"wall finishes internal"

Opened in 2009, Droylsden Academy in Manchester is a contemporary, open plan teaching environment. The state-of-the-art secondary school serves 1,400 pupils, however since opening it had become apparent that its design and layout had some challenges, in a large part due to the sound pollution associated with the open-plan layout. Contractors Buildmain were briefed to reconfigure a number of areas in order to minimise reverberation and improve the learning environment – and looked to CMS Danskin to identify an appropriate remedial acoustic solution.The ChallengeOne area of the school that needed particular attention was the music room, which was too large to be conducive to effective music practice. Contractors Buildmain were briefed to reconfigure the space into four separate rooms, to provide a soundproof environment for music recital and practice. The new practice rooms were to adjoin an existing classroom and the communal corridor, so controlling reverberation was an integral part of the scheme – the architects had specified the control of sound levels up to 68dB.The SolutionA complete overhaul of the existing music rooms was required – partition walls were removed and a new layout designed to incorporate the four separate practice rooms, an internal corridor and a store room. To achieve the dB rating of 68, Buildmain opted for a combination of acoustic solutions provided by CMS Danskin, including SuperPhon panels in all four rooms.In order to control reverberation in the area, Buildmain constructed the new rooms using a twin-wall method, using 15mm Soundbloc plasterboard with an acoustic matting sandwiched between the layers. The walls were then over-clad using IsoMax Acoustic Insulation Clips. A total of 20 panels were installed by direct fix to the walls of each of the four new music rooms. The 50mm thick panels were supplied in three sizes; 1200x600mm, 1000x500mm and 1000x750mm, and the colour was matched to the school’s existing interior scheme.To offer even higher levels of absorption, CMS Danskin recommended SuperPhon acoustic wall panels to reduce reverberation times and reflected sound. To assist with the correct specification, a CMS Danskin representative visited the site, at short notice, to assess the rooms and subsequently advised on the best options for the SuperPhon panels.The ResultCMS Danskin worked closely with contractors Buildmain in order to meet the very tight time frame of six weeks to install the Superphon wall panels – the project needed to be completed within the school summer holidays, so that the rooms were ready for pupils on their return to school in September 2016.Paul Bryan of Buildmain said: “We had to fit eight weeks’ work into the six-week summer holiday, and CMS Danskin impressed us with their ability to turn around the product so quickly. Not only were they able to deliver to meet our schedule, they were also able to send out an expert to advise on the best options to meet the specification, all within the timeframe.”

The refurbishment of children's wards at Leighton Hospital by the Estates Management Team at Mid Cheshire Hospitals aimed to alleviate the distress often associated with hospital visits for young patients. Recognizing the anxiety induced by unfamiliar surroundings, the team prioritized transforming clinical spaces into welcoming environments conducive to children's wellbeing and recovery.Employing an innovative approach, large format prints of wildlife in forest and jungle settings adorned the walls behind beds, accompanied by soft natural colours on walls, panels, and fixtures. The use of RAL Green 6019 on the DeepClean LST radiator guards contributed to the soothing ambiance, seamlessly blending with the floor covering and complementing the blue panelling behind the wall-mounted washbasins. This thoughtful design choice aimed to create a calming and tranquil atmosphere for children during their recuperation.Furthermore, the choice of RAL White 9003 for the guards in the ward corridors maintained a clean and hygienic environment. The DeepClean guards, featuring a patented drop-down front panel for easy access and a BioCote anti-microbial coating, played a crucial role in upholding hygiene standards in critical care areas.To further enhance the natural theme, Contour supplied a column casing finished in RAL Brown 1019, harmonizing with the jungle and forest-inspired décor. This comprehensive refurbishment initiative demonstrates a commitment to not only aesthetics but also the holistic wellbeing of young patients undergoing treatment at Leighton Hospital.

This new £22m state of the art leisure centre in Berwick, Northumberland, has been designed by GT3 Architects and features a striking glazed façade created using Senior’s slim profile SF52 curtain wall system.Senior worked closely with specialist contractor Crown Doors and Shutters Limited and main contractor Tolent Construction Ltd to deliver the landmark leisure scheme which is set to breathe new life into the area by replacing the town’s previous leisure centre. To ensure the town’s existing Swan Centre could remain operational throughout, the new leisure centre was constructed in two phases with the project team working closely to carefully coordinate each element of the build to limit the disruption to the local community.As well as creating an inviting and welcoming main entrance, the thermally-enhanced SF52 aluminium curtain wall system will also help improve the energy-efficiency of the scheme whilst maximising the use of natural daylight.Senior’s SF52 aluminium system features attractive slim sightlines and enhanced thermal performance to help boost energy-efficiency. Available as a mullion drained system which removes the need for visible drainage slots, Senior’s SF52 curtain wall can be specified as capped, silicone sealed or as a combination of the two for even greater design flexibility. Thanks to Senior’s in-house powder coating facility, the SF52 system is available in an almost unlimited range of colours and finishes.

Congratulations to Deicke Richards (DR) Architects for their win at this year’s 2020 Learning Environments Australasia Awards for excellence in educational design. The John Paul College (JPC) Kindergarten extension articulates the college’s Reggio Emilia approach to teaching and learning within an Australian context. Reggio Emilia is an early learning education style that values children as capable and resilient and rich with wonder; it emphasises hands-on, discovery learning that allows children to actively engage all their senses, guided by educators rather than directed.The kindy’s program is strongly art and nature-based and focuses on encouraging children to creatively problem solve, engage deeply with personal and group projects, and to experience nature with freedom and wonder.To support this program, Deicke Richards led a collaborative process with a diverse stakeholder team to produce a design framework that fosters engaging experiences with climate; form (external, internal and transitional spaces); light; colour; materials and texture; smell; sound; and taste. Marmoleum flooring was chosen as the main internal floor finish as it fits the design and teaching philosophy.Marmoleum is made from natural raw materials, many of which grow and are renewable. The material is produced CO2 neutral without offsetting and can be sustainably recycled at the end of its useful life. Marmoleum is healthy, containing zero plastics and is asthma and allergy approved by the British Allergy Foundation. Marmoleum thanks to the linseed base is inherently bacteriostatic naturally inhibiting the growth of common bacterial and viral infections creating a better interior for children and staff.The kindy’s new building has a logical layout. Two classrooms are separated by a central amenities block and open onto a generous verandah that flows into the “piazza” or green heart. Each classroom is characterised by an internal “Atelier” form which offers focused respite from other activities – a sunken studio features in ‘The Burrow’ classroom, while a playful house-like structure punctuates ‘The Nest’ classroom. These unique Atelier spaces are dedicated to creative exploration and elevate the children’s art-focused learning experiences.JPC Kindy’s thoughtfully layered learning experiences exemplify how the values of a kindy – or any educational institution – can be meaningfully embedded in its environmental and spatial design.Diecke Richards founded in 1994 is renowned for their collaborative processes and inclusive culture. DR has a commitment to using their skill in design to achieve a social purpose and this is evident in the JPC kindergarten community project.

Project DescriptionThe new £6M Savoy Cinema Multiplex is the latest phase in the transformation of the former Tresham College site, which has seen Corby Borough Council and the Homes and Communications Agency (HCA) merge their land to provide large-scale commercial development opportunities. Savoy Cinemas complex is capable of seating more than 900 people across six wall-to-wall screens in spacious, stadium seated auditoria.Specific Project ChallengesConsiderable budget restraints for envelope materialsExpedited 9-month build programmeBespoke, complex curved roof and façade designSolutions OfferedSite rolled top sheets were supplied to provide a continuous seamless finish to the standing seam roof, whilst also offering time savings against programme.2mm thick, anodised aluminium plank, supported by a bespoke helping hand support system, to provide a cost effective, yet flexible and accurate façade solutionA single point 25-year warranty covering roof and façade products, including interface detailing between systems.

Having purchased a beautiful plot in the Sussex Countryside, our client designed a luxury basement health suite with spectacular lighting effects. Sauna360 UK was invited to provide a specially designed bespoke sauna and steam room to complete this home spa.Bespoke Sauna: Our client came to us with a design idea for a modern, sleek sauna interior that did not use traditional horizontal or vertical wall panelling. Sauna360 UK was able to bring the client's ideas to life using bespoke sauna boards to create a clean, contemporary look that is just as efficient and comfortable whilst also achieving the desired aesthetic. A full glass fascia was used to complete the sauna allowing the client to enjoy a spectacular view of the indoor pool and bespoke space wall art beyond; featuring real still footage captured by the NASA Hubble Telescope!Bespoke Steam Room: Sauna360 also installed an opulent, bespoke steam room alongside the sauna. Finished in a deep blue glass mosaic with generous, sweeping roll front benches, the client is able to relax in comfort and style. 

THE PROJECTSVita Student is the UK’s only experience-led accommodation brand. The company offers some of the most luxurious properties in the student market supported by exceptional service and a commitment to service and customer engagement.The numerous VITA Student projects we have manufactured mailboxes for have wall recessed the banks of MODA Mailboxes. Wall recessed mailboxes maximise available space in the area of installation and ensure that all health & safety requirements are achieved.The banks of mailboxes contain products finished in a variety of colours that adhere to the branding guidelines set out by the design team at VITA Students. The colours used in the bank of mailboxes are arranged in a random pattern.Each mailbox has been engraved and infilled with a contrasting colour, allowing both mail delivery personnel, residents and management staff to identify the correct mailbox to use.Thoughts on the Project “Working directly with our design manager, The Safety Letterbox Company has produced colourful configurations of mailboxes that adhered to our strict branding guidelines, as well as promoting a fun and vibrant style.” – Helen White, Vita Student –

Spearheading an ambitious programme of regeneration, Canada Water Library resembles an inverted ‘ziggurat’ – a terraced pyramid of successively receding storeys – that partly overhangs the Canada Water basin.The £1.4m building sits at the edge of a civic plaza and a stretch of open water. The expanding pyramid form integrates a compact footprint at ground level with progressively wider floors above. The building is clad in light bronze anodised aluminium panels with sequined perforations, interspersed with recessed curtain wall screens. This design gives the project a sculptural appeal and a striking visual effect.Finished in bronze anodised aluminium, the structural sealant glazed facade and commercial doors were specified for the ground floor. A Visible Grid Facade has being used for the strips of curtain walling to the three upper floors, with top hung concealed vents and aluminiumdoors providing access to the balconies.The library forms part of the vibrant quayside at Canada Water - a historic Docklands that was once a bustling port. It was designed to exemplify the importance of the library, education and community facilities for local people and focus on the new phase of regeneration.

THE PROJECTThe ‘Bronze Project’ is a multi-occupancy residential development that has been designed with a distinctive high-end project finish.The development features multiple banks of wall recessed post boxes in the reception lobby area which is located near to the entrance of the building. It is positioned in this area so that both mail delivery personnel can deposit items in a short space of time from a centralised location, and recipients are able to quickly access their deliveries as they pass by the mailboxes.The mailboxes are recessed into the wall which maximise the available space and ensure that Health & Safety requirements are conformed to.The mailbox model used in the ‘Bronze Project’ is the COM 2 Steel Door – 127 product. This type of horizontal mailbox is ideal for developments that require a large number of mailboxes to securely store deliveries for recipients in a restricted amount of space. The horizontal dimensions of the product (small height, large width with a relatively large depth) allow for multiple mailboxes to be stacked on top of each other, maximising the quantity of products in one area.Each mailbox has been engraved with a number which corresponds to their apartment address.

The Sniezka Medica Spa, a multipurpose hotel with great urban appeal, is located in Łomnica, Poland. Atlas Concorde floors and tiles help shape the contemporary design of the large spaces of this hotel. Every detail of the project and the choice of materials have been designed to give the best reception to an international clientele.Marble-finish ceramic surfaces for scenic patterns and geometries in space Spaces are modern and welcoming. In the hall and in the area in front of the hotel’s reception, the star is Marvel PRO, which outlines the floors in scenic and practical interiors. Here, interior design plays with an alternation of light shades, such as Cremo Delicato, and dark shades, such as Noir St. Laurent. The honed finish of the Marvel PRO marble-effect stoneware gives unprecedented shine. In the Noir St. Laurent nuance, the stoneware surface resembles a kind of French marble with a dark ground, shades ranging from rich brown to deep black, outlined by white veins. It alternates with Cremo Delicato, which looks like a kind of Italian marble in a beige shade that verges on ivory, standing out for its delicate brown veins.Stone-effect stoneware for outdoor safety and aesthetic impact   In the hotel’s three entrances, stoneware surfaces celebrate a luscious, attractive nature with the Trust collection by Atlas Concorde. The ceramic surfaces of the Trust collection look like stone, with similarly rich details. Titanium was the colour of choice for this architectural project, as it takes inspiration from a precious split stone, embedding its scratches and elegant colour streaks.

Castle Hill Hospital, at Cottingham near Hull, is defending busy areas of the hospital interiors from impact damage with the help of Yeoman Shield protection products.Serving the population of Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire, the hospital has approximately 370 beds and caters for the majority of the trusts elective activity as well as housing the award- winning Queen’s Centre for Oncology and Haematology.The refurbishment of the Plastic Surgery Outpatients ground floor corridors and First floor I.C.U. corridors saw Yeoman Shield 200mm protection rail installed. The rails are fitted on a 60mm PVC “stand-off” spacers allowing them to be utilised as a handrail for those requiring it.A strengthening solid inner core ensures the rail is capable of taking the heaviest of blows from motorised or wheeled trolleys and equipment saving the wall from structural damage and marking.The vulnerable corners and terminating ends of the rail are equally protected from impact with the addition of Yeoman Shield’s new rubber, hardwearing and durable stop ends and wall return accessories.The busy catering department and corridors were also suffering from impact damage caused by the movement of the catering trolleys, food warmers and equipment. To combat costly damage to the décor Yeoman Shield 200mm protection rail has again been installed this time “flat-back” to the wall.For a hygienic yet protective finish to the walls Yeoman Shield smooth food grade wall panels were installed from floor to ceiling with extra defence in the form of the 200mm protection rail.All Yeoman Shield products were installed by directly employed Yeoman Shield fixing operatives ensuring an efficient and accurate first time fit.“The work carried out to corridors and catering department was undertaken with due consideration of each busy section of the hospital and to suit their working arrangements, including any out of hours working. All went very well and each department commented on how well the work went and how good the improvement is” Alan Parry, Estates Officer (Building).

THE PROJECTThe Avant-garde project features multiple banks of mailboxes that include both vertical and horizontal mail types. The mailboxes used in the project were produced using our high-quality Stainless Steel material with a 316L grade finish.The banks of mailboxes are divided between wall mounted and freestanding installation, providing a solution for a project where the available space is limited. The banks of freestanding mailboxes were mounted upon a support frame custom designed for the project to provide a secure and stable base for the banks.All banks in the project are situated in a finish surround created using American White Oak Veneer with a Wenge Stain to enhance the look and feel of the location.The Avant-garde project is based in the trendy urban London hotspot Shoreditch, and required the mailboxes to be of the very highest quality to enhance the mail reception area.PROJECT DETAILSProject Type: Private AccommodationProduct: Stainless Steel 1 (Vertical) Mailbox | Stainless Steel 2 (Horizontal) MailboxInstallation: Freestanding Accessories :American White Oak Veneer Surround, Engraving

CementMix have won the 2020 edition of the iF Design Award, an international competition established in 1953 which has become a symbol of excellence in the world of design.

Liquid have won the 2022 edition of the iF Design Award, an international competition established in 1953 which has become a symbol of excellence in the world of design.

Color2.0 have won the 2024 edition of the iF Design Award, an international competition established in 1953 which has become a symbol of excellence in the world of design.

One of London's most high-profile exhibition and conference spaces, Olympia, has been given a makeover thanks to the Dulux Trade team. Olympia is an exhibition centre, event space and conference centre in West Kensington. The venue is host to a variety of international trade and consumer exhibitions, conferences and events. Dan Burford of LPC Contractors, who carried out the refurbishment, says: “We had 14 days and two teams of 15 appliers doing 12 hours shifts. One team would do a shift 8am-8pm, and the other from 8pm-8am. The labour cost around £130K. “We painted the walls and columns in the Grand Hall, the upper gallery area and the west and upper west wings. These spaces are regularly used for events and the organisers were commenting that it looked a little run-down, so it was important to keep it looking fresh. “The classic shade, Spindrift, a very pale blue, was used for the grand hall and stairways, a simple refresh of the existing wall colour. The product used was Dulux Trade Diamond Eggshell. The previous Dulux Trade coating had lasted 10 years, so the team were confident that the paint’s durability would make it the right choice once again, especially with latest stain resistant formulation of Dulux Trade Diamond Eggshell. Lenny Jones, F/M Operation Manager at London Olympia, adds: “Because of Dulux Trade Diamond’s superior durability and long-wearing power, it’s the only paint formulation I would feel confident in specifying for London Olympia. Since the refurb we’ve held three events and, every organiser has commented on how bright and clean the space looks now.”

Standing tall in a prime location at the entrance to the Salford Quays – one of Greater Manchester’s most vibrant and prominent media and culture hubs – Anchorage Gateway is here to make a statement. The 250,640 sq ft, 29-storey residential high-rise, completed three months ahead of schedule, is set to be the tallest residential brickwork building in the UK.  Yet, behind this traditional brick façade finish is a design that demanded a modern approach to diverting moisture from the cavity to the outside of the building, using construction methods far more efficient than the conventional. Key information Completion date September 2023 Sector Residential Developer Cole Waterhouse Main Contractor Domis Construction Façade Contractor Kinlan Brickwork Delivery Architect Jon Matthews Architects  Products used Siderise CT Cavity Tray  Design and specification Representing the gateway entry point into Salford Quays, the build-to-rent (BTR) Erie Dock Apartments (Eda) development replaced a vacant four-storey office block of 1990s construction with a building designed to offer a truly contemporary residential experience. Hosting 290 apartments of various sizes and private amenities such as co-working spaces, a fitness studio, a screening room, and more, it was important that the building’s exterior reflected a feeling of home and community, giving it a sense of place in this rapidly developing part of the city.  The building’s L-shaped footprint is emphasised by the use of stepped massing, with the slimmer block extending to the top of the building and external rooftop terraces at the crown of each ‘block’. Each elevation is constructed from pale-coloured brickwork, supported by an SFS System and concrete core works, giving the building a solid and striking, yet clearly domestic feel in an area dominated by glazing and cladding.  Moisture management is a fundamental element of any masonry construction, and cavity trays must be installed to ensure that any rainwater entering the wall cavity through the external brickwork is directed away from the inner structure, reducing the risk of internal damp and mould. Main contractor, Domis Construction, and brickwork contractor, Kinlan, had previously been using the traditional approach comprising metal cavity trays. However, in their search for a more efficient method that could improve the speed and cost of delivery without compromising on quality, they came across Siderise CT Cavity Tray.  After carrying out their due diligence, the team engaged the Siderise Site Services to deliver training onsite, which included a benchmark installation. It was then that Domis Construction and Kinlan realised the huge labour and time-saving benefits Siderise CT Cavity Tray could offer and that ‘it did what it said on the tin’. The factory-engineered system was subsequently trialled on a section of another Salford project before being put forward to the fire consultants and building control officers for the high-rise Anchorage project.  The CT Cavity Tray achieves an A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire classification to EN 13501-1, is BBA certified and can comply with NHBC, LABC and Premier Guarantee warranty requirements.  David Ashworth, Project Manager, Domis Construction: “Siderise CT Cavity Tray has been a gamechanger for us. We’d been using traditional all-metal cavity trays, site-formed and pre-formed. Even though we’d used Siderise Cavity Barriers and Firestops before, we were somewhat unsure about this single-fix tray and insulation combo at first.   Nevertheless, we researched the product, confirming that it met regulatory compliance criteria and seeing the potential benefits in terms of time saving ability, labour cost reduction, and scaled-down site complexities associated with specialist tools, equipment, and segregated workshop areas for onsite fabrication.”  Installation and inspection Over 3,200 units of Siderise CT Cavity tray were used on the project, helping to realise installation benefits that carried real value for the project. On previous projects where traditional cavity tray solutions were used, the installation teams would need to share masts with the bricklayers on a 50/50 circa ratio. This meant that the bricklayers would take longer to complete their job, due to the time it would take to form and fit the cavity trays, as well as other products, ahead of them.   By using the pre-engineered Siderise CT Cavity Tray, which combines a flexible aluminium tray with non-combustible insulation, the installation team was able to install this lightweight element much faster with just a cutting knife and sealing tape for joining at details such as corners or windows. The requirement for specialist equipment, isolated onsite workshop zones, vast site storage facilities, soldering, sealants and installing insulation as a separate fix and was eliminated, enabling them to free up mast usage, with an estimated ratio of 70/30 in the bricklayers’ favour, speeding up the build programme.   David Ashworth, Project Manager, Domis Construction: “Working with our brickwork contractor, Kinlan, the Siderise Site Services team came down and delivered an in-person practical training programme before the install and it was during this in-depth session that we started to realise the operational advantages it would have. They have also been supporting us continually on the build, checking how we are installing their product and giving us any advice necessary to ensure a top-class delivery.”  Summary Anchorage Gateway demonstrates, with tangible evidence, how traditional building methods can be improved using modern products that have been engineered and tested to meet the demands of contemporary construction, allowing the creation of beautiful brickwork buildings without sacrificing on speed or quality of build.  

AG is proud to have played an intrinsic part in the redevelopment of the Curragh Racecourse in Co Kildare – Irish racing’s biggest ever capital development project, which opened to the public in May at an estimated cost of over €80 million.AG supplied TerraPave® flagstones in Genoa (Ground and Textured) to internal and external areas of the new grandstand and outer buildings. The internal flags for Phase 2 were Genoa Ground 600×400, manufactured with a square edge. Internally, AG also supplied made-to-order steps with strip inserts and a unique notch to the underside to improve safety.The external flags were Genoa Textured 600×400, which were used on the external balcony areas of the stand.“At a site meeting with the client, John Sisk & Sons (main contractor), Grimshaw Architects from London and NMA Architects from Dublin, it became clear that AG were the sole company that could meet all the criteria for all parties,” said Brendan Reynolds, Specifications & Commercial Sales Consultant.“The original specification was for natural granite, but time, costs and consistency of colour became issues for all involved. AG suggested TerraPave® Genoa, in both textures, to suit the internal and external areas, which matched the colour requirement of the specification. We were also able to provide matching steps to meet Part M Building Regulations and a square edge to the flags, which the client wanted.“Finally, we were able to agree a production programme which met with Sisk’s requirement to hand over the building in the first week of April 2019.”

THE PROJECTThe Safety Letterbox Company are excited to be involved in the re-development of the historic Television Centre project. Previously home to the BBC since it’s launch in 1960, the Television Centre has been re-developed to provide private residential apartments, offices, television studios, restaurants and a range of other health & wellness amenities.The Safety Letterbox Company worked directly with the Stirling prize award-winning architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris and bespoke joinery and carpentry specialists, Atlantic Contracts on the project.THE PRODUCTAllford Hall Monaghan Morris architects had a specific design requirement for the integration of the mailboxes in the development. The product had to feature a minimalistic design finish, ensuring the mailbox blended into the project location, whilst enhancing the overall design of the area of installation.The development required multiple banks of mailboxes, with each bank located in lobby areas throughout the project, allowing residents to quickly collect their mail when passing through the space. The installation wall features a convex curve that gives a unique layout to the bank of mailboxes.As is popular with prestigious projects, the sub-contractor required a site survey which The Safety Letterbox Company completed to ensure an understanding of the site profile was used, also enabling any outstanding issues to be resolved before progressing.All of the mailboxes have been recessed within the wall, optimising the space in the lobby area and ensuring that all health and safety requirements are achieved in the project walkways.The mailbox models used were the NW2 and COM 2 – 180 mailboxes. Both of these mailbox models are extremely popular having been used on notable projects including Fitzroy Place and King’s Cross Tapestry (NW2), Barratt Homes – Nine Elms and Reflections (COM 2).The bank of COM 2 mailboxes are finished in a high-quality non-standard Bronze colour finish (code: D2525 YW283F), and the bank of NW2 mailboxes use a designer colour finish (Tiger Hochwetterfest | 068/15069). Both of these finishes conform the specific project branding guidelines and match other project hardware. Mailboxes are engraved in a contrasting silver numbering etched on to the face of the mailbox, corresponding to the resident’s apartment number.USE AS A TV STUDIOThe Television Centre development is now home to a variety of daytime TV programmes including This Morning, Lorraine, Good Morning Britain, Loose Women and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.The Centre was initially used as a short-term location for filming ITV television programmes whilst their home in ‘The London Studios’, located in Waterloo, London, was redeveloped. In October 2018 it was announced that this would be the permanent home for filming going forward.Take a look at the video below featuring Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby talking about their new home in the Television Centre development and a little about the history of the location.

Welsh Slate’s Blue Grey Ffestiniog roofing slates have helped to transform St Pancras International from near demolition to an iconic gateway to Europe.

CABI, the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International, have moved into their brand new bespoke global headquarters for the organisation in Wallingford, Oxfordshire. Sitting in an area of outstanding natural beauty, this unique office development by architects, Scott Brownrigg, has been built with a low impact design and a strong emphasis on low carbon. The complete development incorporates energy-saving measures above current Building Regulations standards.  Whilst the outside of the building has been designed to be unobtrusive, allowing it to blend into its environment, internally the design has certainly been given the wow factor.  Rooflights allow natural light into the building, which continues to flow throughout by clever use of Lusso Atria glazing and Lusso 25 single frameless glazing. The glazed atrium has been installed with stunning affect and glazed partitions provide a 2,500sqm of workspace which incorporates a café restaurant, meeting rooms, and conference room/auditorium. This state-of-the-art headquarters is certainly fitting for an international organisation which will be visited by both guests and staff from around the world.     

All.co Group is an industrial group established in Pisa (Italy) in 1973 by the Vecoli family. Over more than 47 years, the All.co brand has developed into a synonym for aluminium profile systems that meet the highest standards. Since its establishment in 1973, All.co S.p.A has been a leader in the aluminium extrusion industry design, developing and creating aluminium section bars of any shape, in total harmony with the needs of the customers. The products offered by All.co cover a wide range of applications, starting from the building sector, with over 50 patented systems. The Company boasts full coverage of Italy, a very strong presence in Europe and some other countries around the world. All.co’s exacting technological standards, rigorous system considerations, and the quality manufacture of all products, as well as comprehensive services and technical support, have all made a significant contribution to the success of the brand.CUSTOMISED PAINT PROCESSThe powders applied on all All.co products are Syntha Pulvin® polyesters specifically designed for the architectural sector, which are Qualicoat and GSB International approved. Thanks to the joint efforts of Inver and All.co, the company can offer different finishes and effects while maintaining a high-quality standard. These skills have helped to establish the firm on both the building and industrial market as well as expanding the application sectors of its products – which currently include road, naval, and air transport. Today’s market requires attention to detail and very high-quality levels, even in industries where a lot less attention used to be paid to possible defects and imperfections, such as the building one. Now, not only quality must be high, but suppliers must also be able to cope with the most diverse requests in terms of colours and finishes.All.co performs 4 to 6 colour change operations per day and Sherwin-Williams is the ideal supplier able to guarantee versatility and expertise. All.co’s activity is certified according to the international quality standard ISO 9001 and the environmental standard ISO 14001, and their pre-treatment phase is Qualicoat Seaside certified. During production, samples of each colour are taken, at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of the coating cycle. Then they perform the tests required by the certification – scratch, impact, tear-off, and bending tests – as well as a salt spray test to ensure a 1000-hour resistance value. Sherwin-Williams plans to further strengthen the collaboration with All.co and offer to the Italian market an added value for conventional products, that is, better performing powders.

Project Name: AMRC - Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North WestLocation: Samlesbury, LancashireMain Contractor: Cartwright PickardCompletion Date: 2021Total Cost: £11mServices Provided: RIBA stages 1-6, Architectural DesignAwards Received:Finalist in BCO Northern AwardsBest Commercial Development in the North West at RICS AwardShortlisted for Project of the Year at Construction News AwardsLancashire Project of the Year at North West Construction AwardsSystem Supplied: Bespoke Fabrications, LandMark I, SnapLok Capping, Soffits, Window LinersFusion Facades, along with AMS Cladding Limited and the supply chain, provided a high-quality facade for the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North West (AMRC) project. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Fusion Facades was able to adapt and deliver exceptional service.The AMRC is located at the entrance to the Samlesbury Aerospace Enterprise Zone and features a modern workspace with a flexible high-tech workshop. To blend the 48,000 sqft building into the rural surroundings, lightweight bronze metal cladding was used over a landscaped bund.As a flagship research centre for advanced manufacturing, the AMRC had to meet the highest environmental standards. The office and seminar rooms feature horizontal glazing slots with projecting cappings and perimeter framing for passive solar shading. Reflective solid panels are used within the curtain walls to reduce solar gain while retaining the articulated openings that distinguish the office and seminar rooms from a nearby main road.A neutral colour was chosen to catch the warm tones of the morning and evening light while subtly defining the different internal uses. To break down the mass, junctions between the sheets are articulated with bronze fins denoting where the structural grid occurs internally.Overall, the AMRC project has received numerous accolades and is a testament to the outstanding work done by Fusion Facades and their partners in delivering a high-quality, environmentally sustainable research facility.

The award-winning Skelton Lakes motorway services near Leeds is using bespoke manufactured architectural linings from the Pendock Linea range. GRG pilasters were specified to provide a consistent finish between shop fronts, whilst integrating with the dry lined walls above. They also include a 30mm radius on each corner to ensure there are no sharp edges and a stainless-steel kick plate at the base.GRP bulkheads are used to conceal the steel floor beams at first-floor level, which were manufactured to follow the gentle curve incorporated in the design of the shop fronts. By using GRP it allows a small amount of flex to ease installation and ensures the minimum additional mass is added to the structure.

Darling Associates and McLaren Group approached Planet Partitioning to undertake the internal atrium glazing and fire-rated glass doors for their fit-out of Ampersand, London. Planet was specified to design, manufacture and install all the glass partitioning for an internal atrium, balustrades and fire-rated and non–fire rated lift lobby doors. For the atrium, Planet Partitioning used full-height frameless 15.5mm low-iron toughened laminated glass. This highly curved atrium needed glass rising from the door plate to create a fluid feel, complementing the central spiral staircase. Planet then installed steel framework to support the atrium glazing.

webertherm XP External Wall Insulation system has been specified for a contemporary new build in a designated conservation area in South West England. The revolutionary system has been used on the walls of the property while weberpral M through-coloured render has been used extensively to long runs of concrete walling.The planning term ‘conservation area’ all too often results in unimaginative new build designs mimicking the surrounding aesthetics rather than offering creative architecture that enhances the area. This stunning new home in Somerset illustrates perfectly how architectural flare and modern building techniques are fused to deliver a property that contributes greatly to the local environment.The 430m² private residence has extensive glazing to capture the glorious rural views and to encourage the benefits of maximum natural light. Sleek expanses of webertherm XP EWI with webertherm M1 through-coloured render enhances the profile of the house from all aspects. By embracing the topography of the site, which placed the front entrance at first floor level, and letting the rest of the house flow down to a lower ground floor layout, the house presents a low and softened profile to the onlooker.An enlightened planning approval was achieved for this privately commissioned design by Jason Jackson of Jackson Architects Ltd, Taunton. “An earlier traditional design was not considered suitable by local planners and we were asked to offer alternative designs for this family home. The client was immediately excited about a minimalist and modern design idea and asked us to submit the application. After careful negotiation with the conservation and planning officers, they agreed that the contemporary architectural style of the building would make a highly individual but fitting addition to the very traditional properties in the area. The only significant condition imposed on the planning approval was the removal of the permitted development rights so as to protect the purity of the design! We were really quite amazed and flattered to get this acknowledgement,” smiles Jason Jackson.Matching the dramatic visual appeal of this unique property is the construction formula and advanced thermal efficiency that has been achieved. The external walls are constructed as a single skin formed with 215mm thermal blocks that are protected by webertherm XP EWI using 50mm of high performance phenolic insulation.  webertherm M1, an advanced one-coat, polymer modified, mineral render, is factory batched and designed for spray application to reduce on-site labour time and access costs and has been used in White. A decorative scraped texture finish has been applied to the White render which catches and holds the light.Mark Pickthall, of M P Plastering, Somerset, carried out the insulation and render application for contractor Fry Developments Limited. The applicator also specified weberend aid to create a key coat before applying weberpral M through-coloured render, in Chalk, to surface finish long runs of poured concrete walling running from the house to the drive and garage areas. “The superb smart finish of the house structure achieved with the scraped surface of the 250m² of webertherm M1 render really underlines the beautiful architecture of this house which makes a great statement in the locality. We are all pleased to have been part of this exciting project,” reports Mark.Simon Fry, Fry Developments, is equally proud of this new build and pleased to have accepted the recommendation to use the webertherm EWI system. “My experience has only been with traditional sand and cement renders but Mark highlighted the qualities of the Weber system and I must say the result is superb. It’s a ‘no risk’ decision now for Fry Developments to use Weber products on my future contracts.”

Project BackgroundDesigned by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid in 2004, before London won the bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics, the London Aquatics Centre is an indoor facility with two 50-metre (160-foot) swimming pools and a 25-metre (82-foot) diving pool. Its iconic wave-like roof sweeps up from the ground and was inspired by the fluid geometry of water in motion, creating spaces and a surrounding environment in sympathy with the river landscape of the Olympic Park.Project SolutionPowrmatic Wall Opensky louvred ventilators were at the heart of the smoke and natural ventilation system at the London Aquatic centre in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, east London. The ventilation systems were designed and installed by Air Design Systems Ltd.The wall mounted Opensky louvred ventilators are used to provide a high-free area at the back of the stands for heat exhaust and smoke extract. The units were double-stacked and provided with a white polyester powder-coated finish.Air Design Systems Ltd also made provision for the control system that included local control panels, electrical wiring, override switches and full commissioning and demonstration of the system.Project ResultTested for use as smoke ventilators to BS EN 12101-2, Powrmatic’s Opensky ventilators can be roof or wall mounted for exhaust or inlet and can be supplied with a hinged base for use as an access hatch. They have been specifically designed for both smoke and heat exhaust and natural ventilation applications and combine an attractive style with a discreet, low profile.

The Darwin Centre cocoon creates a new architectural icon for the capital, ground-breaking in scale and breath-taking in its originality and creative brilliance.The design features a vast free-standing structure taking the form of an enormous cocoon within a glass atrium. The eight storey high cocoon houses a unique collection of 17 million insects and 3 million plants collected over the last 300 years by scientists including Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace and Sir Hans Sloane. The building completes the Museum’s life science complex, the Darwin Centre, following the first phase opened in 2002.Design TeamThe response of the architectural design team at C.F. Møller, lead by partner Anna Maria Indrio, was to create an engaging image reminiscent of an essentially organic form. The surface and texture also needed to reflect this, so the subtle sheen of the ivory coloured Armourcoat plaster was chosen. With an intersecting network of ‘silk threads’ that criss-cross the cocoon, the surface allows for movement and provides a visual framework for openings and niches. Armourcoat was specified to devise a unique creative solution combining both the insulation and the final decorative layers. The cocoon performs a genuinely protective job providing thermal mass to inhibit any fluctuations to the internal temperature – essential for the museum’s treasured specimens. The structure also houses state-of-the-art laboratories for 250 international scientists and an interactive visitor exhibition.ConstructionA sixty-five metre long skeletal structure was built by sprayed concrete specialist Shotcrete – the first above ground sprayed concrete structural element in the world. Expanded metal mesh was fitted to the steel re-bar framework and a 250mm thick layer of concrete was spray applied to create a 3,500 m2 raw concrete surface. Armourcoat then applied a resin modified render to the structure to minimize localized variations to the surface, before the polystyrene insulation layer was fixed. Using Dryvit Genesis adhesive and over 16,000 Hilti insulation fasteners, a 50mm polystyrene layer was fitted to the entire surface of the cocoon then covered with a layer of reinforcing mesh bedded into Dryvit Genesis basecoat. To create the silk threads wrapping the structure, a special cutting machine was devised which could cut an accurate slot and create the individual 340 panels which make up the cocoon surface. A total of 5.6km of edge bead was then fitted before Armourcoat’s unique AntiCrack substrate preparation system was applied. AntiCrack is a polymer and fibre modified gypsum skim-coat plaster which creates a first class substrate, keeping the Armourcoat plaster layer in peak condition. Two layers of Armourcoat keycoat were applied prior to the application of the final finish. The finished effect of a giant silk cocoon was achieved using ivory coloured Armourcoat Armuralia polished plaster - an exquisite, smooth finish with subtle tonal variations.The cocoon is a milestone achievement, a unique design and technical solution befitting the historic and social reference of the Natural History Museum. This also is a stunning example of the type of commercial projects now undertaken by Armourcoat, celebrating twenty-five years of creative excellence in 2009.Client: Natural History MuseumArchitect: C. F. MøllerMain Contractor: HBG Construction

Project: Cast GRC concrete bespoke floating steps and concrete tiles for private residence in CobhamMaterials used: GRC concrete with hydrophobic agent and stain proof finishThe Living Concrete team were commissioned to design and create 180 square metres of large format exterior concrete tiles to surround the pool area, patio and paths of an exclusive private residence in Cobham.Working closely with the client, we drew up plans which also involved a cascade of floating steps to create seamless access on what was quite a difficult tiered site. Having assessed all the practical and logistical issues, we worked out a tight schedule of measuring, landscaping, pre-cast and on-site casting and, finally, staged installation of all the elementsas well as laying the pool area and surrounds, we undertook on-site casting of fair-faced concrete garden walls in our Storm-coloured plain Rough finish.This project had many challenges in its design and execution and covered a large external area on different levels incorporating very heavy concrete elements – creating this stunning feature.

Stainless steel splashbacks, by GEC Anderson, were recently deployed in an apartment kitchen, overlooking London’s Hampstead Heath. The specification was a little challenging due to the shape and size of the required pieces. In particular, the curved corner within the kitchen gave the project very much a one-off feel. Rather than merely being an internal feature, the curve follows the outer form of the brick building.The subtle blend of colours exudes calmness but does not appear cold. This is probably due to the lighting as well as the contrasting colours in the adjacent spaces, notably, the red bench seating but also the dark bookshelf that also follows the curvature of the room.The stainless steel splashbacks were made to measure, to precisely suit the design and requirements and were produced in GEC Anderson’s standard brushed satin finish. Measuring and installation was also undertaken by GEC Anderson.GEC Anderson (founded in 1962) specialise in purpose made stainless steel sinks, worktops, cabinets, shelving and splahsbacks. Their products have been specified in a great number and variety of projects, ranging from residential kitchens to commercial and public spaces, including health, education, infrastructure, retail, offices and the arts.

Installer – Metclad ContractsMain Contractor – R G Carter, CambridgeArchitect – MCW ArchitectsClient – University of BedfordshireSystem(s) – Vantage®️ SF in Anodised Regency Gold and PPC 9006 Syntha Pulvin Bespoke Curved Internal Rooflights and bespoke flashings throughout.The University of Bedfordshire has invested 40 million pounds in this new STEM building at its Central Luton campus.STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, however Pharmaceutical and Chemical Science, Nutrition, Biochemistry, and Mechanical Engineering are also taught there.The project was a very big challenge to our design teams as the specification from MCW architects was predominately regency gold anodised . This spec calls for a special grade of aluminium and the finish means that we must leave welds as laid. Consequently, we had to consider different methods of fabrication to resolve with stunning resultsWe supplied our Vantage®️ SF Hook on rainscreen in both regency gold and powder coated, 9006 Silver however, the pinnacle of our supply was the bespoke curved anodised rooflight in silver 9006

Smet Supported Partner, NRS Group machine applied the LIDL External Render System onto Poroton blocks externally using as Base Coat: Bauprotec 850 M - Lightweight Lime Cement Render, and as Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block or mass concrete and insulated plinths: Bauprotec RHS Multi-Purpose Render.The internal Render System specification onto Poroton blockwork consists of a base of Coat: Bauprotec 850 M, Lightweight Lime Cement Render, sponge floated in warehouse areas and skim finished in sales areas. Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block: Bauprotec RHS is used.SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.If you'd like to speak to us about your Lidl job - contact SMET on.All LIDL spec SMET Render System products are available directly from Smet Building Products Ltd, which ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical backup in the machine application of the LIDL specification.

DFV Company realises all their finishes only using Qualicoat approved non-toxic polyester powders. In this regard, the continuous collaboration with suppliers of powder coatings is fundamental, such as Sherwin-Williams, strategic partners in the creation of excellent products and in the research and development of cutting-edge solutions, capable of responding promptly to the changing needs of the market.DFV is an Italian Company with an important international relevance, a leader in the sector of painting for architectural and industrial use.Founded in 1972, today DFV has 3 production units in Italy (Lecce, Venezia, and Agrigento) and 2 abroad (Brazil and Australia). All production sites are equipped with modern painting systems, both vertical and horizontal, and with wood-effect decoration systems that allow DFV to offer a wide range of high-quality colours to several thousand customers as window fabricators, distributors of aluminum profiles, producers, and systems engineers for residential and industrial architecture. The product range of DFV varies from classic and special RAL colours to wood-effect paints and decorations. The core business is represented by the DFV patented EZY and EZY HD2 wood-effect decorations, made using powder on powder technology.

Tolson's Mill, Tamworth is a new £16 million development consisting of 51 canal side apartments and 10 town houses. Set within a five-storey textile factory, each apartment and house is set to retain the industrial character of the grade 2 listed Mill building. Leading the project development was Brookland Group with subcontractors V&D Interiors fitting out each of the living spaces. In designing the building, Crosby Granger Architects placed safety and comfort as the main priorities for product specification.Given the listed nature of the building, ensuring the materials used met and exceeded safety needs was critical. Likewise, ensuring acoustic performance would be key given the luxurious nature of the apartments and town houses.    For Calvin Challis, Commercial Manager at V&D Interiors, using Knauf products was the sensible thing to do. “The goals of the architect were to ensure a quality, soundproof interior which meant that the product specification met and exceeded this expectation. That’s where Knauf came in. Not only were they always there to help and ready to listen if we had any questions, but their product were also the right choice to achieve the goals specified by the architect.” Attaining this level of performance would be achieved using Knauf performance systems products including metal partitions, which not only offer speed advantages on site, but enhance fire protection as well.Meeting the acoustic needs of the brief, standard 12.5mm and 15mm Knauf Soundshield Plus were used on the walls and ceilings. Soundshield Plus provided enhanced acoustic performance and excellent fire resistance. Importantly, Soundshield Plus can give up to 54Db acoustic sound reduction when used as part of a Knauf system. Getting the perfect finish throughout was achieving by using a mixture of Knauf finishing products. This included jointing tape, intumescent and acoustic mastic for their fire and acoustic performance attributes, and Knauf Fill and Finish. The result was a high-quality finish on partition walls with necessary performance built in.Ensuring consistency throughout the interior, Knauf Ceilings were specified for their acoustic performance and peace of mind both ceiling and wall systems would complement each other. “From a specification point of view, it was critical we knew that all products used would achieve the performance required. This was the main point for the architects but for us on site, having all the product come from a single supplier made it easier to source the right materials and know they’d install and work together easily” Calvin recalls. While efficiencies were gained on site by using Knauf systems, one of the biggest advantages this approach offered was the peace of mind through warranties. Calvin explained why this was so important: “The Knauf System Performance Warranty meant everyone knew the products would perform as intended for the lifetime of the system, with guarantees in place in the unlikely event of something going wrong.” “Having that security in place was vital for all involved, it meant we could get the support we need for installation and the main contractors and client would be protected going forwards. Especially on a listed building project, you need to have that peace of mind in place.”For added reassurance, Calvin recalls how Knauf would provide onsite support in the form of inspections “Knauf were brilliant, if we needed any help or assistance, they were more than happy to help. They came to the site a few times, to inspect the installation and provide some guidance if we were unsure of something. This was particularly helpful when it came to checking the acoustic ratings. They were able to check the acoustic ratings and ensure that they met the requirements, and that the client was satisfied.” The apartments that form part of the luxury residential development at Tolson's Mills and Tamworth were completed in November of 2022, with the houses scheduled to be finished in June 2023.

Union Industries is helping a growing Berkshire manufacturer to keep its new facility extension properly segregated.Union Industries designed, manufactured and installed a Picadoor and two Static Fabric Industrial Partitions to create a 3-Sided static enclosure. The Picadoor, which was originally created as a bespoke product for an existing customer, is one of Union Industries’ smaller, lighter weight, fast acting doors and helps to maintain temperatures and reduce energy consumption in small internal applications. The door has a variable speed motor, inverter system inside the panel for controllability and is ideal for small internal doorways where regular access is required, but environmental conditions also need to be maintained.

The Project  Friargate One is a 150,000 sq ft, 13 storey, low energy building forming part of a £700m project to create a new business district in Coventry.  The building sets the standard for the remainder of the 37 acre Friargate scheme that will include 13 more office buildings, two hotels, homes and shops all set to transform the area around the train station. This project is the largest development in the West Midlands Combined Authority.   The Challenge Deliver a product to satisfy the architects design & meet the highest standards offered within the industry. Provide a full range of accessories to compliment the system. Manufacture bespoke boxed out mirror units complete with rebated lighting strip. Ensure the system is installed to highest standard to create a seamless fronted wall of cubicles and superloos across varying floors.  The Solution Floor to ceiling Flush 44 system installed throughout male & female washrooms and unisex superloos situated over two floors.   The system encompasses a 44mm MR core with a hardwood rebated edge detail. The overall finish is modern and sleek creating a seamless flush wall of cubicles with complete privacy and comfort for the users.Close management of each phase from site survey through CAD drawings, call up and manufacture ensured we had complete control of the project and were able to accurately survey the areas and install the seamless system desired by the client.SpecificationProduct Range: Flush44 HPLDoors: HPL Bonded onto 44mm MR Core, Formica Graphite F7837. Hardwood rebated edgesPilaster: HPL Bonded onto 44mm MR Core, Formica Graphite F7837. Hardwood rebated edgesPartition: Partition: HPL bonded onto 38mm MR Core, Formica Folkstone F7927Ironmongery: Stainless SteelAvailable Finishes:These Systems Are Available In The Following Finishes:• Natural Wood Veneer• High Pressure Laminate• High Gloss LaminateAccessories Product Range W/C'sSpecificationProduct Range: AccessoriesMirror Backing Panels: Blanc Menuires B015 with 4mm Safety Backed MirrorsWaste Bins: Prestige Waste BinOther:Paper Towel HoldersWaste BinToilet Roll HoldersSoap Dispenser