"walls"

More than 13,000 litres of Johnstone’s Trade’s Microbarr Anti-Bacterial Acrylic Matt has been used to deliver a stunning finish at the brand new Alder Hey in the Park hospital in Liverpool. Microbarr Anti-Bacterial Acrylic Matt was applied over the course of the two-year decorating cycle, covering 51,000 sq m of walls and ceilings. A wide variety of colours were used throughout the building, including warm grey, avocado green, yellow, taupe, cobalt blue and olive. This helped to create the inviting atmosphere that was so important to the client and building’s designers.

Ancon designed and manufactured the complex stainless steel brick support and restraint system behind the complicated façade of the award-winning LSE Saw Swee Hock Student Centre. The attractive masonry façade uses 175,000 handmade bricks to form both solid and perforated areas. The Ancon stainless steel system comprises special inclined MDC type brick support angles fixed back to 30/20 cast-in channels and bespoke rolled hollow section Windposts, featuring surface-fixed channels to accept wall ties, positioned at mullion locations strategically hidden within the perforated brickwork.

Over 250 litres of Johnstone’s Professional Gloss combined with 37 used shipping containers have helped to create a unique three-storey complex of fully-equipped office space in the North East. Ideal for use on metal surfaces, Johnstone’s Professional Gloss was used to paint the exterior of the containers to give a durable, high gloss finish. Other products from Johnstone’s extensive range were also used, with Johnstone’s Vinyl Soft Sheen and Johnstone’s Covaplus Vinyl Matt emulsion, both of which are part of Johnstone’s Ecological Solutions range, applied to the interior walls and ceilings.

Products designed, supplied, and installed by Furnitubes at Christchurch Gardens include bespoke wall-top seating and steel-framed boundary screens including a wire system for climbing plants and with integrated illuminated signage explaining the historical background of the site. Material quality was of paramount importance to all parties, and steelwork was finished in a specialist bronze coating in keeping with this high-profile site in the heart of Westminster. The scheme presented the further challenge of being delivered during the 2020 Covid lockdown, with Furnitubes’ installation works conducted under strict health and safety controls. The redeveloped site opened to the public in autumn 2020.

Occupying a prime position on the corner of Drummond Gate and Vauxhall Bridge Road, One Drummond Gate is a landmark office building totalling over 100,000 sq ft. Developed in 1983, the imposing building by Chapman Taylor was lauded for its harmonious integration with the classical architecture of the famous English architect, Thomas Cubitt. The newly refurbished reception area is key to attracting and retaining tenants and is a key sales feature for the building owner. Following consultation, INTRAshape XS rectangle tiles and black INTRAlux Select fibre inserts were chosen to echo the reception’s statement wall cladding.

The facade of Rollercoaster House is made up of render, a curtain wall system and Hardie® Plank cladding. It is the first time that site manager David Tomlinson has worked with the product, who states that the coastal environment conditions were the main factor when deciding which type of cladding to use. ‘With timber, David says, ‘however good a product you are going to get, it wouldn’t have had the same lifespan as Hardie® Plank at the end of the day. PVC discolours, especially the darker colours, but I am expecting and hoping that Hardie® Plank will stand the test of time.’

Three of the UK’s leading access specialists have come together to form the Access 360 portfolio, providing a total manufacturing solution for roof, ceiling, wall and floor access products for the construction industry. Access 360 comprises Bilco UK, Profab Access and Howe Green. These well-established brands all have a strong reputation for delivering innovative solutions to address the challenges of safe access within a building or external environment. The brand identities have been updated, reflecting the holistic offer that Access 360 presents to the market, to represent the synergy between the brands and the complementary nature of the products.

Occupying a prime position on the corner of Drummond Gate and Vauxhall Bridge Road, One Drummond Gate is a landmark office building totalling over 100,000 sq ft. Developed in 1983, the imposing building by Chapman Taylor was lauded for its harmonious integration with the classical architecture of the famous English architect, Thomas Cubitt. The newly refurbished reception area is key to attracting and retaining tenants and is a key sales feature for the building owner. Following consultation, INTRAshape XS rectangle tiles and black INTRAlux Select fibre inserts were chosen to echo the reception’s statement wall cladding.

When proposing the architectural design, one challenge for Nickel 28 was how best to implement effective lighting into the large warehouse facility. Aiming to limit reliance on electric and artificial lighting in an effort to reduce energy consumption, daylighting solutions became a key consideration. Kingspan Light + Air, understanding the needs of the client, delivered a bespoke solution that satisfied the specific needs of the warehouse facility by helping to maximise on natural lighting. Implementing the Kingspan Day-Lite Kick wall light system horizontally across the loading bays in the warehouse enabled the facility to maximise on natural light without glare.

Riversfield is a large detached Grade B listed town house. This property had severe contamination of moss and algae. We recommended that the climbing plants and wall shrubs to be moved away from the surfaces prior to the decoration of KEIM. We then advised that any existing fungal growth must be thoroughly removed using wire brushes to remove all growths and then all areas were to be treated with KEIM Algicid. Onto the cement based, roughcast surfaces, a three coat KEIM Royalan system was used to provide a colourfast, longlife, breathable, protective and decorative mineral matt finish.

The multi-million pound UK headquarters of TPP (The Phoenix Partnership) in Leeds was purpose-built by contractors ISG and designed by Bowman Riley Architects. The frontal elevation of traditional Yorkshire stone with pitched tiled roofing contrasts to a rear façade featuring a contemporary appearance with extensive curtain walling. neaco supplied bespoke balconies and external balustrade to both sections, combining traditional-style railed infills with a contemporary twist in the form of tapered flat-bar stanchions with laser-cut holes. This combination has achieved design consistency across the building whilst harmonising with the contrasting aesthetics of the front and rear.

A striking run of washroom superloos in an unusual dark oak and bronze design to complement the Art Deco building. The full height Alto toilet cubicles were finished using engineered oak in a natural fumed oak veneer with 20 per cent sheen lacquer for a shiny finish that is also hardwearing and easy to clean without concealing the natural grain of the wood. Each cubicle includes its own bespoke vanity unit with square countertop basins set on a floating shelf and were completed with veneered vanity under panels and wall panels stained to match the toilet cubicle doors.

Holborn, London's historic law district, has been transformed into a bustling and energetic neighbourhood. A gaming technology firm established new roots in its Fetter Lane, EC4 high-rise by combining classical and modern structures. The MaxiBeam system, a lightweight acoustic beam, was specified to vitalise the design. The system is featured in the break-out space was inspired by the end client's ethos of creative software innovation. Vtec's MaxiBeam ceiling and featured return wall added a high level of aesthetic value creating fluidity and motion. Explore why this ceiling design encouraged community and engagement and how easy installation was.

Standing either side of the Stirling Prize-winning Media Centre by Future Systems, the new stands were designed to replace the Compton and Edrich Stands at the historic London stadium.In total the new stands will have a capacity of 11,500 spectators – 2,500 more than the existing stands – increasing the ground’s overall capacity to 30,500.EH Smith were contacted to provide a fluted ceramic tile to clad the rear of the stands and worked closely with Alsecco to provide a fully insulated walling system which went on to win the “Architectural Design” award at the 2021 INCA (Insulated Render & Cladding Association) Awards.

REQUIREMENT: In order to enhance wheelchair accessibility to the cathedral, it was necessary to install both internal and external ramps to overcome the steps.END RESULT:Great care was exercised when installing the ramps to preserve the cathedral's floors and walls. These ramps do not require any ground or wall attachments; once the components are securely bolted together, their weight ensures stability. Additionally, slip-resistant rubber tiles have been placed beneath each support foot.Should wedding parties wish to take photos at the entrances without the ramps in the frame, these systems can be easily disassembled before the event and reinstalled afterwards. This flexibility is a unique advantage neither wooden nor concrete ramps can offer.FEATURES INCLUDED: Mesh Platform - self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends of a Rapid Ramp to prevent clothes catching.Telescopic Legs - these can be adjusted to accommodate threshold heights.Standard Colour Black - ramps are powder-coated black to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint.EXTRA FEATURES INCLUDED:Infill Handrail - this product prevents children from climbing or falling through gaps.Yellow Tread - this is a safety feature designed to help those with impaired vision identify the nose of the ramp and helps users distinguish any level changes.Standard Step Unit - an ideal addition to any ramp installation, providing the access needed for able-bodied users. They can also be stand-alone units, independent of the Rapid Ramp System.

Aylesbury Estate, in South London, has become one of the most significant urban renewal projects in London. There is a new public square at the heart of the regeneration, featuring two separate blocks, from four to fifteen storeys which provide a Community Facility, Public Library, Community Health Care facility and an Early Years Centre.  The sustainability strategy in place for Aylesbury Square is to ‘create a place which meets or exceeds the highest quality standards for a development in London’ – and as the wall connection to the floor or floor slab can be a serious source of linear thermal bridges – the inclusion of the dedicated new Sconnex® type W is a critical addition to the design detailing.  Around 40% of all thermal bridges in a building are caused by walls and supports, resulting in some 10% of heating energy losses. With reinforced concrete construction, minimising linear thermal bridges in these areas has undoubtedly been a perennial problem.  However, the unique new Sconnex® type W offers outstanding insulation performance, combined with an exceptional load-bearing capacity which transmits very high pressure, tensile and shear forces in the longitudinal and transverse direction.  This is made possible by the use of a pressure buffer consisting of ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete, which achieves compressive strength in excess of 175 N/mm2 – but with extremely good flexural strength as well.  There is also a significant cost reduction involved when compared to installing insulation beneath the floor slab.

Castle Park View is the tallest residential building to have been built in the city of Bristol to date. At 26 storeys high, the residential tower block forms part of the wider Castle Park View scheme, which is also the largest Urban Green Space in the city.The development also features a main block and a 10-storey tower, creating in total 375 new one and two bedroom apartments. Senior’s slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and patented low U-value PURe® aluminium windows and doors have been used across the scheme and were fabricated and installed by Denval, for architects Chapman Taylor and contractors Bouygues UK.Created following the extensive regeneration of a brownfield area and built on the former site of an ambulance station, sustainability is a key part of the design of the Castle Park View and the residential scheme has achieved a level four standard in the Code for Sustainable Homes certification.Both Senior’s thermally-efficient SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and Part L compliant PURe® aluminium windows and doors are highly durable and fully recyclable, making them the ideal choice for a modern development that is also striving to help reduce the energy bills of its residents. The thermal performance of the aluminium fenestration system complements the other sustainable features including the use of the UK’s largest water source heat pump, the nearby Castle Park Energy Centre, as the development’s main heat source.

Completed in 2016, The Woodsman’s Treehouse is a unique property set high up in the branches of a 200-year-old oak tree in Dorset. The fantastic property is six metres tall and sits 30 feet up in the trees.The Woodsman’s Treehouse needed high performing insulation for the walls in order to keep its guests warm year-round. Due to the already compact area he was building the treehouse in, Guy didn’t want to compromise on space when it came to the thickness of the walls. He needed space saving insulation that still maintained the performance levels of traditional insulation, in order to make sure the heat produced from the wood burner didn’t escape from the building.SuperFOIL provided the project with our SF60 multifoil insulation, which is the world’s highest performing multifoil. The insulation is just 100mm thick, so was the perfect solution to ensure space wasn’t compromised, whilst still offering high thermal performance. The insulation has a 3-in-1 design which consists of three layers- insulation, vapour control and radiant barrier. What this meant was that the treehouse would be protected from condensation whilst still maintaining the right temperature, whatever the season. Offering excellent value for money, SF60 is ideal for both new build or retrofit projects and is certified by BBA and LABC, ensuring it meets the needs of building regulations. The insulation is also made from 40% recycled materials and is fully recyclable at the end of its 50+ year lifespan, so contributed to the sustainability of the project.

Manchester's Milliners Wharf development is a part of the "Hat Box" regeneration of New Islington. This high-end residential development was designed to ensure residents feel safe in their home by specifying products with high security features. As such, our aluminium door was chosen for the ground floor apartments and top floor duplex apartments, which incorporates an invisible door closer as well as concealed locking groover for a tight and secure mechanisam. These features, along with the single-leaf open in and open-out hinged doors that meet PAS24 certification for burglar resistance, resulted in the Secured by Design certification.Along this door system, aluminium sliding doors were used for the balconies and was specified for their durability alongside aluminium windows. This further assisted in the Secured by Design certification. There are several optional additions to the window system which provides the ability to customise for each project. In this case, the Hat Box development benefits from tilt before turn windows made possible with the systems durability and strength. The hinge mechanism can support glazing up to 130kg. As well as a safety element, it was important to ensure that the building's occupants would be living in a healthy environment. In building's where there is a difference of U values between the walls, windows and doors, there is a risk of high humidity which could potentially cause issues with condensation and mold. The issue was overcome at Milliners Wharf through the thermal efficiency offered by our aluminium curtain walling. Less energy is lost between the inside and the outside of the facade. This consistancy in temperature and improvement of the air quality in the room means that the room needs much less energy to heat and cool it.

THE PROJECTThe University of Hertfordshire project features multiple different mailbox styles, including banks of boxes freestanding with support pedestals and also single mailboxes mounted upon a wall.The banks of multiple boxes feature a ‘Dry Riser’ product that has been incorporated in to the unit to minimise the amount of space used outside of the student residence. The pedestals that the unit is mounted upon have been designed and manufactured to securely hold both the mailboxes and Dry Riser product.The COM 2 – 145 mailbox is the chosen product for the external banks of mailboxes. They have been combined with complete weather cladding that ensures that mailboxes are weather resistant and withstand inclement British weather. The banks of mailboxes have been designed with an opening that the Dry Riser product is fitted into, mounting of this product is simple with the use of installed fitting brackets.The ‘town houses’ in this project use a COM 1 – 389 double depth mailbox fitted onto the external wall of the property. The double depth variation of the COM 1 – 389 mailboxes allows for additional mail storage, perfect for residences with multiple occupants and users who will be expecting large deposits of mail on a regular basis.All products featured on the University of Hertfordshire project are polyester powder coated with a RAL 7015 – Slate Grey colour that matches the branding guidelines of the residence. All mailboxes are engraved with unique numbers that easily show the mailbox that is for each user. This project also benefited from use of The Safety Letterbox Company specialist installation team who safely delivered and installed the mailboxes.

This amazing swimming pool refurbishment project in Knutsford, Cheshire was undertaken by Abstract Pools Ltd. Tiles from Designworks and more than 100 JACKOBOARD® construction boards were used.Manufactured with an extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam core and a special coating on both sides, JACKOBOARD® construction boards form an ideal base for tiling. The surfaces of the JACKOBOARD® system provide an extremely strong bond and can be used on virtually any substrate. The boards are waterproof, thermally insulating, truly lightweight and very strong. This combination of characteristics makes them ideal for pool hall work. The result of this refurbishment is absolutely stunning and the owners of the property are delighted unsurprisingly.The owner was abroad while the renovation was carried out. The pool was situated in the basement of the house and had been left empty for a few years. The contractor was tasked with refurbishing the pool hall and bringing it back to life. They stripped everything back to the existing substrate, and then rendered and screeded the pool itself, the jacuzzi and the pool surrounds.A new steam room was added, using JACKOBOARD®. All of the pool hall walls were lined with JACKOBOARD®, ready to receive tiles. All tiles on this project were supplied by Designworks Tiles, the specialists in tiles and mosaics for swimming pools and spas. The tiles used on the project were Ezarri Lisa Black Mosaic for the pool tank, District Grey 1200x600x10mm for the pool hall walls, District Dark Grey for the pool coping tiles and District silver 600x600x10mm for the pool floor surround

Crossley Webb Contracts Ltd have specialised in providing exceptional quality interior refurbishments and fit-outs for the past 16 years. They were tasked to fully refurbish 14 hotel rooms and bathrooms located at the Bannatyne Hotel Durham. They required a product that was quick to install but equally had a desirable look.CWC specified Bushboard Nuance wall panels, Bushboard’s Nuance is a unique wall panelling system that is 100% waterproof, extrusion free and can be installed in a matter of hours offering a wide choice of stunning designs and textures to create any bathroom the client wishes.OBSERVATIONS‘Bushboard were recommended to CWC through a regular client and after thoroughly researching the product we decided to use it due to it’s practicality.It is the ideal product for refurbishment and fit-out projects as working to tight deadlines means we need to have the flexibility for quick installation. Nuance meets this requirement perfectly.’Bushboard panels can be tailored and installed in a matter of hours. In Bushboard’s time trials, Nuance was up to six times faster to install than traditional tiles. For a project Nuance is perfect to cut down the disruption.OUTCOMECWC specified Driftwood, this decor is printed in life-like proportion and enhanced by a realistic texture, mirroring the beauty of real wood.‘We loved working with the product and our clients think the overall finish looks outstanding. The product is hard wearing and easy to install, along with a great modern and stylish look.We will definitely use Nuance panels again on future projects.’For more information about the Bushboard products, request a RIBA CPD,

Challenge:Driven by a respect for the environment, Heritage Homes wanted to create energy efficient homes for the future. A high sustainable build standard was required as part of their prestigious ‘Future Collection’ homes for the phase two zero carbon homes development.Solution:IG’s Hi-therm+ lintels use a patented combination of a polymer isolator and galvanised steel to bond the internal and external walls together by spanning the intervening gap creating a powerful thermal break. The one-piece lintel solution accommodated different lengths to minimise and conserve energy for each home by reducing thermal bridging at non-repeating junctions. IG’s technical team determined the loading and specification requirements at window and door openings. This fabric first approach contributed to an AA* energy efficiency rating and ensured each home built was comfortable, energy efficient and modern for years to come.IG’s LP windposts accommodated different lengths and factored into account wind load conditions. The windposts were installed into the inner skin of the cavity walls spanning vertically between the floor structures, providing additional lateral support for the large panels of brickwork and openings. All windposts included top and base place connections for fixing to the structure along with ties.Testimonial:“At Holland Park our homes are built with an AA* energy efficieny rating. IG’s Hi-therm+ lintels provided a fabric first approach to improve the thermal performance of our homes by reducing thermal bridging at non-repeating junctions”.Guy OlliverCommercial and Technical Manager at Heritage Homes

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

The owner of this converted church in Leven, Fife consulted an architect who specialises in the restoration of churches, Des Cairns, about the ongoing maintenance and decoration of her property. Des Cairns recommended Tony Carter, Senior Sales Executive of KEIM Mineral Paints to visit site to assess the existing wall paint, and suggest a plan for future painting.Des discussed with the owner that with old stone buildings, churches, palaces etc, KEIM is the paint of choice for restoration as it allows the building to breathe.During Tony’s visit, he explained how KEIM Paints are still made using a 140 year old recipe that consists of natural mineral pigments. It allows the walls to breathe, preventing flaking paint in the future. The colour is guaranteed not to fade or change over time, even up to 100 years.KEIM have their own Exclusiv colour range along with other standard colours and offer a colour match facility.KEIM Optil was chosen as it can be applied to previously painted surfaces such as painted plaster, plasterboard and sandstone window mullions without the need for primer.The owner said, “The painter was impressed with how well the paint covered”.“I am delighted with the result and finish of KEIM Paint. It is reassuring to have the architect’s recommendation and the knowledge that the paint will work with the building in the long term and last. It was a very big job to paint the inside of the church, in part it is 33 feet high and the whole job took several weeks. It is something I hope not to have to do again in my lifetime, so I wanted the best. I can strongly recommend KEIM Paint.”

This property in a picturesque town in Cornwall, was in need of some TLC. The exterior walls are exposed to the seaside climes, making it perfect as the first project in the UK to use KEIM Twinstar, 2in1 masonry exterior paint.Prior to re-decoration, it was recommended that the painted stone gable walls were stripped back to enable the property to breathe, which reduces the paint from blistering and flaking due to moisture being trapped within the substate. KEIM Twinstar, in colour 9354, was applied by KEIM lover, Ry Spencely of Airborn Painting & Decorating.  KEIM Twinstar is the latest exterior and masonry paint solution, designed to ‘buy you time’ with its 2in1 system where paint is applied wet on wet. There’s no drying time between coats, which reduces waiting, labour and time. It allows a two-coat paint in one work step.Simply mix and apply the paint undiluted, straight from the bucket to ‘saturate’ the surface, then apply more of the same paint working into the existing wet paint layer.The decorator commented, “Another top quality product from KEIM. Application was very nice, it’s a thick chunky product as you’d expect and it covered a dream. The finished look was that signature luxurious KEIM super matt finish, all the while it’s letting the building breathe. Winner!”Ry Spencely of Airborn Painting & DecoratingKEIM Twinstar is the latest product development, designed specifically to speed up application and project time, whilst offering the full suite of sustainability credentials associated with KEIM.

Client: Bristol City Council Consultants: Chapman Taylor Architects & Arup Design Main Contractor: Bouygues UK Specialist Contractor: Optimum Dry Wall Systems Main Products Used: Emshield DFR-2 SystemOn the site of the former ambulance station adjacent to Castle Park, the largest urban green space in Bristol, this development is designed to provide 375 new homes, with a mixture of build-to-rent and affordable housing units. This comprises a new 26-storey tower, which will be the tallest building in Bristol, together with a 10-storey block, plus a third central building connecting the two, and providing a business centre and leisure facilities for the residents, as well as direct access to the park. The architects designed wide structural expansion joints to accommodate the anticipated levels of movement between the different building structures, as well as in and between the main reinforced concrete floor slabs and the structural frame of the building. They also wanted to reduce any noise transmission through the joints and to ensure that the designated levels of fire protection were maintained, which meant that the joints had to be treated to provide 2-hours fire resistance. To meet all these demands, the answer was a single solution using Emshield DFR-2 (horizontal floor joints) / WFR-2 (for vertical wall joints) systems. These produce a watertight joint, that can accommodate high movement up to 100% (+/- 50%), greatly reduce sound transmission (STC 62; OITC 52), and which are CE Marked to EN-1366-4 for up to 4 hrs fire resistance. 

Luxurious Outdoor Living: a Sanctuary of EleganceNestled in the heart of central Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK, this remarkable project showcases the artful synergy of luxurious outdoor living and impeccable design. The sprawling terrace area serves as an oasis of relaxation and an exquisite dining space.Once a family home in need of modernisation, this property has undergone a large transformation overseen by a family who sought not merely a home, but a sanctuary that harmoniously caters to both adults and children, fostering moments of reprieve and conviviality.The front facade is graced with the natural grandeur of McMonagle exterior natural stone wall cladding, a testament to refined taste and architectural finesse. In harmony with the contemporary elements of the roof, front door, and surround, the client chose Silver Quartzite from the Stoneer range. The 'L'-shaped corner pieces emulate the substantial depth of authentic stone walls, adding a depth to the façade.The entire front and side paths of the property are embraced by the sleek embrace of Atlas Concorde Boost White porcelain, its modern concrete finish seamlessly weaving together the chosen colour palette.Venturing to the rear of the property, the vision of local garden designer Sue Blakeley unfolds—an artist known for breathing life into outdoor realms. In her inspired design, a raised dining and socialising sanctuary emerges.A grand staircase descends from the property's first floor, unveiling a 120 m² expanse of outdoor bliss. The choice of oversized 1200x1200mm tiles from the Atlas Concorde Boost White porcelain range amplifies the modernity of the space. Their smooth, refined finish forms the cornerstone of a contemporary aesthetic that gracefully complements the minimalistic outdoor furnishings and architectural accents, crafting a space exuding cohesion and sophistication. Four huge steel planters, each with a beautiful olive tree, sit on either corner of the main terrace square.The alfresco dining area beckons, offering seating for up to 16 guests. Here, culinary delights can be prepared on the integrated BBQ or the countertop-mounted pizza oven, while refreshments are kept cold in the integrated fridges. The selected porcelain, resistant to stains and heat, ensures both ease of maintenance and enduring beauty.Adjacent to this culinary haven, a contrasting border crafted from Atlas Concorde TM Black porcelain draws the eye, defining individual zones within the outdoor haven. Beyond the inviting soft seating area, another area awaits, poised to entertain yet more guests.Gazing back from the lawn towards toe terrace, a gracefully designed set of steps guides one back up to the elevated terrace. Boost White porcelain, mirroring the landing's material, makes a bold statement, accentuated by the grandeur of five six-meter-long steps. The step risers, also composed of Boost White porcelain, exude order and logic. Intriguing, raised planters, chosen for year-round interest, colour and scent, sit either side of the steps, infusing visual intrigue and seamlessly melding with the garden's overall aesthetic, rendering this outdoor haven a masterpiece of design and leisure.Companies involved with this project:Contractor: Mann Contractors, www.jemanncontractors.co.ukGarden Designer and Installer: Sue Blakeley, www.sueblakeley.comArchitect: Coleman Anderson Architects, www.colemananderson.co.ukMaterials used in this project:Atlas Concorde Boost White Porcelain 1200x1200x20mmAtlas Concorde Boost White Porcelain 1200x600x20mmAtlas Concorde Boost TM Black Porcelain 1200x600x20mmMcMonagle Quartzite Wall Cladding Stoneer Silver Flat PiecesMcMonagle Quartzite Wall Cladding Stoneer Silver Corner Pieces

Comprising of nine shops and several residential flats, properties 29-47 High Street Polegate required a full roof refurbishment after complaints of water ingress into the residential buildings. Proteus Waterproofing conducted a thorough survey which revealed that the existing roof build up, made up of a timber deck and 2-layer felt, had been previously repaired but was now at the end of its serviceable life.Being a residential building with a combustible deck, protecting individual properties from internal fire spread was a key consideration. Compartment walls were identified allowing Proteus Waterproofing to provide a solution that would meet regulatory guidance relating to the junction of compartment walls and roofs in Approved Document B whilst meeting the needs of the client.Proteus Waterproofing specified their robust reinforced bitumen membrane range of Proteus Pro-Felt®, including a bespoke hybrid insulation approach, where instead of a full replacement consisting of entirely non-combustible insulation, a scheme was designed to meet the requirements above and either side of the compartment walls, offering the client the most cost-effective solution possible that would also mitigate any unnecessary increase of weight loading elsewhere on the roof.High Performance WaterproofingThe waterproofing and existing deck were stripped back and re- decked with 18mm plywood. When removing the existing waterproofing, our approved contractor, carefully recorded the exact location of the party walls as no drawings of the upper story flats were available.Proteus Pro-Felt® SA AVCL was used as a vapour control layer to allow for the application of the hybrid combination of 150mm Proteus Pro-Therm PIR insulation and 150mm Proteus Pro-Therm Mineral Wool insulation. A thermal calculation was undertaken to ensure that the final result met the requirements of Part L of the National Building Regulations. These were both adhered with Proteus Pro-Bond Foaming Adhesive. Proteus Pro-Felt® SA Underlay Plain was laid and finished with Proteus Pro-Felt® Ultima Plus Fireguard Mineral Capsheet, providing the client with a fully waterproofed Part B and Part L compliant roof, guaranteed for 20 years.Proteus Waterproofing worked closely with the Proteus Approved Contractor, to ensure the project was delivered to a high standard.Health & SafetyWhen working on occupied buildings, safety is always of utmost importance, as well as keeping disruptions to a minimum. The Proteus Pro-Felt® range have been tested to the highest European Classification of BROOF(t4), making it the ideal system to use on all buildings, as the risks to residents, property and members of the public are greatly reduced. All Proteus Waterproofing specifications promote fire safe installation methods conforming to the industry lead Safe2Torch guidelines. Proteus also have a range of cold liquid applied membranes which are also BROOF(t4) certified.Long Term PerformanceProteus Pro-Felt® offers high-performance bituminous membrane systems, tested to perform in extreme temperatures and weather conditions, while offering clients a robust and cost-effective waterproofing solution. Proteus Pro-Felt® Ultima Plus range retains its high polymer performance. Its class leading, high quality modified bitumen content allows this flexible membrane to move with the building and ensure long term durability and performance with third party BBA accreditation and guarantees available up to 30 years.

Discover the transformative impact of innovative ventilation and sun control systems tailored for commercial spaces. In the bustling landscape of Spitalfields Market, the quest for optimal indoor climate management led to a collaboration with DUCO for their groundbreaking continuous louvre wall system and architectural sun protection system.Efficiency redefined for dynamic environmentsThe installation of DucoWall Classic 45 HP continuous louvre walls at Spitalfields Market highlights the significance of intensive ventilation. Engineered to offer unparalleled efficiency, this system excels in facilitating substantial airflow while minimising resistance. It's a solution that ingeniously maximises air movement within confined spaces, ensuring a fresh and invigorating environment.Explore our continuous louvre wallsPromoting healthier indoor air qualityIn crowded commercial settings like Spitalfields Market, maintaining a healthy indoor climate becomes paramount. Tom Revitt, UK & I Sales Manager at DUCO, underscores the critical role of ventilation in such spaces:“The DucoWall Classic W 45HP continuous louvre wall stands out not only for its exceptional airflow but also for its sleek and aesthetically pleasing design. It's a seamless integration of form and function, specifically tailored for ventilation to large plant areas that demand both efficiency and visual appeal.”Revolutionising intensive ventilation with DucoGrille Classic F 45 HPAs a pioneering system tailored for intensive ventilation, the DucoGrille Classic F 45 HP marks a significant stride in optimal air movement solutions. Its design, specifically engineered for spaces demanding high airflow rates, ensures an unparalleled level of performance.Tony Colborn, Director Conttego building façade solution provider:"At Spitalfields market, the DucoGrille Classic F 45 HP is installed above glazed window lines for extraction of contaminated air and odours at food vendors. With an exceptionally low resistance factor, this system redefines efficiency by maximising airflow while minimizing energy consumption. Its installation at Spitalfields Market demonstrates its capability to create a controlled, refreshing indoor environment by efficiently purging stale air and introducing fresh air, essential for occupant comfort and well-being.”Discover our intensive ventilation gamutSymbiosis between shielding and sun protectionDucoSun Ellips emerges as an ideal solution to screen off areas, as is the case at Spitalfields Market. Tony Colborn continues: “At Spitalfields, this system is used as privacy screening to screen the park at the side of the building looking directly into the windows of the offices above the retail areas.” The integration of DucoSun Ellips underscores not just technological advancement but a meticulous balance between functionality and architectural finesse, that shields unwanted glances from outside while harmonising with the building's design ethos. But the product has a third asset. For it also ensures that large areas of glass are protected from direct sunlight, ensuring a pleasant indoor climate for everyone."Explore our architectural solar shading gamutTransforming commercial spaces with ventilation excellenceIn a landscape where ventilation and sun control solutions are paramount for comfort and well-being, DUCO's innovative products emerge as game-changers. The integration of these advanced ventilation and sun control systems at Spitalfields market underscores their ability to redefine the standards of indoor climate control, promising a refreshing, invigorating experience for both occupants and visitors alike.A testimonial of excellent functional and aesthetic valuesThe project proceeded seamlessly, culminating in the Main Contractor's satisfaction with the final outcomes. Overall, this project stands as an exemplary reference, showcasing functional and aesthetic excellence.

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.

Project: Derry Sports ComplexYear: 2014Architect: Samuel Stevenson & Sons Assembly:·        Roof - APL StrongBak™ (perforated) acoustic roof with APL 65ZS aluminium standing seam system·        Wall – APL Slimwall™ Flat Panel System Size:·        Approx 15,000 m² of StrongBak™, APL 65ZS standing seam & Silmwall™ panels Special Features:·        StrongBak™ supplied in special white colour so no suspended ceilings required·        StrongBak™ supplied in aluminium over swimming pool area·        Building generally 10m high Building Location:·        Derry, Northern Ireland

The headquarters of companies are usually established in city centres close to important transport links. The natural landscape and the wide horizon perspective are not usually associated with office buildings. Press Glass’s ambition was to create a modern headquarters on a green plateau, which would express the dynamic nature of the company and, at the same time, provide employees with contact with nature.The award winning project was developed with large glass panes around the building and elements of curved glass all framed using Aluprof's MB-SR50N EFEKT capless curtain walling, MB86 windows and doors and MB-77HS lift and slide door systems.Architect: Konior Studio

The Bridle Works building is situated on Cathedral Street in Glasgow and is a 19 storey 414 bed high rise student accommodation building.The building is packed full of amazing features & facilities under Novel Student operations. The facility includes a cinema, a private dining area, gaming room, 'glam' room and on-site fully equipped gym and access to personal trainers.The external façade has been finished with a number of Aluprof products including MB-SR50N EI curtain walling, MB-86 windows and MB-78 EI fire rated glazing systems.Architect: Manson ArchitectsMain Contractor: Watkin Jones Group

Project: Bidfoods Distribution Centre, GlasgowDate: 2022 Background:·        APL were initially engaged directly by the main contractor due to previous supply-chain issues experienced by the client ·        Due to APL’s strong supply-chain relationship, all material was able to be procured and delivered on time to meet the projects programme·        APL provided all thermal and structural calculations Systems:·        10,000m² of APL built-up wall system with steel half-round AP50HR in RAL 9006 and RAL 9007 as the external profile·        APL Tritherm™ GALV sub-framing·        All fixings and accessories  Building Location:·        Glasgow

GEC Anderson stainless steel worktops were specified for ward kitchens within the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocinology and Metabolism (OCDEM). Part of the Radcliffe Department of Medicine, the OCDEM is a pioneering centre that combines clinical care, research and education.Sheppard Robson Architects, specified the L-shaped stainless steel units with hygiene, durability and practicality in mind. Continuous, integral upstands were included at the junction between worktops and walls. Sinks were fully integrated within the continuous stainless steel worksurfaces. The main sink bowls are set within a shallow recessed area, acting as a wet zone and to prevent spillage.