ultra-light weight and easy to install, saving on materials and labour for large scale commercial projects. In the main they are fabricated in Aluminium and if the spans are excessive they can be manufactured in GRP. All Technowood finishes are real timber…Vertical Fins, which uses Technowood products in facade design, attracts attention with its impressive architecture.There are multiple options for cladding and facade design within the world of Technowood. Interspersed vertical forms with spaces between or even panels of cladding… all manufactured under one roof and delivered to site at the same time, same batch, same material, same colour, same texture all with the same impressive result.Technwood have a showroom in Sky House Design Centre in Amersham, quick access from the Metro line. They also offer CPD presentation during the week direct to your practice… samples and product brochures all also available. Architect: Gokhan Aksoy Architects in collaboration with AS ArchitectsLocation:Private residenceProductTechnowood Fins, Cladding and PanelingCompletion:2016

Following on from the launch of our Brise Soleil earlier in the year, we were approached by Aztec to provide some external structures for Penketh South Primary School in Warrington. With over 30 years’ experience the Twinfix Technical Team had no problems designing structures to suit both their needs and budget.Our expert team designed, manufactured, and installed a 49 sqm free-standing mono-pitch canopy in the front courtyard of the school and two staircase canopies complete with Brise Soleil.The Brise Soleil served two purposes, while providing additional shelter in conjunction with the canopies running above the external staircases, it also enhanced the aesthetics of the area and complemented the building’s exterior.The canopy roofs comprise of our innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF system, the panels conform to the HSE’s recommended drop test for fragility ACR[M]001:2019 with a B designation, meaning they are classified as non-fragile. The Brise Soleil is made up of vertical ellipsoid blades which are 200mm deep and generally 2.1m height. The aluminium blades were powder-coated in RAL 7035 (light grey) and RAL 3020 (red).The structures were installed in time to protect students and staff from the recent heat wave and also in preparation for the inclement weather that the new school year will bring.

The eight storey building Faraday House in London is clad in hand-finished copper alloy, reflecting warm light into the spaces around it. But uncontrolled and excessive sunlight can seriously disrupt the experience of comfort. For this reason, the architect opted for structural solar shading. The DucoSlide panels ensure a drop in the average indoor temperature of up to 12% to combat overheating.The Faraday House in London is a  building with imagination; offering a dazzling composition from the Victorian Railway Bridge. The apartments are part of Circus West Village, the first phase of the Battersea Power Station redevelopment.Full height windows frame views of the River Thames and landscaped courtyard, enhancing the feeling of space and light, whilst private terrace balconies and roof-top gardens provide outdoor space.The eight storey building is clad in hand-finished copper alloy, reflecting warm light into the spaces around it. But uncontrolled and excessive sunlight can seriously disrupt the experience of comfort. For this reason, the architect opted for structural solar shading. The DucoSlide panels ensure a drop in the average indoor temperature of up to 12% to combat overheating. The perforated screens animate the façade and provide home owners with additional solar and acoustic control.The result? A better quality of life for residents and a striking composition for visitors as they travel into London Victoria station.

Britannia Leisure Centre is a new multi-sport community complex in Hackney. A key driver for the client was that the building should have a compact footprint. This was achieved by stacking the facilities, creating a rooftop MUGA with tennis courts and 5-a-side football pitches.Lang+Fulton supplied the external grating panels which crown the building and offer panoramic views of London. These were made from their Terra-34 grating which features an anti-climb aperture. The narrow panels were designed to continue the architectural theme of the building’s columns and vertical elements and were finished in a graphite grey ppc to compliment the neutral palette of stone, concrete and glass.In addition a grating screen was supplied to secure the upper levels of the stairway providing natural daylight and through visibility to the entrance atrium and cafe area.The steel grating also conformed to the requirement for material durability and low maintenance which were key specification considerations.Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney has written, 'I am so proud that we have delivered one of London’s best leisure centres, with absolutely incredible facilities that are affordable for people to enjoy'.The Britannia Leisure Centre has received multiple awards including Overall Building of the Year (New London Architecture).