"acoustic"

Caudwell International Children’s Centre (CICC) is the UK’s first independent Centre dedicated to autism diagnosis, therapy and research. National Charity, Caudwell Children, funded the 60,000 sq ft iconic £18 million facility which has been built in Staffordshire near Keele University. The aim of the Centre is to unite the world’s leading experts on autism diagnosis and therapy.The Centre features two internal courtyards and an innovative ‘Butterfly’ design which reflects the charity’s logo. It has been meticulously designed to meet the needs of disabled children and surpasses current UK accessibility standards.  The Centre incorporates state-of-the art assessment suites, family training suites, and training kitchens. There is even a 120-seat conference facility so that experts can share ideas from around the world.The 360-degree loop corridors aim to discourage children from running and, without harsh, right-angled corners, there is less risk of surprise encounters which might cause anxiety. ‘Quiet Pods’ and sensory rooms have also been provided to create a calming space.A combination of Lusso 25 single glazed partitions and Lusso 105 double glazed partitions were installed to meet the varying needs within the building. This helps to ensure visibility for safety, and acoustic requirements to reduce noise levels so as not to over-stimulate children. Lusso 25FR and Lusso 105FR were also used whre fire regulations were required. Overall, the use of glazed partitions within the design ensures the building is modern, contemporary, and bright for all visitors to the Centre.    

The £44m state of the art Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC) brings together world-leading expertise in brain mapping with the very latest in brain imaging and brain stimulation. This multi award-winning project is home to the Clinical Research Facility and is part of Cardiff University’s Maindy Park site.The new building is four times larger than the old facility, meaning staff from different departments now benefit from being housed under one roof, allowing for increased collaboration and innovation. Research carried out at the centre aims to help scientists understand the causes and find treatments for brain changes that lead to disordered cognition and mental health issues.This hub offers a range of facilities including an NHS standard medical suite with drug trial unit, specialist scanning suites, laboratories, office accommodation and large seminar facilities within an open-plan environment. For the interior, architects, IBI Group, chose rich materials such as wood, bold colours and geometric shapes which were complimented by Lusso’s glass partitioning. This has created a professional yet welcoming space. In keeping with the design, Lusso 105 double glazed frameless partitions were installed for offices and meeting rooms.  Fitted with interstitial blinds, users can create privacy whenever needed. The use of glazed partitions also makes best use of the natural light and creates an inclusive space. Lusso also installed bespoke high acoustic glazed vision panels with specialist glass for the scanning suites. The overall effect is an inspirational space for research and innovation at an international level.

Project:St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy Client: Department for Education Contractor: Tilbury Douglas Architect:Hawkins Brown Architects Value:£12m Location: Derby, Derbyshire. Completion Date: June 2023 Innovare duration onsite 12 Weeks 2GIFA: 2300 m² Framework: This is a DfE pathfinder project – the UKs first Biophilic school. Sustainability: Net Zero Carbon in operation Innovaré System:Psi-FASTConstruction is complete on the innovative eco-building for St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby, following a fire that destroyed the previous school. This biophilic school is part of a pilot scheme for the Department for Education. Biophilic design increases occupant connectivity to nature, promoting physical and mental health, and the building is net zero carbon in operation. Innovaré Offsite supported the design, engineering, manufacture, and installation of the sustainable superstructure. The timber constructed school uses Innovaré’s Psi-FAST panels, designed for fire safety, thermal, and acoustic insulation, and loadbearing capabilities. Psi-FAST panels have an A1-rated non-combustible board and class 0 surface spread of flame rating, offering 60 minutes of standalone fire resistance. The single-storey school includes a primary school and nursery with pavilions arranged along a central canopy. Each age group has a shared learning space, and the entrance building features a hall and communal areas. The buildings are naturally ventilated with solar panels and heated via air source heat pumps. Green roofs enhance biodiversity and local ecology

The JV40Bis office building, located between Calle Josefa Valcárcel and Calle Telémaco in Madrid, features more than 8,700m² distributed across seven floors. Thanks to its architecture comprised of classic lines, this building by the architect Francisco Mangado provides a striking contrast to the glass facades of the adjacent office buildings.The main architectural goal was to create a healthy work environment, prioritizing the well-being of workers in terms of visual, thermal and acoustic comfort. This aim was achieved and the building was awarded LEED Platinum certification, issued by the U.S. Green Building Council. This certification classifies the project as a sustainable, energy-efficient construction with reduced emissions and a satisfactory indoor environment; in this case, this leads to comfortable workspaces.All this is, in part, thanks to the more than 700 Bandalux Premium Plus shades that guarantee optimal solar management given their minimum gap (space between the fabric and bracket). These technical shades integrate well with the restrained, timeless aesthetics of a large, diaphanous space that encompasses work zones, relaxation areas and leisure spaces in which the user adapts solar incidence to the requirements of any given moment.The Polyscreen® 550 fabric in White Linen can block up to 96% of sunlight and it provides the visual and thermal comfort necessary in the workspace. Its high energy performance leads to savings in terms of heating and air conditioning. It is fully recyclable, free from substances that are harmful to health, and it preserves the indoor air quality, having been awarded the Greenguard Gold certification.

The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is a group of industry-led manufacturing R&D, innovation and skills facilities supported by a network of Partners across Scotland, all working together to transform the future of manufacturing and provide an innovative and multi-use hub that brings together Scotland’s brightest minds in industry, academia and the public sector.The design of the space focuses on collaboration, with a variety of private spaces specified to create areas for focused work and larger group meetings in turn.Planet, working through our northern contracting team, joined the project to provide our expertise in the design, manufacture and installation of a number of our glass partition screens and door solutions to meet the interior design by architects HLM.The standout contribution to this project was the use of Planet’s PURE20XL (38dB Rw) extended screens to produce glass meeting pods, expertly cantilevered to produce an eye-catching ‘floating’ effect. Access to the pods was provided by Planet’s high acoustic performance IsoPro glazed pivoting doors (42dB Rw). Our popular single-glazed PURE20 (38dB Rw) and double-glazed PURE100 (54dB Rw) frameless partitions were utilised for the fronts for many of the meeting rooms and laboratories — along with tech panels to house integrated room booking systems — while some extended PURE100XL screens was placed on the void edge of the digital seminar rooms.Finally, structural atrium glazing facilitated the passage of natural light deep into the internal space — perfect for the inspirational innovative environment NMIS aims to provide to its users.

ChallengeThe St Vincent New Bridges’ project is run by St Vincent de Paul, a homeless hostel that supports people who need to have a place to live and that require help to develop their daily living skills. When the charity acquired the Grade II listed building, a major refurbishment plan was put into action, and St Vincent de Paul approached CRASH for help with materials and construction work.SolutionKnauf Insulation donated over 520m2 of 100mm Knauf Insulation Loft Roll 40 for the project, which was installed by Giraffe Building Services Ltd. The Glass Mineral Wool insulation product is extremely easy to handle and install, being lightweight and easily cut to size, benefiting the large project.BenefitsBy its nature, Knauf Insulation Loft Roll 40 is non-combustible and classified as Euroclass A1 to BS EN ISO 13501-1, a crucial requirement to any public building. Additionally, Knauf Insulation Loft Roll 40 has been manufactured with ECOSE® Technology which delivers superior environmental performance, as the binder technology is up to 70 per cent less energy intensive than traditional binders. The technology has been developed for Knauf Insulation’s Glass and Rock Mineral Wool products, enhancing their environmental credentials without affecting the thermal, acoustic or fire performance. Insulation products made with ECOSE® Technology contain no dye or artificial colours – the colour is completely natural.

Altro’s patient-centred ethos boosts wellbeingIssueAltro revisited Hillingdon Hospital, London, to see the lasting impact of products used to create patient-centred, healing, safe and homely environments in several departments.ApproachHillingdon’s Stroke Unit was vastly improved thanks to input from architect and healthcare specialist interior designer Georgia Burt of GBS Health and Altro, with the refurbishment of a bed bay, and also of the gymnasium; the area where important assessment and rehabilitation work takes place. Altro Serenade acoustic smooth flooring was used, with large nature scenes reproduced on Altro Whiterock Digiclad to create a patient-centred biophilic design, to bring the outside in.Christopher Knight, Capital Projects Manager, Estates Department, at The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has seen a real difference for patients and staff.SolutionAll the spaces have been transformed by the refurbishment in so many ways. Compared with how they looked before there really is no comparison; they have gone from dull and clinical to bright, light, colourful and comfortable, but still meet very strict guidelines for safety and infection control.Altro Serenade is ideal for spaces where comfort underfoot and impact sound reduction are paramount for patients. It is 3.9mm thick and has 19dB impact sound reduction. Along the walls of the gym is an image of a bluebell wood, in Altro Whiterock Digiclad (Custom). In the Stroke unit bed bays, a wildflower meadow runs along the entire wall above the bedheads.

This project was undertaken for a global financial services company with a long and distinguished pedigree. One of the world’s most recognisable investment management brands, it has offices in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia.As leading innovators in the design and manufacture of adaptable and reusable solid and glazed partitions, Radii were a perfect fit for this project.We designed a series of systems based on three of our existing Linear 30 single-glazed partitions (Rw 40 dB) and our Parallel 50 and 100  double-glazed partitions (Rw 45 & 50 dB), combined with Hogan pivot doors throughout.To accommodate deflection, we created a bespoke blind box detail capable of a +/- 15mm lateral movement. We also created new extrusions to achieve a +/-59mm deflection, used to deal with vertical movement in isolated locations.Installation of our system was complex because of the variety of partitions used, combined with physical variations between storeys. This meant we had to survey every part of the building separately to ensure our partitions and doors fit perfectly. We co-ordinated with other trades to ensure installation was exactly as required.We began this major fit-out in January 2023 and completed it within 20 weeks – well within schedule. The final partition systems exceeded the prescribed acoustic ratings, while the overall project achieved BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and LEED ‘Gold’ ratings. We were delighted to be awarded with a contractor rating of 9.9 out of 10 for what was a very complex and demanding design and installation.

Project: Ayr Academy, ScotlandProduct: OranitArchitect: BDP, GlasgowInstaller: Linear Projects, GlasgowAyr Academy, Scotland. BDP Architects (August 2017) Photos by Graeme DuncanSpecification:Oranit 7-501 Panels in Yellow PineQuantity:138m2  Oranit panels in PEFC Certified Yellow Pine were installed in rafts to the ceiling of the atrium space at the Ayr Academy campus which opened to students in September 2017.Shiluvit by Oranit was specified for it’s ease of design and installation as well as the stunning effect of slatted natural timber. The panels were installed in 12 rafts of 16 panels suspended at a slight angle to mirror the tilt and dimension of the true ceiling.The 6-year secondary school has state of the art classroom facilities for an engaging and high-tech learning experience as well as professional quality all-weather sports pitches as well as fitness, and dance suites which are available to the wider community. The school has followed suit from other local colleges and universities by including informal social and learning spaces in the atrium.The new campus is a huge step-forward from the previous historic 1880’s school and is inspiring enthusiasm and pride in all of it’s staff and students.In addition to the Oranit panels, LSA supplied Linear ribs to support the acoustics in the open plan main plaza of the school. The central drum clad in natural Oak ribs is a functional focal point of the space, housing a learning resource centre inside and hosting a computer classroom and social space on top.

The challengeQueen Elizabeth University Hospital were looking for a ceiling manufacturer that could provide a ceiling solution that offered excellent cleanability, resistance to disinfectants and offered a balance of sound absorption and attenuation to help improve patient wellbeing.This is one of the largest retrofitting projects to implement Zentia’s mineral fibre tiles and ceiling systems. Zentia provide a range of solutions for healthcare applications that improve patient outcomes by improving light reflectance, cleanability and helping to reduce noise in the hospital environment.The solutionThe tiles selected where over 110,000 m² of Zentia’s Biobloc Acoustic Board 600 x 600mm and 1200 x 600mm with its antimicrobial performance and enhanced water repellency is an ideal solution for healthcare environments with average or severe risk of infection. These where installed on a Prelude 24mm and Prelude 24mm corrosive resistant grid which has a patented design for improved strength and stability that is also easier to cut than standard grid types.30,000m² of Zentia’s lifetime-guaranteed Aruba Max Tegular24 mineral tiles was selected to provide the perfect balance of sound absorption and attenuation for patients wellbeing in general circulation areasA variety of Zentia suspension systems were used on the project including 10,000 linear metres of Axiom Transitions profiles (which help with ceiling level changes, floating ceiling construction and lighting integration) and over 40,000 accessories including connecting brackets, clips and hanging brackets.Zentia also provided a recycling service as part of the retrofitting process for the older ceiling tiles, helping to reduce the environmental impact of this large-scale project.

Middlewood Locks is a prestigious 25-acre mixed-use regeneration scheme of Salford’s canal district. The first development phase included the construction of Quarry, an eight-storey building combining ground floor commercial space, luxury apartments and an undercroft car park for residents. It was the insulation for this car park that threw up a challenge for sub-contractor Horbury Building Systems. A complex underdrawing method had been specified, comprising the installation of timber battens, non-combustible mineral wool insulation and a separate soffit insulation over the top. Installation would be extremely labour-intensive, so Horbury Building Systems consulted Knauf Insulation about whether it could provide an alternative that would meet the thermal performance and fire safety requirements, but also be easy to install. Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team reviewed the specification and recommended 185mm Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra to achieve the required 0.18 W/m2K U-value.  Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra is a Rock Mineral Wool insulation slab bonded to a 6mm off-white weather resistant facing board which provides a two-in-one aesthetic and thermal solution. It has a low thermal conductivity of just 0.034 W/mK and is designed for use as an insulated underlining solution in semi-exposed environments. The off-white cementitious particle board reflects light which makes it ideally suited for use in car parks. As well as thermal performance, Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra is non-combustible. It has the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, so it will not contribute to the development or spread of a fire should it occur. This is important because car parks can contain large quantities of a potential propellant – petrol. So the insulation will help to ensure the fire safety of the rest of the building.   Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra also has good sound absorption characteristics so it provides high levels of sound reduction. This reduces noise from the car park, minimising disruption for the people living and working in the premises above. As well as meeting the specification, Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra has been enhanced to add rigidity and is easy to install. The board is simply placed onto the concrete soffit and fixed into position with five drillscrews. This reduced the installation method from three separate phases to just one, saving Horbury Building Systems time and associated labour costs. Stephen Hampshire, Contracts Manager at Horbury Building Systems said: “We found the panels easy to install. Firstly, we marked and drilled the fixing points at bench level. Next, we held the panels in place to the underside of the concrete – although the panels are lightweight ‘this is a two-handed operation’ – then we drilled through and fixed.”  “We took care in lining the panels together when installing it against the soffit and with some minor tweaking up and down we got a nice flush finish.” Being able to align the panels exactly is not only important for ensuring a good finish. It also means that the slabs will butt tightly together, reducing unintended air gaps which can reduce thermal, fire safety and acoustic performance.  The insulation was supplied to the Middlewood Locks construction site by distributor Galaxy Insulation.  Thanks to Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard Extra, the underlining of the car park at Middlewood Locks was easy to install, is aesthetically pleasing, and provides complete thermal, fire safety and acoustic performance.

ChallengesSinclair Watt were provided with a detailed brief to provide accommodation for a new main entrance and reception area, product display hall, meeting room suite, additional office space and customer service telephone hall and ancillary accommodation. By necessity these were required to be large spaces to accommodate large numbers of employees and visitors.The building had to achieve seven basic goals – to allow VELUX to be a good neighbour, to be simple and beautiful, to make arrival a good experience, to be a model of balanced daylight, natural ventilation, good indoor comfort and healthy materials, to apply a well-defined, high-quality structural concept, to obtain good sustainable standards with a minimum use of energy, to be visible and logical, and to create value and express the VELUX values.The ceiling systems had to meet the Class 1, aesthetic, fire and acoustic performance required for the 37,673 ft² two-storey building which features an engineered timber and steel structural frame. The project was the first time Zentia’s Ultima+ Finesse mineral tiles had been installed in Scotland.SolutionsSinclair Watt met the brief by incorporating a regular and prominent engineered timber and steel structural frame that provided a design with a clear distinction between the supporting structure of the building and the facades and roof. This was both to create clarity and logic in the design and to make it possible to replace or update the not-so-permanent parts of the building.The internal design incorporates a central street and atrium that acts as a meeting place as well as a general circulation area and allows the best use of natural sunlight and natural ventilation throughout the building. The building provides good indoor comfort and utilises healthy materials.The three key areas – energy efficiency, healthy indoor environment and renewable energy – constitute the basis of the new building. A fabric-first approach for the building was adopted with high insulation levels and low air permeability rates to reduce overall heat loss from the building. This combined with a natural ventilation and daylighting strategy, and the use of LED lighting and air source heat pumps as the main heating source, resulted in a highly energy efficient and sustainable building.Some 1,1,00 m² of the Zentia Prestige hA+ Tegular15 tiles were used in the ground floor offices and storerooms, while 100m² of the Finesse tiles were used in the restaurant, kitchen and toilets. The Ultima+ range features class-leading light reflectance of 87% and Euroclass A2-s1, d0 fire classification, the Tegular15 variant with Class A sound absorption and Finesse a fully concealed, fully painted edge detail.Architect Iain Mitchell said: “We specified the Zentia systems as they have a good product range, good suspension systems, with good product information and good technical backup. They met all the aesthetic, fire and acoustic performances.“Zentia shadow and transition trims were used so the Zentia ceilings tie in well with adjacent plasterboard walls and ceilings. The client is very happy with the ceiling installation and building as a whole.”Colin Burns, commercial director of specialist sub-contractor PFP, said: “We had some meetings with Zentia to talk through the detailing of the Finesse element and put it to the guys on site but apart from that, and some coordinating with services, it was very straightforward. It looks good as it always does and gives a nice bright finish. It was interesting to be the first installer of Finesse in Scotland.”

PROJECT OVERVIEWThe project comprised the design, manufacture, supply and installation of a new 8000m2 footprint of a highly specified Packing Facility. The brief was to provide nine GMP Grade D packing cells, each of which required strict temperature, humidity and pressure control to enable primary packing of pharmaceuticals in a clean environment with no risk of contamination. Each of these Primary Packing cells connects to a common, secondary packing area. OUR SCOPE OF WORK To meet the project specification and environmental requirements, Norwood proposed our 100mm Mediline Partition. Following a rigorous selection process, our solution was a preferred option over four alternative systems. Working closely with the client’s team and the main contractor, we designed and developed bespoke solutions such as Flush Coving, Fire Rated Vision Panels, Bulkheads and Half Height partitioning. Cleanability has been ensured through the hygienic finish of the partition panels and, in particular, by incorporating recessed radiused coving at ceiling to wall joints providing a smooth clean finish throughout the room. Our innovative acoustic ceiling combines hygienic, wipeable, sound absorbing materials and cleanroom grade panels which not only reduce environmental noise levels but also provide cleanable airtight surfaces. Within the open plan secondary area, partial height glazed partitioning was employed. The facility was built with future adaptability in mind and the possibility of increasing the cleanrooms to Grade C, therefore the Norwood Flush Coving was utilised in the spinal corridor and primary cells. Supplying over 7000m2 of ceilings and 6000m2 of partitioning, this was one of Norwood’s largest projects, delivered to an extremely challenging programme. 

Two renowned Alumasc brands, Harmer and Wade, were recently specified and installed for a new striking residential development in London.Newfoundland Tower, also known as “The Diamond Tower”, due to its unique diamond shape and diagonal structure, is a build-to-rent development in Canary Wharf, London. Harmer SML Cast Iron above ground, and Wade gulliesand linear drainagewere installed to provide an effective water management solution.The Harmer SML lightweight cast iron pipework system is dry-jointed, BBA & Kitemark certified, and has a proven track record in above-ground drainage. With its comprehensive range of fittings and accessories, Harmer SML is the ideal soil and waste system for above and below-ground drainage, including rainwater installations, and is fully compatible with other Harmer and Wade drainage products.“Harmer was chosen primarily for its longevity,” said Gary Zumeris - Area Sales Manager – Harmer SML, South. “It’s also easy to install and has excellent acoustic qualities. It’s a very quiet system, which is especially good in apartments or other high-density housing as you can’t hear fluids flowing down the pipes.“The Harmer system was also chosen for its fire-resistant properties, which is an important aspect, due to current legislation. Cast iron is highly specified in London currently, where most buildings incorporate cast iron for increased fire safety.”Harmer SML has the highest product reaction to fire classification possible, which is A1 for BS EN 13501-1, as well as a system fire classification of A2 for BS EN 13823 Single Burning Item A2, s1-d0.

Verdo, Kew BridgeEcoWorld BrentfordCemfloor Level PlusA luxury development of apartments, shops, restaurants, parks and offices situated next to Brentford Football Club in West London.Cemfloor Level Plus was chosen for this project as the contractor required a screed that could be installed at low thicknesses. Cemfloor Level Plus was supplied by Capital Concrete and installed by Advance Screeding UK ltdClose to the River Thames, and next to Brentford football club in West London, Kew Bridge is a selection of beautiful new homes, as well as shops, cafes and restaurants. It is part of the wider Brentford regeneration project, and developed by EcoWorld.There are a total of 6 blocks on the site, and Cemfloor was the screed of choice for the main contractor.The main contractor had problems with the floor levels on site, so Cemfloor provided a thin screed system to work alongside the unique low profile UFH system; a castellated mat system installed onto Superfoil insulation. The UFH system was supplied by Compact Underfloor Heating. The complete floor build was only 45mm in depth and included acoustic insulation, thermal insulation, castellated UFHsystem, and Cemfloor Level Plus.Advanced Screeding installed Cemfloor Level Plus throughout the development. In total 800m3 of screed was easily pumped to height, over 11 floors without issue,providing an excellent, fast drying low profile floor, and saving significant time on the project.As Cemfloor Level Plus is a ready mixed solution it removed the need for any site mixing, material storage and material disposal from the site. Given the volume of screed required; if a self leveling compound product was used this would have equated to approx. 55,000 x 25kg bags of material having to be mixed on site.

Yoko Ono Lennon Centre is a unique teaching and performance building at the University of Liverpool. It has been designed by Liverpool School of Architecture graduates based at UK architecture practice Ellis Williams.The new facility includes The Tung Auditorium – a world class music performance space – together with two large lecture theatres, seminar rooms, café space, a public facing linear park and a new outdoor space for the University.With a floor area totalling around 6500m2 the building was planned around a careful understanding of the site and an innovative response to a challenging brief.PROJECT INFOThe lecture theatres were arranged vertically, which allowed for a much smaller building footprint – freeing up the site to deliver a linear public park alongside the main arterial route adjacent to the south elevation. This also allowed for large volume and height of Tung Auditorium to be placed adjacent to the teaching spaces, separated by the main atrium circulation space. Externally, the building’s form and materials relate to the robust architecture of some of Liverpool’s historic civic buildings and dockside architecture.The University of Liverpool was the original “red brick University” so the use of that material may seem obvious. The facing brick selected was Forterra’s Butterley Farmstead Antique.The bricks here are more than decorative however, they are a key part of the acoustic strategy and were selected for their density as well the colour and tone.The large inward looking spaces of the theatres by definition are without external windows and openings. The curved forms to the corners are used to both soften the impact of the mass (accentuated by the use of double stacked protruding bricks to catch the sun), and as a nod to the curves used in prominent corner buildings that can be seen across Liverpool.

The ChallengeBuilt in the 1960s, Warwick School’s Guy Nelson Hall was no longer fulfilling the needs of a modern, growing school. As well as not being too small to accommodate increasing student numbers during exams and large events, technical and IT infrastructure upgrades were needed to continue its use as a theatre space for the community.Located at the heart of the school’s site, the hall plays an important role in creating a good first impression for visitors to the school. Any redevelopment of the hall would also need to complement the existing buildings.The SolutionForterra’s County Multi Smooth, part of the Butterley range, a heritage brand that has been synonymous with brick making in the UK for over 150 years and is manufactured at Forterra’s Wilnecote brickworks. It was the ideal construction material for the project, enabling freedom of design with regard to form, scale and mass, while making a visual link with surrounding masonry.The brick gives a modern, uniform finish, which complements the smooth finish of the glass and concrete panels that also form part of the hall’s design.The BenefitsFollowing extensive redevelopment, that included the addition of an entrance foyer, kitchen, performance studios and a balcony area, Guy Nelson Hall has been transformed from school hall to a state-of-the-art 1,000 multi-use venue and concert hall.The clever design and materials used in the hall’s redevelopment have resulted in a building that incorporates modern design elements, such as its sweeping, curved façade, while blending perfectly with the existing vernacular. There has also been a significant improvement to the buildings acoustics.The project was completed in July 2016 ready for the new school intake in September that year.

The remarkable 22 Bishopsgate Project stands as the second tallest building in the United Kingdom and Western Europe, showcasing its architectural prominence. On its 58th floor, an awe-inspiring viewing gallery offers breathtaking vistas. Perched even higher, on level 59, a discreetly hinted restaurant is poised to offer an unparalleled dining experience, with a renowned chef at the helm. Although the details remain a secret, the restaurant promises to be a highlight. Beyond its striking stature and exclusive amenities, the project's core objective revolved around enhancing the base build construction to optimize noise levels for the activities and events within the Viewing Gallery. Aiming to strike a balance, the project sought to both amplify the permissible noise levels for these events while curbing any potential noise breakthrough into adjacent spaces.In the dynamic context of 22 Bishopsgate, where concrete installation was unfeasible due to location and occupied lower floors, a visionary solution was sought. Over 1246m², the innovative Stravifloor Channel floating floor system was meticulously installed. In lieu of concrete, a bespoke approach utilizing high mass calcium sulphate boards was designed, ensuring both functionality and practicality. Addressing concerns about floor height, custom-designed bearings were engineered to maintain top-tier acoustic performance, with a mere 30 mm thickness.Despite a demanding timeline to unveil the viewing gallery, the project remained on track. Stravifloor Channel, with isolated steel battens, played a pivotal role. Galvanized steel channels provided robust support over isolation pads, while the optimized discrete supports allowed minimal contact points to the subfloor.

The ChallengeInstalled within the reception hall and circulation areas of the two towers, Pyroguard Protect, which was chosen by fire protection specialists, Pyrometal, has helped architect Ateliers Jean Nouvel achieve his ambitious vision, without compromising on safety.Following the successful testing, Pyroguard Protect was installed throughout DUO-1 and DUO-2.In the reception hall, Pyroguard Protect EI120 was fitted inside PYROTEK steel profiles to form full height glass partitions and in the circulation areas on each floor, around 690 square metres of E30 was used inside double-leaf doors with EI60 glass partitions.The same was also used in the corridor doors as a means of compartmentation, which connects various areas to the stairs and lift landings.The SolutionTours Duo rises on a former industrial site on the edge of the River Seine in the Paris Rive Gauche district and at 180 m, DUO-1 is set to be the third tallest building in the capital.The pair of towers, DUO-1 and DUO-2, which lean to form an impressive asymmetrical ‘V’, will house offices, retail spaces, restaurants, a hotel and a top floor panoramic bar.In the design of the mixed-use scheme, Ateliers Jean Nouvel was tasked to create high performing, aesthetically striking buildings and as such, decided to take a bioclimatic approach to reduce energy use and make the most of the outdoor weather conditions.Giving the best protection for people and property, Pyroguard Protect provides integrity and heat insulation for 30 to 180 minutes (EI classification).The solution also provides 1B1 impact classification without the need for additional counterpanes, high performing acoustic properties and peace of mind throughout the lifespan of the product due to its UV stability.

A former brownfield industrial site alongside the River Roding in Essex is converted into attractive mixed-use community housing. The Met Police custody and patrol base for the borough, industrial businesses, restaurants, river moorings and 1000 homes.The developer wanted to replace old and damaged wooden hoardings around a section of the Fresh Wharf Estate perimeter in Barking and prevent damage to a bus shelter from stone chips thrown up by passing vehicles on the adjacent A406.The SolutionFresh Water Developments approached Zaun to devise a bespoke solution for the site on the banks of the Roding, a Thames tributary. They wanted a sustainable perimeter, deflected flying stone chips, minimised noise and met their aesthetic, design and functional needs.Zaun has integrated a new highly resistant laminate made entirely from mixed waste plastics with its market-leading Duo fencing to produce a system that won’t rust or rot. In addition, it is low maintenance and reusable or recyclable if damaged.The innovative product design named DBS Security boasts great acoustic-loss properties, rated B3 and 36dB loss, and gives protection against damage from flying objects flicked up by passing vehicles.DBS Security protects a bus shelter close to the North Circular that constantly has to undergo repair. A large section of the perimeter to the industrial site and housing is fitted with Zaun’s twin-wire Duo fencing system. Two horizontal wires resist being welded on either side of the vertical wire.Zaun combined both standard and bespoke fencing to tailor the overall solution to the site’s specific requirements.

This international law firm that represents a broad array of clients, with offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Their new UK headquarters at 8 Bishopsgate, London will be a key hub for their global offering to clients.The centrepiece of the interior design by architects tp bennett was the inclusion of a complex curved glazed double sliding door set.The doors and adjoining curved screens would have to span a wide radius and with a perfect operating mechanism to match the exacting requirements laid out in the design brief.Following consultation with tp bennett and production of relevant component samples, Radii’s design team worked closely with our production team to create the bespoke curved doorset at our dedicated manufacturing facilities at our group headquarters in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. The solution was based on our single glazed Linear 59 partition system with top-hung sliding doors.This ensured that the intricate door design not only performed perfectly but did so while meeting required radius. The sliding double doors were finished off with eye-catching 1500mm timber pull handles   .As well as the unique curved doorset Radii designed and installed glazed fronts for 119 office and meeting rooms. Linear 25 (Rw 39 dB) partitions were paired with single glazed Hogan pivoting doors on Levels 27 and 29-31, also with timber pull handles.On Level 28, double glazed Parallel 50 (Rw 45 dB) was utilised for larger meeting rooms requiring extra acoustic privacy. Radii also supplied some slip matched American white oak veneered doors on the project.

Leading insulation manufacturer, URSA, has been selected as the specifier of choice at the redevelopment of historic London building, The Whiteley. The former Whiteley's shopping centre in London's Bayswater is the setting for one of the most impressive property redevelopments in Europe, in a £1 billion project to convert the century-old shopping arcade into a high luxury residential, hotel, restaurant and retail complex covering more than 90,000 square metres. In one of the company’s largest single project specifications to date, contractors Laing O’Rourke and architects, Foster and Partners, have opted for over 5,000 square metres of URSA’s glass wool insulation. Ian Claydon, Technical Manager for URSA UK, commented: “This is undoubtedly one of the largest building projects in Europe and so being part of that is incredibly exciting. “We have worked closely with the scheme architects to ensure that they have the best possible specification for their project and that is undoubtedly URSA’s glass wool insulation, our premium insulation product. “Glass mineral wool is the most efficient and user-friendly thermal and acoustic insulation material, both environmentally and from a cost-effective point of view. It is suitable for use throughout a structure, providing the most efficient insulation solution available on the market today.” Ian added: “We’ll continue to work closely with both the contractor and architect to ensure products are delivered to site in line with the construction team’s needs. This is a long-term project and vast on every scale; we will continue to partner with distributor, Encon Insulation in Maidstone, who have been instrumental in this specification.” The 110-year-old historic shopping center has been closed for two years after a prolonged decline following the opening of the famous giant Westfield London shopping center nearby in 2008. The former shopping arcade, in one of the most influential areas of the City of London, at the northern end of Queensway and about 5 minutes' walk from Kensington Gardens, has become London's most fashionable development with the commencement of the building development behind the retained and refurbished Queensway and Porchester Gardens frontages. The development includes 139 one to five-bedroom luxury flats and townhouses, with a starting price rumored to be in the region of £1.5 million, complete with spa, pool and exclusive communal workspace. 20 luxury shops and restaurants and 110 hotel rooms in the UK landing of the Six Senses luxury hotel/spa chain. The project, which involves construction and engineering firm Laing O'Rourke and famed London contractors Lyons & Annoot, is based on an architectural project designed by Norman Foster's architectural practice, Foster and Partners. Mark Guest, Regional Sales Manager for URSA UK commented: “Talking through the initial enquiry from Lyons & Annoot, the client was impressed by our quick response and ability to provide swift technical reassurance with an open approach. Being able to supply products immediately by working with the Encon network enabled URSA to cut delays associated with Covid, that were previously thought inevitable and costly”. The redevelopment will retain the essence of the building, which at its opening in 1911 was the height of luxury at the time, with a theatre and even a rooftop golf course before being listed in 1970 and converted into a shopping centre in 1989. The works will respect the iconic façade, central courtyard and dome of the old building which will be restored as well as the majestic and historic interior staircase, which will form the centerpiece of the hotel's ground floor. URSA's state-of-the-art insulation materials are being used in the refurbishment work. The contractors have already used URSA CAVITY BATT 32 glass wool slab treated with water-repellent additives and glass mineral wool for first-class thermal and acoustic insulation. With a fit-out contract of around £111 million, the 139 luxury homes will occupy a unique space of almost 28,000 square metres and are expected to be completed in 2023.