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Royal Arsenal Riverside sits at the heart of Woolwich and occupies a prime location along the River Thames.The development is delivering 562 apartments and ground-floor commercial space on a 1.1ha site that forms part of the wider Royal Arsenal Waterfront. The scheme comprises three buildings of varying heights over a common single-storey basement.The ambitious waterfront scheme transforms an underused parcel of land into a new, thriving neighbourhood that enhances its surroundings. It is located at the end of the new linear park which aspires to establish a unique relationship between town and water; linking the town centre in the south to the river frontage in the north.Our high-performance metal riser doorset, Quadra was used throughout the development. Perfect for concealing fire-rated riser doors, access panels, and internal doors in corridors, landings, and other access areas; Quadra+ is supplied as an integral, four-sided frame and door system, pre-constructed to form a single robust unit. Ideal for hidden commercial access solutions, Quadra+ is designed and manufactured to the highest standards.A design innovation – Quadra+ is the original riser doorset from Selo, now featuring an Adjustable Frame to enhance installation speed and fire compliance. The screw-operated adjuster bolts allow for simple and secure Quadra+ frame installation.

DECORATIVE RESIN BOUND PAVING DESIGN FOR LUXURY APARTMENTS IN KENTAddagrip approved contractor Total Protection GB Ltd was appointed by the Kingston Landscape Group to carry out an intricate circular surfacing design for the courtyard of an £11 million residential development in Sevenoaks, Kent.Tubs Hill House, a Prime Place development of a former office block into luxury apartments, required a high quality, decorative surfacing feature for the split level courtyard gardens, built above an existing concrete slab car park. The circular design required two contrasting colours of BBA approved Addaset Resin Bound porous surfacing created with the help of a formable edge for both the courtyard and podium area.SURFACING REQUIREMENTThe surface needed to be decorative and hard wearing to offer a durable high quality finish for the luxury apartment development. BBA approved resin bound porous surfacing was selected. A total of area of 111m2 of Addaset was installed using 3mm Lucerne Silver and 3mm Dorset Gold blends to provide a low maintenance pedestrian surface with good slip resistance for this eye catching organic design. The aluminium flexible edging strips were used to create the circular design and form a solid divide between the two resin bound colours used for this pattern.

The pinnacle of luxury living, 250 City Road in Islington features stunning 1–3-bedroom apartments in one of London’s most sought-after locations. Residents are offered such benefits as exclusive membership to world-class spa facilities, featuring a 20-metre pool, and a perfect environment for rest, inspiration, and productivity, ranging from a luxurious screening room to a reading room and business lounge.Designed by Foster + Partners with the vision of transforming a business park into a distinctive landmark location for Islington, the project is a development by Berkeley Group.In true RYNO fashion, we worked very closely with the team at Berkeley to provide non-combustible paving supports to this very high-end development project. The pedestals used on the balconies are our fully adjustable, self-levelling RPA-FRs with built-in lockable slope-correction, supporting (450x450x40mm) granite pavers.The roof terraces which offer a stunning view of the city and canal basin were supplied with our TerraSmart Rail Paving System supporting granite paving and blending perfectly with the soft landscaping of the entire project.To top it all, 250 City Road is just a short walk from Clerkenwell and our Studio, which is where architects and specifiers can get hand-on with the our systems including the one used in this project.

With a view to attracting more technology and media tenants to New York City’s NoMad Tower, owners Global Holdings and architects NELSON were keen to produce a dynamic, industrial-style space that fit in seamlessly with the vibrant and rich history of the surrounding neighbourhood North of Madison Square Park.The multi-million-dollar makeover of the 39-storey building included repositioning the entrance of the building from 32nd Street to 31st Street, with priority placed on the design of the lobby and shared communal spaces to achieve the architect’s vision.Working with our US distribution partners Lewis Stevenson, Planet’s export division manufactured and supplied multiple solutions from our LOFT range of glazed partitioning.LOFT20, LOFT54 and LOFT100 glazed partitions were utilised throughout the space at NoMad Tower, including one elevation 15 feet in height that required custom angle returns to be created. With acoustic performance a priority, the double-glazed LOFT100 (54dB RW) meant that the noise reduction between the bustling reception area and conference space was achieved to a very high standard.Planet IsoPro double-glazed pivoting doors and EclipseTec soft open & close sliding doors were fit alongside the LOFT systems to ensure continuity in noise reduction while providing superb user interface experience.

A selection of our high-performance aluminium fenestration solutions has been used for this new café and drive-thru at a popular shopping destination in Wales.The new Starbucks at Parc Pemberton Retail Park has been designed by G1 Architects and built by Trojan Construction, with the aluminium fenestration package skilfully delivered by specialist contractor Sherwood Aluminium Systems.The project features both our cost-effective SCW aluminium curtain walling and our robust SFG shop front glazing system, which are both ideally suited for use in the retail sector as they combine slim sightlines with a robust and durable construction. Our curtain wall system has been used to create a bright and airy interior in the café, and the SFG system has been integrated with our SD aluminium doors to provide safe access at the entrance and exit. Our SD aluminium commercial doors have also been used on the drive-thru building, with the powder-coated aluminium frames perfectly complementing the use of timber cladding and grey façade design.The new Starbucks outlet has benefited from both Trojan Construction and Sherwood Aluminium Systems’ extensive experience undertaking similar schemes for the retailer across the UK, with Sherwood Aluminium Systems named as a preferred supplier for Starbucks.

GCB (Guan Chong Berhad) Cocoa UK Limited is a new chocolate factory that opened in Glemsford in 2023. GCB Cocoa was established in Asia when it started trading cocoa beans in the 1980s. The new chocolate factory produces liquid and solid chocolates. The site of the factory is 17-acre which will include new access, car parking, manufacturing facilities, warehousing, and biomass container to supply renewable energy for the manufacturing procedure.Our team Helmsman manufactured, delivered, and installed 14 bespoke cubicles as the clients requested floor-to-ceiling ‘Inline’ changing cubicles, with the measurements to be 2817mm high, 950 wide, and with the door opening at 1950mm. Additionally, they have 14 benches within the changing cubicles that are 900mm wide and 300mm depth.The Inline cubicles were requested to be 'Designer White', which we were supplied by Greenlam. 'Designer White' is a simple colour that stands out. The Cubicle head rail and channel were powder coated in White Aluminium to outline the cubicles.Inside the cubicles, the benches are plasticated in silver grey with slats in 'Arctic White'. These materials are designed to withstand a wet environment so are perfect for changing rooms at GCB Cocoa.Get in touch today if you have a similar project, or want any more information on the products mentioned, give us a call at 01284 530 427.

The Danish Church in London has been in existence, since 1696. Since 1952, it has occupied St Katherine’s, a neo gothic Church sited in the calm and secluded setting of London’s Regent’s Park, forming part of the Crown Estate.A recent refurbishment of the Church has been undertaken, overseen by Architects CF Møller and carried out by, main contractor, Coniston. The work included three new kitchens, communal spaces, and vicarage. GEC Anderson were employed to supply and install the three kitchens occupying two levels of the historic building. Liaising closely with the Architect, GEC Anderson were able to produce and install the required kitchen surfaces and fabrications as well as the required package of commercial kitchen appliances. Managing director of GEC Anderson, Martin Tye, commented “Space was very much a limiting factor in all three of the areas that we were involved with and so, it was a real challenge to be able to accommodate and include all of the necessary elements. Following the careful guidance of the design team, we were able to translate the requirements set out on paper into a tangible result for the client. This also involved meeting with the end user team and understanding the order of priorities.” Certain areas included high ceilings and so some tailored storage options were provided to maximise the useable space. Shelving and cabinets were included to provide the appropriate storage.

Amazon has invested heavily in its UK operations in recent years and more recently with the accelerated growth of online shopping, significantly increasing its number of warehouses across the UK. One such distribution centre is in Kingsnorth, Kent. This 34,000 square metre warehouse opened in 2018 and has benefitted from the installation of a Gatic Slotdrain CastSlot system.With its high-capacity surface water intake and high-performance loading capabilities, the CastSlot system from the Gatic Slotdrain range is specifically designed to bear load ratings of up to F900, which amounts to 90 tonnes – making it the ideal product for major distribution centres such as this. In an area where unremitting, slow turning HGV traffic is a major consideration, Gatic’s CastSlot drainage system provides reliable water management.“Gatic CastSlot was specified by global professional services firm RPS, to provide high-capacity drainage that had a discreet finish, within the service yard and car park for the distribution centre,” said Zach Graham, Gatic Area Sales Manager for London and the South East. “They valued the design put forward to them and accepted to take away unnecessary costs to client and project without reducing performance of the system.”“In addition, RPS have used the Gatic range before and will look to use the system on a design whenever possible.”

The Brewhouse, formerly known as Farsons Brewery was one of the first and finest examples of concrete-reinforced Art Deco buildings on the island of Malta. The building was founded and designed by Lewis V Farrugia and William Binnie and originally opened 73 years ago in June 1950.Now a Grade II listed building The Brewhouse has been part of a €86 million redevelopment project, reimagined by world-renowned London based ritchie*studio. Covering over 7,000 sq m of industrial space, the building now includes a unique mix of office, food and beverage, retail, visitor experience, and events space over seven floors.In a building of such historical and architectural significance the new windows not only had to look as close to the originals as possible, but also meet stringent requirements for thermal efficiency, as the building was designed to meet the strictest of environmental codes. Clement was thrilled that over one hundred white Clement EB24 steel framed windows were specified, featuring T bars and multi point locking.Robert Abela, the Prime Minister of Malta, was among around 400 people who attended the inauguration ceremony of Trident Park and The Brewhouse, one of the most iconic regeneration projects in Maltese history.ritchie*studio director, Ian Ritchie said: “Clement Windows provided the perfect steel window profile and workmanship solution to help restore this beautiful and iconic Maltese industrial Art Deco building."

Heritage Cast Iron Rainwater systems from Alumasc have been used at The Lancasters, one of London’s most exclusive and prestigious residential developments.Overlooking Hyde Park, The Lancasters was originally a parade of 15 magnificent stucco-fronted Grade II listed houses dating from the mid nineteenth century. More recently used as a hotel, it has now been restored and developed into 77 prestige homes. A leading team of developers, architects and interior designers has created a unique fusion of traditional architecture with brand new design and construction.Alumasc’s Heritage Cast Iron system was specified by the architects Nilsson, for its combination of traditional manufacture and modern quality control standards. The result is a highly robust rainwater solution that provides a visually sympathetic finish to fully complement the stunning Victorian architecture.The Heritage Cast Iron was installed by Premier Services Installations (PSI) Ltd and comprised traditional 4” downpipes and ogee gutters finished in a bespoke white, created especially for The Lancasters by Alumasc who created a dedicated paint line to ensure the order was completed on time.Dave Jones of PSI Ltd commented: “The Lancasters is the largest fascia construction project in Europe and boasts one of the longest and highest Victorian residential terraces in the UK. The sheer height of the building required eighteen 1.8m lengths of downpipe from ground level to the hopper heads.

HALO is an imaginative, innovative and inspirational regeneration initiative to revitalise Urban Cities and Towns of the UK.A first for Scotland is HALO Kilmarnock at the heart of Kilmarnock town center. The HALO project will support the growth and resilience of the Ayrshire economy. HALO will create a dynamic commercial, educational, cultural, leisure and lifestyle quarter of the town, fueled by renewable energy, where people can live, work, learn and play.This multi-faceted regeneration of a 28-acre site, was supplied over £80,000 worth of AG Plaza Paving, TerraKerb® and TerraPave® Step Units to complement the stunning architectural work of the modern building and surrounding areas.David McCandlish Regional Sales Manager at AG stated: ‘This was a major win for AG. We supplied a range of hard landscaping products around the new project. Our Plaza premium granite paving, TerraKerb and TerraPave step units provided the perfect combination of durable paving and modern sleek design for this stunning project.’The focal point of HALO will be an Enterprise and Innovation Hub being created to stimulate digital learning, inspire innovative thinking and provide a conducive environment for spin-out, new-start, scale-ups, digital, manufacturing and cyber businesses.The completed HALO will feature a new Urban Park, surrounded by entrepreneurial businesses in computer technology, cyber research, engineering, fashion, financial services and light manufacturing.

The Challenge The Horsted development in Chatham, Kent, was to provide for a range of housing suitable for its suburban context. Incorporating a mix of two and three storeys, properties ranged from one and two-bedroomed apartments through to two to four-bedroom family homes with gardens, parking and garages, all set with an attractively landscaped setting of shared surface with pedestrian priority zones. The Solution The development incorporates 169 houses, 111 apartments, 9 coach houses and 63 affordable extra-care accommodation The design has been carefully crafted to create a relationship with the surroundings, with the choice of brick being key to achieving this objective. The combination of smooth red stocks and subtle and heavily creased soft mud bricks provide a pleasant aesthetic, alongside a combination of red, brown and occasional black slate roof tiles to give added variety. Chelsea Smoked Red brick from the Ecostock range was the brick selected for this development. Projecting Flemish bond panels and recessed soldier courses create modelling and depth within the elevations of each block and enhance the overall character of the scheme. The Benefits The site strikes a good balance between communal and private space, with the choice of brick adding warmth and connection to the surrounding environment. The brickwork contributes to achieving a high-quality finish. This project won the Large House Builder category in the 2018 Brick Development Association’s annual Brick Awards.

The new build St George’s Quay student accommodation is part of the Luneside East Regeneration Project in Lancaster, which will create a new quarter of the city with a mix of housing, commercial space, high quality open spaces and walking and cycling routes.In a prominent waterfront setting on the edge of the River Lune and built on the site of the former St George’s Mill, the St George’s Quay development comprises four student accommodation blocks, ranging from three to six storeys, delivering 431 bedrooms in clusters and studio apartments.PROJECT INFOThe buildings are modelled around the existing industrial architecture of the site. The client used a mix of materials, including brickwork that reflects the local vernacular and Corten steel cladding to emphasise the site’s industrial history.In addition to the 431 bedrooms, the development also provides a gym, games room, communal dining, study area, and on-site parking.The development aims to be a landmark in urban regeneration and high quality design and be an exemplar of sustainable developments.The brick selected for the scheme is Belgravia Gault Blend, a buff, thrown brick from Forterra’s Ecostock range. It has a rustic finish that resembles a handmade brick. Ecostock bricks are manufactured using the latest technology in sustainability and production efficiency, producing bricks with low embodied energy as well as advanced colour consistency, dimensional accuracy and quality.

FOAMGLAS® T4+ (Slab)Design Architects: C.F. Moller & Purcell Miller TrittonMain Contractor: Bovis Lend LeaseApplication: Compact Roof - Gallery Roof & Restaurant Terrace FOAMGLAS® S3 (Slab )Finish: PaversFOAMGLAS® insulation was specified for the new gallery terrace and restaurant of the National Maritime Museum. With limited height available upon the roof there was no space for a concrete screed to falls. Therefore, architects Purcell Miller Tritton needed a factory machined tapered insulation with a slope to shed water. In addition, the limestone terrace paving must withstand the loads imposed by vehicles and so the insulation beneath had to withstand these dynamic loads without any compression.FOAMGLAS® T4+ slab insulation was specified for the project due to these conditions. FOAMGLAS® does not move or deflect under loads, and is available factory machined with a tapered slope. Its thermal performance is reliable and permanent and it is guaranteed for the lifetime of the building. The new roof of the gallery has paved areas, and green planting with hidden drain age and water supplies.The restaurant terrace gives wonderful view of the World Heritage Site, Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory. The gallery has some fascinating objects; including jewels which belonged to Sir Francis Drake, journals written by Captain Cook’s during his long voyages, and personal items that survived the sinking of HMS Titanic.

For its architecturally striking Orwell House scheme in Bethnal Green, London, Bell Phillips Architects (BPA) has specified hand-formed, multi-coloured Antro bricks from Vandersanden, the brick maker renowned for its innovation, craftsmanship and sustainable manufacturing practices. Antro provides just the right balance of colour, texture and contrast for this affordable housing project, designed by BPA for London Borough of Tower Hamlets and forming part of the Berthold Lubetkin-designed Dorset Estate, originally constructed in the 1950’s and 1960’s.Comprising 20 flats in total, Orwell House is a new, wedge-shape, in-fill development, just off Colombia Road, to the North-West of the Borough. BPA’s imaginative design for this six-storey building features balconies and a roof terrace that look out across Ravenscroft Park with the steel-framed volume of Orwell House contained by Vandersanden’s multi-coloured greyish brick envelope. On the two shorter sides, this brick envelope is fronted by balconies clad in pink, glass-reinforced concrete (GRC) panels. This bold chequerboard patterning echoes the tones and patterns used by Lubetkin to animate facades on buildings across the existing estate.Completed in July 2020, Orwell House is a Finalist in the Housing Awards 2021. To find out more about the bricks used in this project or to see the wide range of high-quality bricks available from Vandersanden, click on the 'View more' link 

Six of our large raised planters can be found in the walled garden of the historic Hopton Hall on the outskirts of the Peak District. The hall has a rich 600-year heritage and has hosted the likes of Oliver Cromwell and Mary Queen of Scots. Today the hall is a privately owned home with holiday cottage accommodation. Its beautiful gardens are open to the public, who travel from all over the world to see its famous snowdrop displays in spring and its fragrant rose garden in summer.The kitchen garden sits within the walled rose garden and is used to grow vegetables, herbs and varieties of pollinator-friendly flowers.There are two rows of three raised planters. This area of the garden is sloped, therefore the planters needed to be built into it to maximise the space large beds have been built into the slope.Hopton’s head gardener opted for high planters for ease of access and each design is 0.85m high.WoodBlocX modular planters are a popular choice for parks and gardens. The combination of versatile design and superior finish means the structures work well in historical and heritage settings and equally well within modern schemes by simply switching from traditional to contemporary capping, which sits flush with the structure.Raised planters can also be designed with integrated seating and in bespoke shapes and sizes, and we offer all clients a Free Design Service which will visualise your design in a series of CAD views.Bei

Architectural glazing systems by Kawneer were specified as a “key aspect” of the new regional head office of British Sugar’s parent company, the FTSE 25 Associated British Foods (ABF), for their pedigree and quality.CPMG Architects selected products from all of Kawneer’s portfolio for the building on a 4.5-acre site at Cygnet Business Park, Hampton, Peterborough, which would enable the relocation of almost 400 people from ABF businesses locally (AB Sugar, British Sugar, AB Mauri, ABF Ingredients and ABF) with the addition of purpose-built conference and training facilities and a showcase central reception area. Kawneer’s aluminium AA®100 SSG (Structurally Silicone Glazed) curtain walling features on the ground floor reception, meeting/conference spaces and south-facing restaurant/café while AA®100 mullion-drained curtain walling has been used on the first and second floor open-plan offices of the three-storey building.In addition, the 5,755m2 (GIA) building features ultra-thermally efficient AA®720 doors, large (3m high by 9m wide) AA®3572 sliding doors and over-sized (2.4m by 0.7m) AA®720 parallel opening windows, all installed by approved specialist sub-contractor Norman & Underwood.

Situated in one of the most expensive boroughs in the Capital, this grade 2 listed building houses 24 luxury apartments, and 1 penthouse across its 6 floors.This building was ahead of its time in 2008-10, with a curved façade and panoramic views for each apartment, designed by award-winning architects Dixon Jones. Dixon Jones Architects closed its door in September 2020 after 30 years. The architects state they were negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and were both in their 80s when they closed. Some of their most famous projects include the Royal Opera House, National Gallery and Oxford and Cambridge Universities to name a few.The prices of the apartments range between £1-2 million and its understandable when the interior features contemporary finishes, full-height windows, balconies with private terraces, lift access and a car parking space. It’s set in an ideal location with 3 stations all within 0.6 miles and Chelsea football club, and Westminster hospital both within walking distance.We worked with the Architects to reach the solution of our timber leaf riser door system, Una. This allowed them to fit standard ironmongery including locks, flush bolts, and handles. The architect chose to go with our butt hinges to allow for a contemporary finish to match the interiors, although these riser doors were installed in the corridors.

Completed in 2020, this residential building spans 9 storeys and a double-level basement, providing 201 luxury apartments.Located in the City of Westminster, the existing 7 storey building was completely stripped down to only the basement level, leaving existing basement walls before it was replaced with the 9 floors costing an overall of £135 million.The site is surrounded by public roads and footpaths on all four sides which created a challenge in terms of logistical access and security for the project. Because of these boundary restraints, Panthera Group designed a narrower concrete block supported hoarding system. The completed building includes private spa, lounge, fitness and amenity centre.To resolve the public access problem, 48 Carey Street has dedicated one of the basements to an underground car park and it can be accessed through the main entrance on Carey Street, or another entrance on Portugal Street.Selo provided wallpaper riser door systems in the main corridors, which were specifically tested for the project. The advantage of the wallpaper is that the riser doors then seamlessly blend in with the surrounding design and the eye is drawn to the front door of the apartment, rather than what would have been an unsightly riser door. Inside the apartments, the interior design is modern with some traditional features such as paneling in which we were glad to support the architect by providing bespoke sliding pocket doors to compliment the design, with their panelled leafs.

Falco recently manufactured, supplied and installed four bays of FalcoSpan cycle canopy for the new £15m Ellesmere Port Sports Leisure Village in Cheshire!The FalcoSpan cycle canopy was chosen for it’s light and spacious design providing maximum accessibility but great cycle coverage. The shelter was powder coated in RAL 9005 Jet Black to both increase durability and match the colour scheme of the leisure centre. Additionally hard wood cladding was added to the legs to soften the feel of the shelters and maintain a coherent theme of the overall design. For cycle parking, below ground fix Sheffield stands provide secure accommodation for up to 40 bikes.Ellesmere Port Sports Leisure Village is the prestigious leading regeneration project for Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC). CWAC has a forward thinking cycling policy and this installation provides real support towards that strategy. The development has been co-funded by Sport England on the site of the former Stanney High School and is home to a new purpose built sports and leisure facilities including an 8no lane 25m pool, separate teaching pool, 8 court sports hall to National Premier League Basketball standards with 1400 retractable seats, dance and exercise studios, gymnasium, spinning zone, wet and dry changing areas and café. The new state-of-the-art development is part of a £70m investment in leisure facilities across the borough.

Rutherford House is an imposing 58,000 sq ft office building located within the heart of Birchwood Park, Warrington, providing superior office space to rent for small, medium and large businesses employing up to 100 people. Consisting of two wings of three and five floors, the building has excellent natural lighting and is conveniently located for travel across the region. Recently refurbished to a high standard, the office complex now boasts a full-height glass atrium and spacious reception area. To achieve this record was chosen to remove the existing bi-parting sliding doors and replace them with a K32 Full Glass Revolving Door, pass door with a DFA 127 Swing Operator, full screen and linear framework.The K32 Full Glass Revolving Door, with the drive motor under the floor, provides a striking and welcoming entrance that complements the surrounding glass facade and allows natural light to flood into the building. With large, spacious compartments, the K31 can accommodate the constant flow of building occupants, ensuring they can safely and comfortably enter and exit the building at all times, whilst maintaining an airlock into the reception to create an ambient temperature and help reduce heating costs.To complement the record K32, a pass door with a record DFA 127 Swing Operator, which is silent in operation, has been installed to enable a wider opening, for wheelchair users and deliveries of large bulky items as and when required.

West Lindsay Council sought out to build a new crematorium for the area, as statistics showed that 75% of funerals are now cremations. The £6.3m site is state-of-the-art and includes landscaped grounds, remembrance gardens filled with young trees and wildflower meadows, a reflection pool, a car park for 120 vehicles and ample space for further development if necessary; to include a second chapel if there is demand.The new crematorium will be welcome to all forms of religious and/or secular services. With beautiful views of the woodland across Nottinghamshire, this facility will help make a real difference to residents at difficult times in their lives.With the building itself boasting modern design, the chosen paving materials for the hard landscaping were chosen to help complement the rural nature of the area and make the best use of the natural boundaries.Modal textured in Charcoal Grey Granite and Oatmeal Granite were used alongside Myriad Sunlight for the pristine entranceway, working brilliantly with the warm tones of the building and soft landscaping in the surrounding area.Main contractor, Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd. alongside Haverstock as the architects, carried out the project.The result was a warm and beautiful landscaped area. The combination of sizes and colours create an unmissable entranceway that is modern and welcoming. The facilities are now open to the public to provide a much-needed service for local’s in a tasteful and well-designed environment.Images supplied by West Lindsey Council

THE PROJECTAPO Barking is an exciting location located on the banks of the River Roding and opposite Abbey Park , Barking, East London – offering a brand new ‘living’ style and completely flexible membership. This new residential development provides London renters with access to thoughtfully designed Build to Rent apartments and a bucket list of services and amenities that take the hassle out of everyday life.Their mission is to create a living network that listens and responds to the everyday needs of its members. ‘Life admin’ is made easier – for example all utility costs are wrapped up in one simple monthly payment, myRENZbox digital parcel lockers take in deliveries 24/7 and their mailboxes enable the secure and easy delivery of all mail in one location.THE PRODUCTSLB installed 126 no. myRENZbox parcelboxes in various sizes , arranged in one large system which look suitably impressive within the reception area in matt white. The customised process was created specifically for them to suit their exact needs and resulted in a future proofed solution to cope with the growth of e-commerce and parcel volumes. H1 model mailboxes were installed in a postal area to ensure both mail and parcels were considered and a suitable and aesthetic solution provided.PROJECT DETAILSProject Type: BTRProduct: myRENZbox parcel boxesInstallation: FreestandingDetail: Both Mailboxes and Intelligent Parcel solutions installed

THE LOCATIONThis Brand-new student accommodation development is situated in Miles Street, London. This new development is set to further back than the current buildings on the street to make it an attractive pedestrian route. The building is within walking distance from Vauxhall Park and the River Thames.THE PROJECTThe Development is a 37-storey high building offering 842 student bedrooms. The development also has a 6-storey office block which features a rooftop area, a multi-use gaming room plus an array of additional amenities which is accessible to local residents and students.THE PRODUCTThe Safety Letterbox team discussed the design, layout and fire specifications of the project with our client and after a few options were presented the client chose our FR2 mailbox. The FR2 mailbox is horizontal in front/out front 2-hour fire-rated (integrity only) mailbox.Our 2-hour fire-rated mailbox range is commonly used within an evacuation route as they are capable of holding backfire or containing a fire for at least 2 hours, satisfying building and fire regulations.The mailboxes we’re powder coated in special colour – MATT Pale Brown (RAL 8025) giving the mailboxes a stunning high-end aesthetic finish whilst being practical and completely secure. Multiple keys were also supplied, and mailboxes were engraved for easy identification.

Kings Crescent Estate, in Stoke Newington, North London is undergoing an ambitious five-year redevelopment project as part of the London Borough of Hackney's wider Estate Regeneration programme. Three new buildings between five and twelve storeys high are under construction, with a number of the existing estate buildings, dating from the 1960s and 1970s, being retained and refurbished to provide continuity and transition. The plan is to recreate a neighbourhood of high quality housing and pleasant tree-lined streets that sits comfortably with the surrounding Victorian townscape of terraced and semi-detached housing close to Clissold Park. There are solar panels, green and brown roofing, plus a combined heat and power plant. These are expected to achieve savings of 25 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions that would otherwise have been generated by the development.The residential element of the scheme will result in up to 765 new homes, intended to offer at least a one-for-one replacement for the present amount of housing on the site. Half the homes will be affordable, with the remainder aimed at the private market. It is claimed to be the only scheme in London to combine new build construction of council homes with the refurbishment of existing council stock.As you would expect there are a significant number of balconies throughout the development and this means the risk of thermal bridging at the many cantilever balcony connections. To counter any such risk, the design incorporates two types of structural break units from the extensive Schöck Isokorb® range.

Loxford Lodge, Homeleigh and Borough Farm are residential properties within the National Trust estate of Arlington Court, Devon. The grounds cover over 20 miles of footpaths, offering walks such as the Lake walk and Deer Park walk.The National Trust contacted KEIM as they needed a reliable vapour permeable paint, which is more resilient than limewash, to decorate the previously limewashed substrates. The National Trust have previously worked with KEIM on many projects, so they were aware of the benefits that KEIM Paints has to offer.During the site inspection carried out by Julian Cullum of KEIM Mineral Paints, there was evidence of green mould and algae growth on the render.It was recommended to wash down the surfaces by pressure washing and using a stiff brush to remove all mould and fungal growth. KEIM Algicid-Plus was applied and allowed to dry for 24 hours before the decoration could commence.KEIM Fixativ was specified to consolidate the limewash render, followed by a coat of KEIM Soldalit Grob to give an even finish and fill hairline cracks within the render. KEIM Soldalit-ME, in colour 9037, was applied as it has a high resistance against mould and algae, which may build up from the tree canopies surrounding the properties.Following the completion of this project, The National Trust have several more projects they would like us to get involved in.

1 Triton Square has undergone a comprehensive back-to-the-frame refurbishment and extension, providing a state-of-the-art prime headquarters office building located at the heart of the campus. It was completed to shell and core in 2021. During the design phase, we engaged the Bike Storage Company to assist in pursuing the BREEAM Outstanding status. Their involvement has been instrumental in establishing 1 Triton Square as one of the UK's leading sustainable HQs. We utilised our easy-to-use Two Tier Cycle Rack system to ensure the maximum amount of cycle storage with as little infrastructure and services as possible. Our expert design team was tasked with designing the layout of the internal cycle store, and we manufactured and installed the Two Tier Racks to house 532 cycles. Further, a high-security section of the store needed to be separated to provide parking for long-term and regular users and from the public-accessible cycle storage. We achieved this by installing our High-Security Anti-Climb Mesh Partitioning inside the store, which is accessible via a separate access-controlled entrance adjacent to the public entrance. Our High-Security Anti-Climb Mesh is a versatile security fencing or partitioning solution. We can install two—or three-meter-high panels and design and fit them around any terrain, ground height changes, or ceiling services, making it an excellent option where security is paramount.

Marioff provided an efficient and environmentally sustainable fire protection solution.The unique structural requirements and responsibility of protecting more than 2,000 staff members, plus the public, called for a reliable and trustworthy partner in fire protection.The Brent Civic Centre, a council and community space in London, chose Marioff HI-FOG® water mist fire suppression to safeguard their sustainable building. The Centre serves as the headquarters of Brent Council, a London Borough local authority. It is situated in the Wembley Park area of Brent and opened in 2013 and was designed to be the greenest public building in the UK.The Centre needed an efficient and environmentally sustainable fire protection solution for the one-of-a-kind nine-story building. The structure features a five-story atrium, which doubles as an events venue, and a drum-shaped area that hosts a wide range of government functions, community events, and services.Brent Civic Centre chose Marioff HI-FOG as a sustainable solution. The fire suppression system put in place, validated by real fire tests, discharges fine water mist particles to efficiently cool radiant heat. This is accomplished while using significantly less water than a traditional sprinkler system — in keeping with the Centre’s sustainability focus. HI-FOG provides peace of mind to administration while safeguarding lives and ensuring continuity for the critical city hub.

Over the next ten years Nine Elms will see 20,000 homes built, along with new schools, parks, cultural centres, a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Thames; and the opening of two new London Transport underground stations as part of the Northern Line extension. The residential and commercial heart of this huge development is Embassy Gardens, London's new diplomatic precinct on the riverside. The first release of apartments in Embassy Gardens is the Ambassador Building, adjacent to the new US Embassy. It comprises six distinct cores, which house not only the residential apartments boasting high ceilings, abundant natural light and walnut parquet flooring throughout – but also a fully equipped private members club to rival the best in any international hotel.Inevitably, the development has attracted a sophisticated level of residents who demand the highest standards of detail throughout these buildings; and one of the key features is the wide variety of balcony types, each governed by unit size and orientation. The specific requirements at the Ambassador building involved the Schöck Isokorb® T type K, K-WU an SK. The diverse range of Schöck Isokorb® T load-bearing thermal insulation products guarantees totally verifiable performance standards, meets full compliance with the relevant UK building regulations and offers BBA Certification and LABC Registration. 

Hoptbühl playing field in Villingen-Schwenningen, featuring products from PolytanA GEM OF A SPORTS FACILITYGood things come to those who wait, including in Villingen-Schwenningen. It took 20 years for the school playing field at Hoptbühl Gymnasium to be renovated. But all is well that ends well: the fully renovated sports field is proving to be a real gem. It features various products from sports surface specialist, Polytan.The road to the new sports facility was indeed long and rocky: barely linear, it was full of surprising twists and turns. The low point was when the dilapidated site was completely shut for safety reasons, and outdoor sport had to be removed from the school timetable. Then things started to change: in May 2019, the local council decided that the sports facility at Hoptbühl would finally be renovated. The result is an absolute gem that is unrivalled in the local area.After 15 months’ construction time, young athletes in Villingen-Schwenningen are delighted by a new artificial turf pitch surrounded by a four-lane running track, three long jump and two high jump runways, a throwing circle for shot put, a small playing field, two beach volleyball courts, three bouldering walls and a calisthenics street workout park. The sports facility was designed by Martin B. Kuberczyk of k3 LandschaftsArchitektur, based in Villingen-Schwenningen, and realised by Erhard Gfrörer & Sohn Schotterwerk, based in nearby Empfingen.Professional sports surfaces for successful training and competitionThe new facility features LigaTurf Cross football turf, in which Polytan has successfully combined artificial turf systems with textured (crimped) and smooth filaments. The former are known for their high cost-efficiency, robustness and low maintenance, while the latter are extremely popular among footballers for their authentic ball rolling characteristics, just like on natural grass. The running track was constructed using Polytan’s Rekortan M in rainbow blue, a professional sports surface for track and field stadiums, school sports facilities and competitive running tracks. The water-permeable, pour-coated surface is characterised by excellent acceleration and high tread elasticity. Users of the calisthenics street workout park are protected by Polytan’s PolyPlay FS fall protection surface, also in rainbow blue. The bulk-coated, water-permeable covering is extremely easy to care for and, thanks to its cushioning effect, protects against injuries in the event of falls.The attractive outdoor sports facility has been used by Hoptbühl’s 600 or so high school students since the start of the 2021/22 school year. To ensure optimal utilisation, students from the neighbouring Christy Brown School and Albert Schweitzer School can also use the facility for track and field, climbing, football or beach volleyball. In addition, the field is used by local clubs in the evening, and is therefore equipped with floodlights.The opening ceremony for the renovated sports field took place at the Hoptbühl Gymnasium in September, with a very special sports festival: just like at the Olympic Games, classes of students entered the stadium and mastered the various facilities in no time.

In the dynamic realm of commercial infrastructure, where functionality meets aesthetics, Twinfix stands as a beacon of excellence. With a steadfast commitment to design, manufacture, and installation, Twinfix specialises in crafting bespoke canopies and roof glazing solutions for a myriad of industries. From schoolyards to retail spaces, outdoor dining areas to rail platforms, Twinfix’s canopy expertise transforms mundane spaces into vibrant, functional environments. Twinfix’s range of products brings a multitude of benefits to the commercial sector. Firstly, their canopies provide shelter from the elements, ensuring that outdoor spaces can be utilised year-round, irrespective of weather conditions. This feature is particularly invaluable for retail spaces, where outdoor displays and customer seating areas require protection from rain and harsh sunlight. Additionally, Twinfix canopies are designed with durability and longevity in mind. Constructed from high-quality materials, these structures withstand the test of time, requiring minimal maintenance and upkeep. This durability not only ensures a solid return on investment for businesses but also minimises disruption to operations due to maintenance downtime. Furthermore, Twinfix places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Their canopies are engineered to maximise natural light while minimising energy consumption. By harnessing natural daylight, businesses can reduce their reliance on artificial lighting, thereby lowering energy costs and environmental impact. At the heart of Twinfix’s innovative offerings lies the Multi-Link-Panel NF roofing system. This cutting-edge solution combines versatility with performance, offering unparalleled adaptability to diverse architectural requirements. The system’s modular design allows for seamless integration into a variety of commercial settings, from expansive car park canopies to sleek rail platform shelters. Featuring lightweight yet robust panels, the Multi-Link-Panel NF roofing system offers exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring structural integrity without compromising on aesthetics. It is non-fragile in accordance with HSE’s ACR[M]001:2019, and its quick and easy installation process minimises disruption to ongoing operations, making it an ideal choice for time-sensitive projects. Twinfix’s recent projects at Bolton Market and Heron Mill in Oldham exemplify the company’s prowess in delivering bespoke canopy solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client. At Bolton Market, Twinfix collaborated with Seddon Construction to erect a state-of-the-art car park canopy. This striking structure spanning 136 square metres not only provides shelter for vehicles but also enhances the overall visual appeal of the market, creating a welcoming environment for shoppers and vendors alike. Meanwhile, at Heron Mill in Oldham, Twinfix undertook the construction of a loading bay and loading platform canopy. This project highlighted Twinfix’s ability to seamlessly integrate canopy solutions into industrial settings, enhancing operational efficiency while providing essential protection for personnel and goods. In conclusion, Twinfix’s commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability continues to redefine the commercial canopy landscape. With their range of products and the revolutionary Multi-Link-Panel NF roofing system, Twinfix empowers businesses to elevate their outdoor spaces, creating engaging environments that inspire productivity and prosperity.­­­

Urban development within St. Helier, the capital of Jersey is gathering momentum with URSA seeing its specialist insulation products specified at one of the capital’s newest and most ambitious developments. The largest of the Channel Islands, St. Helier is a lively harbour town and has become one of the UK's most popular tourist attractions, creating a high demand for ongoing residential and commercial development. Both its commercial port and marina, as well as the centre and the main neighborhoods, are undergoing an in-depth study for the renovation of its building stock and the transformation of the urban landscape it offers. The ultimate objective is a profound urban regeneration carried out through the creation of a commercial heart open to the sea, in the city centre, and modern, sustainable and healthy residential developments on the outskirts to ensure the demands of future growth. It also aims to reduce traffic and create a walkable city for pedestrians and cyclists with green spaces and open spaces. In the north of the city is Ann Court, a large development located next to a large municipal park built on the site of a former car park that has been demolished. Being developed by Andium Homes, construction is nearing completion on the development of 165 new homes of different sizes and orientations (with internal and external courtyards), but with a common standard: the energy efficiency and sustainability of the whole complex. To support the sustainable objectives, architects have specified a ventilated façade that guarantees thermal and acoustic comfort, whilst preventing moisture penetration and condensation. A correctly designed ventilated façade system also guarantees a fire safe structure, prolongs the life of the building and enhances its energy efficiency. As part of the specification, 2,400 square meters of 220mm URSA Walltec Black 32 were specified. The choice of material was the direct decision of the architect Stephen Marshall of Axis Mason Architects, who decided on the glass wool slabs after learning about their performance and the knowledge provided by URSA's technical office. URSA Walltec Black 32 is a semi-rigid glass wool slab treated with a water repellent additive. The slabs have a black glass fibre tissue to one side only that helps to hide the insulation in ventilated façades with open joints. It is a non-combustible product that does not contribute to the spread of fire, is water repellent and has high performance to ensure the thermal and acoustic comfort of the entire residential complex. Once the insulating material has been fixed, the façade is completed with the installation of the cladding to create cavity that ensures the properties of the system. This imposing façade enveloping the courtyards of Ann Court facilitates a new building in the north of St. Helier where social interaction, tranquility, quality, comfort and healthiness are guaranteed.  Ian Claydon, URSA UK Technical Manager, said: “We first became involved in this scheme in June 2020. We were approached by the architect for recommendations on correct choice of product and the thermal assessment for the external walls.  “During the early stages of the project, we were in regular contact providing advice on the target U-value in the wall(a commendably low 0.18 W/m2K), as well as the impact on Jersey SAP energy assessment and the technicalities of rainscreen cladding. The team were particularly impressed with the speed of response and our wider technical knowledge, helping to support the perfect specification.” 

BackgroundQinetiQ is one of the world’s largest defence technology contractors. A solution was needed to significantly improve the lighting across their large headquarters site in Farnborough.There was a lack of quality lighting across the site for pedestrians and vehicles. The existing lighting was also high wattage but low quality.ChallengeDigging trenches for new mains-powered cabling to replace the failed circuits would have caused extensive disruption. It would also have been very costly. The new lighting solution needed to provide quality year round lighting, be easy to deploy and cost effective to run. Ensuring that installation works had minimal environmental impact wasalso a major objective. The solution also needed to be environmentally sustainable and significantly help reduce carbon emissions.The SolutionProducts — In ActionAfter a site visit, we developed a full lighting design and proposal, ensuring the new site lighting would reach the British lighting standards.A total of 64 AE3 and AE6 solar street lights and 65 solar bollards were installed, across car parks and walkways – delivering a bright and reliable year round lighting solution without noise, emissions and the need for mains power.Our expert, in-house, installation team carried out the work. It took only 3 weeks to complete and was done in accordance with QinetiQ’s health and safety regulations.This project demonstrates how sustainable solar lighting delivers a year round,commercially viable solution that can help towards reaching your sustainability targets.Products — FeatureThe Prolectric AE3 and AE6 are high quality, year round, permanent solar-powered LED street lights, with no need for mains electrical power.They can be fitted, or retrofitted, easily, quickly and economically as there is no need to install cables or dig trenches.Fully solar-powered – no carbon emissions, no noise, no electricity bills and minimal maintenance required.The AE3 and AE6 feature a smart controller and Passive Infra Red (PIR) sensor, ensuring the unit lasts from dusk to dawn – even throughout the darkest winter months.Our ST series bollards use the latest LED lights and battery optimisation technology, ensuring bright light for as long as needed.The vandal-resistant bollards have a polycarbonate domed head for strength and durability.The ResultsCost Savings Installation saved £300,000 compared to grid powered lightingYearly electricity cost savings of £7,750Testimonial Simon Homer - QinetiQ Project ManagerQinetiQ has a target of becoming a Net-Zero company with ambitious near-term GHG emission reduction targets. To assist with this ambition, Prolectric assessed our lighting needs, developed a detailed site lighting plan and installed over 129 solar street lights and bollards at our headquarters at Cody Technology Park.The new lights are bright and reliable, improving healthand safety during the hours of darkness. The lighting is high quality and proving to be robust in harsh weathers. All lighting completed so far, has required minimal maintenance and the installation has been well received by both the company and our tenants alike.

In a groundbreaking effort to promote sustainability, Falco UK has teamed up with Solarcycle UK to introduce 100% renewable solar energy e-bike charging stations within their portfolio of secure and sustainable cycle parking facilities. The inaugural installation of this innovative system has been completed at NHS Wales Ystradgynlais Community Hospital, aligning with the hospital's Active Travel and Green Plans.Falco UK is the UK’s leading supplier and installer of secure cycle hubs, cycle shelters, bin stores, and street furniture. Solarcycle stands out with its award-winning world-first, off-grid, ‘solar-in-a-box’ e-bike chargers, offering green, renewable energy for e-bike charging. The collaboration between Falco UK and Solarcycle directly addresses the growing demand for accessible e-bike charging, providing businesses and organisations with an innovative, safe, and environmentally sustainable solution.NHS Powys Teaching Health Board chose the FalcoZan-180 shelter coupled with Solarcycle’s e-bike charging system at Ystradgynlais Community Hospital, for its immediate environmental benefits and minimal disruption. The open and spacious FalcoZan-180 shelter fits seamlessly with the Solarcycle system, providing the client with solar-powered and off-grid e-bike charging – a system that requires no mains connection or trenchworks and generates no ongoing energy costs, providing free e-bike charging for all staff. The collaboration with Solarcycle showcases Falco UK’s dedication to pioneering innovation and constant evolution of its cycle hubs and shelters to support businesses and organisations in their decarbonisation efforts.Solarcycle’s unique Reporting Function tracks the kWh of free, 100% renewable solar energy dispensed, enabling organisations to estimate how many carbonless miles have been generated by the organisation. As the only off-grid solar e-bike charging system with this feature, Solarcycle sets itself apart in the market.The FalcoZan-180 shelter as shown here, is manufactured from a combination of hot-dip galvanised steel with safety glass cladding. Combining creativity with practicality, the new eye-catching cycle shelter sits conspicuous within the hospital grounds and provides up to six secure spaces of cycle parking for staff use.Commenting on the new installation Lloyd Morgan, Capital Programme Manager for Powys Teaching Health Board, said “As we deliver our Health Board’s strategy for a Healthy Caring Powys, it is important as ever to measure, analyse and minimise the impact of our business on the biodiversity and sustainability within our operating areas. The recent installation of the Falco Solarcycle solar powered e-Bike charging points fits perfectly in with our values and commitments surrounding clean energy and also ensures that we remain at the forefront of new, green innovations. To be able to install these charging facilities without the need for any enabling works or mains electrical connections was also a real bonus for us from an operational standpoint and it’s been great to see our cyclists charging their bikes using 100% clean energy”.Falco’s Managing Director, Rob Harper, added “At Falco UK, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Our partnership with Solarcycle underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship, aligning seamlessly with Falco UK’s mission and strategic objectives. We do a lot of work in Scotland, where grid constraints can pose challenges, and we are developing cycle hubs along the west coast to support sustainable travel including tourism, so the off-grid nature of Solarcycle's system stood out as a pivotal factor in our decision. Together with Solarcycle, we're not just building cycle hubs; we're shaping the future of sustainable transportation infrastructure”.The annual CO2 savings from carbon-free commuting with e-bike travel and Solarcycle charging are substantial. An organisation with 25 employees and a 15% e-bike adoption rate can save 3,252,000g of CO2 annually. This saving increases to 16,260,000g of CO2 for an organisation with 100 employees and reaches a staggering 731,700,000g of CO2 for an organisation with 4,500 employees.Falco UK is a proud member of the NHS Shared Business Services Framework Agreement to provide cycle parking facilities to the NHS and public sector bodies. The framework is free to access for UK Public Sector organisations and provides a quick, simple, and compliant procurement route to market for sustainable Transport and Infrastructure solutions for the NHS and the wider public sector.Falco UK and Solarcycle UK are setting a new benchmark in sustainable travel with their solar-powered e-bike charging solution. This innovative partnership addresses the growing demand for eco-friendly commuting, offering a cost-effective and disruption-free system that benefits both the environment and employees. By harnessing 100% renewable energy, organisations can track their sustainability progress and make a tangible impact on reducing carbon emissions. Falco UK and Solarcycle’s collaboration is a game-changer, driving the future of green transportation infrastructure.For more information about Falco UK’s solar powered e-Bike charging solution installation for NHS Wales Ystradgynlais Community Hospital please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

Hudson Quarter is a modern development consisting of four buildings that surround a central courtyard. The £35 million investment has provided 127 apartments over three buildings and a Grade A office space.The site sits on the former grounds of the city’s first railway station and within the ancient city walls. To remain sympathetic to these historic factors and York’s distinctive character the buildings have been deliberately built close together, to mimic tight spaces in the city. The external walls are angled to reflect the organic nature of York’s core. As a connection with its railway past the apartment blocks are all named after stations – Waverley, Victoria, and Kings. Hudson Quarter’s buildings have been carefully designed to step down from Toft Green towards the City Walls to create a new public pedestrian connection between the nearby train station and the Micklegate area. It is here that Artforms Cestis Litter Bins have been supplied to provide a robust waste management solution.The Cestis litter bin features a stylish and simple design with a cast aluminium pole, a galvanised steel container and cast aluminium cover. Further to this, a number of Cafe Cycle Stands with matching powder coated finish to the bins have been installed running parallel to the exterior of the building and ancient walls. Cafe cycle stands offer a unique approach to cycle parking that elevates a space whilst maintaining a secure structure for cycle locking.Using a careful and considerate approach in a highly sensitive location Hudson Quarter has successfully provided a vibrant new place to live and work in the City of York.

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.