"floor beams timber"

Homeowner and self-builder Marianne was able to draw on the right help, expertise, and best products – including ROCKWOOL insulation – to realise her dream.ROCKWOOL Timber Frame Slab used for this project is a durable non-combustible stone wool slab that provides thermal, non-combustible insulation for walls and roofs. 

Located in Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, Blar Mor comprises 117 one-to-four-bedroom affordable homes, which have been built by TSL Contractors. The main contractor partnered with AFS (Scotland) to deliver a durable cladding system for timber frame homes, removing the requirement for traditional construction.

Mrs Ballard has recently undertaken an extensive refurbishment and extension project at her traditional 1890s Hertfordshire farmhouse.Replacing the original windows at the front of the home as well as specifying new timber sash windows for the new extension, a stunning new front door was also included as part of the project. Mrs Ballard chose a stunning ‘Lydford’ timber front door from the Dale Joinery range, finished in the shade of ‘Chrome Green’.To complete the look at the front of her home, PVD Stainless Polished Brass door hardware from the Coastal range were specified, including the DKB192 Doctor’s Front Door Knocker, REG090 Regent Lever Door Handle and LP400 Sleeved Letter Plate. The PVD Polished Brass finish was the perfect, complementary choice to the dark green finish of the door, and suits the traditional façade.The new front door really is a statement piece, and has added an extra level of beauty to this stunning countryside property.

A bespoke side sliding sectional garage door by Rundum Meir provides a blend of aesthetics and modern functionality in a Victorian house renovation project. The 19 ft x 12 ft garage has been transformed into a quality working space equipped and finished exquisitely, allowing for use as a utility area or office as well as a vehicular. A clear 2900mm span is provided by a sliding sectional garage door. Hand crafted using knot-free Spruce, this bespoke timber door in RAL 6021 Pale Green is fully automated with insulation between the five solid double skinned timber panels.With one third obscure glazing, the door allows for plenty of natural light to enter the garage. The design of the garage door panels and the cross styles in the window were the customer’s wish to satisfy the local conservation area requirements. It is the perfect example of the role a Rundum Meir garage door can play in transforming a garage to give it new purpose and flexibility.

A beautiful timber frame house, made of Western Red Cedar based in Kings Langley. Kings Langley, Hertfordshire is the birthplace of Ovaltine, the soothing malt drink. The village is divided by the River Gade and endowed with a couple of beautiful lakes.It is here, at one of these lakes, that a charming timber garden house is fitted with beautiful wooden louvres. By Sunshield, in collaboration with Contrasol. We were delighted to assist the owners with custom made external louvres to provide the a much needed perfect solution to reduce glare. Our client is sensitive to light and needed an effective shading product to specifically reduce sunlight entering the internal space.Our client was looking for something to be able to control light as well as a solution to fully block out light at night. The windows are South facing; therefore the louvres were also perfect for shading purposes and heat reduction.The Sunshield team applied the popular 98W which is made from Western Red Cedar to compliment the overall building.

We are proud to have been contracted by Galliford Try, one of the UK’s leading construction groups, to replace over 1,800 timber sash windows at the Dolphin Square site. The window restoration project is estimated to last for 12 months, during which TRC Windows aims to install over 150 windows per month.Galliford Try chose TRC Windows as its preferred supplier due to our unmatched reputation for providing high-quality, durable timber sash windows. We have over 30 years of experience in the industry and our team of skilled craftsmen has a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence.TRC Windows’ project team worked closely with Galliford Try to create a detailed project plan that would ensure the smooth and efficient installation of the new windows. The plan includes a comprehensive schedule of work, a risk assessment, and contingency plans for any unforeseen issues that may arise during the installation process.

The Olympic Village consists of 11 blocks, each block comprising between six and eight individual buildings, which are eight to twelve storeys high. Of the many amenities in the Village, by far the largest usage is for apartments, of which there are around 3000 units.Despite the height and density of the scheme, it has a surprisingly open feel, aided by the glazed winter gardens and mostly generous sized balconies, which are very much in evidence throughout the entire development. There was a huge demand here for the Schöck Isokorb®, with around 10,000 thermally broken structural connections to be considered. For podium slabs and pre-cast balcony applications the Isokorb® T type K, for concrete-to-concrete connectivity was used. The T type S, T type Q-P and Schöck SLD dowels combined to meet the requirement for securing the winter garden balconies. Types SK-MM1 and SK-MM2 for steel-to-concrete, provided the solution for connecting the various concrete frames to steel balconies.Some of the steel balconies had a cantilever length of approximately two metres and in most cases SK-MM2 units offered the ideal solution. However, in certain locations – concrete edge beams for example – the reinforcement bars had to be shaped to suit and for these applications special SK-MM1 modules were utilised.The unusual T-shaped winter gardens provided one of the greater challenges. Remarkably, the winter garden concrete slabs are designed to span two building blocks – approximately seven metres – and it was essential to allow for movement of the slabs by combining the Isokorb® T type Q-P at one end and SLD dowels at the other.Exceptionally strong steel-to-concrete thermal break connections were required and usually the Isokorb® T type SK would be the natural choice. On this occasion however, the forces involved exceeded even the capabilities of the SK units and it was necessary to design a T type S configuration, in combination with a specially developed steel bracket. Back at ground and first floor levels a huge number of T type K concrete-to-concrete thermal breaks were required for the large slab sections. In some cases the extreme dimensions of the slab sections resulted in thermal movement beyond the Isokorb®'s capability and SLD dowels were used in their place.

The proposed developments followed traditional timber kit design, consisting of an outer brick skin 50mm cavity, with an internal 140mm stud frame, and using mineral wool insulation minimum 20mm service void, finished with a plasterboard lining. The brief was to achieve air permeability less than 6m3/h/m².

Sherwood Lodge – a new £18.5m joint headquarters for Nottinghamshire Police and Nottingham Fire & Rescue Service. Scheduled to open by the end 2021. Aspex products were selected by YMD Boon working with Gleeds for Nottinghamshire Police, Fire & Rescue.Products supplied: Ironmongery, Integra Doorsets and Novista Riser Timber Doorsets

Situated on a 19.8-hectare site, the innovative new Barony Campus consolidates fives schools onto one shared community campus, creating a centre for education for the towns of Cumnock, Auchinleck.  Contractor: Morrison ConstructionArchitect: Sheppard RobsonProducts supplied: Ironmongery, Novista Riser Timber, Integra Commercial Doorsets

Timber Conservation™ windows and doors by Mumford & Wood have been specified by a building developer for his own residential property in Poole, Dorset. This large coastal town, once a maritime trade hub, has attracted tourists and visitors to its beaches and landscapes for many decades and is an established area of beauty.

We were delighted to collaborate with Prater on the Bracknell regeneration project. The Marks and Spencer building was one of 6 blocks that we were involved in cladding. This building showcases BTS Fabrications’ Vantage SF Rainscreen in three shades blue, and white high gloss Alucobond. The combination of cladding and timber creates a stunning effect.

Creating a Passivhaus home Balancing sustainability and style, Sort Trae is the culmination of a retired architect’s vision for a home and creative space that blends into a South Yorkshire hillside. HEM Architects helped the client to bring this dream to life, using Knauf Insulation’s glass mineral wool insulation to achieve the incredibly high Passivhaus standards for energy efficiency. Low carbon and high comfort The client envisioned a sustainable build using Passivhaus, a voluntary standard for designing and building properties with very low energy consumption, that offer high levels of comfort for their occupants. To achieve this, the levels of air tightness and thermal performance far exceed those mandated by building regulations. FrameTherm® Slab 32 was friction-fitted within the 140mm thick timber frame walls on the first floor, while DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 was used to fill the stone-clad masonry cavity walls on the ground floor.  “We try to specify fully filled masonry cavity walls where possible, sometimes up to 200mm wide, to maximise the use of mineral wool insulation. It pays dividends for the client”, explained Liam Seaman, Architectural Technologist for HEM Architects. Thermal performance is critical to the Passivhaus approach. The FrameTherm® Slab 32 provided a calculated U-value of 0.137 W/m2K in combination with the black timber frame wall and cladding. For the masonry cavity wall on the ground floor, a fractionally higher U-value of 0.138 W/m2K was achieved using thermally broken wall ties and DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32. This has contributed to Sort Trae’s exceptional thermal efficiency. Because glass mineral wool is flexible and fibrous, slabs knit together and adapt to minor imperfections in the substrate. This tight fit contributed to an overall air change of 0.54 ach (air change per hour), comfortably below the Passivhaus standard of 0.6 ach, meaning the property is air-tight while still providing good ventilation. Sustainable practices Liam explained his reasons for choosing Knauf Insulation, “The alternative products are often oil-based and the application of these is outweighed by the environmental impact of their production and lifecycle.” Both FrameTherm® Slab 32 and DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 are manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. The binder is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders. Knauf Insulation’s glass mineral wool insulation contains up to 80% recycled content, mostly glass bottles and jars. It is also compressed so more product can fit per pack or pallet, and less packaging is used. This means there’s more product per truck, resulting in fewer vehicles on the road, and less packaging per m2 of insulation. Achieving the Passivhaus standard In collaboration with HEM Architects and other suppliers, the client has created a stunning home and an inspiring set-up for her loom-weaving workshop. “It is general practice for us to specify Knauf Insulation as standard because we find the product information available to be really clear and useful”, Liam added. Knauf Insulation’s practical, detailed product information made it HEM Architects’ first choice to achieve the Passivhaus standard for thermal performance. 

A new self-build farmhouse in the beautiful Scottish countryside has been fitted with the high-performing Wraptite air-barrier. The project is designed to Passivhaus standards by Architect Frances Strachan-Friar. Talla Fiodha (‘timber or wooden hall’ in Gaelic), Charleston Farm, near Errol, Perthshire, will be the new home for Frances and her husband.From the outset, the aim was to achieve a more sustainable design and follow a different approach from the traditional timber kit. After undertaking significant research into different types of construction, the architect selected Xilonor CLT cross-laminated timber installed by Glulam Solutions Ltd., Inverurie.Frances Strachan-Friar commented on how the selection of Wraptite has benefitted the development. “The specification of the correct type of airtightness barrier was critical in achieving thermal efficiency. Wraptite was chosen because it allows the airtightness layer to be fitted to the outside of the construction. In doing so, the external application of Wraptite provides essential protection in the form of waterproofing and weatherproofing for the CLT during the build.“The Wraptite system was great and easy to apply, especially around junctions, enabling us to seal all of the junctions completely. The use of a traditional membrane would not have given the same performance. I have previously specified products from the A. Proctor Group, but this was the first time using Wraptite. Proctors provided a comprehensive Toolbox Talk and have been a great support throughout the project.”The Wraptite system is the only self-adhering vapour permeable air barrier certified by the BBA. It combines the critical properties of vapour permeability and airtightness in one self-adhering membrane. As a result, it provides high vapour permeability in a continuously sealed, airtight membrane.The high vapour permeability of the Wraptite air barrier allows the substrate beneath to dry quickly and moisture vapour to escape and reduces the likelihood of mould, mildew, condensation, timber distortion and metal corrosion. The vapour permeability of Wraptite also allows any water vapour to escape efficiently, thereby avoiding interstitial condensation problems.Designed to replace traditional airtightness methods cost-effectively, Wraptite is a low-resistance vapour permeable air barrier, durable, flexible and lightweight, allowing for easy installation, with the added benefit of providing temporary protection against the elements during construction

In the renovation of a substantial property in London SE1, in the historic Borough of Southwark, Mumford & Wood, specialists in the design and manufacture of premium quality timber windows and doors, have supplied Conservation™ casement windows and sliding sash windows for a sensitive renovation. This mixed use building was one of the last remaining plots awaiting development by morelondon.

The new office development for the New Gorbals Housing Association in Glasgow features a variety of aluminium fenestration solutions. Together these have helped create a light and airy workspace and an impressive centrepiece for the wider regeneration of the area.Located on Crown Street, the new commercial office building is complemented by a new civic piazza and has been designed by Page & Park Architects. Flexibility and adaptability were key focuses for the overall design, with the incorporation of daylighting and natural ventilation strategies to boost wellbeing, and large glazed facades to better connect the building with the local community.The welcoming main entrance has been created using Senior’s slimline and thermally-enhanced SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and SPW501 aluminium commercial doors. The fenestration package also includes Senior’s SPW600e aluminium windows which were used throughout. The ground floor glazing has been recessed to provide privacy to the internal work spaces whilst complementing the overall ‘open’ design of the scheme. In contrast, the first-floor glazing protrudes slightly to maximise views of the surrounding city. Senior’s products were fabricated and installed by Scottech for main contractor CCG.The office environment includes both large areas for group work and smaller, more private booths and is centred around a large timber-clad atrium. The use of internal and external glazed partitions and windows helps balance the space, providing links with both the other areas of the building and the outside. The fenestration package has also been designed to provide those using the building with multiple aspect views and daylighting, whilst avoiding overheating and glare from the summer sun. To further complement the overall façade design which features dark grey zinc cladding, and to boost the durability of the aluminium frames, the windows, doors and curtain wall systems were powder coated.

Designed and Manufactured by Simplicity Timber Solutions Accoya was chosen as the ideal wood for these curved folding sliding doors in a project called The Hermitage. Accoya was selected due to its aesthetic appearance and ability not to shrink or swell during seasonal weather changes. Keep a look out as The Hermitage project is set to be featured in the December 2016 issue of Grand Designs.

External Works Package:BX17 4004 Caledonian steel framed seatsBX17 4007 Holyrood steel framed benchesBX17 4015 Springfield timber picnic unitsBXMW/NEWJ Newcastle Junior shelterBXMW/GS0 Sheffield cycle racksBXMT/444/G Maelor Trafflex round plastic litter bins

Traditional-style timber windows and doors from the Conservation™ range by Mumford & Wood have been specified for an impressive new-build property in the much sought after village of Danbury in Essex. The village dates back to medieval times and today has extensive woodland and heath owned by the National Trust and other conservation organisations.

Set in the Highland capital of Inverness, Solasta House is at the heart of the thriving life sciences quarter, Inverness Campus. Threesixty Architecture required a natural, low maintenance product that would give a consistent appearance. The client selected Russwood Accoya® A1 grade timber, made up of 150mm x 50mm boards on modular panels.

 The concept proposed by Urban Planters and Westfield incorporated large timber planters, seating and walkways to bring green country life to a large urban city area. We have now successfully installed several large planting structures around the Westfield Shopping Centre and continue to work closely with Urban Planters in order to achieve the ongoing brief.

THE BRIEFExternal picnic tablesEmanuel School is an independent, co-educational school for pupils aged 10 to 18 located in Battersea, South West London. Langley Design were tasked with providing the school with a range of external picnic tables that could offer the students a place to eat, socialise and work from.We adapted our popular SPT317 picnic tables (which are traditionally provided in Timber or Recycled Plastic) to be manufactured using millboard decking.WHAT WE DIDHand-moulded materialThis is hand-moulded from natural timbers in a unique combination of resin and mineral stone and is almost indistinguishable from real wood yet designed to outperform it. By combining this material with the galvanised and powder coated metal frame we were able to produce our SPT317 unit in a modern and stylish design. THE RESULTDurable and stylish finishThe school were delighted with the result and we look forward to working with them again over the coming years.

Architects HLW reached out to the Radii Pre-Construction Design team back in September 2021 with their design intent for a really unique glazed partition project for British multinational retail company Kingfisher.With the client being the home of many notable DIY and home improvement brands such as B&Q and Screwfix, HLW’s initial design aimed to create a ‘workshop’ aesthetic to the space through a combination of timber doors and upstands with glazed windows.The final design required steel framework to support the glazed windows and create the timber upstands.Radii’s Product Development Department developed this detail with the Pre-Construction team and conducted virtual stress testing to ensure the structures would be adequate to support the weight of the glass.The bespoke nature of the design and system meant that acoustic assessments needed to take place before the system could be specified for the project.Radii’s internal acoustic team helped to develop the design and conducted our own assessments, before the system was externally assessed by a third party to provide certification to the architect.

Our client had an ambitious vision - to construct a property that would be a true testament to innovative architecture. After collaborating extensively with the architect, they conceived the idea of a residential property that would seamlessly blend into its surroundings, almost appearing invisible to the eye.The challenge was to securely attach these extensive reflective panels to a timber frame structure using our NVELOPE® system as the framing material.For this project, we incorporated our NVELOPE® NV1, a thermally broken, isolated bracket system, in collaboration with a specific SFS fixing suitable for the timber substructure and the SDA5 fixing for the T-rail frame. Additionally, we utilized the L-Rail extruded aluminium 6005 which can be cut-to-length on site or pre-cut using the SFS Optimised Cutting Service.One significant advantage of our solution was the aesthetics of the cladding, which remained level without any bulges, ensuring a flawless reflection. This was achieved using our cost-effective and adjustable NVELOPE® NV1 system, along with an appropriate adhesive. 

Elevating Artistry and Functionality at 30 Berkeley Square.Nestled at the intersection of Davies Street and Mount Street, commanding a breath taking view of Berkeley Square, 30 Berkeley Square has become a distinguished landmark within Mayfair. The recent renovation aimed not only to enhance the aesthetics but also to create functional spaces for art showcases and auctions.Our contribution to this transformative project extended beyond the visual spectacle, focusing on the functionality of the space. We supplied bespoke metal riser doors, carefully crafted to blend seamlessly with the overall aesthetic. Fire-rated and tailored to precise specifications, these doors play a crucial role in maintaining safety standards while ensuring a cohesive design throughout the building.To complement the artistic ambiance and add a touch of elegance, timber leaf riser doors were introduced. These bespoke doors, crafted with precision, contribute to the overall aesthetic harmony while serving as functional components within the space. The integration of timber leaf riser doors reflects a commitment to both safety and sophisticated design.

The Sash Window Workshop to replace several traditional timber windows and a back door in a property in Buckinghamshire.The enquiry was assigned to our sales surveyor who arranged a visit to assess the windows and door, answered any questions and provided them with a quotation for the work.A couple of meetings were held with the customer to discuss and review the details of the quotation and an order was placed for a timber back door and 21 replacement casement windows, comprising of a mixture of single, double and bay windows.The door and windows were manufactured in Accoya, which comes with a 50 year anti-rot guarantee alongside The Sash Window Workshop’s 20 year joinery guarantee.Internally the windows and door were painted in a standard white, with a bespoke green paint applied externally.The installation was carried out by The Sash Window Workshop over 2 weeks, with our site manager visiting the property to check that the installation was progressing smoothly.After the work was completed, the couple commented that they were very happy with their new windows and door.

The Trinity Mews project is a residential property in Stepney, in the East-end of London. As a remediation project, the building already featured a roof terrace in disrepair that needed to be replaced. Originally fitted with timber, the wood had begun to rot away. The system used - TerraSmart AluminiumThis is a non-combustible decking system designed for use on terraces or waterproof substrates. The RDFR pedestals, with base rubber shock pads and ADS25 joists, formed the system substructure of the remediated terrace. The finish was made using ADB-60 aluminium decking boards in Anthracite Grey. The TerraSmart Aluminum system is IGNO certified meaning it satisfied the requirement to be A2 s1 d0 fire classified.Further improving on the timber deck it replaced, the system had to be durable and slip-resistant. As ADB boards are classified as a "low slip risk" on wet and dry and see no signs of wear after 100,000 footfalls, they comfortably met both sets of criteria.Location: StepneyCompleted: 2021Client: A property management company

Glazing Vision rooflights were used in the re-construction of this mews house situated in the prime real estate and conservation area of Mayfair, London. The building is an exceptional example of stunning architecture and elegant, contemporary interiors. Whilst adding a majestic character to the mews itself with its dark brick façade and impactful balcony, the outer appearance belies the vast size of the residence internally. After the demolition of the former mews house and after 2 years of construction, which had even necessitated underpinning the neighbouring houses, this property now accommodates a basement with indoor pool, lower ground floor with cinema room, open plan living and dining space, 2 floors of bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as additional terraced balconies.Keeping the interiors bright and airy throughout was key to the design concept – floor to ceiling windows and Flushglaze Walk On Rooflights from Glazing Vision were installed to maximise the daylight where it would have been otherwise compromised on the ground and second floors. In addition, a Glazing Vision 3 Wall Box Rooflight provides unimpeded access from an internal staircase to the impressive roof terrace, which is recessed down 1 1/2metres between 2 pitched roofs and which offers a vast outdoor space for entertaining, dining and relaxing.Two Flushglaze Walk On rooflights were specified by the architect to negate the risk of potential dark spots appearing in the dining zone and living area on the ground floor. Engineered by Glazing Vision to bespoke sizes and to meet the future projected foot traffic upon them, they were seamlessly integrated into the balconied terrace on the second floor, thus shedding light through to the bench seating in the kitchen and lounge.Their minimal internal framework was in keeping with the contemporary aesthetic of the interior, and both rooflights augment the quality and quantity of light entering this open plan area, even extending out towards the central stairwell and landing.Two further custom-sized Flushglaze Walk On Rooflights installed on the roof terrace add an intricate design detail but also create a wow factor. Perfect for flat roof terraces, these rooflights lie flush with the wooden decking. Again tested to allow for regular foot traffic and to bear the weight of terrace furniture, the rooflights offer complete safety and watertight integrity. On the second floor below, the two windowless bathrooms are flooded with the light coming through these rooflights – indeed such is the brightness of these rooms that privacy blinds have been installed for occasional use.Seeking to optimise the very large roof space that had been created (4m x 8m) the architect specified Glazing Vision’s 3 Wall Box Rooflight, which would offer easy access all year round to the roof terrace and also provide a contemporary glass feature. For the accommodation of the 3 wall mounted box rooflight a timber box frame had to be built which abutted the exposed brick wall behind.The property’s imposing central staircase provides access to the box rooflight, which in turn maximises the light falling down the stairwell to the bottom of the house. At a touch of a button from an access keypad, the sliding roof retracts to give a 50% clear opening with no “bowing of the head” necessary. The operation is quiet and safe, and the provision of a rain sensor ensures closure from inclement weather.

Located in Hampshire and partly funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development which invests in rural areas, this farm shop is packed with delicious, locally grown food and household essentials.Project Year: 2020Product: ASSA ABLOY SL510 Slim Eco 4 panel bi-parting sliding door.  See our sliding door rangeProject Background:  The client was working with a tight schedule to have an existing brick building fitted with a sliding door and pocket screens to be part of a new country store. Looking to enhance accessibility whilst giving a modern look to the traditional farm shop, they got in touch with our local expert who visited the site to assess all requirements.Solution: We proposed our SL510 Slim Eco beam-mounted system with a bi-parting operator and 22mm clear insulated laminated glazed units. Combined activation/threshold presence detection sensors and glazed pocket screens to comply with EN16005, making it a safe and convenient entrance that complimented the existing brick structure. Working together with the client and our operations team, we also managed to expedite the order to work to meet the much awaited opening day.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

Ahmarra manufactured fire doors for Brunel University London, on behalf of the main contractor.Manufactured from sustainably timber, these doors are faced with Formica’s stylish Terril (F2297) dark grey high pressure laminate.As with all of our Education Range, these pre-hung doorsets were supplied with factory-fitted stainless steel ironmongery, ensuring full compliance.

The University of West England has added high-quality accommodation to its Frenchay campus. The buildings on Coldharbour Lane consist of townhouse-style accommodation and 23 self- contained flats. RCM were appointed by Unique Envelope Façade Solutions to supply over 1,000m2 of Rockpanel Metallics in order to add a special effect façade to the timber frame buildings.

Sustainability was a key consideration for global management consulting firm Boston Consulting Group’s relocation to new premises at 80 Charlotte Street, London.Led by the vision of architects Piercy&Company, the design for the space would see timber framed partitioning used across 257 meeting rooms and offices to create an eye-catching finish with a low carbon footprint.

Replacement like-for-like period style timber windows from the Mumford & Wood Conservation™ range have been installed in the thermal upgrade programme of St Margaret’s junior girls’ boarding house at the famous Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Other boarding houses at the school have also been refurbished in recent years with window replacements by Mumford & Wood.

Happy campers can now make the most of the great outdoors in style.Gripsure has supplied the camping and glamping site Herding Hill Farm in Northumberland with non-slip decking to complete the popular site’s ‘Wigwam glamping Pods’ and outdoor hot tub areas. Around 105 of our Gripsure Classic style three-metre boards have been used to create stunning slip-resistant outdoor spaces for visitors to enjoy.5-star Herding Hill Farm, located just a stone’s throw from the world-famous Hadrian’s Wall, has 17 warm and cosy wooden Wigwam cabins (glamping pods), designed for guests who like a little more luxury when it comes to sleeping under the stars. Gripsure decking has provided the perfect solution to creating all-weather, low-maintenance, non-slip outdoor spaces which perfectly complement the timber-built glamping pods. Our sustainable, FSC and PEFC-approved decking has also been used around the site’s eight, luxurious outdoor hot tubs.Site Manager Phil Humphreys, a former carpenter, says he’s really pleased with the look and the quality of Gripsure's decking. “We’re a campsite open all year round and in the winter, the weather can be treacherous,” said Phil, who has been working at Herding Hill Farm since 2018. “One of the first jobs I wanted to do was to rebuild the steps to the pods and the designated hot tub areas both to improve guest access and also their visual appearance. I did not believe that composite decking was the right solution. All of the glamping pods are made from timber and I felt like plastic decking just wouldn’t tie-in well. I’d heard about Gripsure’s non-slip timber decking and thought it would be ideal.”Hundreds of people, including walkers, families and their dogs visit the pet-friendly campsite Herding Hill in Haltwhistle, Northumberland every year, drawn to the site’s incredible wide, open spaces and breathtaking location close to Hadrian’s Wall. Luxury 5-star amenities, including a shower and toilet block with under-floor heating, baths and a sauna, meaning Herding Hill is a favourite with a range of campers and glampers. These range from just-pitch-and-go tenters, caravanners and motorhomers to glampers who are looking for the perfect getaway with at least some of the comforts of home.Herding Hill is also known as a Dark Skies campsite with spectacular Northumberland stargazing on offer in this area, famous for its night-time views. Having the right outdoor spaces to accommodate such a range of people in such a range of seasons and circumstances was vital.“The Gripsure decking is working really well,” said Phil, who runs the 10-year-old site with his wife, Sue. “We’re so pleased with it”. Phil also wanted to thank the staff at Gripsure for being so helpful and efficient at organising and then delivering the decking on time – despite being based more than 400 miles away in Cornwall. “I can’t fault Gripsure,” said Phil. “I would absolutely recommend them.”

A high-profile project, involving the unique new Sconnex® type W thermally insulating wall connection, is Haberdashers’ Boys’ School, just north of London.   It is one of the UK’s leading independent boys' schools and sets exemplary standards, in both educational terms and in its facilities as well.  Demonstrated by the new reinforced concrete extension to the Preparatory School, where cube_design architects were commissioned to produce a design for three additional classrooms and relocated changing facilities.  Jane Lock-Smith, the founder of cube_design and RIBA Client Design Advisor within the Building Schools for the Future programme, observes: “The design is respectful to the style of the existing building, but offers a contemporary twist through the use of full height glazing and charred timber cladding. A colonnade also minimises the buildings footprint.  Our detailing took into account that around 40% of all thermal bridges in a building are caused by walls and supports.  The Schöck product offers an application-friendly, high-quality solution that contributes to a permanently sustainable building concept”.   The outstanding insulation performance is combined with an excellent load bearing capacity, which transmits very high pressure, tensile and shear forces, both in the longitudinal and transverse direction. The ultra-high performance pressure buffer achieves compressive strength levels in excess of 175 N/mm2. Sconnex® type W also achieves a significant cost reduction when compared with the installation of insulation beneath the floor slab.  

Situated in one of the most expensive boroughs in the Capital, this grade 2 listed building houses 24 luxury apartments, and 1 penthouse across its 6 floors.This building was ahead of its time in 2008-10, with a curved façade and panoramic views for each apartment, designed by award-winning architects Dixon Jones. Dixon Jones Architects closed its door in September 2020 after 30 years. The architects state they were negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and were both in their 80s when they closed. Some of their most famous projects include the Royal Opera House, National Gallery and Oxford and Cambridge Universities to name a few.The prices of the apartments range between £1-2 million and its understandable when the interior features contemporary finishes, full-height windows, balconies with private terraces, lift access and a car parking space. It’s set in an ideal location with 3 stations all within 0.6 miles and Chelsea football club, and Westminster hospital both within walking distance.We worked with the Architects to reach the solution of our timber leaf riser door system, Una. This allowed them to fit standard ironmongery including locks, flush bolts, and handles. The architect chose to go with our butt hinges to allow for a contemporary finish to match the interiors, although these riser doors were installed in the corridors.