"special wood floors"

“ When the government unveiled its changes to Part L 2013 building regulations Barratts analysed a range of sustainable solutions in order to comply with the mandatory minimum fabric performance standard (Target Fabric Energy Efficiency, TFEE). The Hi-therm lintel has proved to offer a cost effective option as part of a suite of specification upgrades. ”Michael FinnGroup Design & Technical DirectorBarratt HomesHi-therm SolutionFull technical support and site-specific Psi value calculations provided.Hi-therm significantly reduces the thermal bridging through window & door head junctions to achieve class leading values.Hi-therm lintels are single piece and fitted in the same method as a standard steel lintel, so require no special arrangements on-site.

Architect: Breitling UK LtdInstaller:  Barnwood ConstructionProduct:  Durlum Polylam and RhombusA mixture of Durlum Rhombus expanded metal ceiling panels and Durlum Polylam acoustic metal baffles were supplied to Breitling UK Ltd for their Westfield White City store.Rhombus panels we’re produced to fit around feature elements of the shop’s ceiling space including structural beams and the curved storefront, in total 7 special sizes we’re designed by LSA alongside 3 types of standard rectangular panel.All pieces were powder coated with RAL 9004 (Black) for an industrial feel. 27 Polylam baffles with L6 perforations and filled with acoustic mineral wool were installed below the Rhombus panels above the till desk and signature black and gold ‘B’ wall.

Identified as one of 13 national Infrastructure sectors by the UK Government, the water industry has invested heavily in recent years upgrading perimeter security systems with the aid of LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board) and LPS1175 rated security fencing. The installation of 450 metres of fencing and various gates, including specially fabricated panels and bespoke fabrication work, was completed at an undisclosed water treatment works in the north of England as part of these upgrades. The project involved LPS1175 Issue 8: B3 (SR2) Combi™ SL2 Palisade security fencing, chosen by the Main contractors NMCN for its ease of installation, requiring no specialist tooling and the fact the system was designed to rake easily, solving issues raised with other security fencing solutions previously used.

Complementing the exposed services and industrial design aesthetic, whilst fulfilling modern acoustic requirements was a challenge.HERADESIGN® with its acoustic credentials and raw wood wool texture ticked all the boxes. Specified in Grey, HERADESIGN® was installed throughout the main reception area, office spaces and the lift lobbies, providing a strong visual contrast to the exposed structural elements. Architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, “The conversion retained the original irregular structural gridlines of the building, so we had to create a consistent pattern across the ceiling- but HERADESIGN® is a really versatile material that worked exceptionally well in the space.”

Leeds Arts University completed a 5-year £22m building expansion with HERADESIGN® Sonic Element and Baffle Element, installed throughout the main entrance, library and the new group spaces to minimise noise disturbance.The design for the project meant all the mechanical services had to be exposed and the lighting integrated into the hanging canopies.Paul King of DLA Design Group said, "We chose HERADESIGN® because, aside of the acoustic performance, we liked the natural, raw wood wool. It’s a striking and versatile material and we were really impressed with how the individual panels could be matched to the chosen colour scheme.”

Marking a £10.6m investment, a Hampshire County Council (HCC) designed school in Wellesley, Aldershot provides an excellent start to a child’s learning. Knauf Ceiling Solutions' HERADESIGN® Superfine contributes to this vision by helping to create a healthy acoustic environment. HERADESIGN® is manufactured from sustainably sourced wood wool with a unique, organic aesthetic that can match any colour as ceilings, baffles, canopies and wall absorbers. Thanks to the technologically-advanced mineral wool core, HERADESIGN® demonstrates exceptional sound absorption which makes it suitable for a variety of environments, from schools and leisure buildings through to offices and hospitals.

It is interesting how design trends are quickly mirrored across the world. A few years’ ago, for example, lifestyle and interior design magazines were all about plain white walls, hard surfaces and minimal furniture. Today, heavier materials are being revitalised and darker colours are being used in more and more projects. Troldtekt has seen a steep rise in the specification of its wood wool acoustic panels in dark greys and black. From residential houses, hotels and music venues to London’s iconic Design Museum, black acoustic ceilings have been used to add to the ambience and enhance atmospheric design.

A winning combination: outstanding weather resistance with the look & feel of wood siding“For a small city like Dopiewo, which is located about 12km west of Poznań in the western part of Poland, a new high school highlights the city’s status as the centre of the‘gmina’ – as municipalities are called here in Poland”, says Bart Kosinski, trespa’s area account manager. “therefore, when the project was initiated a few years ago, the ambitions were lofty, as the city council wanted their brand new school complex to make a clear statement. It had to reflect at first sight the central part it would play in the local education system”.

More than 1,600 litres of Textrol Oil Clear were applied to the Velodrome and whilst we still cannot produce a proper case study until the games has finished, there is some evidence out there now.The 12,000 square metre roof is constructed using a very lightweight double curving cable net, suspended from a steel structure. Beneath it, the oval track is 250m in length, engineered for speed and constructed with great precision entirely from wood.The exterior of the building is clad in 5,000m2 of custom-cut Western Red Cedar shiplap boards. The entire exterior cladding was coated with Owatrol Textrol oil.

The redevelopment of Whitechapel Station in London has become the latest construction project in the capital to feature bespoke cladding panels from Proteus Facades.The new and improved Whitechapel Station, designed by BDP Architects forms a key part of a seven-year construction programme for the new Elizabeth Line Crossrail route – a high-speed train and tube link that will connect the outer western edges of London to the outer east.Hailed as the biggest transformation of the London transport system in recent years, the route passes through 41 stations and stretches over 60 miles, from Reading and Heathrow airport, through central London then on to Shenfield and Abbey Wood.

Launched just in time for the Spring season, Sadolin Shed & Fence All Weather Barrier woodstain is the latest product to join the superior woodcare range – providing the perfect blend of five years’ protection, fast drying times and ease of application for specifiers. Available in five and ten litre pack sizes, Sadolin Shed & Fence All Weather Barrier woodstain preserves and protects sheds and fences and features a wax enriched water repellent, as well as UV protection, to ensure long-lasting colour from the shades available, Grey Shadow, Woodland Walk, Sylvan Grade, Cedar Red and Ebony Wood.

The Sash Window Workshop were contacted to provide a quote to upgrade the timber windows for a customer's property in Hertfordshire.The sales surveyor met with the customer and provided them with a quotation for a mixture of complete new windows and installing new sashes into the existing frames.The customer proceeded in two separate orders, with work initially being carried out in the kitchen and dining room.The windows were made in Accoya wood, which comes with a 50 year anti-rot guarantee, and were double glazed and painted white.After the initial work was complete, the customer was very happy and decided to place an order for the remaining windows and two timber doors to be replaced.

We have installed our stunning full-height Flow cubicles at the St Botolph building in London. A delicate pale wood grain laminate across both the cubicles and the sentry ducting sets off the washrooms beautifully. The washrooms at St Botolph required an upgrade after having the paint on the previously installed cubicles began to chip, and the hardware started to break down. With Thrislington’s market-leading 15 year guarantee for Flow, St Botolph are safe in the knowledge that problems like this will not occur again. All our products are produced in the UK factory using materials designed and tested to perform in the washroom environment.

We installed new male and female washrooms on four levels and created a new staff shower and changing area in the basement of this recently refurbished office. Our full height, flush front Alto toilet cubicles and Concerto duct panels were finished in the same dark walnut straight grain real wood veneer. The integrated duct panel system is easy-to-clean and allows ease of access for future repairs or maintenance. The crisp white Zodiac stone vanities complete the high specification design. The staff shower and changing area features white Zodiac stone vanities plus our bespoke locker system.

Washroom's off-site service allowed the design to be carefully fine-tuned prior to installation on site for this prestigious office refurbishment project. Washroom's full height Alto toilet cubicle doors were specified with a real wood veneer finish, stained to match the solid Douglas fir timber panelling in the reception area. The bespoke polished cast concrete vanity units feature integral waste bins and Tego hinged mirror units above. For the new staff shower and changing room area Washroom's full height Alto FENIX shower cubicles were installed along with Z style Forza SGL lockers.

Working together with in-house joinery division, Cre8 Joinery Solutions, Washroom created new washrooms using a mix of different materials including dark wood veneer, concrete and bronze. The long trough shaped and wall-mounted, floating Arpeggio cast concrete vanity units in a traditional dark grey shade, reflect the industrial inspiration of the design, with the addition of black power-coated taps and soap holders providing a contemporary twist. The Cre8 joinery team delivered the bespoke lift lobby panels faced in exactly the same dark oak dyed veneer used on the full height Alto toilet cubicles installed in the washrooms.

The reception area had to set the tone for the rest of the building so we designed the bespoke Corian reception desk to mirror the angular lines of the unique feature staircases in the building’s central atrium. The new washrooms feature our full height Alto toilet cubicles, specified with a real wood walnut veneer finish. We designed the bespoke white Corian trough-style vanity units with an integral handbag shelf, back-painted glass splashbacks and Tego hinged mirror units. In the basement staff shower and changing area, our SGL Forza lockers provide staff with a durable, secure storage facility.

This leading high-tech company has recently expanded its office premises to cover its growing needs.Located in a prestigious business park, this office building occupies a stunning lakeside position.The interior setting is equally impressive with abundant natural light from the windows, which span the length of the wall.To keep the space light and airy, the design team left the existing ceiling exposed, adding instead suspended acoustic rafts, featuring Vtec MaxiBeam system in a light wood laminate finish.Take a look at the beautiful break-out spaces and dynamic hexagonal rafts that bring this office design to life.

Making an ImpactOne Great Cumberland Place is 5,511m2 of high-grade office and retail space, over 8 floors behind an Art Deco façade. Each of the three entrances receives hundreds of pounding feet every day. The design ambitions here were to maintain and enhance the historic elements; the curved draft lobby, original hardwood, brass details, and marble floors.Water and dirt collection was the major challenge for all entrances. But, in particular, a dedicated entrance leading to 121 bicycle lockers housed in the basement!We’ve worked with Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) on several projects, so they knew INTRAsystems’ premium Entrance Matting products would be up to the task.Combination inserts deliver with efficiencyIn a busy location with so much coming and going, performance, serviceability and longevity were key. AHMM opted for alternating inserts of INTRAlux® Ultimate 907 Anthracite fibres and Ribbed Rubber.This premium Entrance Mattting combination can withstand heavy wear from tyres, and remove more debris than fibre alone while the INTRAlux® Ultimate inserts offer market-leading moisture absorbency.The Unbeatable Duo of Durability and Luxury in Entrance MattingThe innovative composition of our Ultimate fibre draws off three times more moisture than traditional fibres. And the 900g/m2 density enables faster moisture evaporation, even in busy areas.INTRAflex XT is a popular design choice for outstanding performance, consistency, and adaptability. This open construction variant easily draws off debris and water brought in from the busy London streets while the tough aluminium frame comes with a 10-year warranty and a choice of three finishes. The black anodised finish chosen here is stylish and inconspicuous.Hidden Depths in the Challenging Cycle CorridorThe cycle entrance corridor is 7m x 2.2m, especially designed to welcome heavy bicycle traffic heading down to the subterranean lockers.Wall to wall Entrance Matting runs along the stretch with our unique INTRAmatting Waterlogic drainable system mounted underneath. This 80mm deep tray sits on a screed base and holds up to 75 litres of water per m², perfect to collect water run-off or direct water contact.Its a great hack for this location, since the doors are open to the elements for longer to allow riders to enter and exit the building. The engineered gradient helps to collect dirt and contain or divert water into an optional drainage outlet.Easy Entrance Matting MaintenanceDesigned for extreme performance and built to withstand pretty much anything. We’re so confident in Waterlogic’s durability, we provide a 15-year warranty. What’s above the tray is equally industrious. The heavy-duty INTRAflex XT system is removable to aid maintenance. Facilities teams can clear debris without special tools or training, saving time and money for a busy property.A sensitive and Robust OutcomeAHMM maintained key architectural features of the Art Deco façade in their design scheme. Features like the curved draft lobby, wooden detailing, brass thresholds, and marble floors and motifs.INTRAsystems’ products enabled the installers, LW Flooring, to sensitively and precisely work around them. The entrances contain engineering secrets that deliver exceptional performance to perfectly complement this beautiful building.

PROJECTmedi, Bayreuth [DE]COMPLETIONMarch 2023ARCHITECTSeiler Architektur GmbH / kadawittfeldarchitekturPRODUCTSTICELL in outdoor and indoor areas:White strip-painted aluminium; cell dimension: 54.55 x 54.55 mm; height: 40 mm, format 1200 x 600 mm; [1630 m²]STAR 3:White strip-painted aluminium; width of blade: 3 mm; height of blade: 20 mm; pitch: 20 mm [1700 m²]TANGENTA-H special version:Surface-mounted luminaire; light distribution: 2 x 35°; wide-angle; light colour: 3500 K; DALI dimmable [320 units]PUNTEO-Q50:Wide-angle downlight; light distribution: 2 x 55°; light colour: 3500 K; CRI >80; DALI-dimmable [40 units]PUNTEO-J85:Cardanic recessed downlight; light distribution: 2 x 30°; wide-angle; light colour: 3500 K; CRI >80; DALI-dimmable [6 units]With its new head office building in Bayreuth, medi GmbH & Co. KG , a manufacturer of medical aids, has created an open architecture concept that aims to promote dialogue between its employees. However, it is still possible to work centrally with additional break-out areas such as quiet workplaces.The ceiling and lighting solutions provided by durlum underline this architectural concept. The ’woven’ TICELL open-cell ceiling is used outdoors as well as indoors. In combination with the special version of the TANGENTA luminaire, this ceiling-lighting integration creates a unique look that gives the workspaces a modern, soothing lightness.In the washroom and toilet areas, the linear STAR 3 open-cell ceiling with its clearly defined edges sets architectural accents and creates a unique appearance.With this investment in its new building, medi has created a modern world of work, an impressive contribution towards the status of Bayreuth-East as a location for industry.

Ghent Diamond CHALLENGE The Ghent Diamond is proudly overlooking the Ghent-Sint-Pieters railway station and surrounding neighbourhood. On top of a stonelike base with a pattern inspired by the city of Ghent’s historical architecture, an impressive crystalline edifice rises. The 33m high office building has – as the name indicates – not only the brilliance, but also the shape of a gigantic, polished diamond with numerous facets. The special design makes the building unique, and that is exactly where the difficulty lies: roof surfaces with different inclines, steep and hard-to-reach slopes, kinks in the façade and a serious wind load. On the pitched roof segments connecting the glass facade, an exterior roof finish with Linius RENSON blades is to be installed. Just for aesthetic reasons! Such a finish creates a nice play of light, shadow and reflection. But this can only be achieved if the finish has been executed perfectly! But how to execute the construction so precisely, and at the same time be perfectly watertight? A true challenge for both architect and roofing contractor. SOLUTIONFor the internationally renowned New York-based architects practice Asymptote this monumental Diamond project is just another jewel in the crown. Innovative and visionary, they always pursue extreme and experimental challenges. And yes, this impressive Diamond really was a challenge, especially for the Belgian ROTEAM roof experts. The special shape, the height and the different slopes up to 47° made it a complex, gargantuan waterproofing project. On top of the steel deck structure tongue and groove insulation panels were installed. This guarantees a strong, perfectly fitting and smooth construction. After all this is very important in order to achieve this monumental task. The high wind load and shear forces were decisive for the choice of roofing membrane to be used on this difficult structure. Asymptote architects therefore opted for the mechanically fastened RENOLIT ALKORPLAN F membrane. This PVC-P roofing membrane is specifically suited for such a project, thanks mainly to its flexibility, lightweight and long life.

The Project is a remodel of Meliá Milano hotel, one of the most popular hotels in Milano city . Spanish architect Alvaro Sans and Vittorio Grassi architects teamed up to restyle it , proposing a more functional and innovative design . Our Veranda Zip with Polyscreen ® 351 fabric are placed in the breakfast area as a finishing touch on the high skylights , increasing the flexibility of this space . It achieve this goal as well as providing solar protection , intimacy , or visual contact outside . Our Wood Venetian blinds were installed to cover solar control needs on the corridors and some private rooms . They create an elegant and welcoming atmosphere as well as offer the right balance between light and privacy

The development of Canary Wharf has forever changed the skyline of London, turning the ramshackle Docklands area into one of the world’s most prestigious business districts. With a stunning mix of exquisite materials and superior finishes, this stylish office could be assumed to be the interior of a luxurious resort. Vtec’s dark wood Supaslat slatted ceiling beautifully complements the soft carpets and elegant furnishings. Designed for a seamless installation experience and easy integration of lighting, our Supaslat ceilings complete the sleek and sophisticated interior, echoing the superb quality of the building and the overall estate. Explore how SupaSlat was the perfect option in this office design and the ways we helped to make the installation process easy.

In the village of Bentworth, the Spanish architectural practice AMPS Arquitectura & Diseño had the task of building a modern residential building adjacent to an existing farmhouse. The planners designed a slender building with a gabled roof that reinterprets the traditional form of a cottage. It takes up the typical local forms and the building material of dark wood – and becomes something new.The entire interior is stylish, minimalist and sustainable, with building services designed for maximum efficiency. This includes the use of selected Gira products, such as E2 pure white glossy, pushbutton sensor 3, Gira G1 and Gira HomeServer. This is how the Spanish have skilfully redefined the idea of a cottage in the heart of England.Photos: Miguel de Guzmán

" We are thrilled that Accoya was specified for the exterior cladding for Birmingham’s new Starbucks drive thru. Working with Vincent Timber, specialists in cladding, and Accoya has enabled the project to be designed and supplied without problems. By specifying Accoya wood there is no compromise on performance and sustainability, which is key to the Starbucks’ 2030 commitment. This project represents one of many Starbucks projects clad with Accoya in the UK and overseas. As a sustainable company ourselves we are delighted Accoya is part of the future development of their stores and hope to see more stores clad with Accoya in the future.” - Laura Keily @ Accsys Technologies PLCFor full case study, please click on the view more link above.

We installed new unisex superloos on all levels of this Grade II Listed mixed use building in the heart of Mayfair. The self-contained toilet cubicles include a toilet, vanity unit and hand drying facilities, enclosed behind a full height Alto cubicle door. The cubicle doors were specified with a Koto real wood veneer finish, stained to an attractive dark colour and complemented with matt black powder-coated ironmongery. Each cubicle features a bespoke white Corian vanity unit with integrated waste bin and inset sink with sensor-operated tap along with Concerto integrated duct panelling system, faced with toughed glass.

Here we installed new washrooms on two levels of this Covent Garden office and created a new staff shower and changing area. The new washroom design includes our full height Alto Kristalla glass cubicles. The rebated edge design offers an attractive flush front façade together with the contrasting wood veneer-faced pilasters and back-painted glass cubicle doors. We also installed natural stone vanities as well as our Concerto integrated duct panel system and modesty screens, both faced in toughened, back-painted glass. The shower and changing area features our exceptionally durable Forza lockers and matching benching.

Washroom created a distinctive staff shower and changing area using playful and bold primary colours and a natural wood finish. It's highly engineered full height Marcato shower cubicles were manufactured from 20mm solid grade laminate (SGL) and specified in a vibrant blue, while the pilasters were manufactured from birch and overlaid with black mesh. The bespoke Legato perimeter benching was manufactured from birch ply slats to complement the shower cubicles, and the Forza lockers were installed above in a Z shape configuration. Washroom also installed a bespoke white Corian vanity unit and make-up counter with inset waste bins.

Ayr, a port town on the Firth of Clyde in the southwest of Scotland, attracts tourists with its picturesque sandy beaches, mild climate influenced by the Gulf Stream, and a view across the water to the Isle of Arran, the home of several popular whisky distilleries.For the Scottish, Ayr is particularly significant since it is where Robert the Bruce held the first Scottish parliament in the early 14th century. Today, Ayr is one of the locations of the University of the West of Scotland, which offers one hundred graduate degree courses at a total of seven faculties. In its direct vicinity is the Riverside Sports Arena, built in 2022, which is used by students of the university and serves as the training centre for the Ayr Seaforth Athletic Club. For over 60 years, this traditional club has offered almost every classic athletics discipline, as well as special programmes for juniors, seniors and disabled people.Following an investment of £8.5 million, the state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor sports arena now includes an indoor sprinting and jumping facility, a roofed stand with 250 seats, a changing pavilion, and a rugby/football field. Specially for track-and-field athletes, there is a 400-metre running track with eight lanes, an area for jumping and throwing disciplines, and a 60-metre indoor track with six lanes. All the tracks are equipped with Polytan Rekortan M in brick red, our globally established professional sports surface, which we offer in an indoor and an outdoor version. It is loved by professionals and amateurs alike for its excellent acceleration and high tread elasticity. In addition, Rekortan M is fast and offers high cushioning and excellent sport medical properties.Due to country-specific emission limit values for indoor spaces, Rekortan M is well-suited to indoor athletics facilities. Unlike the outdoor version, the indoor version contains 100% rubber granules.With 153 World-Athletics-certified installations worldwide, Rekortan M is the world’s most certified running track system. The synthetic surface celebrated its debut at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico – ever since, Rekortan has embodied high-performance running tracks for international competitions, training facilities and school sports facilities.Moreover, our digital performance diagnostics system Polytan SMART has been installed at the Riverside Sports Arena. It is suitable for both running tracks and synthetic turf system, and can be integrated into both new and existing facilities with very little effort. Once fitted, the permanently installed timing gates are available at all times for precise time measurement – in any weather and for multiple athletes at once. Developed specially for amateur athletes who want to optimise their training, the free smartphone app Smart Run by Humotion is available to download from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. The smartphone is worn in a running belt. This allows the app to make use of the sensors in the smartphone, and measure all the relevant parameters in conjunction with the SMART timing gates. The measurements are then evaluated and analysed directly in the app. These include distance, time, number of steps and step frequency, both as interim results and absolute values.For all professional athletes who want to train with as little weight yet as much precision as possible, we have made the DX5.0 sensor – weighing only 15 grams – available. This is attached to a special belt and worn on the body while training. In conjunction with the Polytan SMART timing gates, it records all the parameters, and displays and evaluates them either on the professional SmarTracks diagnostics software on a laptop, or directly in the Smart Run by Humotion app.We have installed a total of 80 timing gates in the running track, the sprint track and the long jump at the Riverside Sports Arena. Scottish Athletics Ltd, the national umbrella association for athletics in Scotland, will use the Polytan SMART-equipped facility in Ayr for national competitions in the future. Polytan is the official partner of Scottish Athletics Ltd, which is associated with World Athletics via UK Athletics. In turn, Scottish Athletics comprises 150 athletics associations that offer people of all ages the opportunity to try out various athletics disciplines, as well as train and compete – from casual jogging, all the way through to the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games.

Winner of Best Refurbishment Project at the RCI Magazine Facade Awards 2021The original design concept for this 22-storey office tower refurbishment, including 439 contemporary micro-apartments, was based upon a construction method that did not work from a programme perspective, this part of the development was to propose an alternative construction method to achieve the same/similar aesthetics whilst ensuring the project requirements were met. The client understood from the outset, due to the nature of this scheme, that they needed to liaise with the supply chain and design team to ensure they could produce a design that was viable to construct. At this stage, the VariAL-H aluminium rainscreen cladding system became a key consideration as it offered a lightweight, flexible, safe and aesthetically-pleasing solution.Once the project team adopted this approach involving tailored panel shapes and configurations, they engaged the supply chain in project meetings from the design development stage and decided to produce on-site mock-ups, not only to benchmark the façade for the client, but also to trial the design to ensure the process capabilities and confirm that the finished product worked and would meet the design criteria. With minimal design tolerance, this was an invaluable exercise that allowed them to resolve any issues and to adapt the design to accommodate the on-site installation of the façade system leading to several mock-ups being produced before they were satisfied with the results. Furthermore, it allowed the wider supply chain to have their input and ensure that they were happy prior to them commencing the full works.The Wembley Point project posed difficult questions pre-construction and pre-contract award. Could the project team come up with a system that met budget requirement and aesthetic expectations, but also achieve a challenging programme that allowed the contractor to work “top down” and achieve water tight status floor by floor whilst fitting out internally?To meet the quality, time constraints and budget we engaged with Build-Therm Services and our wider supply chain from the moment we were invited to tender. In developing a competitive, supply chain led solution, it gave us the confidence to produce a solution which had not previously been offered by the ERS/Architects.Early engagement allowed us to have critical technical input at design meetings and assist with early design concepts. Innovative design development was an important factor in achieving client satisfaction and specialattention to detail was needed to address the unique aspect of the existing building design, balancing this with the architect’s design intent for the refurbishment.

A combination of factors, including high winds, freezing temperatures and widely varying stud centres led award-winning walls and ceilings specialist Sound Interiors to Euroform’s cement particle board, Versapanel.The Project: Gogarth School (Ysgol-Y-Gogarth), LlandudnoMain Contractor: Willmott Dixon ConstructionSubcontractor: Sound Interiors LimitedProduct: VersapanelSize: 1200mm x 2800mm x 12mmQuantity: 2,500 square metresThe ChallengeGogarth School (Ysgol-Y-Gogarth) is situated less than 300 metres from Llandudno Bay, with no barriers or windbreaks between it and the sea, making exposure to the elements particularly problematic. What’s more, the UK’s weather is becoming increasingly harsh and unpredictable. According to Met Office statistics, 2012 was the second wettest year since records began. And March this year was the coldest since 1962.John Sheeran, Contracts Manager at Sound Interiors Limited, said, “The biggest challenge of the project was the weather conditions we encountered over the nine-week programme. We were informed of the temperature dropping as low as -12 degrees on some occasions, not to mention the prevailing winds. On a few occasions our supervisor and I had no choice but to take the decision to abandon our works.”  John continues, “In addition, the majority of the steel framing we had to fix our boards to ‘installed by third parties’ had massively varying stud centres.”The SolutionBy specifying Euroform’s Versapanel, the fully external cement particle board, both challenges were overcome.Stud CentresThe varying stud centres issue was easily addressed by the availability of Euroform’s Versapanel in a 1200mm x 2800mm size. “Using this size board reduced waste that would normally be generated when using a 2400mm x 1200mm board,” said John.The problem presented by the inclement British weather and the close proximity of the sea was also resolved by Euroform’s Versapanel.Heavy RainfallThe British Research Establishment Centre for TimberTechnology and Construction, in their BRE Digest 447 Part 3, recommend cement particle board ‘where there is a special requirement for moisture resistance.’This requirement for moisture resistance doesn’t simply apply to a board’s performance in the completed building; it is also a critical factor during construction. Euroform’s Versapanel can be exposed to extreme conditions indefinitely and, even when soaked, will dry out and maintain its original robust performance.Freezing TemperaturesEuroform’s Versapanel is manufactured to BS EN 634 Parts 1 & 2, the British Standards that govern particle boards’ and wood-based panels’ tensile strength, mechanical properties, density, load factors and resistance to hard body impact. Moreover, and especially relevant to the Ysgol-y-Gogarth project, BS EN 634 Parts 1 & 2 govern a board’s resistance to frost.ConclusionA robust, versatile building board with the full support of the Euroform technical team, Versapanel proved to be the perfect solution to the challenges faced by Sound Interiors on the Ysgol-y-Gogarth project.

Laboratory taps, laboratory water taps, laboratory gas taps……they all have handwheels and for the keen eyed amongst us those handwheels have coloured indices on them. …..but what do they mean?Dead simply they tell the laboratory tap user what service is being offered. This could range from anything from hot and cold potable water to the more funky special waters (Demineralised, deionised) and various gas services found in the laboratory; gases such as Argon, Helium, Nitrogen etc which is what would you expect in laboratory fume cupboards and reagent shelving.The colouring is governed by the DIN EN 13792 which covers laboratory taps, this standard is a worldwide initiative so whether you’re in Switzerland, Hong Kong or elsewhere it doesn’t matter the service from the laboratory tap will always reference the same service!

Clarke is a Construction Company based in Ballymena, Northern Ireland with over 25 years in business.In line with the company’s sustainability strategy of designing and building safe, eco sustainable and elegant buildings the office building is paved in AG’s TerraPave® Rimini Ground flagstones.With sustainability in mind, AG’s TerraPave® flagstones were the perfect choice. The striking granite aggregate finish of the flags ensures to complement the modern finish of the building. TerraPave® flags are manufactured from specially selected granite and other natural aggregates. Their exceptional appearance is achieved by using the most up-to-date manufacturing and finishing equipment.TerraPave® flagstones has now also the added benefit of Enduur 1 concrete technology which enhances the surface colour and reduces efflorescence. The enhanced mix increases strength, resistance to wear and tear, longevity and delivers more vibrance to the surface finish

The Handball Arena in the Olympic Park in the centre of London is an iconic landmark - designed and built to host the handball events at the London Olympics in 2012, it is now a completely flexible arena which hosts a range of different sports and training events.Main contactor Buckingham Group enlisted IRC Carocelle to carry out the roof works, and IRC Carocelle turned to Fixfast to supply the complete fixing package for this - our tube washer and fastener combinations enabled the use of panels which achieved the specified insulation levels.Fixfast also had the needed solution for the external façade - thousands of shingle cleats were used to hang the 3000sqm of specially manufactured copper panels."Fixfast maintained a high level of quality throughout the build, minimising site wastage and ensuring continuity of work for the site team"Steve Holder - Owner of IRC Carocelle

On this redevelopment project we worked closely with McLaren.Excell Architects to manufacture and supply bespoke concrete kitchen worktops and concrete cladded central island in a newly renovated penthouse flat at a warehouse in Shoreditch.The glass fibre reinforced concrete central island, splash backs and worktops were manufactured using our special GRC BTX concrete, which is lighter and stronger than traditional concrete. We used our unique eco concrete mix technology with a hydrophobic agent to limit moisture absorption. The individual elements were precast in our workshop for assembly on site and then hand polished and treated with a specialist sealant. Living Concrete’s worktops are extremely strong and durable and can be used indoors or outdoors. By using the best of modern technology, we have created a sleek contemporary look that demonstrates how concrete can be both eye catching and functional.

Kings Cross Railway has been one of the largest and most exciting London redevelopments in recent years. In Victorian times Kings Cross was a thriving industrial area but by the end of last century, mostly had fallen into disrepair and dis-used buildings, sidings, warehouses and contaminated land. The move of the Channel Tunnel rail link from Waterloo to St Pancras in 1996 meant the need for change at the 67 acre site. The glass roof consists of two adjacent Victorian steel ‘barrel-vaults’ which now feature our PlasGard patent glazing system. A special glazing bar for use at the ridge was designed with a low external capping so as not to cast shadow onto the photo-voltaic cells to ensure optimal performance. Elsewhere laminated clear glass was used for safety in accordance with overhead glazing guidelines.