"ground water control trench sheeting etc"

The designer obtained consent under the latest SuDS regulations in the densely build area of London. Restriction on outflow rates to sewers demanded high attenuation. The original design for stormwater attenuation involved discharging tanks under the ground. This was expensive and took up valuable space, an alternative was required. ABG proposed their Blueroof system which could be installed directly on to the hot melt waterproofing system allowing various surface finishes. Due to height limitations a cascade system was used. Various roof finishes included paved access, landscaped areas and bio diverse to attract wildlife. This increased the potential for BREEAM points.

The Loxley Shelter is our 100% plastic free cycle shelter. Made from recyclable galvanised steel and redwood from an FSC environmentally certified source, this shelter is the eco-friendly answer to sustainable cycle storage. The frame and roof construction is predominately structural graded timber to EN14081-2, pressure preservative treated with Tanalith® E against fungal decay and insect attack. Shelter feet are of steel construction for structural strength and to increase the life of the timber by keeping it away from the damp ground. Roof covering is fully recyclable galvanized steel,even the locknuts and roofing washers are plastic free alternatives.

Franke Products were chosen for a ground breaking transformation of the disused Bute Mill facility for Youthscape: a charity who works with young people across Luton. Franke’s Xinox stainless steel accessories were chosen for the bathrooms, which included soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers, waste bins and a hand dryer as well as touch free options. “Product quality and uniqueness were factors in deciding which suppliers to choose for this prestigious project. A brand like Franke ensured we would get the best quality that would last for years, and still look good too!” commented Chris Curtis Chief Executive of Youthscape.

To complete the contemporary professional environment that Mills & Reeve wanted, Komfort’s Sonik Slide double glazed sliding doors were installed to all the meeting rooms. The Sonik collection provides enhanced acoustic performance whilst also creating an open-plan modern feel. For the stunning fully glazed atrium, which stretched above the ground floor restaurant, Komfort’s Polar single glazing was used. Polar single glazed is designed with a minimum number of components, and thus facilitates the speed of erection without compromising structural stability and rigidity. Polar single glazing was also used on the office fronts with timber doorframes.

Lewis House is a development of 26 one and two bedroom retirement apartments in Upper Norwood in London from McCarthy & Stone. Profile 22 Optima Chamfered Windows deliver specifications required. The window specification required a U-value of 1.4 wm2/k on all windows and Secured by Design accreditation on the ground floor & easily accessible first floor windows. Acoustic glazing was also required because Lewis House is situated on a busy road so traffic noise needed to be minimised. Visually, the local authority had requested a grey exterior to give a modern appearance and provide a close match to aluminum.

We are proud to have been specified throughout the Kier Construction Eastern Riverside Leisure Centre in Essex. The centre employs ground-breaking sustainable innovations which will deliver a greener legacy for the community. Pick Everard Architectural Assistant George Young, “We wanted to make a feature of the height of the space rather than install a traditional suspended ceiling. We decided to use ceiling islands to create a real design feature, whilst providing the desired acoustic properties. Rectangular Rockfon Eclipse Islands were specified in a stylish, linear pattern to lower the ceilings and obscure the mechanical services, creating a modern industrial vibe.”

NORclad supplied a PEFC-certified European Redwood in A+ Grade for this pair of high-end contemporary properties near Cheltenham.The NORclad Brunnea treatment offers a formal warranty on the product for 30 years against rot and fungal decay (out of ground contact). Alongside this, the combination of dyes and pigment within the treatment provide a good level of colour stability VS traditional untreated species, which would typically weather back to a silver grey relatively fast.As the Brunnea treatment receives further exposure to UV the Dye on the surface of the timber will begin to fade down, and allow the lighter brown pigment within treatment to be seen.

Weaponness Park in Scarborough has been transformed into a £15million development comprising an improved community leisure centre, a new stadium for Scarborough Athletic Football Club, a University Technical College and a satellite campus for Coventry University. Willmott Dixon were appointed by Scarborough Borough Council. The ground is next to the new UTC and Coventry University Scarborough Campus, a purpose-built campus with library, IT suites, café, mock law court, engineering and science labs. Rockfon worked successfully with Willmott Dixon and FaulknerBrowns to establish a fully compliant range of acoustic ceiling solutions that meet or exceed performance specifications in all buildings.

Welcoming the building users the creatively versatile SAS740 has been installed in the reception area. For the 120-seat lecture theatre, the architects had envisioned a feature ceiling with an angled effect. SAS200 panels were designed at a 16-degree angle to create an angular effect, accomplishing the he architect’s design intent. The offerings on the ground floor also includes a seminar space. For this SAS specified the visually engaging SAS500 baffles which offers enhanced acoustic performance due to double faced panels. In completion, SAS also supplied SAS600 rafts to this purpose-built hub which connects business and academia.

AusNet Services, formally SP AusNet, is the largest diversified energy network business in Victoria, Australia. The company owns and operates approximately AUD$11 billion of electricity and gas transmission and distribution assets. In March 2004, the Occupational Health & Safety (Prevention of Falls) Regulations 2003 became effective, requiring AusNet Services to cease sole reliance upon dual lanyards, and to consider other attachment methods for climbers during maintenance and other transmission tower operations. MSA provided AusNet Services with not just products, but a complete service package that provided comprehensive support for AusNet Services’ ground installation team.

The management of the Liverpool FC Academy have been relying on synthetic pitches since 1998. In 2009, further advances in product quality inspired them to fit out the academy’s training ground with Polytan LigaTurf RS+ – the world’s leading synthetic turf system with FIFA Recommended 2 Star certification. John Owens, a former manager of the Liverpool FC Academy, expressed his delight at this decision: “The LigaTurf 240 RS+ is even better than the tried-and-tested, high-performance LigaTurf 240 synthetic turf. The first time we played a match on it, we knew that the pitch was exactly what we required.”

Set within Blythe Valley Park, the new £7.5 Million scheme involved the construction of four mixed-use, high quality apartment buildings to act as a new neighbourhood centre. A high specification glazing package for the 48 one and two-bed apartments included Senior’s thermally efficient double glazed SPW600 windows to keep energy bills low, and Secured By Design SPW600 Doors for main entrances and access to balconies, to give peace of mind.Two of the buildings have ground floor retail space with Senior’s thermally efficient SF52 aluminium curtain walling providing a modern and welcoming façade. 

Network RailStation Refit SeatingStreet furniture | Railway seatingPlatform seatingWhen Network Rail extended the platforms at Derby station, the contractors Galliford Try worked with Townscape to design and fit the extended platform with Townscape Voltan seating.This versatile scheme shows a range of seating elements include PRM seating, 3 and 4 person seating, perch seating and Stainless steel bump rails.Product featured: Voltan Multi-Single 4 Seater Mild Steel Seat – Zinc Plated Polyester Powder Coated Finish in a Standard Range Colour with a Pedestal Leg (On or Below Ground Fix) Fitted as Standard.

Premier PR, located in a 19th Century former warehouse had had thermal and acoustic secondary glazing installed by Selectaglaze to help produce a more amenable working environment for office staff. Selectaglaze installed 115 windows across the ground, first, second and third floors. A wide range of products were combined for the specification, the majority of which were two and three pane horizontal sliders. The Series 30 lift-out unit was specified for one particular opening to allow easy access for cleaning. Another primary window was fitted with a single side hung casement, designed to suit the existing fenestration.

This project combines SuDS bound permeable paving with the most up to date methods of construction in BS 7533-101 and a variety of build-ups over varying substrates including structural concrete, permeable concrete, made up ground and attenuation crates.The Steintec tuffflow system of permeable bedding and jointing mortars was used to construct a SuDS permeable, bound/rigid pavement. The system allows the designer to capitlize on the low maintenance, high durability of a BS structurally compliant bound/rigid public realm pavement, while avoiding the disadvantages of loose bedding and jointing aggregates used in conventional SuDS pavement construction.

A unique and distinct project delivered by Helo within a tight timescale. The old garage building was completely refurbished to create spa treatment rooms on the first floor and a health suite and ‘Pay-for-Play’ rooms on the ground floor. Outside a ‘secret garden’ was also created. Helo provided an Aroma steam room, Salt inhalation room with Himalayan salt blocks, automated Rasul /mud room with Carrara marble seats, Hammam wet massage room, Dry Float, Log burning outdoor sauna, Outdoor metal tub heated spa, Indoor wooden hot spa tub, warm tub and cool plunge tub.

South Hampstead High School is situated in Hampstead, North-West London. The girls’ school began a substantial rebuild in 2014 as part of an ambitious 8-year plan, which included the transformation of Waterlow Hall (originally constructed in 1988) into an adaptable performing arts centre.Five Series 15 2-pane horizonal sliders were installed, along with one Series 15 3-pane horizontal sliding unit for a primary window with a wider opening. The secondary glazing was installed using bespoke timber fixing grounds into which it was fully sealed and secured. Selectaglaze was able to achieve the largest cavity available to maximise the acoustic benefits. 

Fleet Street in the City of London has long been known as the historic home of the British press. Number 53 is a Victorian terrace, with a striking front tiled facade. Thornsett Group, working with architects Capital Architecture, has recently converted the property into five luxury residences, plus ground floor retail space. We were appointed to design, supply and install 26 traditional box sash windows for the main elevation, with an acoustic performance of 45 dB Rw. For the rear of the property we provided 24 inward-opening timber tilt and turn windows, plus lift and slide patio doors.

Moreland Primary School is a purpose built school, nursery and Children's Centre requiring a multipurpose usable outdoor space. Due to lack of space, the ground attenuation tanks planned would reduce site storage and limit access to other trades, therefore delaying the project, The challenge was to develop a storage/discharge system which wouldn't impact the project and be sensitive to the local biodiversity action plan. ABG designed a versatile Blue Roof System removing the need for attenuation tanks and allowing the roof finishes required. ABG bio-diverse roof system helped maximise the BREEAM credits laid out in the action plan

FOAMGLAS® READY BOARD T4+Architects: Pollard Thomas Edwards ArchitectsConstruction: 2010 - 2012Application: Façade: FOAMGLAS® Slab W+F, 150 mm thick, adhesive fixed;Metal Pitched Roof: FOAMGLAS® READY BOARD T4+, 200 mm thick, adhesive fixedCladding: KME, Tecu BronzeFor the renovation of the façade and the pitched metal roof, FOAMGLAS® was chosen for its resistance to water and for its excellent long-term thermal performance: combined with FOAMGLAS®, the metal roof and façade can last well over 200 years.The grade II listed 120 year old Granary building and the Malthouse are among the oldest buildings within the East London district of Barking and Dagenham. In 2009 the redevelopment master plan was prepared by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects. Design for the Granary and Malthouse was carried out by Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects whom certainly achieved the client’s key requirements for sustainability, and energy efficiency.Steve Drury, Rooff development director commented: "At an early stage FOAMGLAS® was specified for its environmental qualities and long term reliability. It is impervious to water and water-vapour and it actually provided an element of exterior weatherproofing as the building works progressed: the interior works could commence whist the metal façade was still being installed. FOAMGLAS® insulation, with its unique cladding fixing system, kept thermal bridging to a minimum; the resulting U-value performance exceeds Building Regulations by more than 25%.With time, the KME Tecu Bronze exterior will take on a natural patina. The metal exterior has a potential lifetime of well over 200 years, hence it’s very important to use the right insulation with a proven long term thermal performance.With FOAMGLAS® thermal ageing does not take place. It is the ideal insulation to be combined with roof and façade materials such as KME Tecu Bronze.For the pitched roof FOAMGLAS® READY BOARD T4+ was bonded and sealed to the timber board structure with PC®11 adhesive. Metal Plates type PC® SP 150/150 were inserted into the FOAMGLAS® READY BOARD. A 180 g/ m2 sanded bitumen membrane was torch applied onto the surface.

This elegant extension, designed by award-winning practice Chris Dyson Architects, not only significantly increases the footprint of the client’s North London home, but also delivers a uniquely versatile living space for use all year round. The pure scale and the innovative use of glazing for the extension as well as for the new top floor dormer cannot fail to impress, and yet the architectural language reflects the calm, understated style for which Chris Dyson Architects have become acclaimed. Bespoke rooflights, supplied by Glazing Vision, not only flood the ground floor with natural light, but they also help moderate the temperatures throughout the house.The client was seeking to refresh the property by adding an extension to the rear, which would enable the existing ground floor spaces to be connected through a single flowing space, creating a welcoming and flexible environment for hosting their growing family and for entertaining guests.The top floor bedrooms were accessed via a narrow hallway where a small dormer window provided minimal daylight and restricted views of the garden. Creating a living space on this floor where the family could relax and enjoy some downtime was also part of the client’s brief to Chris Dyson Architects.Glazed openings for harmonious integrationThe design for the extension was a solid and robust structure that would integrate harmoniously with the main body of the house and would serve as more than just a “sunroom”. The traditional proportions of the classic orangery have been achieved by Chris Dyson Architects through the use of precast stone columns and five glazed openings, which connect the new internal space with a raised external terrace leading to the rear garden.New internal glazed doors enable the formal dining room and the breakfast room/kitchen to be opened or closed to the main orangery space, providing flexible spatial and acoustic barriers without compromising the natural light entering the entire area.For entertaining and parties the space is ideal, allowing people to freely move between rooms and out onto the garden terrace.Maximising daylight, moderating room temperaturesThe insulated walls and the energy efficient double-glazing of the orangery would serve to keep the space warm in the winter months. In the summer opening the doors would help keep the space comfortable. To further regulate the internal temperature a full width rooflight from Glazing Vision was installed, equipped with sliding elements. Chris Dyson Architects chose Glazing Vision due to the high quality of their products and their ability to create beautiful bespoke solutions.The architects worked closely with Glazing Vision’s specialist CAD designers and technicians to design custom rooflights to meet the exacting requirements of the orangery roof as well as the new glazed dormer.Given the exceptional size of the extension roof, 3320mm x 10900mm, Glazing Vision’s factory precision-engineered a special Dual Sliding Over Fixed Rooflight, comprising 8 sections. The 2 end sections were manufactured to slide over the 6 fixed central sections, traversing in a side-to-side, rather than an up-and-down slope operation.Normally supplied in a RAL7015 slate grey to the exterior and RAL 9010 pure white to the interior, the entire framework of this super-sized Dual Sliding Over Fixed Rooflight was supplied in a bronze finish, which was a key part of the architectural design.With such a complex rooflight, with fixed and sliding sections, a quiet and efficient operation was fundamental to the specification. Electronically controlled at the touch of a button, each of the 2 sliding sections of glazing can be retracted easily, revealing generous openings, and sky-only views. An added safety feature is the manual override should the electronic control system stall.On the top floor the existing narrow hall has been opened up and extended to create a new living space. The bespoke glazed dormer by Glazing Vision provides expansive views across the garden, and an abundance of natural light. A large Bi-parting 1-wall Box Rooflight, measuring 4850mm in the width, was set into the sloping roof. At a total height of 1700mm the rooflight also enhances the feeling of loft in this relaxation area.Supplied in 6 sections, the Glazing Vision Box Rooflight was configured such that the 2 central sections were bi-parting, sliding over 2 adjacent fixed sections. Two additional fixed sections and 2 fixed end panels completed this fully glazed, customised dormer. In order to provide privacy from the neighbouring properties, and conform with Planning Regulations, these end panels were manufactured in satin etched glass.Once the 2 sliding sections are retracted, there is a handsome opening, giving an almost balcony-like effect, and encouraging the user to appreciate the garden vista during the day and to delight in the starry landscape at night. The Glazing Vision Bi-parting 1-wall Box rooflight helps to regulate the temperatures and the air quality throughout this upper floor, allowing copious amounts of fresh air to circulate when it is open. Rain sensors, offered by Glazing Vision as optional extras, were also installed to provide additional security should the weather suddenly turn inclement.Chris Dyson Architects are to be complimented on the sensitive integration of a contemporary orangery in this family home as well as on the bold extension of the top floor. Form and function are in perfect harmony and the Glazing Vision rooflights will ensure that there is an ever-changing canopy to the spaces below!This project was shortlisted for the AJ Specification Awards, in the ‘Doors and Windows’ category.

We’re always pleased to hear about how our products have helped customers with their renovation projects. However, we were particularly delighted when one of our Partners Roger, of R and A Pressure Washing Services, sent us these photographs of a poolside deck renovation he recently completed.The customer had previously treated their poolside deck with a decking oil, purchased on the high street. As you can see from the photo, the decking looked dull and tired and was not at all complementing the lovely rooftop views from the pool.We’ve had many customers tell us that the high street decking oils they had previously bought had failed. They were continuously having to sand and re-oil their decking to keep it looking smart. By investing in a good quality product, you could reduce both the time and money it takes you to constantly strip and re-oil your decking and replacing it with easy, low maintenance decking.Aquadecks, for example, is water-based and is easy to apply and maintain, with no sanding or stripping required. Sometimes, it’s worth investing in a more expensive product, such as Aquadecks, at the beginning, to save you money in the future.So, how did Roger rescue his customer’s poolside deck?Firstly, he mechanically sanded the deckingTo remove all the old oil from the surface of the decking, Roger sanded the decking with an electric sander. How the decking looked after sanding can be seen in the photo below.Whilst this step is often completed by professionals, for the DIYer it’s going to be easier to remove the old oils using Aquanett wood oil remover (if it’s a different sort of coating you’re removing then use Dilunett or Prepdeck).If you don’t want to sand back your decking, follow the steps below if you’re removing oils.Aquanett can be used to remove teak and other oils from all woods blackened by UV rays. It will prepare your decking for a new coating and improve penetration and adhesion. Its gel-like consistency means that it’s easy to apply.Even better, it’s suitable for environmentally sensitive areas, as it does not contain solvent or paraffin and it’s biodegradable.If you choose to use Aquanett instead of sanding, you’ll then need to neutralise the decking with Net-Trol before applying your finish.Then, he applied AquadecksNo matter how many times we see photos of decking renovations using Aquadecks water-based penetrative wood finish, we’re always really impressed with how it turns out.First of all, Roger applied a liberal amount of Aquadecks. Applying in the direction of the grain, he worked in sections that he could complete within 30 minutes.As soon as the ‘wet look’ of the first application had disappeared, Roger applied a second coat. He then allowed this to penetrate for 15 minutes.He then removed any excess Aquadecks that hadn’t penetrated the decking. This avoids it drying as shiny spots on the surface. The place for Aquadecks is in the wood, not on the surface.As Aquadecks is water-based, Roger was then able to clean his tools with soap and water.We think that the decking now looks as good as new – if not better!

GEC Anderson stainless steel worktops were included in a recent Cornwall kitchen refurbishment, designed and installed by George Robinson Kitchens who produce hand crafted, bespoke kitchens, near Penzance. For homeowners, Mr. & Mrs. Bull, the choice of materials was pivotal to the design of their home kitchen, particularly, as their long-term plan is to use the space as a cookery school. Stainless steel was therefore a key element and was chosen not only for its visual properties and low lifetime cost but also for its ability to withstand heavy usage, to be heat resistant and to remain germ-free. From a visual perspective, the work surfaces make up a significant proportion of the colour and texture in the room. In this Georgian property in Cornwall, the materials and textures chosen make for an eclectic yet functional space. The inherent durability and unsurpassed hygienic properties of the brushed stainless steel elements from GEC Anderson will make it perform extremely well as a professional kitchen. The Tulip wood and Oak wood with its different painted finishes together with the white Silestone quartz top on the central island top provides a striking contrast to the stainless steel in one corner, giving a light and pleasant, contemporary, feel.The L-shaped brushed satin stainless steel worktop and integral sink is made to measure and benefits from being manufactured in one continuous piece thus maximising the use of space in the corner in which it is situated. Furthermore, with no joins at the sink bowl, edges and upstands, the surface remains germ free as well as being free of visual clutter and noise. One side of the L-shape includes a generously sized (500x400mm) single bowl and draining area, whilst the other, provides useful and practical work surface. A 100mm high, integral, back upstand was also specified, providing a neat, practical and watertight junction to walls.Owner Dr Matt Bull says, “My wife and I liked the toughness of the stainless steel and the fact that it can take hot and cold, doesn't stain, reflects light and provides an hygienic surface that is easy to clean. Stainless steel also gains character as it ages, where many surfaces will deteriorate, so that’s a real bonus.” He added, “We struggled to find anyone locally who could manufacture the stainless steel elements of the kitchen to a sufficiently high standard. The neatness of the welding and the configuration of the shape, drainer recess etc. were key to what GEC Anderson could offer.”GEC Anderson stainless steel worktops are supplied fully sound deadened, plastic protected 

The German company Knauf Integral was able to prevail against competitors with its GIFAfloor DB green raised floor system. A maximum flexible and individual floor due to the interchangeability of the individual panels, a non-combustible building material with A1 classification and the unproblematic recycling due to the lack of plastic edging, as is used in conventional raised floor elements, were decisive for the selection.Flexibility, health in the workplace and sustainability in construction - the 'Tour Alto' in Paris La DéfenseIn the Paris suburb of Courbevoie, in the office district of La Défense, the foundation stone was laid for the 'Tour Alto' - a 160 m high skyscraper which, after its planned completion in 2020, will have a usable area of 51,200 m2 next to countless offices, numerous restaurants, bars and fitness studios etc. will accommodate. For the floor structure, the property developer decided on the double floor 'GIFAfloor DB green' from Knauf Integral, paying particular attention to the aspects of flexibility, health, environmental protection and sustainability in buildings.The 'Tour Alto' office tower in the west of Paris extends over 38 floors and is part of the high-rise backdrop of the La Défense office district. Nevertheless, Bouygues, one of the largest property developers in the world, is setting new standards in construction: installed products not only have to be as flexible as possible in their design and use, they also have to meet high standards of sustainability and environmental compatibility as well as the highest health standards for people, who will do their jobs there every day.A maximum flexible and individual floor due to the interchangeability of the individual panels, a non-flammable building material with A1 classification and the unproblematic recycling due to the lack of plastic edging, as is used in conventional raised floor elements, were decisive for the selection.In addition, health and environmentally friendly aspects were the absolute focus of the project for the property developer: The selected product must contribute to excellent indoor air quality and all materials that come into contact with the indoor air should have A + according to French in terms of VOC and formaldehyde emissions Emission class to be rated. GIFAfloor DB green elements have exactly this A + certification - the decisive advantage compared to the commonly used raised floors with chipboard supports that contain formaldehyde. Independent (building) biological analysis laboratories also prove the excellent quality through their tests: Eurofins certifies the product as suitable for indoor use, and the Institute for Building Biology in Rosenheim gives the verdict " recommended ''. This ensures a healthy working environment for employees.With GIFAfloor DB green, Knauf Integral offers a sustainable and health-friendly double floor solution for flexible, high-quality commercial interior design. The elements consist of the homogeneous gypsum fiber material GIFAtec and are available in different thicknesses depending on the requirements.

Pure Design – Bolidtop 525Colour – S 7500-N with textureless anti-slip1300m²Installation dates - July 2021 (10 days) Museums and performing arts venues are subject to intensive use by millions of shuffling feet, day in day out as well as heavy loads from equipment and installations. Stratum were chosen to prepare and resurface 1300m2 of the existing floor to the iconic main space of the Roundhouse, in Camden, which had endured 15 years of heavy use. The building is a heritage site, originally built as a steam engine shed, therefore our flooring needed to meet the functional requirements for the users but also sensitively fit in with the history of the space and its aesthetics. The surface needed to be hardwearing allowing for large scale builds for various productions, involving plant use, installation of temporary structures, staging etc. We sanded back the entire floor, repaired the damage and installed Bolidtop 525 over the top with textureless anti-slip coating. Challenge-      Working within an extremely busy venue with a tight time scale and no room for error.-      Being a heritage site we would need to be mindful of the original structure of the building-      Large footprint spanning across the main space of the venue.-      No dust creation allowed due to sensitive electrical equipment. Solution-      We agreed a slot and timescale to carry out all of the works in 10 days. We programmed out the works for the customer and provided them with daily updates.-      We used the highest grade dust extraction equipment. We ensured that labour and materials were all available in a timely manner.Benefits/Installation-      The customer was able to select the same smooth, matt appearance they had before but with a different colour choice and the addition of our new tried and tested textureless anti-slip coating.Result-      After 15 years of heavy use this magnificent heritage site has a seamless, durable and safe floor reinstated to provide the functional qualities required for many years of intense footfall and wear the performing arts industry creates. The floor sympathetically compliments the building with a simple, matt finish. "We used Stratum to floor the corridors and they did a great job. We chose them for the main space after James’ thorough prep before we committed to the job. The onsite team were a pleasure and worked tirelessly to resurface the floor in the allocated time. We’re over the moon with the result. It’s never looked better”. Ruth Butler| Head of Technical and Production| The Roundhouse, Camden

The Spine, located in the heart of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool – a central hub for higher education and research in the city – includes the new northern home of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). Designed by renowned architecture and building consultancy practice AHR, the building has been hailed as one of the healthiest workplaces in the world, thanks to the pioneering research in biophilia, health and wellbeing that has been drawn on for its creation. One of the most exciting new developments in the north, The Spine reflects the RCP’s global stance as a leader in healthcare, using the latest innovations in wellbeing-focused design, while being a striking new addition to the Liverpool skyline. The Spine has been designed according to the scientific and medical research principles established in the WELL Standard to achieve WELL Platinum. Through the integration of architecture and interior design The Spine embeds wellness and biophilia into the building environment emphasising strong connections to nature throughout the building, along with the highest standards for provision of fresh air, light and water. The distinctive façade takes influence from the human skin, with the striking Voronoi pattern including 23 million individual polygons applied to the glazing of the building. Inside the building The Spine’s series of double height spaces known as vertical villages supports the provision of light to aid productivity and stimulating the mind. Interior design solutions were selected with occupant wellbeing at the forefront, from natural materials, textures and finishes wherever possible to support biophilic principles and ensure air quality is kept to a high standard throughout the building. Working closely with PPG, AHR specified a range of sustainable paints including JOHNSTONE’S® Trade Air Pure – a bio-based wall and ceiling paint proven to purify indoor air. “When it came to choosing paints for The Spine, we knew we had to find options that were water-based and would have the least possible negative impact on occupants. So we were delighted to find a paint that would actually improve indoor air quality. By using Johnstone’s Trade Air Pure, we’re optimising the air quality within the building and helping to enhance the general wellbeing of occupants, all while limiting the impact on the environment.” Robert Hopkins, AHR regional director Once applied, the revolutionary Air Purifying technology in Johnstone’s Trade Air Pure neutralises up to 70 per cent of formaldehyde from indoor spaces. What’s more, the formula is 45 per cent bio-based and comes in 100 per cent recycled packaging. To complement Air Pure a range of low-VOC water based solutions were used to give the building long term protection including Johnstone’s Trade Aqua Water Based Gloss and Water Based Satin, Covaplus Vinyl Matt, Acrylic Durable Matt and Acrylic Durable Eggshell. The use of biophilic design extends into the colour palette chosen to represent the growth of a tree. Natural earthy colours flow throughout the lower floors, merging into greener, leafier colours and patterns and blues on the upper floors as you travel up the building. The colour palettes work harmoniously with the timber curtain wall and timber floor. The landmark development is not only BREEAM Excellent rated for its sustainable approach; it is also one of the first buildings in the UK designed to the WELL Platinum Building Standard®, certified for mental health and physical wellbeing. “The Spine is one of our most exciting and revolutionary projects to date. We’ve had the opportunity to place unprecedented focus upon what really makes a positive, healthy and happy workplace. Working with the RCP, we’ve achieved a design that sets the bar for the incorporation of biophilia and its possibilities in a modern workplace. With wellness being such a core part of our ambitious design, we needed to make sure that every single element positively contributed to our objectives, and the paints used were no exception.” Robert Hopkins, AHR regional director. Photography credit: Andrew Smith

Here at Symphony, we pride ourselves on leading the way in design and manufacture innovation. We are also always ensuring that sustainability is at the forefront of everything we do. That’s why we were thrilled to work with Barratt Developments to create the first zero carbon home concept from a major housebuilder. The Zed HouseWith carbon neutral homes being such a hot topic, with everything from the move to heat pumps to electric car charging at home, we were honoured to be invited to work with leading housebuilder Barratt Developments on its unique and flagship zero carbon home concept. The Zed House will be the first new home in the UK built by a major housebuilder to go beyond the new Future Homes Standard by delivering a carbon reduction of 125%. The Future Homes Standard ensures that all new homes built from 2025 will produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than homes under current regulations. The carbon reduction of 125% is from 100% regulated and 25% unregulated energy using heat recovery, low carbon and renewable technologies. The Zed House will be lived in and monitored over time in order to assess its performance on an ongoing everyday basis. We can’t wait to see the results.The future of housebuildingDesigned and developed to show what is achievable for the housebuilding market in terms of sustainability, the Zed House is a great example of how our homes could look in the next few decades. At Symphony we have a constantly evolving list of eco credentials that we use in everything we do. How this project worked is that Barratt challenged its supply chain partners to bring in the most cutting-edge products to help reduce its carbon footprint. We chose our Urban kitchen in Grey Walnut, as the door and drawer fronts are made from 100% recycled chipboard and the handles contain renewable coconut fibre. Not only that but the cabinets are also made from 49% recycled board while cutlery trays and drawer storage are all Hemp and Kenaf based. We thought this was the perfect example of how kitchens can be a sustainable and environmentally friendly purchase without sacrificing style. The stainless-steel sink from Franke was chosen as it contains 80% recycled materials and was supplied with a waste disposal unit that processes organic waste to reduce the amount of food waste going to landfill. The Insinkerator 4 in 1 tap supplies filtered water to reduce the need to purchase bottled water and therefore encourages the reduction of single use plastic. It also replaces the need for a kettle by providing boiling water, which reduces both energy usage from boiling a kettle but also only provides the amount of boiling that is required. The appliances were also selected for their sustainability credentials including energy efficiency and minimising water use. The worksurface is a carbon neutral material from the Sunlit Days collection from Silestone by Cosentino, the first carbon neutral quartz range in the engineered stone industry that contains recycled glass and minerals. Eco buildThe Zed House itself is made from a closed panel timber frame with highly insulated cladding. It also includes EV charging points, PV solar panels and battery storage. The interior comes with infra-red electronic hands-free taps, reducing water consumption by up to 80%, and a smart electric tariff that automatically moves energy usage to access the cheapest rates. EV charging pointWith more and more people looking to swap their fuel-guzzling car to an efficient electric model, the Zed House also comes with its own EV charging point. The Zed House is located on the main campus at the University of Salford. It contains a knowledge hub built into the garage to display all the products, technologies and results of the home’s occupation on an ongoing basis. We are thrilled to have been a part of this exciting project and can’t wait to see what the future holds.Further informationHead to https://www.barrattdevelopments.co.uk/showcase/z-house for more information on Barratt Homes and www.symphony-group.co.uk/sustainability for more information on Symphony’s sustainability credentials.

A high-quality installation of pipework for heating and drinking water, absolutely free of contaminants, quick to install and guaranteed to perform over the long term. These were the priorities for the developer of the prestigious West End Gate development in London, leading to the specification of the Profipress system from Viega throughout.The development is a collection of apartments, stunning penthouses, commercial units, and leisure facilities situated in the prestigious neighbourhood of Marylebone and Little Venice. Berkeley St Edwards were taking no risks with water hygiene, looking for a piping system which would guarantee clean water to the different heights of the towers. Given the prestige of the development, the system had to be faultless, future proof and guaranteed to last. Specifying a high-quality solutionKevin Guiry, Senior MEP Manager for Berkeley St Edwards, explained the rationale for specifying the Profipress solution. “Quality was our top priority, both in terms of the water system and the products used. With all the heating and chilled distribution pipework running in a closed system, we needed a solution to guarantee clean and safe water without contamination. The copper Profipress system delivers this alongside real on-site benefits.” Berkeley St Edwards has made a considered effort to move to press connections over soldering methods for pipework. Particularly in domestic projects, the benefit of cold press means contaminants from soldering are reduced and so systems produce a quicker turnaround for test results from flushing. On top of the speed advantages of cold press, the additional benefit of risk reduction through removal of hot works helps increase safety for those installing on site.“Viega was specified in the first phase block, and it was fantastic. As such, we approved the spec for the next phase as per the previous block. The contractor who received the contract used their same core operatives which resulted in a consistent, clean installation.” Kevin summarised.Working with Viega qualityCraig Yardy, Fit-Out Manager at Vital Energi, oversaw the installation of the system and mirrored the sentiment from Kevin. “Three to four years ago we mainly used soldering, but we’ve shifted to press connections systems. With soldering, you get flux and contaminants in the pipe, so you must flush the system. With press, it’s a far cleaner system.”On working with the Viega Profipress system Craig commented: “we had used the copper system on previous projects which were good installations, and it has been the same on-site here. Generally, the high-level fitting has been easy, the challenge has been where pipework in the walls runs into mixers. This means tight spaces for the installer to work the pipes and makes it difficult to press the joints. Viega press tools come with an angled jaw giving us the flexibility to get into those hard-to-reach places.”Providing ongoing support and training One of the benefits of choosing the Viega specification is the on-site training offered for the installation teams. This will ensure that the systems are installed correctly and effectively, using the recommended tools and techniques. Not only does this process maximise speed of installation, it also allows Viega to issue its full warranty.“The support from Viega started with demonstration days at the very beginning of the project. Throughout the first block installation they visited multiple times to check on the installation, offering support and guidance” Kevin noted. “We plan to continue using Viega for the remaining phases of the development. The Viega quality and future guarantees are what made the initial investment worth it in the long run. I’m a big believer in quality and with this system we’re getting the best quality fittings for this premium development. We didn’t want to risk any further maintenance or damage and the Viega Profipress system achieves this.”Due to be completed in 2025, the first four tower blocks have been completed. Ranging from 10 to 30 storeys in height, the development offers unparalleled views of the surrounding area, commanding high-quality finishes to the apartments inside and out.

Acoustic Products has launched a new semi-automatic electric movable wall system. Each panel within the system has a microprocessor based circuit board controlling automatic operation of the panel seals making the system extremely easy to use and re-locate. Available in sound reduction ratings up to Rw 57 dB, a wide range of panel finishes and with simple or more complex remote stacking arrangements. Please contact the techical sales department at Acoustic Products for more information. Tel +44 (0)1227 281140 Fax +44 (0)1227 281141 www.acoustic-products.co.uk enquiries@acoustic-products.co.uk.

Microgate Headquarters and Mesa – City Clinic Bolzano over five floors- is an ambitious project with spaces for interaction. The idea was to cover its glazed façade while preserving the innovative spirit of the companies.The architect Martina Biasi, who collaborated with Area 17, chose a winning combination of Bandalux products to resolve all these premises.Each roller shade installed, Arion, Premium Plus and Zi-Box Zip, provide efficient solar control. Every space of the building is designed to offer comfort, taking into account its needs: visibility and openness or total concealment. The selected fabrics, Polyscreen® 351 and BO are used in this way too.

Cornes buildings are an ambitious residential in Santiago de Compostela, which is next to the first train station of Galicia . This is one of the reasons to promote this space for a new lifestyle . Carbajo Barrios architects use concrete elements for the façade to minimize the impact of sunlight on buildings as well as give a strong architectural character . Bandalux vertical blinds were chosen as a solar control system, creating visual harmony as well as efficient sunlight management . Polyscreen ® fabric perfectly complements the clean style of interior designs, allowing visual contact outside when desired by the owners . Our roller blinds are chosen with blackout fabrics for maximum privacy and intimacy .

CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPACLAD® 101 RANDOM rainscreen cladding system has been used to create a geologically inspired exterior for the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences’ new £2 million Colin Forbes Building. The new building, located at the Madingley Rise site and named after Dr Colin Forbes, a senior figure in the university’s Department of Earth Sciences until his retirement, allows the collections to be reunited in one place. The building, designed by Cowper Griffith Architects and built by RG Carter, provides fully climate-controlled conditions for the collection with storage systems that allow easy access to all the specimens.

Nearly 1000 metres of T-Pren gutter expansion joints were installed on the 28,000 sq.m. curved roof the Rocky Ridge recreational centre in Calgary, Canada. The wide curved gutter required long special lengths of T-Pren, 9-18m long, and were installed in pairs to provide double the expansion movement. T-Pren forms a waterproof expansion joint, which eliminates the standard step detail and so reduces the number of rainwater outlets required. T-Pren is a composite material made from neoprene and metal bonded under controlled factory conditions to ISO 9001 quality standards.

Design-led flooring solutions for the customer-facing areas was decided upon, with Gerflor’s Taralay Impression Control fitting the brief by combining the specification qualities of performance and slip resistance along with aesthetics. Installed within the reception, corridors and cafeteria areas, it also unified and enhanced the décor of these hard working, communal spaces. A simple to maintain surface was also an important characteristic for the multi-function fitness studio flooring enabling it to be quickly cleaned. Meeting this brief was Gerflor’s Taraflex® Comfort in wood-effect design ‘Oak’: “Being a multi-use space, we needed a hardwearing surface but not a clinical feel or look.

Neaco’s roof walkway system has been installed at world's largest single standing seam roofing project at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The $100 million development includes the airport’s new terminal building, railway station, air traffic control centre and the main fire and rescue facility, requiring a combination of straight, tapered and curved roofs with high acoustic and thermal performance specifications. The development involved the construction of 350,000 square metres of Kalzip standing seam roofing - the largest single Kalzip project ever undertaken – which includes Neaco’s aluminium open grille walkways and associated handrails.

This iconic project was an exciting one for Shadbolt and we worked closely with the Architect to hand select the FSC certified SG American cherry needed for this job. Control random matched veneered panels, doors and doorsets would be made from the veneer selection so, our expert craftsmen created a seamless scheme from floor to floor. We also supplied “Signal White” RAL 9003 paint lacquered doors that required FD30 & FD60 rating which we achieved with our unique Shadmaster solid laminated timber core, which also allowed these high performance doors to also be sound attenuating and FSC certified.