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A luxury development of contemporary apartments in Balby has joined the long list of residential projects to specify Neacos’s all-in-one balcony solutions. The three-storey complex includes the company's walk-on balconies which come complete with a full provision of modular components including stanchions, toprails, glass infill panels and grille flooring. Neaco's modular balconies are manufactured and assembled at the factory stage for a fast installation which minimises time, energy consumption and waste on site. The development also includes Neaco's glass Juliet balconies which offer the same qualities based on a similar modular construction.

The maintenance-free finish of Neaco’s powder coated aluminium balustrade has made it a long-standing favourite in the education sector, with countless specifications throughout the UK, and the latest example is a £14 million development at Elthorne Park High School in Ealing. Designed by Re-format and built by Balfour Beatty on behalf of Ealing Borough Council, the building includes a new multi-purpose performance and activity space, extended library facilities, additional Sixth Form teaching and study space. The balustrade features a metallic finish to handrails and stanchions complemented by glass panel infills for a contemporary appearance.

The new store at Coventry was built using environmentally sustainable building materials. As the first city centre store, it also provides contained parking for 800 cars. Lang+Fulton supplied ventilation screens to the ground floor parking which extended to form a barrier to the first level. Terra-34 grating was chosen with a 34x100mm aperture to comply with anti-climb guidelines. Panels were custom-sized to continue the aesthetic of the surrounding cladding material and mounted to conform with the horizontal and vertical joints. Over 200m² of screening was supplied in a hot-dip galvanized finish incorporating two emergency exits.

A range of one and two bedroom luxury properties in Huntingdon has become the latest prestigious apartment development to feature Neaco’s contemporary balustrade systems. The four-storey complex includes extensive terrace areas with Neaco’s balustrade combining glass infill panels with aluminium stanchions and rails specified in a grey powder coated finish. In contrast to balustrade with a painted finish, which is prone to flaking, the hard-wearing powder coating ensures that the balustrade retains its aesthetic quality. It also provides low thermal conductivity to prevent handrails from becoming extremely cold to the touch in winter conditions.

Neaco’s range of glass balconies has secured a specification at another prestigious apartment development. Located near the historic city of York and surrounded by stunning scenery, the complex of 37 luxury properties features Juliet balconies and walk-on balconies with bespoke graphics on the glass panels. A combination of minimalist design and durability has made them a popular choice to enhance the kerb appeal of high-end residential developments throughout the UK. Comprising modular components manufactured off site, Neaco’s range of balcony designs provide fast, easy installation using an internal connection system that requires no welding for assembly.

We installed our Marathon Glass Wet Lockers, Cabrillant 600 Toughened Glass Cubicles and Marathon 600 Laminate Cubicles at Cannon Street. The Lockers are finished in Opti-White 10mm Toughened Glass with Mirror end panels and Hasp and Clasp locks. A bespoke interior, with captive coat hangers and aluminium shoe shelves was created. The markets most popular glass Cubicle system, Prospec Cabrillant, is a favourite of Gymbox, and the Black Glass gives an astounding finish reflecting the colour scheme of each changing room. In stark contrast, the WCs were finished in a Matt Solid Grade Laminate.

Aluminium is an established and well used metal in Architecture. In the development of the Eastern Gateway apartments, Accord Indesign have been courageous in combining colour with shape and form creating a multi-layered, multi-coloured and highly visual façade. The variety of cladding solutions is successful breaking up the façade as well as providing a strong commercial versus residential statement. Interlocking Shingles breaking up the central core and interlocking reveal panels that create a linear regimentation in close keeping the traditional brick-built buildings along the High Street. Blended colours deliver a high level of interest.

Torrance Park Golf Club is set in the beautiful moorland of North Lanarkshire. A bespoke design was required for the lockers due to the unique size requirements of a golf course and our Marathon Wet Glass Lockers achieve this. Manufactured with 10mm Toughened Glass doors and a robust aluminium carcass, the lockers cater perfectly for the members golf equipment without compromising quality or finish. Our award winning Cabrillant cubicles continued the use of glass into the changing facilities in the form of showers. These are complimented by our Marathon System D WC cubicles, duct panelling, vanity units and bench seating

Upon completion, The Ciel Tower will be the world’s tallest hotel,standing at 78 storeys and 365m. Located in Dubai Marina,this is an iconic project which will reset the global luxury hotelmarket. Specwall was chosen to replace drywall and blockwork inthe development following the main client and contractor beingimpressed with the system after visits to existing sites.The rapid installation, easy handling and simplicity of installing M&Ealongside the wall panels have all been cited by the developer asmajor benefits of using Specwall. All parties were satisfied by theSpecwall product and the project is set to be a great success.

After standing vacant for some years, the iconic Tower Gardens Pavilion in Skegness has been completely refurbished to create a multi-use council facility. Delivering flexibility to the main hall, partitioning expert Style was contracted to install a Dorma Hüppe Variflex moveable wall, successfully creating one large and one smaller room that can accommodate two events running concurrently. A sustainable and cost-effective option, the Variflex elements are manufactured separately to the frame, which means only panel facings need to be changed in the future, to match a new interior décor for example, or if one becomes damaged.

London Zoo is one of the UK’s best-known tourist attractions and the world’s oldest scientific zoo. Opened in 1838, it now houses nearly 20,000 animals. The new Terrace Restaurant by SHH architects has tripled the dining space to 700 covers. Troldtekt ceilings play a major part in helping to create an acoustically pleasant environment for the high visitor numbers. With an abundance of hard surfaces, coupled with echoes and ambient noise, it was important to find a solution which would complement the design. This has been achieved by installing Troldtekt ultrafine acoustic panels on the ceilings below the mezzanine floor.

Recently opened, the lavishly decorated Ivy Asia is a concept restaurant/bar set in the heart of London. Offering flexible dining, Style installed a semi-automatic Dorma Hüppe Variflex moveable wall, allowing an exclusive room for up to 35 guests to be quickly created. With the Variflex system delivering 38dB Rw acoustic integrity, the private guests can enjoy an intimate experience in the sectioned off room, while the rest of the bar and restaurant operates as normal. The panel facings have a simple priming sheet finish, allowing the restaurant to decorate them with their own flamboyantly Asian-themed graphics,

With its team of experts in the polycarbonate and roof glazing fields, Twinfix works on developing the best, newest and most cost effective roof glazing products. A family business, Twinfix has been involved in the polycarbonate roof glazing market for nearly 30 years. Its innovative Multi-Link-Panel has been used in many markets, such as in the replacement of broken glass or failed PVC in station canopies and depot roof lights, where its patented fixing method results in incredibly quick installation times, a real bonus when working with limited possession times.

Paddington Works is an innovative space in central London, offering members a variety of stimulating environments in which to carry out their work, hold meetings and run events. With space flexibility an essential ingredient of the design, Style was contracted to install a Dorma Hüppe Variflex moveable wall, maximising acoustic privacy by effectively separating the main auditorium from other work areas. The Variflex range, available exclusively in the UK through partitioning experts Style, offers considerable adaptability to suit almost any location and includes a wide choice of panel sizes and finishes, parking arrangements, as well as acoustic performance ratings.

Washroom designed, manufactured and installed new washrooms and fitted out the reception area for the new Trampoline and Play Park at Sutton Sports Village. The team specified a vivid shade of orange throughout the centre including on the Forte SGL cubicles, Concerto SGL duct panels, SGL vanities and HPL reception desk. With accessibility a key consideration, Washroom installed two different sized washroom cubicles; one with half-height doors for younger children, disabled toilets with outwards opening doors and ensured the pilasters provided a colour contrast to the cubicle doors to assist any partially sighted visitors to the centre.

A modern, high-end apartment building in Newcastle, the Forge combines apartment living with vibrant communal areas for the like-minded residents to enjoy. Style was contracted to create a flexible meeting area in the spacious club lounge, where tenants can gather to socialise or for work. The DORMA Varitrans HSW glass-partitioning wall offered the perfect solution, allowing a meeting room to be formed with ease, whilst retaining the open-plan feel of the room. Creating a stunning feature wall, Style sourced and manufactured a bespoke metal frame that was bolted onto the glass panels, creating a uniquely original crittall-effect.

40 Percival Street is a residential reclad project located in London . The facade utalised a number of differing random UnAcol and Anolok II anodic colour's in line with the Architects design intent.The supplied Anodised panels are A1 fire rated and offer exceptional recyclability, minimal maintenance, and proven lifetime performance, successfully responding to the need for a sustainable solution for today’s façade applications.The colour's used on this were:Anolok II B711Anolok II B713Anolok II B715UA130-1UA140-2United Anodisers worked closely with Sotech and the architect Bickerdike Allen Partners.

Cladding Panels: ''A sense of space and openness''The award-winning design of the Rundeskogen Towers combines innovative forms and materials, while guaranteeing residents and neighbors breathtaking views of the Norwegian fjords.The Rundeskogen Towers in Sandnes, Norway, are an extraordinary example of the novel and exceptional use of space and hybrid construction structures. Located in an area dominated by small-scale buildings, the three residential high-rises stand out by their volume and height. Yet, architects Helen & Hard and dRMM created a clever and distinctive design that integrates them with their surroundings and gives back to the community by creating abundant public spaces.

Newcastle University’s Frederick Douglass Centre is a £34 million flagship teaching facility. Seating in the impressive stepped auditorium is maximised thanks to Style’s installation of a world-first, bespoke set of moveable wall systems, dividing the room into two separate lecture halls, seating 500 and 250 students. Style worked in close collaboration with Sheppard Robson, and Sir Robert McAlpine, to design a solution that is fully automatic, concurrently moving a double skin of Dorma Hüppe sliding wall panels, up through the tiered seating. The final installation surpasses the client’s demands for acoustic privacy between divided areas.

As part of this refurbishment, we installed our toughened glass Luminoso shower cubicles, specified in a striking blue to complement Boom Cycle’s brand identity and high energy interior design. The full height shower cubicles were manufactured using 10mm clear float toughened glass for the doors, pilasters and division panels and are set on a stainless steel tubular headrail with matching stainless steel pedestal feet. Each cubicle was finished with double swing hinges, which are self-closing from 25 degrees, stainless steel clothes hooks and a stainless steel pull handle towel rail to the outside.

Using an eye-catching bronze and grey colour palette Washroom delivered stylish new washrooms and a striking new reception area as part of an extensive office refurbishment in Covent Garden. The self-contained superloos all include Washroom's Concerto integrated duct panel system in grey high pressure laminate and are complete with its full height Alto toilet cubicle doors in a high gloss grey laminate with bronze ironmongery. The Alto toilet cubicle’s rebated flush system and matching pilasters creates an attractive, virtually seamless façade for a high specification look and feel.

Our innovative Alto FENIX toilet cubicles, with their unique super matt surface, have been used to create a striking design statement for a leading fashion retailer. Manufactured from FENIX NTM using the latest nanotechnology, the Alto FENIX toilet cubicle is soft to touch, thermally self-healing, impact and scratch resistant, hydro repellent and has enhanced anti-bacterial properties, making it ideal for washrooms where a luxury, high performance finish is required. The new washrooms also feature our Concerto integrated duct panels, finished in Formica high pressure laminate.

Albion Stone were able to supply the desired quality of finished product within the contract programme. The New Independent Whitbed specified for the main flooring provided the aesthetic qualities and character required for large areas of floor in a luxury development of this kind.New Independent Whitbed was selected for 1860m² of flooring, 454 linear metres of stair treads and 1,300 linear metres of skirtings. Two fireplaces were also produced using New Independent Whitbed as well as the bath surrounds and bath steps. Independent Grove Whitbed was selected for internal wall tiling and Bowers Roach for feature panels on the external facades.

As part of a £5.5 billion strategy to become a landmark London station, the new Blackfriars scheme includes the construction of a new station on the South Bank with an aim to increase the service capacity, frequency of trains and provide better interchange service between National Rail and London Underground services.Originally opened in 1886, Blackfriars was designed by Pascall and Watson, with the façade and concourse being modernised in the 1970s. Jacobs were commissioned to design the new station building and Tony Gee and Partners to design the rail bridge.Albion Stone supplied approximately 918m² of Bowers Whitbed, mostly in the form of 75mm thick ashlar panels.

Manchester New Square is a highly innovative urban project in Manchester City Centre. What makes Manchester New Square particularly interesting is that it has been constructed using off-site manufacturing and that is why NorDan were the perfect supplier for this development. As we own all of our factories, we have complete control over production schedules and we can cope with the tight, demanding schedules that off-site manufacturing requires. Our product also comes as a full set, complete with ironmongery and glass, so that they can be fitted straight into the concrete panels and moved onto site.

The Director of Tiptoes Day Nurseries required weather protection structures at a number of their locations in Hull, East Yorkshire and one of those locations was Tiptoes Nursery in Willerby in Hull.Upon completion of the site survey we could see that the Coniston, which they originally chose, was the perfect solution for the area they were looking to cover. It was advised that due to the size of the canopy and to provide added protection from driving rain, that they add infill panels to either side of the canopy. Infill panels are a cost-effective addition to the Coniston yet makes a substantial difference.The Coniston is a popular canopy within educational settings as it provides protection from all weathers including the rain, the sun’s UV rays and the heat from the sun, providing a cooler area underneath, and cooler classrooms that have windows where the canopy is situated.To save on costs, we suggested that the projection could be reduced slightly without causing a big impact on the size of cover required. However, a 5-metre projection was a must have for the nursery because they had existing softplay flooring in place and wanted the canopy to cover the width of the spftplay for a seamless finish. Although this impacted the cost, it was worthwhile as you can see in the photos it looks like the flooring and canopy were a part of the same design.The canopy was installed within 4 days as scheduled and went ahead with no issues along the way. The staff at the nursery were pleased with their canopy which covers 114.5 square metres and can now make use of outdoor play and learning all year round, benefits both the staff and children in their care.

Radisson Red, is a striking building situated on the north bank of the River Clyde in Glasgow's events hub, it is located near the SECC, the Clyde Auditorium (locally known as the Armadillo) and the Hydro Arena.The £30m, ten-storey boutique hotel will be Europe's first new build for the Radisson Red brand and will be the first hotel owned by Forrest Hotels, part of the Forrest Group. With 176 bedrooms and an impressive roof top sky bar with views over Glasgow, the hotel's opening was hotly anticipated by the city's tourism leaders as it continues to grow as a business and leisure destination.Work commenced on the 3,500m2 aluminium rainscreen system in May 2017. This consisted of a Booth Muirie Alucobond Spectra ACM panel system, finished in a distinct Red Brass colour with Iridescent “Colour Shift” properties. The colour stands out as the main feature of the hotel, carefully matching the Radisson Red brand and continually changing shades with the reflection and refraction of light.SFS, who lead the market with powder coated fastening solutions for the building envelope, provided fasteners to perfectly match the iridescent red of the Alucobond Spectra ACM panel. Chosen for its superior aesthetics, SFS's self drilling SX3 fastener with its unique patented irius® head has a low profile, smooth, unblemished appearance that can be perfectly colour matched to any finish.Grade A4 316 stainless steel fasteners were chosen for the application due to their enhanced performance and anti-corrosive properties, helping to extend the life of the building and, therefore, qualify for SFS's extended warranty.

The FA wanted only the best for its highest-profile ‘social pitch’ at St George’s Park, its new centre of excellence in Staffordshire, opened in October 2012 by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – FA President Prince William wife, Kate.The fence at Pitch No 2, the David Beckham Pitch, needed to take sponsorship and branding and keep rattle and noise to a minimum. The FA also wanted to fit in with the landscaping of the National Forest in which the centre sits.The SolutionThe system had to be in keeping with the environment – even down to surfacing the pitch surrounding the same golden colour as the car parks. In addition, it needed to limit noise impact on neighbours and cause minimal disruption to pitch use during installation as the fencing went in after the pitch.They chose a quality system that will last on this high-usage pitch at heights of 2m and 5m with EPDM inserts to insulate the fence panels from the posts to reduce noise during impacts to 72dB compared with the 93dB of wooden panels.Zaun designed its Super Rebound to take branding and sponsorship signs and fencing to remain robust even in brisk winds when the graphics can threaten to act as a ‘sail’.The installation, which is around a pitch that is primarily used by the public rather than for England training, carriesZaun’s industry-leading 12-year product guarantee.Zaun worked closely with East Staffs Borough Council on planning consent and with the St George’s Park groundsmen and facilities team to complete a tight programme of works on the £105m complex on budget and in time for the royal opening.

Built in 1957, St Cuthbert’s is one of the oldest Secondary Schools in St Helens, and was the first Catholic Secondary Modern to be built since the war. The distinctive main elevation of the school appears largely as it did nearly sixty years ago, but over-all the school’s buildings have increased over the last half century to accommodate increased pupil numbers and more facilities. Last year, Twinfix were approached by BPL Construction to design, supply and install an enclosed free-standing mono-pitch canopy at the school, which would provide additional space for dining, a popular choice for schools looking for a cost-effective alternative to traditional extensions, allowing them to utilise their outdoor areas and provide additional covered space. The canopy covering a total of 129 square metres, manufactured from rust-resistant aluminium and powder coated to RAL 9004 signal black comprises of our innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF roof-glazing system, glazed with 25mm opal polycarbonate. Coloured vinyls were attached to some of the side panels to brighten up the structure and tie in with school branding. Mrs Twist, Head Teacher at the school commented: “We are extremely impressed with the quality and design of the canopy. The onsite team have worked in close proximity to our students and have taken full account of their health and safety.” The addition of the side glazing and doors add extra protection from the elements, making it a usable space throughout the year and a secure area for storage of equipment.

Castell High School in Flintshire supplies co-education to 1300+ students promoting strong levels of well-being.The original school building was established in 1958 and as the student intake grew extensions were built in 1974 and 1992 to accommodate.2021 saw the latest extension, Y Celtec building, completed. Problems soon became apparent with the walls within the new area being clean and damage free.The school’s Site supervisor, Paul Muncey explained “Keeping the white painted walls clean was becoming a nightmare for our cleaning team and within 12 months of the building coming into use the walls along the corridors required repainting.”Business Manager Emma Manning had come across Yeoman Shield wall protection solutions in a previous position and got in touch with regards to protecting the new building’s wall before the impact damage became too great.Yeoman Shield directly employed fixing operatives installed Mid-Grey FalmouthEx, 2500 x 1250 mm wall protection panels along the corridor walls.The panels once in place not only protect from damage but are easy to clean down and will prove over the years to reduce repair and maintenance costs. They also look good sustaining a bright, clean, and welcoming environment for staff and pupils at all times.Paul Muncey concluded, “I was very pleased with the quality of work provided by the Yeoman Shield installers who showed consideration to the environment that they were working in.”

Bradstowe House is a fascinating opportunity to not only rescue a historic building but also do it in such a way that will make the property sustainable. When Comer Homes decided they wanted their piece back after experiencing one too many economic downturns under this roof (pun intended), what came up wasn’t anything short of astounding: The long-abandoned concrete frame had become nothing more than dust and decay; its glory days are forgotten — until now!Bradstowe House, designed by Comer Homes’ UK in-house architects is a contemporary landmark for Harrow. The building’s curving glass and steel form give way to ample underground parking as well the rooftop terraces which make this development an iconic example of modern architecture that can be found anywhere from London city all too small towns across England!Bradstowe House offers a diverse range of rental apartments that are designed to suit your needs. With modern kitchens and fully integrated appliances, our high-quality homes offer the perfect space for gatherings with family or friends alike!The old cladding of the building was very outdated and it required a lot of maintenance. The new planning permission allows for an aluminium panel (Valcan VitraDual) curtain walling system, which is much more durable than granite panels while also having better insulation qualities!Valcan supplied and delivered approx. 4100m2 of Valcan VitraDual in Cornish Granite & Riddle Grey.

Morris Blitz CourtBauder LiquiTEC cold applied liquid waterproofing systemSynopsisMorris Blitz Court is a residential housing estate in Hackney that has undergone an extensive amount of refurbishment works as part of the Decent Homes Programme. Included within the approved scheme was the renovation of all of the building’s balconies and walkways, as well as the transformation of the 1,000m2 concrete podium deck located above the car park into an aesthetically pleasing social space.Bauder Building BoardProject:Morris Blitz Court​Location:Hackney​Roof Area:1,400m²​Specifier:Mansell Construction Services​Approved Contractor:Armour Group​The specificationVarious waterproofing options were explored by the client, however, it was decided that the Bauder cold applied liquid systems would be the optimal solution given all the requirements.Project challengesOne of the major challenges for this project was the low door thresholds connecting to the podium deck, which couldn’t be raised, meaning that the build-up for the majority of the cold applied waterproofing and landscaping elements would need to be less than 100mm in height. Because of these restrictions the only drainage and protection board suitable within the system was Bauder’s Versicell 20, which is just 20mm in height but can withstand extremely high loading. The surface of the deck consists of three distinct finishes; permeable paving on the ground floor patios and walkways, artificial turf featuring fibreglass planters to serve as a communal garden and rubber mulch to create a play area for children.Balconies and communal walkways were waterproofed with Bauder’s cold applied reinforced waterproofing layer; which is extremely fast curing and can withstand foot traffic within an hour of being installed. Residents remained in situ throughout the installation so working hours were scheduled to accommodate for school hours. Despite the challenges encountered all works were completed on time and to budget. Products appliedBauder LiquiTEC SystemA cold applied liquid waterproofing system that offers the maximum versatility in roofing. The fast curing properties of the PMMA resin allow for exceptionally fast installation times.System installedBauder LiquiTEC cold applied liquid waterproofing system1 LiquiFINISHA PMMA based resin that requires a catalyst and is solvent, isocyanate and halogen free. The final coat, used to seal and bind the quartz wearing course in LiquiTEC Balcony, Walkway & Terrace Systems, and also to provide the desired colour to the finished waterproofing.2 LiquiPAVE RFA combination of LiquiPAVE R resin and LiquiPAVE F filler. It is a fast curing, cold applied liquid self-levelling waterproofing aggregate bond coat. When topped with quartz, is suitable to receive heavy duty foot traffic. 3 LiquiBALKONA fast curing waterproofing resin, for use on the main flat area of the LiquiTEC Reinforced Balcony, Walkway & Terrace system, beneath the LiquiPAVE RF Deck Floor Layer or other landscaping elements.AdvocacyHarsha Amin, Project Manager from Hackney Homes:“Bauder delivered a comprehensive waterproofing solution of the highest quality; providing expert technical support throughout the project. They have successfully transformed this housing estate in terms of appearance and functionality.”

Client: Rothschild FoundationLocation: Waddesdon, UKYear: 2023Project size: 100 m²Vebro systems: vebroflex Comfort UV PlusA resin floor was required to ensure a seamless visual transition between the floors and walls at a unique, 12 metre high, wedding-cake-shaped venue, colour matching perfectly to the vibrant pastel pallet of the tiles and sculptures adorning the exterior façade.Set in the beautiful English countryside in Buckinghamshire, Waddesdon Manor was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his collection of arts and to entertain his friends.According to Rothschild Foundation, who manage the house, “The contemporary ethos of the estate looks to ensure all of its assets are cared for holistically and the past, present and future combine and are presented to the highest standard and level of inspection at all times”.Standing within a grove of trees on the estate of Waddesdon Manor, this ceramic sculptural pavilion – in the form of a three-tiered wedding cake – is the latest Rothschild Foundation commission from celebrated Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos.Aptly named Wedding Cake, over 25,000 gleaming, icing-like ceramic tiles decorate the cake – all made in a traditional Portuguese manufactory – glazed in pale pinks, greens, and blues.100 square metres of Vebro Polymers’ vebroflex Comfort UV Plus system was installed in two colours – RAL 6019 Pastel Green in the central area atrium with RAL 9010 Pure White around the perimeter.vebroflex Comfort UV Plus is a solid-coloured, UV-stable, elasticised, polyurethane liquid-vinyl resin that achieves up to 200% elongation at break. Once cured, the material delivers a smooth, matt-finish surface that deadens sound transfer between floors by up to 4Db. Additional sound absorption can be achieved with a liquid membrane or rubber matting.The cementitious screed was reinforced using vebroscreed R&S (Repair & Strengthen) to improve the compressive strength of the sand / cement screed.vebroscreed R&S is a transparent, solvent free, epoxy material used to penetrate fine crack and fissures in cement-based semi-dry cementitious levelling screeds – injecting additional strength and reinforcement prior to the installation of floor coverings.One of the most interesting aspects of the install involved an intricate mandala formed in brass, which was positioned in the centre of the lower atrium floor, creating a stunning central focal point underfoot for visitors.The pigmented aliphatic comfort resin was used to infill each of the brass trim petals using a large syringe. Each petal was meticulously injected one by one, taking a whole day to complete.Resin Flooring Specialists (RFS) are one of the UK’s leading resin flooring installers, based in Kent, and working throughout England.RFS works alongside the UK’s largest construction companies, as well as working direct for clients across a wide range of industry sectors.Mindful of slip resistance, cleaning, performance and aesthetics, RFS pride themselves on being able to deliver the right solution for all resin flooring needs no matter what the environment.RFS are members of the Resin Flooring Association – FeRFA – and Construction Line as well as being an Alcumus Safe Contractor and CHAS Accredited contractor.

From the beginning, architects DLR Group designed Metea Valley High School in Aurora, Illinois, to light up education, both literally and figuratively. The sprawling campus with room for 3,000 students is broken down into a handful of more intimate, human-scale learning spaces, called “think tanks”, where interaction with faculty is encouraged. Two interior courtyards, open to the sky, offer fresh air during free periods. Shaped a bit like a bow tie, Metea combines three concepts – mind, in the midsection, and body and soul on either end – to offer students a truly 21st century school experience.Lighting up Metea in the literal sense comes largely from the extensive use of Kalwall translucent curtain wall throughout the school. Upon coming through the school’s main entrance, visitors are struck by the cheerful, airy, daylighted lobby. Controlled daylight also pours into the school’s innermost areas, traditionally a structure’s darkest, from the courtyards. Kalwall introduces daylight into the vast commons area that serves as the students’ lunchroom. In the gymnasium, Kalwall’s shadowless, glare-free light enhances ball handling in team events; sunlight does not glance off the shiny court surface. The diffuse-light-transmitting panels also prevent glare off computer screens, easing eyestrain. And in a dramatic demonstration of Kalwall’s superb flexibility, the design includes occasional, narrow, horizontal runs of clear glass – some serving as clerestories – adding visual interest as well as clear views to the outside.At 464,000 square feet, Metea could have been an energy-consumption nightmare, adding significantly to its $125 million total project cost. But innovations such as demand control ventilation, energy recovery wheels, and high efficiency boilers will save Indian Prairie School District 204, the state’s fifth largest, thousands of utility dollars every year and pay for themselves in just a few years. In fact, the building’s design is targeted to be 19 percent more efficient than ASHRAE 90.1 requires. Because translucent Kalwall admits so much controlled daylight, the school’s exterior light harvesting system, which monitors indoor light levels, can actually turn off electric lights in public spaces automatically when they are not needed. The harvesting system alone is expected to save the district over £16,000 a year in operational costs with a payback of under seven years.Illinois can get very cold in the winter and quite toasty in the summer. Highly insulating Kalwall helps there, too, keeping temperature extremes outside and lessening the need for and cost of heating and cooling. During the manufacturing process, standard 2-3/4” and optional 4” Kalwall sandwich panels can be infilled with various densities of specialized, translucent insulation. Architects and designers can achieve a thermal insulation value of up to R-20 (0.05 Btu/hr/ft²/F).At Metea Valley High School, DLR Group chose to include Verti-kal™, a unique design variation on the standard shoji or square grid layouts of Kalwall Translucent Systems. The panels incorporate internal, continuous supports to provide a vertical emphasis. As with all Kalwall translucent systems, Verti-kal distributes diffused daylight throughout the school, even on cloudy days, drastically reducing the amount of artificial lighting required and eliminating shadows and glare as well as stark contrasts of light and shade. Verti-Kal can be supplied in panels up to 5 ft. (1.5 m) wide and up to 12 ft. (3.6 m) high, minimizing the number of joints. The unique format creates an entirely different look while still utilizing the most highly insulating, diffuse-light-transmitting, structural composite technology.Any school system must concern itself with maintenance costs, and Kalwall excels there as well. The panels are vandal-resistant and self cleaning; dirt simply washes off with each rainfall. After dark, the diffuse, translucent properties of Kalwall contain interior lighting and prevent direct-beam light pollution. Instead, the exterior surface of the building simply glows beautifully, boosting Metea Valley High School’s aesthetics and welcoming both students and the surrounding community to a true masterpiece of daylighting.Photography: James Steinkamp

300 m2 of Optima XTR Contour in 6063 T6 Aluminium Extrusion and 3000 m2 of Optima TFC+ in Aluminium 3103 Grade has been used in the completion of Bromley-by-Bow in East London.Bromley-By-Bow is a visually striking array, comprised of five high rise residential blocks with community spaces and commercial areas at ground level.Sotech’s newest system innovation – XTR Contour – was chosen as it allowed the design team to mimic the pre-cast concrete fluted panels in a consistent manner.In order to form the fluted decorative areas below the windows, a new extrusion profile was developed – XTR Contour Concave. The profile of the design was a copy of the pre-cast concrete façade panels which are fluted in the same general locations.Whilst systemised testing wasn’t carried out on this project, the design team invested significant time in 3D printing profiles to prove concepts prior manufacturing the physical die. This saved time and money in the overall project scheme.Mohamadrez Jenaban, Technical Lead at Sotech “I have undertaken a number of simulation analyses for this project to ensure panel safety, adequate performance and stability under the given conditions. We were able to determine 1- number of stiffeners required for these panels to keep deflection below CWCT recommendation 2- the maximum fixing span to keep the stress below the material permissible stress value”. The main challenge on the scheme was implementing a cap to the XTR Contour profiles upon the request of the Fire Engineer. On such a shallow profile this is challenging as there is little room for any form of fabrication works. In response to this challenge, we therefore developed internal screw ports within the extruded profile. This allowed us to mechanically fix plates to the head and the base of the profile and conform the Fire Engineer’s requirements.Sotech’s was able to provide key advice and guidance in the creation of the XTR profile, as well as key guidance on how to rationalise the arrangement to standardise die quantities, shape and size.TESTIMONIALSJamie Smith, Commercial Manager at Sotech: “The extrusion process has some restrictions and requires knowledge of the extruding process to determine what can be manufactured through a die. Flow rates of aluminium, hollow elements and wall thickness all play a significant part in the final die composition. Sotech’s technical team are able to remove the risk to the client and advise on what is physically capable, saving time and money through failed dies.”“The Optima XTR Contour – Concave systems gives an aesthetically pleasing visual and the powder coating enhances the system giving more definition to the fluting vs the contrasting brickwork surround. Our Optima TFC+ system, finished in Axalta Textured Powder to the recessed balconies, mixes well against the pre-cast concrete. The discrete fixing of the system is perfectly suited for this type of application when secret fixing systems by be burdensome in confined spaces.”Reece Barnes Commercial Director at Alliance Facades said: “Bromley-by-Bow is our flagship project and largest to date, providing over 500 homes, and requiring over 3,000m2 of rainscreen cladding…We worked closely with Sotech to deliver phases 1 and 2 of the mixed-use development, selecting the Optima XTR Contour and TFC+ range respectively.“XTR Contour was the perfect solution for the scheme as it’s extremely hardwearing and versatile, and enabled us to conform to the fire engineer’s requirements. The design team at Sotech proved themselves again and again in the way they rose to the challenges of this scheme and found innovative solutions. The project looks fantastic – well done everyone!”

ASF were approached by Bradford Metropolitan Borough Council to manufacture railings to design drawings that they had completed. Firstly the drawings required turning form design drawings into working documents, so ASF produced a full set of cut drawings and GA's as well 3D models for approval purposes. The panels were individually hand made and hand polished and fitted to site by a third party (also identified by ASF). Polishing was carried out to 2k standards which dramatically decreases the risk of discoloration. The outcome is a great looking but extremely robust and long lasting, design led utilitarian railing for a busy city centre area