"wood block and strip flooring"

Granite Exchange offers serviced office space to businesses and individuals. Companies can lease meeting rooms, private offices, or shared desk areas to operate from. The ultra-modern design and high specification facilities in Granite Exchange are ideal for businesses who want to offset high property rates while maintaining a sleek and professional outlook.

Prestigious Bradley Hall Golf Club is located in over 60 acres of picturesque parkland in central Yorkshire. Golf was first played here in 1906 and considerable investment was spent converting the old house into an outstanding club house. Recently the golf club had a major building upgrade but still retained the quality that had been set up all those years ago. As part of this refurbishment the central entrance of the golf club required an impressive eye catching finish to their traditional style Victorian staircase with a unique large curved bottom step.

The complete transformation of a North London apartment block grand entrance hall, lobby and staircase now features a sophisticated and stunning appearance with revolutionary Porcel-Thin® tiles, and Schlüter®-TREP stair nosing profiles.

This new residential block in Dartford will have 5 stories, 14 apartments and 6 parking spaces. Klasse C-board has been utilised on this project due to it's A1 fire-rated, fully non-combustible classification.

Shop in style with Moss Bros’ stunning new refit of their store in The Oracle, Reading. Featuring Wood and Stone designs from Amtico Spacia, the refreshed outfit offers a stunning contemporary space to shop - that’s our kind of retail therapy.

Project Type: Interior - NyloftYear: 2020Location: PolandContractor: House Loves, Karolina ZagrodzkaWood Species: Oak , PineProducts: Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C and Rubio Monocoat Universal Maintenance Oil

Project Type: Chalet KarlovYear: 2020Location: Czech RepublicContractor and Architects: Fandament Architects s.r.o./ Furniture Manufacturer: Lugi s.r.o.Wood Species: Oak VeneerProducts: Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C

Two enhanced durability metallic effects combine to adorn the rainscreen cladding. The subtle tones provide a complimentary feel to the multi-storey student accommodation block at heart of Coventry.Finishes: Interpon D2525 Detendre Y2214I and YW216G Brilliance.

Project: Northbrook College, West Sussex Client: M&E consultants Scope of project: New canteen and refurbishment of the college’s engineering block Products: em.glaze modular circular glass rooflights, em.glaze shedlights and em.tube tubular skylights

Whitethorn Village is an attractive residential scheme positioned adjacent to the centre of Naas. The contemporary development led by Cairn Homes PLC includes a mix of spacious family homes and two apartment buildings. These comfortable, sustainable residences offer the very best in terms of quality and energy efficiency.Developer Cairn Homes collaborated with Horizon Offsite to deliver the impressive 5-storey residential blocks in Whitethorn Village, benefiting from off-site fabrication, accuracy, and rapid completion within a tightly controlled cost plan.The apartments were constructed using an offsite fabricated light gauge steel (LGS) structural system. The external LGS wall panels and floor decking used in this system incorporated a number of Partel’s low carbon building envelope solutions. This included the advanced fire rated components EXOPERM MONO DURO 200 breather membrane and ECHOSEAL ALU FR airtight and windtight tape, the multi-purpose adhesive VERBOND, and also the phA Class Passive House Certified components IZOPERM PLUS vapour control layer and VARA SEAL smart airtight tape.

Gripsure supplied Premier non-slip decking for Audley Redwood retirement village in Bristol. The anti-slip timber decking was installed on 14 luxury retirement apartments to ensure the residents’ safety. The retirement village has been built to a high specification. It comprises of 106 apartments and 20 cottages. The 15-acre parkland also features a restaurant, library and health club for residents to enjoy. With unspoilt views of the surrounding greenery, the balconies, have been finished to a very high standard. They include decorative railings that complement the local Georgian architecture. Gripsure Premier non-slip decking combines a traditional grooved timber decking board with two anti-slip strips for a high slip resistance. This ensures the residents of Audley Retirement Village get the most out of their outdoor space all year round in a secure environment.

The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel is a luxury hotel and casino resort located on the Cotai Strip in Macau, China. It is one of the largest and most iconic resorts in Macau and is inspired by the city of Venice, Italy. The Venetian Hotel is one of the largest single-building hotels in Asia and the world, with the worlds second biggest casino and more than 3,000 suites, all at least 70sqm, making it a sprawling and impressive complex.Interfloor was proud to supply 100,000m2 of Tredaire Defender for this hotel and casino resort. It has been placed in areas all over the hotel, from guest rooms and public areas to parts of the huge casino. Tredaire Defender is a popular choice for hotels and integrated resorts and has comprehensive flammability testing. It was picked for this project not just for its durability and comfort but also due to it acting as a brilliant impact and airborne sound reduction. 

When PDP Associates was seeking a “high quality” hard landscaping product for David Wilson Homes’ lavish development Grey Towers Village in Nunthorpe, the vintage style and charm of Tobermore’s Tegula and Retro block paving proved to be the perfect solution

StoVentec Glass rainscreen cladding was specified for a new two-storey science block which has been built at Wolverhampton Girl’s High School, following its successful use on the school’s new sixth-form building, completed in 2018.

At this luxury residential block, by developer Purelake and ECE Architecture, VELFAC windows and patio doors are installed in all 52 apartments. The slim framed windows deliver maximum natural light, optimum thermal and acoustic insulation, and some stunning views.

The Arena Central projects comprises of two blocks housing 324 apartments, part of a £40 million build-to-rent scheme. Location: BirminghamContractor: Galliford TryClient: Dandara LivingAspex supplied: Novista Riser Steel Doors 

Project Type: InteriorYear: 2019Location: Bachte-Maria-Leerne, BelgiumContractor: Trap2 Traprenovatie, Bakermat, F.C. LamaWood Species: OakProducts:Rubio Monocoat Pre Colour EasyRubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C

Washroom Washroom has created a unique changing area at a luxury central London health club using materials including copper, Ted Todd end grain feature wood panels and Zodiaq stone to deliver the boutique hotel style requested.

Burlington House has been a home of the Royal Academy of Arts, the oldest art school in Britain, since 1867. Over the years this canonic site has seen impressive additions by a number of acclaimed architects. Continuing this rich history, in 2018, David Chipperfield Architects completed a major redevelopment of the building, delivering a brand new home to the RA.InOpera Group supplied and installed the terrazzo floors for the major parts of this new space, including Benjamin West Lecture theatre, Cast Corridor, Collection Gallery, hallways and staircases leading to the galleries, and public restrooms.In 2001, the RA purchased Burlington Gardens, the building that sits right behind the Burlington House. Since then, they’ve embarked on a bold masterplan to join the two buildings together for the first time in history.The project was undertaken by, none other than, David Chipperfield Architects. The practice has won more than 100 international awards and citations for design excellence, including the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2007 for The Museum of Modern Literature in Marbach, Germany.With the bold reconfiguration, they’ve created new workshops, library and more studio space for the Schools. Existing spaces, which were built in 1870, were restored to maximize space and light, with improved access and circulation.The requirements for the floor materials prioritised high-traffic endurance, slip-resistance and design that will blend in with the existing interiors of the buildings, which are rich with natural stone and classical elements.For this project, we supplied custom-made cement-based terrazzo with two types of finishes. The polished finish was installed for the gallery spaces, and the honed for the areas with more traffic. The material guarantees even colouration and consistent texture throughout the entire floor area. For the Benjamin West Lecture Theatre, staircases were carved out from custom-sized terrazzo blocks.

Project Overview: Re-imagination of a first-generation Canary Wharf building. ServiceFull hardware scheduling service. Project Details This clever redesign of YY London by Architects Buckley Gray Yeoman (BGY) centres around the wellbeing of its occupants created by maximising natural light, reducing overall energy demand and choosing materials that support health and well being. The space was reimagined to incorporate a new triple height lobby with feature staircase, floor to ceiling glazing throughout to maximise natural light and the addition of outside terraces on most floors.3v worked in partnership with BGY to develop the perfect Ironmongery scheme to enhance their design aspirations. Scheduled in the aftermath of Covid, the scheme included a full hardware scheduling service incorporating the use of a biocote anti bacterial finish in high traffic areas on all tangible stainless steel products such as pull handles and push plates. ‘Chris and the 3v team were a pleasure to work with and proactive in helping us adapt the ironmongery package in response to the pandemic. We’re really pleased how seamlessly the ironmongery has been integrated into the joinery finishes and look forward to continuing our collaboration on future projects.’Adam Whitlock Wood, BGYOur ironmongery is often the first physical product visitors interact with in their journey through a space, it is important that it looks good, feels right and functions correctly to fulfil the user experience and the architects design intent. Our simple 250 and 234 pull handles add an elegant finishing touch to this inspiring and vibrant space.An outstanding project to be involved with.Photography: Neil Kenyon

IssueA dilapidated former care home was being redeveloped into high specification, modern flats and communal spaces. The new flats were to provide bespoke, accessible accommodation for people with autism, learning disabilities and physical disabilities, with an on-site café open to the community. The aim was to create bright, modern, living, and communal spaces, without an institutional feel.ApproachThe flats offer different levels of support for residents. Support provided within people’s own homes is tailored to each person’s needs and supports individuals who are stepping down from secure units and hospitals including those who may have experienced previous placement breakdowns.Interior Designer, Penny Green, having worked with Altro products for many years, liaised with Altro to select a range of floor options to deliver flexible solutions in the different application areas, suitable for resident’s needs.SolutionAltro Ensemble luxury vinyl tiles was specified for The Foundry Café, bringing the benefit of 15dB sound reduction, and added comfort underfoot.In areas with a higher risk of slip, Altro Wood was selected to match the colour scheme, providing a biophilic safe option together with homely aesthetics. Altro Pisces specialist safety flooring, designed for shoe and bare foot use, was specified for all bathrooms and wet rooms.For The Foundry Cafe kitchen, Altro Stronghold 30 was selected to bring safety and comfort underfoot for staff, and Altro Reliance was specified for the back of house and delivery areas bringing a hard-wearing and durable finish.

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. 

A hard-wearing durable levelling screed was required for a major redevelopment project at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife. Originally opened in 1967, the facility is one of two main hospitals in the county, serving the town and mid-Fife area.  Extended in 2012, the hospital features an East, West and South and a main tower block, housing an accident and emergency department; maternity unit, an ENT unit, anaesthesia, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatric surgery, mental health services, infectious diseases and operating theatres.   When complete, the latest expansion to the Edinburgh hospital, representing a £33m investment that was approved in early 2021, will see the hospital gain 140 additional parking spaces in a new parking facility, as well as 3 operating theatres, a supporting inpatient ward and associated outpatient facilities.Vebro Polymers has provided v-Cem – a rapid-drying, high-strength, shrinkage-compensated screed that can be applied prior to the installation of commercial floor coverings, including carpet, titles, laminate or hard-wearing resin finishes.Laid at depths between 10.0 mm and 55.0 mm and beyond, v-Cem can be used to form screeds that are bonded, unbonded and floating screed applications, and is suited to use in both internal and external applications — ideal for the in-progress construction site of Victoria Hospital.The expansion of the hospital has included many phases and trades, each keen to maintain momentum to deliver the finished facility in good time. v-Cem will dry in as little as 4 days to receive resin finishes and other resilient floor coverings.

Constructed in the nineteen sixties as part of the Tustin Estate, Ambleside, Grasmere and Windermere are 20 storey blocks of flats in need of complete renovation. Rockpanel external cladding systems have given the trio safe, efficient contemporary facades which shimmer and shine. 

A fully permeable lightly trafficked pavement in Italian Porphyry stone setts. By using Steintec's knowledge of permeable pavement construction the client was delighted to discover a natural stone alternative to the now commonplace SuDS permeable pavement in herringbone concrete block form.

A visually appealing and functional hard landscaping solution was achieved at Calderbridge Primary School in Lanarkshire thanks to Tobermore’s Textured Flags which offer a beautiful granular surface finish, and Pedesta block paving which provides a vibrant and hard-wearing finish.

Stone: LUNDHS Blue® - silk surface.Situated on a small island outside the coast of southern Norway, the owners of this lovely summerhouse have moved the kitchen outside. The well planned combination of wood and Lundhs Blue stone is in total harmony with the natural surroundings.

Brett Landscaping’s new Invicta block paving has been used to create brand new external pedestrian paths, walkways and seating areas at forty EG Group franchise sites across the United Kingdom. The new sites include drive-thru Starbucks and Leon restaurants, which are being built at existing Asda supermarkets and EG Group forecourts. Brett Landscaping’s Invicta Trio range has been installed in Moonstone colour to complement the new restaurant and coffee shop buildings. Brett Landscaping’s Invicta Premium block paving range uses a combination of natural aggregates on the top surface. This provides a hard wearing and long-lasting paving system with a dynamic and spirited finish, tailor made for every new site and aligning perfectly with the brand’s ambition. The Invicta range is a perfect match as it is proven effortless for staff members when cleaning food and drink stains, which highlights the efficient quality and durable nature of the product. In addition, Brett Landscaping was able to meet the project requirements, delivering product to each site from its manufacturing centre in Cliffe, Kent, allowing contractors to keep their 12-week project programme on track. Locations of the new drive-thru and restaurant sites will include Blyth, Derby, Dudley, East Lothian, Goole, Hull, Sandwich and Swindon. The EG Group has been investing in new store formats as consumer patterns have been changed as a result of the increasing use of digital innovations, such as on-demand ordering through apps, and as the pandemic has placed more emphasis on customers buying products in locations outside of densely populated urban areas. Mark Barter, Head of Commercial Sales, Brett Landscaping, said: “The high-quality Invicta block paving has proven to be a perfect match for these new franchise sites. Our product distinguishes itself from other concrete block paving products as it infuses a unique sparkle and texturing, which combines four complementary colours highlighting the exceptional quality and design”

IDPartnership Specifies Tobermore Paving at £20m Student Village in NewcastleArchitect, IDPartnership, was seeking a hard landscaping solution for Portland Green, a new £20 million student village in Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne, that would be attractive yet functional. Tobermore provided the architect with the perfect solution with the supply of striking Sienna, modern Fusion and smooth Shannon block paving products.The project was managed by Metnor Group and is hoped to breathe new life into the area and boost trade for local restaurants, bars and retail outlets.The first phase, consisting of a 274 bedroom luxury student accommodation building and 2 retail units, was completed in 2013 and the second phase, consisting of a 338 bedroom accommodation building and 4,500 sq. ft. of retail space, was completed in late 2015.David Moore, Senior Associate at IDPartnership, explained that the objective for the outdoor space at the student accommodation complex was to “provide quality hard landscaping around the building and in the centrally located courtyard at a reasonable cost.“We decided that block paving was the most suitable solution as it was in fitting with other paved projects we had designed nearby.“The landscape design concept was to define different areas and routes on campus that could also provide a colourful contrast to the dark brick apartment buildings.”David Moore, Senior Associate at IDPartnershipThe architect liaised with Tobermore’s North East Sales team in a bid to achieve a landscape with aesthetic appeal and sustainability. David said:“What impressed us most about Tobermore was the range of products, the beautiful colours available, and the cost-effectiveness.”A selection of Tobermore’s Sienna block paving in the colours of Graphite and Silver, and Fusion block paving in the colours of Cream, Silver and Graphite was specified for the area surrounding the project.Sienna and Fusion are manufactured with a granite aggregate surface layer that produces a sparkling, modern look, similar to natural granite. Sienna is available in single sizes and duo sizes while Fusion is a modular sized product.IDPartnership also selected Tobermore’s smooth Shannon block paving in the vibrant, blended colour of Heather. Shannon was installed within the courtyard area and has enhanced the beauty of the complex and provided a stylish outdoor space for residents to unwind in.Fusion Kerb in a striking granite aggregate finish was chosen as the appropriate kerbing solution to complement the paving products used across the site.On reflection of the completion of phase two of this project, David Moore said, “I’m very happy with the products supplied by Tobermore, so much so, that we are already using more products on the next two phases.“We would recommend Tobermore for any type of project.”

Following the devastating effects of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Hatfield Close & Gerrard House fell into the category of social housing buildings that needed to be reclad to meet safety standards and Terracotta cladding offered a solution that satisfied the required standards and ticked all the boxes. BackgroundOn the 14 June 2017, a disaster that shook the nation taking away the lives of 72 people, injuring many others and devastating families and a whole community became the core of public unrest and resulted in a mass scale enquiry that identified around 2,000 buildings over 18m tall clad in dangerous combustible materials in England alone. The cladding crisis exposed that not only did the buildings pose an immediate fire risk to residents but also saw flat owners facing building insurance premiums, extensive and costly remedial work and mortgage lenders deeming the properties unsafe and ceasing to lend money against them. The Grenfell tower tragedy resulted in the review of the building regulations nationally and internationally in countries including Australia, Malta and The United Arab Emirates and in a government pledge of over £5bn towards the remediation of fire safety problems in high rise buildings. The three Hatfield Close & Gerrard House blocks were identified as being clad with ACM, the cladding material used at Grenfell. The projectAlthough originally constructed as a concrete frame with brick infill sections, the Hatfield Close & Gerrard House buildings experienced weather penetration issues during the 1980s and the 1990s that led to a programme of improvements which included the introduction of an ACM rainscreen system in the 2000s which during the post Grenfell tall buildings cladding mass review was found unsafe. Only weeks later emergency works to strip the hazardous cladding began.  Although the primary objective of the project was to improve the fire safety performance of the three blocks, the project team took the opportunity to redevelop the buildings to also improve their aesthetic and structural and thermal properties. The nature of the project called for a holistic approach led by a multidisciplinary team which included Michael Dyson Associates Ltd, a housing consultancy firm that specialises in the social housing sector, social housing main contractor United Living, a Lewisham Homes & Fire risk manager, independent consultants and resident representatives. The team, with guidance from the planners selected terracotta cladding as the material of choice due to its non-combustible A1 fire rating and robustness. In addition to its essential non-combustible fire classification, terracotta offered a large range of tile colours, shapes, profiles and textures that gave the team design freedom and opened the possibility to improve the aesthetic appearance of the blocks at the same time as offering durability due to being a natural product with no synthetic dyes and a life expectancy of 60 years +. The terracotta cladding system offered the façade contractor Novo Facades a simple method that allowed them to deliver a clean and non intrusive installation process which was key as the residents were living in the buildings all along. The project became a construction referent of inclusion and savoir faire. It was a winner in the Inside Housing 2020 Resident Safety Campaign Awards, it was shortlisted for ‘Best Community Engagement’ and Won ‘Project of the Year £10 million to £25 million’ awards at the 2021 National Building & Construction Awards. SolutionTerracotta facade panels are one of the cladding resources of choice in the market because it is a natural and versatile material that gives architects freedom of expression whilst it gives cladding and envelope contractors the advantages of a quick and easy installation process. The Argeton system is one of the principal terracotta systems used worldwide not only because it is a natural and versatile material but also because it offers a technical and cost-effective solution for the residential, commercial and health and education sectors. Argeton is CE and UKCA marked and one of the most tested systems in the market including a BBA and an EPD. NHBC approved and not subject to any restrictions on building height or proximity to boundaries thanks to its Euro-class A1 Fire certification, it is no surprise Argeton is one of the materials of choice not only in new builds but also for refurbishment or re-clad. Durable and fully recyclable, ISO 14025 and EN 15804 (European BREEAM equivalent) certified, sustainability is at the heart of Argeton’s values. Argeton terracotta cladding systems are available in a range off the shelf and bespoke profiles, in lengths to suit and in natural, glazes, digital print and engobed finishes. https://tellingrainscreens.co.uk/profile-and-finishes/

Milliken's Arctic Survey, Isotherm design was specified for this modern and sophisticated workplace. This textural plank carpet, with Comfort Plus cushion backing was chosen in the cool, calming greys of Antarctic and Snow caves to work perfectly with the natural woods and green planting in this inspirational design scheme.

The task was to replace old wooden floor planks with modern, robust, weatherproof and slip-resistant steel flooring and stair treads that met all the customer’s requirements pertaining to load. In particular, the customer was keen to reduce the strain on workers during both dismantling and assembly. Furthermore, it was also necessary to reduce the noise pollution which occurred when working with metal against metal.The solutionIn cooperation with our customer, the customer’s assembly teams and our product development department, solutions were developed that met the above requirements.User safetyOne of the main challenges which had to be addressed in the customer specification was the requirement for a slip-resistant surface. Here we were able to incorporate a surface design based on our PcP OPTIMO® O2 surface, which has already been used for a wide range of projects worldwide. OPTIMO® O2 is certified according to R13/V10 slip-resistance and meets the strict demands to slip-resistance. OPTIMO® O2 grating discreetly improves safety for visitors during an event while also improving handling for the installation team.With a very small surface perforation of only Ø 5/9 mm, people frightened of heights are unable to look down directly through the platform on which they are standing, thereby guaranteeing a sense of security. Furthermore, this profiling solution offers perfect drainage, ensuring that the floors always remain dry.Combining aluminium and steel – a lightweight solutionFor the system flooring, a combination of aluminium and hot-dip galvanised steel was chosen to reduce weight without compromising capacity. For example, the gratings used for floors and treads were supplied in aluminium and screwed together with high-strength steel end pieces to form a complete unit. This reduced the weight of the components, and provided a significant ergonomic advantage compared to the wooden planks which had been used to date.Reducing noise pollutionDespite the considerable weight reduction from using individual components, another challenge presented itself. Some of the treads and platforms on the metal substructure produced considerable rattling noises. However, even this challenge was overcome with a slightly unconventional method. By installing small oak blocks in the steel end pieces, the fixing points were tightened on the substructure, which significantly reduced the rattling noises.The resultThe customised solution combined steel and aluminium PcP products to provide extremely safe gratings for system floors and stairs for mobile and stationary grandstands. The solution is more ergonomic, lighter and meets the high requirements for safety and load bearing.Furthermore, it meets the overall objective of ensuring safe events for visitors. A successful event relies on the successful implementation of grandstand systems.

The designers for the new offices in Atherstone, Warwickshire focused on creating a building that would be in tune both with its rural surroundings and also with the inventive and artistic profession of the occupants. The premises are the headquarters and design studio for a well known video game development company.The design of the building is based on a large barn with attractive contemporary wooden panelling and external posts and beams. Running alongside these posts and beams is dramatic bespoke aerofoil solar shading and weather louvres.As a perfect colourful contrast for offsetting the wood, ‘Copper Mine’ - gives the effect of patinated copper or Verdigris. The project comprises of 475 linear metres of 170mm elliptical aerofoil blades.The final effect of the blue/green aerofoil fins set against the wood is stunning as the images show. ‘Copper Mine’ is a textured finish and will give a pleasing variation in shade as sunlight moves across its surface

Hadfield Carkwell Davidson specified Tobermore for the 376,737sq ft job at the IKEA retail store in Sheffield.The large-scale scheme, which has created nearly 500 jobs, involved construction and fit-out of the two-storey superstore, providing a sales floor, warehouse, staff facilities, café, and children’s play area, as well as underground and external car parking. The project has received a BREEAM excellence accreditation due to its application of sustainable technologies like solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and electric vehicle charging points on-site.The ChallengeBlock paving was required to meet both SuDs requirements and aesthetic aspiration.The IKEA store was constructed adjacent to the famous Tinsley Viaduct on the outskirts of Sheffield, bringing the popular retail destination to the area near the Meadowhill Shopping Centre.A crucial part of the £60M project was that the hard landscaping design would satisfy SUDs requirements but maintain a high-end aesthetic appeal that would reflect the IKEA brand.The SolutionTobermore Hydropave products provided suitable drainage for the project.The hard landscaping solution created an outdoor area that effectively promoted the IKEA brand. By utilising high-end block paving product Fusion in the cool tones of silver, mid grey, and graphite, the elevated finish was beautifully realised. Permeable paving was employed in certain areas to support drainage that would meet SuDs requirements for the site, exemplifying the project’s green credentials. This in turn made it one of IKEA’s most sustainable stores.Tobermore’s Granite Step Units with Contrasting Nosing allow for the uneven terrain to be navigated elegantly with appealing steps that augment the customer experience at the IKEA store. Hazard Warning flags also ensure that the site fully meets modern accessibility standards for people with impaired vision.Laying patterns and delineation enhanced the area to meet customer expectations, creating spacious parking bays and attractive pedestrianised walkways. Hydropave Pedesta and Fusion paving combined to realise a project that radiates a unique, high-quality feel.

BackgroundLocated in the Ancoats area of Manchester, the Albion Works strip and re-fit project was funded by the Building Safety Fund, a Government Fund to remove unsafe non-ACM cladding on residential and mixed-use properties that are 18 metres and over and do not meet building safety regulations.K Systems Approved Installer QFF Façades were contracted to complete the exterior wall insulation and rendering of the 8-storey residential building.The original 60mm EPS system was stripped from the building and replaced with a safe, thermally efficient façade solution, which upgraded the fire performance of the cladding, ensuring the safety of both the building and residents.Our ServiceK Systems provided support throughout the application process for this Building Safety Fund project. The Technical team offered on-site technical and installation support throughout the build process and supported QFF to ensure quality and reliability.We produced a bespoke specification and worked closely with Thomason Consulting and QFF Façades to agree and deliver specifics such as fire stopping and abutment details.From design advice through to installation, we offered a partnership approach which aided a smooth installation process with minimal disruption.Technical Project DetailsThe original sheathing boards were replaced, and the K Systems Exicco M drained cavity façade system was installed. This high performing drained cavity system was specified as a requirement for this steel frame residential building. 60mm mineral wool insulation was specified to retain the line of the existing façade.Fire safety with high rise buildings like Albion Works is of utmost importance and this solution generates high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility (A2, s1-d0 rating), meaning the latest building regulations were complied with. Additionally, the thermal performance of the building improved with a U-value of 0.28 W/m²K being achieved. Residents will therefore enjoy reduced heating costs and better living conditions.For the finish, silicone thin coat render ensured that aesthetically Albion Works had a clean, crisp attractive appearance. This durable, low maintenance render transformed the outside of the building and will ensure a longlasting finish to the property.

The Castle Basin area of Enniskillen in Northern Ireland was transformed with a £1.7 million investment, funded by the Department for Social Development and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Tobermore’s Fusion block paving and Mayfair Flags were used to create a contemporary look for the tranquil walking route.