"construction plant equipment"

Architectural fabrication specialist Metalline worked closely with Associated Architects, Glassolutions and United Anodisers to produce a range of bespoke rainscreen panels in anodised silver and a striking two tone striped anodised bronze to enhance the brick and glazed façade of the new centre. The two tone bronze effect is a first for the UK and one that Metalline rigourously tested and trialed in conjunction with partnering anodisers. Over 3000m2 of aluminium rainscreen panels were supplied in varying lengths up to 4000mm length x 2000mm wide. The panels were then individually referenced and then installed together to achieve the desired effect. In addition Metalline also supplied fascias and soffits together with their range of perforated rainscreen panels, finished in a black polyester powder coating that added a further dimension to the finish of the building’s façade. With over 30 years experience and an enviable reputation nationwide, Metalline have successfully developed into one of the leading fabricators of specialist architectural metalwork in the UK. Their latest state of the art manufacturing equipment and extended production capability allows a highly skilled workforce to deliver precision engineered metalwork on time and to exact specification. This expertise coupled with an ability to react to even the most challenging of design criteria, has led to Metalline’s architectural fabrications being specified by architects and contractors on a wide range of prestigious projects throughout the United Kingdom. Their relationship with specialist suppliers within the coatings and finishes sector has enabled us to develop unique and exceptional finishes to meet almost any design criteria. This coupled with our new 3D design offering is bringing a whole new dimension to what designers and architects can achieve.

The Award winning Erwlon Caravan and Camping Park in Llandovery, Southwest Wales is a family run park with a large range of facilities open all year round. It is an ideal base for touring, exploring, walking, mountain biking or cycling on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Cambrian Mountains. Erwlon Caravan Park contacted Frontier Pitts to upgrade their site entry and exit access control to an Automatic Rising Bollard system.The 600mm lift height stainless steel bollard was installed complete with safety photocells, safety vehicle detector loops and dual direction LED traffic light system. The bollard was connected to ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) which is linked back to a popular booking system for Holiday and Caravan Parks called ‘Anytime’. The complete system allowed visitors to book their holiday online and allows authorised visitor vehicles to gain access to the park during their stay, even allowing entry in the middle of the night when reception is closed. On the last day of the stay the system automatically deactivates the vehicle registration number after a predetermined time. Easter Holidays are known to be one of the busiest times of a Caravan and Holiday Parks year, and Erwlon Caravan Park were very pleased with the system. Frontier Pitts manufacture a range of made to order perimeter security barriers, bollards, and gates. We have installed equipment at many sites nationwide and have a network of Technical Consultants that will visit any site in the UK to provide you with a full proposal and quotation. We also provide a range of maintenance contracts and response times to suit your sites individual requirements.

Architect: Pascall + Watson Ltd.London, UKContractor: Laing O’RourkeDartford, UKInstaller: EKSPANSheffield. UKThe ProjectA £1 billion expansion of Terminal 2 that will be 150 percent larger than the original to boost passenger capacity and provide gate and tarmac space for the largest jets now in operation. The new terminal will feature 32 new shops and food and beverage outlets.Unique ChallengeArchitects were concerned about thermal movement creating a 20mm difference in floor heights across the slabs or sections of the terminal. This would present a trip hazard for pedestrians transiting the terminal, which could potentially be present over weeks or even months during the hottest or coldest times of the year.Solution ProvidedInpro® product designers created a project-specific “glide plate” floor joint. This custom solution had to move in three directions while simultaneously addressing the rigorous heavy-duty loads encountered in this major transportation hub. The new solution was presented as a 3D-printed prototype model only days after the idea was discussed with the architects. The new system can withstand the extreme movements and the additional loading present in airport concourses, from wheeled luggage up to passenger transport vehicles and maintenance equipment.The new 300HD system easily accepts the flexible Fireline® 520 fire barrier, which recently passed testing for all the European standards.Inpro® Products Used• 300HD Glide Plate floor-joint system• 811 Series cover plate system• Fireline® 520 fire barrier

Project: Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital, Istanbul [TR]Year: 2018Architect: Memorial Project ManagementProducts: LOOP Type 3 and acoustic metal panel sub-ceiling Innovative exclusivity: In Istanbul, the impressive Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital has just been opened. A world-standard hospital that satisfies international accreditation and quality standards – the focus is always people with their individual needs.This hospital, in the centre of the Eurasian metropolis is one of the most comprehensively equipped healthcare complexes in the world. It has received Leed Platinum status (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the most prestigious green certificate awarded in relation to the design of leading institutions. Modern and futuristic – this is the architectural claim of this hospital, which extends over a surface area of 72 000 m². One component of this comprehensive concept is the durlum LOOP® design ceiling, used in the lobby, the vestibule areas and the atrium.Powder-coated in gold bronze, this design ceiling creates a high-end and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere in these interior spaces. With round apertures as its hallmark feature, this unique ceiling blends harmoniously into the interior design. Curved, organic shapes create an impression of infinite distance. Perfectly matched to the carefully crafted interior decor, a vision of absolute perfection is created.Moreover, this ceiling system is more than simply an eye-catching feature: The LOOP® elements are attached by magnets to the suspended ceiling, made of rectangular metal panels. Perforated and lined with fabric, the acoustics are enhanced greatly – which also improves the feel-good factor.The Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital is based on a comprehensive concept in which nothing is left to chance. A hospital in which people occupy centre stage – a place to enjoy.

The Lotse Canal separates Harburg’s Schlossinsel (“castle island”) from Hamburg city centre. To improve accessibility in both directions, the city authorities decided to build a new swing bridge for pedestrians and cyclists across the 44-metre-wide canal.TaskProtect the structure and the budget. Hamburg wanted an innovative and cost-effective coating technology for the Lotse Canal swing bridge.ChallengeProvide a proven coating solution. As a matter of principle, public authorities will only consider the introduction of innovative materials if their successful performance has already been proven beyond any doubt and they additionally deliver savings for the public handbag.SolutionPolyaspartic technology protects the bridge and saves money. With years of experience of using this application in other fields of engineering, it was clear that Polyaspartic technology would protect the structure just as thoroughly against corrosion damage as previous coating systems – and, thanks to needing one layer less, would deliver savings at the same time. As a result, the swing bridge across the Lotse Canal became the first application of Polyaspartic technology in a public infrastructure project in Germany. The unique Polyaspartic technology benefits were confirmed by The Sherwin-Willliams Company, as provider of the coatings for the bridge: “Polyaspartic technology enabled a curing process that was four times faster than normal, resulting in a significant productivity boost.”Why Polyaspartic technology was the right solution for this project:Ultra-durable: Thorough protection against corrosion.Economical: The need for one layer less cuts cost.Proven technology: Years of successful application in other fields.Fast-curing: Cures four times faster than conventional solutions.Ease of application: Good handling without the need for additional equipment or training measures.

After carrying out a fire door survey, Warwick Hospital undertook measures to protect and refurbish the fire doors throughout their sterilisation unit with Yeoman Shield door protection products.Catering for the sterilisation requirements for all wards and departments within South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust as well as GP surgeries and clinics, the department is a hub of activity. The movement of heavily laden trolleys and equipment around the unit had caused impact damage to the department’s doors around door edges, glazing beads and the door fronts. Damage to these particular parts of a fire door can render it unfit for purpose.In this instance Yeoman Shield fired rated door protection products were used to refurbish and then protect from further impact damage. Door edge protectors were fitted to the leading and meeting edges of the doors with door protection panels installed to a height that would shield the most vulnerable areas.For additional protection, particularly to ward off blows to the glazing bead section of the doors, Yeoman Shield’s rub rail was fitted to the face of the door just below the vision panels. Colours of Blue and Red were chosen to distinguish between the contaminated and sterile areas within the unit.Yeoman Shield door protection products come with current and relevant fire certificates and do not affect the integrity of a fire door when installed but will continue to protect from detrimental impact damage for many years to come.Malcolm Bloxham Reactive Supervisor commented “We have used Yeoman Shield for many years and find their door protection products perfect for maintaining our fire doors in good working condition, helping to reduce our door maintenance costs by minimising repair and replacement requirements.”

Yeoman Shield were proud to supply Guardian Handrail, incorporating signage, to a pioneering scheme by Bradford Teaching Hospitals to provide a dementia friendly environment in their hospitals. The Horton Ward at ST Luke’s Hospital was transformed using a grant from the Prime Minister’s “Challenge on Dementia Fund”As part of the refurbishment, which involved the use of art, colour and signage to help dementia patients to navigate their way round the hospital, Yeoman Shield were approached by Bradford Teaching Hospital to supply a handrail that would also act as a directional guide.“We have worked with Yeoman Shield many times and when we gave Area Sales Manager, Steve Hawke, the brief for the refurbishment of The Horton Wing, Steve presented us with the Guardian Handrail that has the capacity to carry signage on the face of the rail which would ideal for this project.” Stated Project Manager, Shane Embleton.The Guardian Handrail, installed by Yeoman Shield’s directly employed fixing operatives, to corridors on level 1 & 2 of The Horton Wing, was supplied in a Dusty Grey colour with contrasting accessories in Mid Grey to highlight the corridor openings to doorways and lifts.Signage was incorporated flush to the face of the rail in White offering directional information to hospital visitors and patients.Ultra Corner Protection Angles were also fitted to vulnerable corners of walls to prevent damage which is easily caused by passing people, trolleys and equipment.“Not only did the Guardian Handrail lend itself perfectly to the environment the trust wanted to create but offered the obvious functionality of a hand/protection rail which will help to keep the newly refurbished corridors looking smart well into the future.” Concluded Shane Embleton.

With the new Elizabeth line set to deliver a 10% increase in rail capacity across central London, the project will provide a high frequency service that reduces journey times and creates new travel opportunities by linking 41 stations across 100 kilometres. As part of the landmark construction project, over 42 kilometres of new tunnels, 50 kilometres of new track and 10 new stations are being developed in conjunction with major upgrades to the existing infrastructure. Throughout the construction stages of the central section, which spans from Westbourne Park to Plumstead and Pudding Mill Lane, over 350 of Bilco UK’s innovative aluminium Ladder Up® Safety Posts have been specified by Crossrail’s systemwide contractor Alstom TSO Costain Joint Venture (ATC Systemwide) to provide safe and secure access. Weighing just seven kilograms due to the milled aluminium construction, the resilient Ladder Up® Safety Posts will provide engineers with unobstructed access to the walkways when conducting essential maintenance throughout the tunnels, once the line is operational. Once fully open, the Elizabeth line will provide an additional 1.5 million people with access to central London within 45 minutes, covering Reading and Heathrow in the West, right through to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the East. The specification process, managed by Construction & Rail Contractors McNealy Brown, focused on the requirement for durable yet functional access solutions that would consistently provide a safe and direct step through onto the walkway, without impacting on the surrounding electrical services. The unique and high quality construction of the Ladder Up® Safety Post fulfilled each requirement of the brief. This includes features such as the innovative telescopic post, which mounts permanently to the top two rungs of any fixed ladder to provide a secure handhold that enables the user to enter or exit the opening in an upright and balanced position. Clive Burfoot, Contract Manager at McNealy Brown, said: "When we first began researching potential access solutions for the Crossrail project’s central section, it became clear quite quickly that the Bilco UK Ladder Up® Safety Post was the only product available on the UK market that would fulfil our extensive list of requirements." “The telescopic extension was one of the main benefits that secured its specification for this project, as it enables the Ladder Up® safety post to be both retracted and extended, a key function that wasn’t available with any other access solution.” Each ladder has been installed with two Ladder Up® Safety Posts, which are located on either side of the ladder to provide the direct step through onto the walkway for increased safety and efficiency. The installation process, which has been managed by ATC Systemwide, will provide secure access throughout all essential areas of the central section, including at either end of every station and at additional strategic locations. Vimesshen Ravindran, Senior Mechanical Engineer at ATC Systemwide, said: “The lightweight construction of the Ladder Up® Safety Posts ensured the installation process was quick and easy, resulting in no unforeseen issues on site. When the system retracts, the high quality spring-balance and convenient lever release provides a controlled means of lowering into its retracted position. This delivers enhanced ease of operation, ensuring long term suitability and usability for the engineers when undertaking future maintenance tasks. “The Ladder Up® Safety Posts will play an essential role in ensuring the central section of the Elizabeth line continues to run at the highest standard, so it was crucial we specified access solutions that would facilitate the continued maintenance of the line, safely and efficiently.” The telescopic tubular section automatically locks when fully extended, while the adjustable mounting hardware accommodates any ladder rung size or spacing. The corrosion resistant construction can also withstand the demanding environment of the London underground system, ensuring its successful operation for years to come. Darren Waters, Managing Director of Bilco UK, said: “We are extremely proud to have been involved in the UK’s high profile Crossrail infrastructure project and have worked closely with McNealy Brown and ATC Systemwide throughout every stage of the specification and installation stages. “This has ensured our unique Ladder Up® Safety Posts have fulfilled each individual requirement of the central section of the Elizabeth line, from security and ease of usability, right through to long term durability. We look forward to seeing the completion of the Crossrail project as our innovative access solutions play a vital role in ensuring its safe and successful operation.” Aiming to make travelling throughout the capital easier, quicker and less crowded for passengers, the Elizabeth line will not only reduce the strain on London’s transport network but transform the way passengers experience and interact with the city and its suburbs.

False fire alarm numbers continue to rise post-pandemic causing major issues for the economy by wasting vital time and resources.The latest Home Office figures from year ending September 2022 reveal fire and rescue services attended 238,885 fire false alarms, the largest total of false fire alarms in over a decade, an increase of 10% compared with the previous year.With an 18% increase from the previous year for malicious false fire alarms, 6,473 false alarms were determined, the number still rising post-COVID.False fire alarms continue to be the largest proportion of incidents attended at 38% and so it is increasingly important to minimise false alarms to ensure both the safety of individuals and the efficient use of emergency services.A teenager was arrested in Aberdeen after setting off fire alarms more than a dozen times, which police investigated as ‘deliberate and malicious’. Firefighters attended calls and wasted time and resources, meaning they could not respond to real emergency calls.False alarms are costly and disruptive, amounting to around £1 billion a year for the UK they often require emergency responders to mobilise and respond to a non-existent emergency, wasting resources and time.False fire alarms can be costly for building owners with fines introduced for repeated false alarms from emergency services, as they may have to attend multiple times, causing a drain on resources that could be better used elsewhere.They can also cause panic and confusion, particularly if they occur frequently, making it harder for people to take the necessary steps to evacuate safely in the event of a real fire. Frequent false alarms can lead to complacency among building occupants, who may not take real fire alarms seriously, potentially putting themselves and others at risk.Firefighters attended false alarms a considerable number of times at Basset Lodge, an independent living facility for many elderly and disabled people. False fire alarms are not only disruptive for staff and residents, but also pose a risk to their safety, and place additional strain on fire and rescue services. These repeated false alarms can lead to complacency in the public, lowering the sense of urgency in real evacuations.Protective covers can help to control the number of accidental and malicious fire alarms, but there are many ways in which you can reduce false alarms, for example regularly checking and testing equipment to ensure it is not faulty is one approach to preventing unnecessary risk for the fire department and public from false alarms.As the original call point cover manufacturer, Safety Technology International manufacture tough covers have been specifically designed to help deter false fire alarms and to prevent malicious or accidental activation of manual call points. The strong, durable construction of our polycarbonate call point protectors means they can withstand the toughest knocks, whilst offering lasting protection against false fire alarms. With various models available in a range of sizes and colours, and multi-language or custom text options, we have covers suitable for most applications or devices. Sounder models help to deter malicious activations with an audible alarm that draws immediate attention to the area. Waterproof models also allow for outside application, protecting devices and manual call points against the ingress of dust or water.

The ProjectsThe Northern Health and Social Care Trust and The Southern Health and Social Care Trust are two of the largest healthcare associations in Northern Ireland. Between them, they provide services to over 850,000 people. Among the facilities under the Northern Trust’s control is Causeway Hospital in Coleraine. The Southern Trust has Craigavon Area Hospital as one of its major healthcare sites.H&J Martin was established in 1840. For well over a century and a half it has been delivering the highest level of quality work in every aspect of construction and fit outs. For this reason, the company was chosen to oversee and facilitate the work on these prestigious hospitals.The hospitals needed new flooring to be installed throughout the buildings. The floorcovering would need to be made from a resilient material such as vinyl, making it easy to maintain high standards of hygiene using industrial cleaning machinery. The flooring would also need to be supported at the floor-to-wall junctions and around corners, to prevent flooring failure or collapse and to protect against the heavy-duty cleaning equipment.The ApproachH&J Martin decided to use Quantum Flooring’s CCFM1 internal and CCFM2 external floormitres to help protect the flooring around corners in the hospitals. Vinyl or other resilient floorcoverings can be particularly vulnerable where the flooring meets the wall at corners, as it can be difficult to mitre the angles correctly. These floormitres help to create a uniform finish every time, leading to greater structural integrity along with improved aesthetic results.Quantum’s QCF35 cove former was utilised to complement the CCFM1 and CCFM2. This profile fits perfectly with the curve of the floormitres, helping to create a flush and hygienic finish every time, at each floor-to-wall junction and around corners. The coving and the floormitres protect the floorcovering from damage at the join, and make the flooring easier to clean. For wet rooms, the vinyl can be fitted all the way up the wall where the floormitres can also be used in the wall-to-roof corners.The UCS3 slimline flexible capping strip was used to create neat finishes to the floorcovering up the walls of the hospitals. The UCS3 profile is specifically designed for healthcare environments. It has a slimline cap, reducing the accumulation of dirt and dust over time, and providing a smaller surface area to be cleaned than traditional capping strips. UCS3 is available in 25 metre coils making the packaging compact and the product easy to fit.The OutcomesCauseway Hospital and Craigavon Area Hospital were fitted with over 2,000 metres of floormitres, cove formers, and capping strips between July 2022 and July 2023. Sean O’Reilly, the Flooring Supervisor for H&J Martin, says: “As you can see from the finish, high quality work was made easier with floormitres.”The profiles used have been expertly fitted by H&J Martin employees, resulting in great looking and hygienic installations for both hospitals. The floormitres, coving, and capping strips will be protecting the floorcovering for many years to come, and helping to keep the facilities safe and clean for both patients and healthcare professionals.The Northern Trust and the Southern Trust can rest assured that H&J Martin’s professional work with Quantum Flooring’s excellent product range will help them to continue providing their vital services to the people of Northern Ireland. Cutting Corners cove solutions are perfect for healthcare and pharmaceutical projects, improving the quality and standards of cap and cove, cleanroom, as well as wetroom installations.The CCFM1 Internal and CCFM2 External Floormitres are specified and fitted in countries worldwide.www.cuttingcorners.org.uk

In 2015 Mumford & Wood, the manufacturer of Britain’s finest timber windows and doors, was chosen as the supply partner to replace over 1000 windows and doors as part of the major £200m restoration project at Turnberry Resort This extensive refurbishment has included the remodelling and upgrade of all 103 bedrooms and public spaces within the existing hotel as well as the construction of a new, 500-person grand ballroom at this world-renowned golfing and leisure venue.

Completed in July 2020, The Sorting Office has been designed and constructed to the highest sustainable standards achieving LEED platinum certification.The development is articulated with design features that add visual interest and assert a clear geometric form. The material palette of the facade consists of perforated aluminium brise-soleil fins applied in a fine texture metallic powder coating that are strategically placed to minimise solar gains.Finish: YW387I Ordos Sable

The Analog Devices Building at the University of Limerick was constructed as part of the ground-breaking Bernal Project and was since awarded the Irish Building Project of the Year at the Irish Building and Design Awards 2016 in Dublin. Irish architect, Brady Shipman Martin, was appointed to design the external landscape and Tobermore helped make their job easier with the provision of an attractive paving solution that complemented the distinctive new building whilst providing continuity with the other areas on campus.

Kent and Canterbury Hospital had received funding to complete a new sensory garden that could be used by their patients at the Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit within the hospital. Cardy Construction Ltd. were awarded the project to complete the garden and turn the design created by local garden designer, Christine Patterson into reality. The garden design included a requirement for some shade in part of the garden to offer cover over the new outdoor seating area.

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.

From this assessment the Dolphin ALAVO modular system was chosen to be an integral part of the upgrade as it contained all the required elements of mirrors, lighting, taps, hand dryers, paper towel and soap dispensers in an attractive integrated modular system. Working with designer Katherine Rawlings and contractor Sarah Constructions, Dolphin Solutions AU was able to deliver the ALAVO system as pictured to be a vital part of the upgrade works at Adelaide Airport South Australia.

The Hepworth Gallery required access to their low pitched roofs to facilitate safe working at height when carrying out external glazing cleaning and general maintenance. The concrete design of the building resulted in a thin roof construction, so The Gallery needed to ensure that any systems installed were fit-for-purpose, fully tested and compatible. With such a prestigious and architecturally prominent building, it was imperative that the chosen system also suited the design of the building.

Architect: Beyer Blinder Belle Architects Contractor: Turner Construction The Facility: World Trade Center - Towers 3 & 4 Inpro® Products Used: A total of 365 linear meters of standard Fireline 520® fire blanket in top-mount configuration. Joint widths varied from 76mm-609mm. Water Guard®blankets in bottom-mount and wall-to-wall mounts were also installed. 

Moralt Laminesse FireSmoke door blanks were supplied through James Latham in Thurrock to timber engineering specialists David Smith in St. Ives, Cambridgeshire for a new 474 door school project in Carshalton. Moralt‘s Laminesse laminated timber core door blanks were chosen for the project on account of their lighter weight yet solid timber construction. This product suits the higher-traffic school environment extremely well.

Marley's Acme Double Camber Clay Plain Tile in Burnt Flame has been used by EAB Homes and Developments Ltd on their award-winning development in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. EAB Homes is a boutique developer, building exceptional, high-end residential properties. They specialise in the design, development and construction of bespoke family homes for buyers who appreciate the very best, and that's why they chose to use Marley roof tiles on their Buckinghamshire development.

Pre-cast concrete panels were used in an unusual project to carry out the ‘re- meandering' of a historically straightened section of Swindale Beck in the Lake District. Whites Concrete supplied its precast Rockwall and Groundwall panels so that Coffey Construction could quickly and efficiently form a new Coanda screen, fish pass walls and a Crump Weir to Swindale Beck, which is an upstream sub-catchment of Cumbria’s River Eden.

Located in the village of Featherstone on the outskirts Wolverhampton, Featherstone & Hilton Community centre is an attractive 80’s-built building surrounded by the luscious green of the countryside. Since construction, it has featured a man-made interlocking slate-style roof that was installed under conditions of strict professional workmanship. The old roof material, after decades of service, was in need of modernisation as it was worn from years of use and had become a target for vandalism...

The Copper Box. The Handball Arena was also constructed by Winchmore Brickwork and contains Naylor Hi-Spec Lintels. Designed by MAKE Architects, it is the only permanent indoor mixed sports arena in the Olympic Park to be retained, and Winchmore have just been invited back to make alterations and refurbishments in order to convert the building into the 'Multi Use Arena', or Copper Box as it is now called, as part of the Olympic Legacy for the Queen Elizabeth Park.

Pre-cast concrete panels were used in an unusual project to carry out the ‘re- meandering' of a historically straightened section of Swindale Beck in the Lake District. Whites Concrete supplied its precast Rockwall and Groundwall panels so that Coffey Construction could quickly and efficiently form a new Coanda screen, fish pass walls and a Crump Weir to Swindale Beck, which is an upstream sub-catchment of Cumbria’s River Eden.

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.

This wonderful playground is located at the foot of the former St. Petri church in Nordhausen, Thuringia. While the giant slide tower was completed as the first construction phase as early as 2018, the playground has since been expanded with climbing towers, bridges, crawling tunnels, swings and balancing ropes. We wish the children in Nordhausen lots of fun with a wild climbing adventure. The executive planner for this project was our sales representative playconcept Tino Blumer.

At the noisy heart of bustling Birmingham is the city's Town Hall, an impressive example of Roman Revival civic architecture. With a refurbishment budget of £34m, the 1830s iconic masterpiece will once more become the performance centre of the city. However, the journey from faded glory to world class concert venue was hardly straightforward and took the combined expertise and ingenuity of main contractor, Wates Construction and Selectaglaze, the country's leading secondary glazing specialist.

Situated in Sherbourne, Coventry the success of the Duckham Court housing project largely depended on the combination of the protection, durability and finish that the Securidor range offers.It was essential that these high traffic doors worked seamlessly with the access control systems. Integrating these elements can often be a source of snags and delay on site. Working with our partners within the industry and construction trade, Strongdor identified and resolved potential issues before the doors where delivered.

Stapleton House is a design & build project by Balfour Beatty Construction Services who created 862 high-specification student spaces across nine floors in the large and logistically challenging student accommodation project in London.The property is located by the very busy Holloway Road and therefore needed an enhanced acoustic rating for each elevation facing the public highway, as well as the achievement of high thermal, weather and security standard throughout.

Whiskey connoisseurs can now enjoy a favourite tipple at the new Ad Gefrin whisky distillery and visitor centre in Wooler, which has been completed externally with a Sto render system. Ad Gefrin opened its doors to visitors in March 2023 to showcase the unique heritage, ancient hospitality, and contemporary crafts, arts and produce of Northumberland and re-awaken the Northumbrian tradition for Whisky distilling that has slept for over 200 years. The StoRend Flex Cote render system was specified for use on the facades of the new buildings by Elphick Associates, to provide maximum crack resistance, weatherproofing and fade resistance. Using the highest quality materials, StoArmat Classic Plus is a cement-free, acrylic resin-based reinforcing coat, and up to 15 times more flexible than traditional cement-based reinforcing coats, providing exceptional levels of crack resistance with the embedded Sto Glass Fibre strengthening mesh. The system, installed by Edendene Construction Services Ltd, was finished with an attractive, low-maintenance, white StoSilco render, which will keep its good looks for years to come.  StoDécor Flex, a mesh-reinforced system comprising of StoDecosit interior plaster onto StoVentec carrier board was also applied to some internal areas of the building to match the smooth, white exterior of the buildings. StoDecosit combines the best properties ofemulsion-based plasters and silicate plasters in a single product and is suitable for decorating walls to protect against mould and mildew, and for walls in heavy-use areas.Ad Gefrin is a family run business and this outstanding visitor experience includes a distillery, museum, bistro, and shop, and is also helping to deliver economic growth to the local and wider communities of Glendale. Client: Ad GefrinDesign: Elphick AssociatesSto Applicator: Edendene Construction Services LtdContractor: Brims Construction Ltd Sto Expertise: StoRend Flex Cote Render system (externally), StoDécor Flex (internally)Photography: Sally Ann Norman Photography

Project: Abbey View Primary Academy Client:Buckinghamshire County Council Contractor: Morgan Sindall Architect: GSS Architecture Value: £6.6m:Location:South East GIFA: 1,756 m²NEED The benefits of offsite construction were realized when Morgan Sindall teamed up with Innovaré to create a high-quality, airtight, and energy-efficient building for Abbey View Primary Academy. The academy offers a first-class education facility for 420 students and 52 pre-school places, designed to grow with the population. The first phase includes a two-storey building with teaching spaces, an assembly room, sports hall, and dining hall, providing 210 primary and 26 pre-school places. The second phase links to future residential development. SOLUTION The design uses Innovaré’s SIPS, Insulated Panel System, forming a complete dry structure. This system outperforms traditional methods, accelerates delivery, reduces waste, and improves sustainability. It meets ambitious construction targets by shortening schedules and enhancing building performance. OUTCOME Early collaboration ensured the design met client requirements. Regular meetings established a robust delivery schedule, with M&E services integrated into the panel manufacture to avoid onsite clashes. The advanced offsite timber technology maximized efficiency and quality, delivering Abbey View on time and budget in 42 weeks, snag-free. The structural frame, including roof, walls, and floors, was completed in nine weeks. The i-SIP System’s enhanced performance will reduce maintenance and energy costs over the building’s lifetime.Sarah Valentine, Principal said: “The construction team has been a brilliant source of inspiration for our students. Their work experience placements at Abbey View Primary Academy have been extremely rewarding and enabled them to gain valuable experience with an outstanding team. We’d like to thank them for their enthusiasm and for giving so freely of their time and knowledge while supporting and encouraging our students.”

Sector:Leisure & HealthcareClient:Houghton Regis Management CompanyDuration:48 weeksArchitect:NORR Consultants LtdCompletion Date:14 January 2022Value:£4.4mThe scheme involved the construction of three stand-alone buildings with: an office and marketing suite which will offer flexible co-working opportunities for the local community, a cafe, and a community hall. The three buildings making up the Farmstead are arranged around beautiful landscaping with a courtyard that has a nature-themed play area, outdoor seating and bike storage.Andrew Morris, Business Development Director for Ashe Construction said: “We’re delighted to be providing this fantastic new community facility. Using sustainably sourced timber and offsite methods of construction we have ensured the most sustainable of buildings that fits with the aspirations of all parties involved. We hope it plays a central part in building a caring and diverse community.”A PLACE FOR SOCIALISING AND COMMUNITYThe Farmstead is the heart and soul of Linmere, a space where everyone is welcome. Sitting within its own landscaped grounds, The Farmstead consists of three barns arranged around a central courtyard. Inside this lively hub you’ll find a café bistro, a community hall for hire, an expanding retail offering, a pop-up for hire, plus yoga and fitness classes to participate in and a nature-inspired children’s adventure playground.A PLACE TO MEET, DINE AND ENJOY!Roam, a brand-new café bistro, offers a high-quality daytime café, proudly serving Really Awesome Coffee, with a range of snacks, cakes, and hot food. This is complemented with an evening bistro serving a modern, quality menu along with a selection of wines and beer.Located in the heart of The Farmstead Linmere, offering residents and visitors alike a social venue open from morning until night, Roam is the go-to venue for coffee, delicious food, and a very welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee break, a working lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends and family, Roam has something for everyone.

Wondertex prem fill & finish has been used to create 540 exceptional apartments at the iconic Tobacco Warehouse in Liverpool.BackgroundThe grade two-listed, 14 storey building was built in 1901 and was thought to be the largest warehouse the world had ever seen – a huge achievement for a thriving city at the heart of global trade.After falling into disrepair, the Tobacco Warehouse has been given a new lease of life and is now home to 540 exceptional waterfront apartments.The ChallengeThe team working at this exciting location includes main contractor Abercorn Construction and architect Darmody Architecture. The team at Abercorn Construction were responsible for installing and finishing the walls and ceilings across a 150,000sqm area. With time of the essence and a durable and smooth finish essential in preparation for decorating, Abercorn Construction chose to use Wondertex prem fill & finish.The SolutionWith over 50 years experience in supplying dryliners and decorators with expert solutions, Wondertex prem fill & finish was the perfect product to ready the walls and ceilings for decorating these beautiful and luxurious apartments.Wondertex prem fill & finish is a filler and smoother, designed for filling and finishing plasterboard joints, smoothing unwanted textured surfaces as well as repairing any accidental damage, snagging or channelling work.Available in two handy sizes, prem fill & finish boasts an extremely smooth texture which allows the product to glide easily into joints – making light work of even the largest of projects, such as this one.What’s more, prem fill & finish has a 60 minute working time, is effortless to sand – there’s no elbow grease required here – and has minimal shrinkage so you can be assured that once applied, prem fill & finish will stay put and will not crack and come out of the joints.Once applied and fully dried, the walls and ceilings were painted with Dulux paint.ResultsThe project was completed on time and residents are now able to move in and enjoy Titanic-sized warehouse homes at the heart of Merseyside’s historic docks.

Gripsure decking has been used to complete a landmark health building. The £41 million Health Innovation One is the new home of Lancaster University’s Medical School and Division of Health Research.The state-of-the-art building is also a regional hub, which brings together industry, research partners, health and care providers, the voluntary sector and local authorities. The focus is to help improve the health and well-being of the area.With such a variety of uses and needs, it was important to get Health Innovation One’s outside space just right.BAM Construction Ltd, the firm behind the project, came to Gripsure because they wanted a safe, non-slip decking area which blended with the style of the building and its natural surroundings. Gripsure Cumaru was the ideal choice. This hard-wearing, non-slip decking range comes with a 25+ year expected in-service life.Up to 3,500 linear metres of our Cumaru boards have been used outside Health Innovation One’s main entrance and for the flooring of an outdoor seating area.“The Cumaru product was offered as a value engineering option and offered a significant saving to the specified product as well as being a high-quality solution.” said Jonah Speaks, Assistant Project Surveyor at BAM Construction Ltd.As well as the quality and look of the product, Jonah said the construction team was impressed with Gripsure’s support and help at every stage.He said: “There was ongoing support from the technical team to propose the correct fixings and interfaces to ensure long term performance and robustness.”Work was completed last year on Health Innovation One, which features various meeting rooms and event spaces – including a dedicated Innovation Lab and Business Lounge and an on-site cafe.The building is part of the wider Health Innovation Campus at Lancaster University. The site will allow external organisations to work with university experts when addressing health challenges in Lancashire, the North West and across the country.Gripsure is proud to have contributed to such an important project.

The initial phase of a large-scale regeneration project featuring community sports facilities, office accommodation and an Enterprise Hub in Irvine, North Ayrshire, has been constructed with the use of 50,000 Carsington Cream bricks produced by Forterra in Measham exclusively for Taylor Maxwell. The construction on Quarry Road, Irvine, houses the office headquarters of a local leisure company and work spaces for Business Gateway, who aim to support local entrepreneurs and business start-ups, encouraging local employment. It provides a gateway into the development that will include local indoor and outdoor sports facilities and multi-use community spaces. The building was designed to mark the development entrance, draw people into the site and set the construction standard for the phases to follow. Andrew Martin, Sales Executive at Taylor Maxwell, said: “We were tasked with finding a suitable facing brick for Irvine Community Hub. With a budget to adhere to and a remit to provide a buff/cream coloured brick with a traditional appearance, the Carsington Cream Facing Brick was ideal. “This brick type is part of a commitment to certain product lines manufactured in the UK and mainland Europe that Taylor Maxwell makes to provide a ‘Select’ range of brick types. This provided Clark Contracts with a commitment on price and availability for a soft mud manufactured brick with the technical qualities needed for the Scottish climate.” Steven Nicolson, Forterra’s Area Sales Manager for Scotland, said: “The Carsington Cream brick is a handmade, low water absorbency brick that was used here to combine with the modern aspect of the building and to complement the surrounding buildings.” Nick Shepherd, Architectural Assistant at Anderson Bell + Christie, said: “Forterra and Taylor Maxwell’s Carsington Cream brick was used to contrast with the residential context and establish the building as a landmark. The tone of the brick was selected to harmonise with the timber cladding, as well as the timber louvres within the window openings which accentuate the texture of the brick.” Forterra nominated the project for the 2018 Brick Awards, in the Public category. 

The ChallengeIn 2015 a joint venture of Balfour Beatty, Costain, and Skanksa (A14 integrated delivery team) was awarded £1.5bn by Highways England to improve the A14. These improvements included a new major 12-mile bypass, the widening of the A1 and the existing A14, improving the junctions on the A14, and building new access roads.The A14 carries around 85,000 vehicles per day; 26% of this is HGV traffic. It is frequently congested and traffic is often disrupted by breakdowns, accidents, and roadworks.As part of the A14 major scheme, a new retaining wall was needed to be constructed as new road works were encroaching on the pre-existing embankments. A durable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance wall solution with a Highway Authorities Product Approval Scheme and British Board of Agreement (BBA) certificate was required.The SolutionA vast number of EcoCrib mass gravity retaining walls are now constructed to support the embankments along the A14. The EcoCrib Mass Gravity Retaining Wall began its erection on 24th July and was completed on 10th October 2019. With a design life of over 120 years, EcoCrib is durable, and the most highly sustainable retaining solution. Designed, supplied, and installed by PC Construction, certified by the BBA and HAPAS in 2012.EcoCrib profiles are manufactured entirely from recycled UK plastic (bottle tops, car bumpers, etc) with any wastage or surplus material re-processed to form new EcoCrib profiles. Developed from timber crib technology, the 50mm x 125mm EcoCrib profiles are considerably more durable than treated timber but hold many environmental benefits.EcoCrib can be recycled when it reaches the end of its useful life.When considering solutions for developments of all kinds, the lifetime cost means EcoCrib is the more efficient choice.1838 SQM of EcoCrib was used in the scheme, equivalent to 212 tonnes of plastic waste diverted from landfill.