"ground water control trench sheeting etc"

Profile 22’s award winning optima suite of casement and Tilt and Turn Windows along with matching PVCU doors were specified in the refurbishment of two tower blocks in Walsall, West Midlands. The windows are designed to deliver increased insulation and weather protection, which makes them the perfect choice for high-rise, exposed locations. Increasing energy efficiency was one of the key drivers of the refurbishment. They are capable of achieving WER of A++ and U-values of 0.8 W/m2K. Indicative performance measures are 600Pa for air permeability, 600Pa for water tightness and 2400Pa for wind resistance.

Island Rest, in the Isle of Wight, is designed to be a contemporary family escape offering unique views across the Solent – a 20-mile stretch of water, while equipping occupants with everyday functionality. There are many layers to Island Rest which enable the building to blend into and celebrate its beautiful environment. Glazing is a key part of this - Hi-Finity is utilised to create a variety of features, from full-height windows which frame the spectacular views, through to large sliding doors which open up living spaces onto a courtyard and landscaped gardens.

A straightforward hardwearing concrete seal was required at the entrance which would withstand heavy footfall and provide a safe finish. Resuseal WB Clear is a water-based epoxy applied at around 40 microns per coat. This is formulated to penetrate and case harden a concrete surface giving it a much harder wearing surface which is less likely to crumble or degrade. As a clear coat the finish is a semi industrial type look which is often used in retail outlets and commercial buildings. This product is used throughout industry where the principal requirement is to dustproof a surface.

Stoneworld’s involvement in this spectacular landscaping project from its early stages, to its fabulous completion have helped create a stunning garden at this luxury hillside home.Stoneworld products used here include Moleanos limestone pool copings, Raj Sandstone paving, Purbeck walling, Extra Thick Raj Sandstone wall copings. Plus every part of this project features our ability to create bespoke stonework in our masonry factory, eg digital templating for precision water jet cutting of pool copings, terrace copings and steps

Silverlakes eco village in Dorset is a new build venture where the client wanted to achieve maximum sustainability.The houses, boat houses, garages and also communal areas such as the leisure centre required green roofs and M-Tray® was chosen due to its ease of transport and installation, and its square modular nature. Pre-grown, healthy sedum plants inside the plastic trays were laid onto the flat roofs across the village, providing an attractive dressing and improving storm water attenuation, thermal insulation and a magnet for wildlife.

The final phase of the £500m redevelopment of Kings Cross has been completed with the creation of a 75,000 sq ft square in front of the station.The square has granite benches with inset panels of high quality stainless steel grating supplied by Lang+Fulton, stunning lighting, trees and an area dedicated to art.The 11×66/25×2 heel-proof grating panels for the six separate seating areas were shaped to accommodate the up-lighters, the planting and adjacent watering points and were supplied in stainless steel grade AISI-316L with a satin finish.

According to Alzheimer’s UK, there are around 900,000 people with dementia in the UK and this figure is expected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040. Dementia is an umbrella term and is caused when diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia and other conditions, damage the brain. As well as memory problems, dementia can also cause issues with vision and perception, leading to problems such as a welcome mat by a door looking like a black hole. The Equality Act and Building Regulations (Part M) make provision for people with dementia and there are some, when specifying paving for care homes and in the public realm, that can make a significant difference. One of the key points that can be addressed by speaking to a reputable paving manufacturer is the consistency of light reflection values (RV) throughout the landscape design. LRV measures the amount of light reflected back from a material when illuminated by a light source. The more light reflected, the higher the LRV. It is usually measured using aspectrophotometer. Research by Liverpool John Moores University demonstrated that an ‘uneven’ appearance of ground surface or patches of darker tone or colour can be confusing and potentially cause accidents. The institution also described how paving patterns or changes in colour that are arbitrary can cause confusion. It has concluded that strong paving patterns - such as chequerboard - may cause disturbance, as consistent light reflectance values are required. When Keepmoat Homes was involved in the building of the planned dementia care facilities in Litchfield, Staffordshire, the company spoke to specialists at Brett Landscaping. Keepmoat was working on a centre that would house up to 90 people in six buildings and needed the paving to be suitable for the residents at the centre. It required external paving which registered between 25 and 45 on the light reflective value spectrum. Rigorous and extensive testing of the LRVs of Brett’s products enabled Keepmoat to install paving that falls within the strict parameters of the guidelines. Testing of Brett’s Alpha Flow permeable paving systems at Brett’s manufacturing plants in Kent and Dorset, showed that the LRV was consistent on individual colour ranges. It also revealed that the variance between all three colour ranges (Autumn Gold, Brindle and Charcoal) is ideally suited for the project. Brett’s Alpha Flow paving is already widely used across the country for developments where developers are looking to improve surface water drainage and prevent flooding. Existing Alpha Flow pavements are also still offering between 15 and 20 years of low maintenance service. Other than the consistency of light reflective values, Alzheimer’s UK has called for other work to help those living with dementia. It also recommends carefully selecting materials to avoid reflective or dark surfaces which could confuse perception, planning continuous, level routes and avoiding steps if possible.

CRT Flooring Specialists Ltd have used UltraFloor’s latest product innovation, Level IT Hydra Bond, to install 800sqm of vinyl flooring at Warrington’s £4.3 million Emergency Department extension.BackgroundLeading infrastructure and building specialists, Tilbury Douglas, have been appointed by Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to complete the £4.3 million Warrington Emergency Department extension.The much-needed investment will increase capacity, improve patient care and modernise facilities.The ChallengeHigh performance products that would work quickly and withstand the constant and heavy trafficking of hospital staff, patients and medical equipment were critical to the success of this project.The SolutionFollowing a bespoke site specification completed by UltraFloor’s Technical Training and Site Support Manager, Martin Pouncey, CFA members and expert flooring contractors, CRT Flooring Specialists Ltd, used DPM IT, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer and Level IT Hydra Bond to complete the 800sqm installation.DPM IT is a two component, solvent free epoxy resin system for use as a surface damp proof membrane. Designed to provide protection against subfloor moisture, DPM IT has a pot life of 45 – 75 minutes, a cure time of 5 hours and boasts a 98% RH floor moisture tolerance.Formulated to promote adhesion to all UltraFloor smoothing underlayments, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer reduces pinholing, minimising the risk of costly failures. With a coverage rate of 200m² at 3:1 dilution, Prime IT multi-surface Primer is a must-have product for all flooring installation projects.Once fully dried, UltraFloor Level IT Hydra Bond was applied across the 800sqm area. Level IT Hydra Bond is a ground-breaking, water based floor leveller that can be applied to bitumen and adhesive residues without the need to prime.Level IT Hydra Bond is a super polymer modified smoothing compound which utilises UltraFloor’s unique technology – a process which enhances application and boasts unrivalled flow properties. What’s more, each bag of Level IT Hydra Bond also contains 20% recycled material.In addition, Level IT Hydra Bond can receive bonded floor coverings after 4 hours, has an extended working time of 45 minutes for optimal usability, and is moisture tolerant and protein free.ResultsOn the performance of UltraFloor Level IT Hydra Bond, Richard Martin, Office Manager at CRT Flooring Specialists Ltd, commented: “It’s fantastic. Flows really well.”The vinyl flooring installation was completed on time and the remaining extension work is continuing as scheduled.

Experienced flooring contractors, Variety Carpets, have used a number of UltraFloor’s subfloor preparation materials to install 200sqm of flooring at Priory Academy in Dunstable.BackgroundPriory Academy has served the local Dunstable community for over 100 years and educates 800 pupils every year. In summer 2022 work began to upgrade the flooring in their school kitchen and store rooms.The ChallengeVariety Carpets had a short window to complete the installation and with the Academy only closed for six weeks during the summer holiday, time really was of the essence.The SolutionAfter scarifying the bitumen and vacuuming the area to remove any contaminants, Variety Carpets primed the subfloor with a neat coat of UltraFloor Prime IT Multi-surface Primer.Formulated to promote adhesion to all UltraFloor smoothing underlayments, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer reduces pinholing, minimising the risk of costly failures. With a coverage rate of 200m² at 3:1 dilution, Prime IT multi-surface Primer is a must-have product for all flooring installation projects.The next day, and once Prime IT Multi-surface Primer had fully dried, Level IT Hydra Bond was applied across the 200sqm area at a 3mm depth. Level IT Hydra Bond is a ground-breaking, water based floor leveller that can be applied to bitumen and adhesive residues without the need to prime.Level IT Hydra Bond is a super polymer modified smoothing compound which utilises UltraFloor’s unique technology – a process which enhances application and boasts unrivalled flow properties. What’s more, each bag of Level IT Hydra Bond also contains 20% recycled material.In addition, Level IT Hydra Bond can receive bonded floor coverings after 4 hours, has an extended working time of 45 minutes for optimal usability, and is moisture tolerant and protein free.To complete the installation, Altro Walkway 20, hard wearing vinyl flooring was installed the very next day and finished for a customer inspection on day five.ResultsThanks to the expertise of Variety Carpets, the five day flooring installation was completed on time and without issue. On using UltraFloor, Mark Blanchard, Director at Variety Carpets, commented: “We enjoyed using UltraFloor materials. The wet edge time is ideal for larger areas and warmer weather. The project completed at the end of August 2022 in hot temperatures, so it was really ideal. The set time of 4 hours means when we finished late afternoon, it was suitable to lay on the next day.”

The Protec System was used to waterproof the domed green roof areas of this striking, sustainable house development which was featured on Chanel 4’s Grand Designs. With an ambitious vision and a tight budget, Robert and Milla Gaukroger set about transforming a dated 1980’s house overlooking Lake Windermere into a state-of-the-art, eco-conscious home. Since the house lay in beautiful hillside surroundings, in order to blend into this setting, the domed roofs of the house were to be covered with a wildflower meadow mix to provide a green roof construction.The SolutionThe Protec System was chosen as a waterproofing membrane for the roofs as it is ideally suited for green roof applications. Lightweight, flexible and highly durable, the system can easily accommodate structural expansion movements and is tough enough to resist root penetration. The Protec system was applied to over 350m2 of domed roof to provide a long-lasting waterproofing membrane.The key reasons why Eastleigh chose Protec are the same reasons that has seen it become one of the fastest growing cold-applied liquid roofing systems in both the new build and refurbishment markets. Combined with the timber cladding to the verticals of the building, the finished aesthetics of the development blended seamlessly with the surrounding areas.A warm roof build-up that can be made waterproof at multiple stages:For larger projects the Protec system can be made temporarily waterproof at two stages prior to the application of the full waterproofing system. The first stage is upon installation of the sealed, aluminium-faced vapour barrier.The second phase follows the reinforcing of the foil-faced insulation board joints with Protec resin and taping mat. This enables a much more controlled approach to the installation with a greatly reduced chance of rain causing disruption and damage during the works.Highly flexible membrane:Regardless of the size of the roof, Protec forms a homegenous membrane, without a single joint or seam and without the need for any expansion joints.RapidCure technology for quick installation:The application of Protec as a liquid, through to the curing process where a solid, tough membrane that can be walked over, takes only 30 – 60 minutes. This enables large sections of the roof to be fully completed in a short space of time.Installing the Roofing SystemsThe Protec System provided waterproofing to all flat roof areas as well as the extensive parapet wall sections. The roof areas were made up of two designs: the Protec Warm Roof System (approx 7,500m2) and Protec applied to concrete as part of an inverted roof design (approx 1,000m2).The roof installation was carried out with a planned, phased approach that was synchronised to the wider construction schedule. For the warm roof areas, the first stage was to fill the troughs of the structural metal roof deck with acoustic insulation infills that will dampen external noise within the leisure centre. Next, the crowns of the deck were primed ready to receive the self-adhesive vapour barrier.The use of a high-performance aluminium vapour barrier not only eliminates the risk of condensation within the roof, but also provides temporary waterproofing protection, which is extremely useful on larger works such as this.The Polyroof RES Insulation boards, which comprised of a two layer system totalling 170mm to achieve a U-Value of 0.14 W/m2K, were bonded using high-performance PU adhesive to the vapour barrier. Following the wind uplift calculations it was determined that mechanical fixings were not required for this application – making for an extremely rapid installation. As you can probably imagine, fixing through 170mm of insulation into the crowns of the metal deck can be a tricky and time-consuming task.A key advantage of using a tongue and groove insulation system is that the finished surface of the roof is smooth and level without any unsightly board steps that can also lead to standing water issues. The insulation board joints were sealed using Protec resin with Polymat Taping Mat 450 which, in addition to providing additional strength to the joints, also creates a temporarily waterproof layer.For the inverted roof sections, Protec was applied directly to the primed concrete/screed surface. The membrane was inspected by Polyroof Technical Services, signed off and then covered with inverted roof components. An interesting fact when using Protec in inverted roof situations is its incredible durability performance – as tested by the BBA, Protec “can provide an effective barrier to the transmission of liquid water and water vapour for the design life of the roof in which it is incorporated”.Monitoring and CompletionThroughout the duration of the contract, Polyroof Technical Services carried out regular site visits that were reported back to Interserve as part of Polyroof’s free-of-charge contract monitoring service. This enabled the client to keep up-to-date with the progress of the roof installation in detail and also provided peace of mind that the original specification was being closely followed and implemented.Polyroof worked closely with the Roofline Group during the installation, enabling the challenges were identified and solved in an efficient and coordinated manner – saving the client time and money.

Counting about 3,000 residential properties, Glenvale Park is a brand-new neighbourhood in the north of Wellingborough. To cater to the local community’s educational needs, the project also includes a new nursery school and primary school. Together with single-ply specialist Rock Roofing and main contractor Lindum Group, Soprema took care of the pitched and flat roofs of the educational facilities, waterproofing 3,000 square metres with the aesthetically stunning FLAGON membranes.ONE SITE, TWO PROJECTSSoprema secured the Glenvale Park project in October 2022, providing its developers with a significant commercial advantage over competitor solutions. The actual construction of the Glenvale Park nursery school started in January 2023 and was soon followed by works on the primary school. So, the project consisted of two separate buildings located on the same site, with the same client and main contractor overseeing both endeavours simultaneously.Soprema not only supplied the necessary waterproofing and insulation solutions: our team of experts was also responsible for interim site inspections, thermal calculations, and other services – always in close collaboration with Rock Roofing.Leon Horobin, Technical Sales Manager at Soprema, greatly values the longstanding relationship with Rock Roofing: “We have worked with the company founders, with Contracts Manager Steve Hatcher and with other members of the team for almost a decade. The level of collaboration has always been outstanding.”OVERCOMING NUMEROUS CHALLENGESSteve Hatcher stresses that the quality of roofing works for Glenvale Park nursery and primary schools benefited massively from the strong partnership between Rock Roofing and Soprema. Steve: “We relied on Soprema’s valuable on-site assistance and leveraged the expertise of their technical professionals to resolve the issues we encountered – and there were quite a lot of them, making the project all the more engaging and interesting for the team.”1.   DESIGN CHALLENGESThe first challenges arose from the fact that we were not working on a flat but on a pitched roof, requiring careful thought and planning. The detailing becomes more complex as the angles of the profiles change, and working on a slope is also challenging in general as it makes installing the sheets and products trickier.2.   CHALLENGING WEATHER CONDITIONSThe winter season, too, posed a challenge at the start of the project. The light snowfall and rain made the roof wet and slippery. Moreover, the low temperatures prevented the use of adhesives and a lot of the work had to be put on hold. This initially resulted in delays and increased deadline pressure. However, we were able to overcome these setbacks and make up for lost time when it became warmer.BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH SOPREMA1.   INCREDIBLY WIDE RANGEBoth fully adhered and mechanically fixed systems were used for the Glenvale Park schools, testifying to Soprema’s extensive product range and showcasing our ability to tailor solutions to the most diverse roof situations. We can select multiple products from our range to meet client needs and cover cost considerations. Moreover, the roofs being highly visible and their aesthetics a major selling point, we ensured that our solution added to their visual appeal.1.1 Cost-effective alternative to metal roofingFor the visible roofing areas, we used single-ply membranes while adding profiles to make them look like standing seam roofs. The result looks as stunning as a metal roof yet is much more durable with a product life of more than 35 years. In addition, our synthetic roofing membranes are recyclable, easier to install, more cost-effective and much lighter than aluminium, lead or copper roofing. The lower permanent load results in additional cost savings because the roof structure can be lighter as well.1.2 Fully adhered systemOn the pitched areas, which are very visible, we used fully adhered membranes to obtain a beautiful flat appearance. More specifically, the build-up is FLAGON SB, our fleece-backed membrane composed of flexible PVC, on top of SOPRATHERM G, a glass tissue-faced PIR insulation. The self-adhesive SOPRAVAP STICK ALU 16 membrane served as a vapour control layer, and the metal deck was primed with ELASTACOL 600 primer.1.3 Mechanically fixed systemsFor areas that were not visible, we opted for two mechanically fixed systems. As achieving the same flawless surface as the fully adhered system was not necessary, quick installation and cost-effectiveness (especially since no adhesives are required) were the deciding factors.The first mechanically fixed area consists of FLAGON SR DE, SOPRATHERM F insulation and a VAPOR FLAG vapour control layer. The second area has the same build-up, but with tapered insulation to create falls in the roof to the outlets.1.4 Solar PV and roof lightsThe roofs of Glenvale Park nursery school and primary school have been fitted with solar PV panels. Rock Roofing took care of their integration into the roofing system and installed remote and temperature controlled roof lights on the nursery school. Steve Hatcher: “It really is an all-encompassing package you get. Only a big supplier like Soprema has the different products you need for optimally waterproofing and insulating multiple roof areas.”2.   ONE-STOP SHOP AND WARRANTYAn additional advantage of having one supplier for the entire build-up is the reassurance that all products, which are designed as a system, are fully compatible. Moreover, you get a single-point warranty. For the Glenvale Park schools, we even extended our standard 20-year Sopracover warranty to 25 years. Finally, all the fire requirements of BROOF(t4) are of course covered.EXCITING PROJECTS AHEADBoth the nursery and the primary school have been completed. The buildings look stunning and perform excellently. The complexity of this project is what makes it stand out, showcasing the advantages of employing a complete system tailored to unique installations. And more exciting collaborations between Rock Roofing and Soprema are in the pipeline.Interested in our one-stop shop approach for your own project? Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

BackgroundFor the perfect example of architectural excellence which not only delivered an impressive aesthetic, significant environmental benefits, and a more robust structural foundation, but also improved thermal performance, look no further than the eight-storey, three-building Building Safety Fund (BSF) project Devonshire Mansions.Situated in beautiful Eastbourne on the south-east coast of England, Devonshire Mansions were an extremely attractive choice for those wanting stunning sea views and some peace and privacy. However, due to their location in a high exposure area, the buildings were aged and weather-beaten, and required a full overhaul and refurbishment to modernise, align with current safety regulations for high rise buildings, and strengthen the buildings at their core whilst rejuvenating the exterior.Understanding and appreciating K System’s renowned ability for outstanding refurbishment projects, Pavehall contracted K Systems to completely refurbish this residential development and deliver on the following four primary objectives:- Remediate unsafe cladding- Improve the thermal performance rating of each home- Update and seamlessly replicate existing façade features- Deliver a solution with acoustic benefitsOur ServiceIn collaboration with Archiflair Design, Pavehall, and Fullers Plastering, K Systems delivered an industry-leading, insulated façade solution that fulfilled the desired criteria, achieved a U-value of 0.26 W/m²K and resulted in an outstanding architectural structure.The commitment of K Systems team, their continuous communication, in-depth level of reporting, and consistent presence on site not only ensured a perfect refurbishment, but also instilled 100% confidence in the supply chain throughout, showing exemplary levels of customer service.This project is a great example of how K Systems overcame various construction challenges to deliver within the agreed time constraints.The make-up of the façade had multiple protrusions in forms of balconies meaning that every sheathing and insulation board had to be cut to fit. Replicating this without compromising on the strict site deadlines was a challenge but under the great install team and K Systems’ expertise and onsite presence, this was achieved.Additionally, Devonshire Mansions had a problematic substrate and challenging aesthetic deliverables. Working closely with all partners, and utilising digital technology, K Systems mapped out the refurbishment and specified the ideal solution to Pavehall for implementation.Technical Project DetailsAfter a comprehensive scoping process, K Systems discovered that the existing system had a drained cavity build up and when removed, the sheathing boards were compromised by water. With the buildings being high rise, steel frame and multi-occupancy, the industry-proven K Systems Exicco Cavity Drainage EWI System was specified.In the Exicco system, the drained cavity behind the insulation ensures that any interstitial moisture escapes without detriment to the performance of the system. Due to their seafront location, Devonshire Mansions were prone to fierce rain and water exposure, so this system was the ideal choice to ensure any future moisture or condensation build up was allowed out to avoid compromising the substrate or newly installed façade.Once the strip out of the existing façade had occurred, further challenges were discovered – the substrate was far from line and level. This meant that every rail within the newly installed EWI system had to be packed out using steel shims to create a level vertical façade, subsequently adjusting the specified fixing lengths to suit.Some elements of the substrate were high strength concrete incorporating a flint aggregate which proved problematic for standard mechanical fixings. Via K Systems’ on site support, a suitable, more bespoke fixing was specified which ensured proper anchoring of rails and intumescent fire barriers. A swift solution was achieved with no detriment to the construction programme.The newly installed Exicco system was combined with the K Systems M (Mineral Wool) system. This high performing system provides optimal levels of fire resistance and noncombustibility and its installation at Devonshire Mansions meant that the fire classification of the buildings was upgraded to A2-s1,d0 meaning that the development is now compliant with the latest building regulations for all high-rise dwellings in England, further ensuring the safety of residents.Devonshire Mansions is visually impressive with its feature balconies, architectural cornices, ashlar panelling and quoin detailing. It was a specific requirement of the client to remediate the unsafe cladding without losing these exterior design features.K Systems created two specifications; one for the elevations and one for the balconies and provided bespoke detailing to allow them to seamlessly harmonise as one façade. Ashlar panelling and quoin detailing was replicated cost-effectively using varying thicknesses of non-combustible mineral wool insulation which was over-rendered skilfully by the contractor using K Systems Silicone Thincoat render.The more intricate cornice features were all bespoke manufactured using compliant non-combustible materials and integrated into the design with K Systems providing robust detailing to create a water-tight barrier and eliminating cold bridging. Decorative columns were installed at ground level to complete the façade.The eye-catching, waterfront dwellings were finished with Silkolitt+ - a versatile, easy to apply, water repellent, durable, and low maintenance thin coat render, perfectly paired and formulated for use with our Exicco systemOverall, K Systems specified a fit-for purpose, non-combustible façade with a high level of complex architectural detailing using cost effective solutions. The installation process was overseen by our unrivalled site support team who were frequently on hand to solve any issues as they arose.“Working alongside K Systems on a project of the size and nature of Devonshire Mansions was a true pleasure. From initial scope and specification to intricate detailing and innovative finishes, the K Systems team lead by example and made the process and delivery a slick and seamless operation. The refurbishment was a complex case but working together in partnership, we all delivered on excellence, and the beautiful Devonshire development is something we can all proudly put our names to.”James Fuller, Fullers Plastering

A Cupper Press was recently installed in a new can making factory in Europe, which was built near to commercial and office buildings in the surrounding area. Following recommendations from a consultancy specialising in vibration and structural dynamics, the Cupper Press was installed on top of an inertia block supported by spring elements and visco-dampers, offering a system natural frequency of 1.25 Hz. However, high movements were reported on the machines Spring Foundation during production and as a result the vibrations were emitting outwards to the neighboring buildings.The impact of this movement was premature wear on the machine and increased spoilage, reducing the overall productivity of the plant. The ChallengeFarrat were contacted to provide a replacement solution that would reduce the excessive movement of the Cupper Press and create a quieter environment for the neighbouring buildings. Cupper Presses are commonly used in can manufacturing to produce cylindrical cups from rolls of aluminium or metal. The primary action of this type of machine is to punch discs from sheets at high speeds. This action generates vertical excitations at frequencies determined by the speed of the machine, also known as ‘shocks’.  These heavy vibrations have damaging effects on the functionality of the machine installation, its systems and components, and the machines overall productivity. Shock induced vibrations can also damage the building by generating waves and noises that propagate out into the environment. It is therefore crucial to ensure that Cupper Presses are installed on suitable vibration control systems to mitigate against these effects. The primary element of this challenge was to stiffen the overall system, while preventing excessive vibrations being transmitted around. The SolutionFarrat’s application engineers considered several system criteria during the design phase, such as the mass, dimensions, and operating speed of the machine, as well as system stability and the isolation performance required to meet the clients challenging requirements.To resolve both of the clients issues, Farrat engineered a replacement vibration isolation system configured with bespoke bearings made of a steel base and 2 layers of Isomat isolators.Learn more about the material properties of Farrat Isomat here.Performance Results A vibration investigation was conducted by Farrat to measure the level of vibration emitted before and after replacement of the spring packs, to assess the efficiency of the Farrat Isomat System. The results of the survey are presented in the adjacent plot, showing the vertical accelerations measured before replacement with the blue curves, and after installation of the Farrat Isomat Bearing with the orange curves.Vibrations measured at the feet of the machine are shown on top, on the inertia block in the middle, and on the surrounding factory floor at the bottom. The results were observed at all measured operational machine speeds, between 110 and 170 RPM.  A significant vibration reduction can be seen in each part of the system, particularly at the operational speed of the Cupper Press at slightly below 2 Hz. This is the frequency where the machine is most likely to be moving & rocking, impacting the process quality. The pre-existing system of springs with visco-dampers has proven unsuitable because of its extremely low natural frequency, which is excessively close to the disturbing frequencies generated by the Cupper Press – increasing the risk of resonance issues. ConclusionThe client’s requirements have been met by the Farrat Isolated Foundation solution, which has significantly lowered the movements of the machine while maintaining a quiet environment for nearby buildings. This demonstrates the efficiency of Farrat Isomat systems for Cupper Press machine applications, where bespoke design solutions are needed to solve complex engineering challenges.#onamission

In 2018, Cyclehoop designed and delivered two major Cycle Hubs for the London Borough of Enfield. These were the first cycle hubs to be provided in the borough and were delivered as part of the award-winning Cycle Enfield scheme.Both Cycle Hubs are steel and glass structures with CCTV and provide cycle parking for 50 bikes and three non-standard cycles such as cargo bikes. They can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by using an access card. Members can make use of a bike pump and repair stand so that they can make quick repairs and keep their tyres pumped whilst on the go.Cyclehoop is managing the membership of both cycle hubs on behalf of Enfield Council.Cycle Hub FacilitiesThe Enfield Town Cycle Hub and the Edmonton Green Cycle Hub are fitted with user-friendly cycle parking and repair facilities, as well as featuring an industry-leading security and access control system.Each Cycle Hub provides cycle parking for 50 bikes and is fitted with Optima Two Tier Racks. This is a space-saving solution that doubles the amount of cycle parking compared with traditional cycle racks. The Two-Tier racks can accommodate most types of bikes and feature gas-assisted moveable upper sections that make it easy to position them in the racking. Members can easily secure their bikes to the locking bar which has been welded into the design rather than the less secure bolted version in our competitors’ solutions. We have installed 3 ground anchors to accommodate non-standard cycles – each with its own marked out space.The door has been fitted with an industry-leading access control system allowing members to get in and out via access card 24 hours a day. Lighting and CCTV cameras are in operation throughout giving extra assurances of security.The Cycle Hubs also feature a Public Repair Stand and an Indoor Pump which provide members with the resources to make repairs on the go as well as pumping up deflated tyres.Design and Build ProcessEnfield Council chose two locations within the borough, each one connected to a local transport link, as well as amenities and shopping centres to accommodate the footfall. These locations were Enfield Town Railway Station and Edmonton Green Railway Station. Planning permission was required to develop the land.Enfield Council required two secure Cycle Hubs that maximised cycle parking spaces and the structure needed to be modular to allow it to be extended in future. Enfield is a growing borough that is regenerating and constantly growing, therefore this needed to be reflected in the design of the Cycle Hub.Each Cycle Hub is a steel and glass structure designed as a modern facility for securely storing cycles. The use of glass provides both good natural lighting as well as excellent visibility and passive surveillance, increasing the security of the facility.The Cycle Hubs also have a sedum green roof which reduces the surface runoff from rainfall, improves local air quality and supports the local insect population.The two custom and secure structures are comprised of:Toughened glass panesPerforated steel kick plates (over 3 tonnes of steel)Toughened glass sliding doorsLow maintenance sedum roofEnfield Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Daniel Anderson, said:“If we want to encourage more people to get on their bikes and change their transport habits we need to provide proper, secure parking for cycles. We hope these hubs will encourage people to get on their bikes to visit our town centres and reap all the benefits leaving the car behind will deliver. We are determined to encourage as many people as possible to use sustainable transport as we possibly can and these hubs will play an important role in helping us achieve that aim.”Enfield Council’s Cycle Enfield Scheme aims to regenerate and improve town centres, dramatically improve transport links and encourage more people to use sustainable methods of transport in the borough.

THE PROJECT The Stephen A Schwarzman Centre is a new state-of-the-art performing arts and exhibition development that will house the University of Oxford’s Humanities department. The architect, Hopkins, is well known for designing environmentally efficient buildings, and the main contractor Laing O'Rourke has a wealth of experience of building large complex structures. Fosroc was invited to provide a full waterproofing system for a two-level basement due to their technical expertise, customer care, and proven products. Three forms of waterproofing were proposed; pre-applied membrane, waterproof concrete and a cavity drain system. The project also included a complex detail where the new basement needed to punch through the secant wall into an adjacent basement. THE SOLUTION Fosroc entered into an early design development phase with Laing O'Rourke to progress the waterproofing design and overcome some of the particularly challenging aspects of the scheme. Design meetings were held to address these issues in advance of the scheme going to site. The primary protection proposed for the base was the robust Type A Proofex Engage pre-applied fully bonded membrane. Its unique mesh system allows a full bond to concrete and prevents water tracking between the concrete and membrane. Type B watertight concrete containing Supercast WCP – an integral hydrophobic pore-blocking admixture was used as secondary protection for the base and primary protection for the walls. Secondary protection for the walls was provided by the Type C Proofex Cavitydrain drained cavity system, that channels water ingress into the basement drainage system. Laing O’Rourke then appointed Fosroc’s in-house design service WDS to complete the design with the required professional indemnity insurance cover. WDS has delivered a fully detailed coordinated set of design drawings to detail the waterproofing installation, helping Laing O'Rourke to complete to the very highest standard. THE BENEFITS Fosroc were able to calculate approximate quantities for the scheme, including all ancillary items. This, coupled with a planned project programme enabled the supply of materials to be accurately scheduled, avoiding delays and improving the level of cost certainty for the client. By using the three types of protection, the basement of the four-storey academic building is afforded the maximum level of long-term protection against water ingress. The installation team have been very satisfied with the design provided by WDS, and the products and service received from Fosroc throughout the installation.

ASF were already doing extensive works at Sale Town Hall using the ASF Balmoral Panel Post with sight gap, employed as pedestrian guardrail. To the rear of the Town Hall is the Bridgewater Canal which is followed by the Bridgewater Way. An existing wall was being heightened alongside the footpath to make it higher than the mixed use development area directly to the rear of the building. Wishing to ensure a suitable barrier but not completely obscure the view, the client chose the ASF Balmoral Parapet Post and Panel System for the wall top.This allows people to stand on the higher ground and still enjoy the vistas along the canal whilst ensuring the wall itself reaches an overall height to meet the required standards.

5 Everyman cinemas have been built in a new building in the centre of Harrogate which houses several other retail and leisure facilities.The cinema directly above the ground floor retail units required a concrete floating floor whilst the 4 other cinemas required heavy dry floating floors with large floor voids.Our local branch supplied and installed the floating floors which consisted of Stravifloor Channel isolation rails supporting timber/cement board sandwich constructions or Stravifloor Deck solution supporting a concrete slab.The wall isolation and ceiling hangers completed the box-in-box construction delivering the required sound insulation between cinemas and to the retail units beneath.

EverEdge ProEdge was used to create borders, pathways and to provide an edge between lawn and driveway at this property in Chailey, Sussex. The 100mm deep ProEdge border addition, with perfectly straight edges and perfect right angles, frames the house and will keep neat lines for years to come. Lengthy pathways installed from drive to patio and then patio through to established gardens keeping gravel and grass separate.ProEdge was chosen because of its thickness (2.5mm steel) and length (2.5m) as this was a large install on varying ground. Install was carried out by J Sutton Landscapes who said they were “very impressed with the product and plan to use it in several upcoming projects”Pleasing to hear and pleasing to see pictures of a great install.

London played host to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2018, as it welcomed 53 World Leaders and over 2,000 delegates to the capital.With all eyes looking at London, the Metropolitan Police Services wanted to provide an enjoyable but safe experience for all those attending and viewing on television around the world.The BriefThe Metropolitan Police Services and Counter Terror police had a number of key requirements for the fencing that would form part of the protective detail for 53 World Leaders.Zero Ground Strike SystemAbility to take screen from view bannersEasy to installOffer a higher level of security than standard temporary fencingAbility to incorporate Turnstiles and Swing Gates

The first phase of the Middlewood Locks project in Manchester by developer Scarborough International Properties features Kawneer’s AA®100 zone-drained curtain walling, AA®130 brise soleil and AA®720 external doors on the ground floors of six blocks of apartments around three large basins of the Manchester, Bolton and Bury canals.The AA®130 brise soleil has also been used between external balconies as privacy screens and was complemented by Kawneer’s AA®3572 lift/slide doors and AA®720 thermally-superior side-hung casement windows which feature on the first floor upwards of the seven-storey blocks.

Newly built Cavell Park Care Home, a Porthaven home, is situated in a convenient location, close to the historic town of Maidstone and a stone’s throw from the M20 motorway. To ensure the perimeter of the grounds and the gardens of the care home are safe for residents to spend time in, fencing and gates were required. In addition, with the standard of care being high, this needed to be reflected and indicated in the presentation of the whole site, so the car park at the front of the site needed premium quality demarcation fencing to create an excellent first impression. Black metal bow top railings and matching gates were chosen to demarcate and secure the boundary; specified in varying height intervals for the different areas of the site to suit requirements. 

We were excited to start on this project for EBMS at a school in North London, and the finished scheme look fantastic upon completion. A large motoric track multiplay acted as the centrepiece for the area. This structure contains an enormous amount of play features, with two tall slides, net play, bridges, fireman’s poles, climbing tracks, monkey bars, and much, much more!Along with the centrepiece, three new sets of swings were installed, with a basket swing and two sets of flats swings, together with a challenging trim trail. A Stork’s nest climbing frame complete with new wet pour surfacing and ground works finished the project, with the kids at the school chomping at the bit to start playing.

With over nine million people visiting The O2 a year, ICON Outlet required a robust washroom solution to withstand the demands of a high traffic environment, while being easy to clean and maintain. Unity’s clean, modern and minimal cubicle design and the solid surface vanities in “Vermont” gave the washroom facilities a contemporary look, while being functional and hard-wearing. ICON Outlet selected our ground-breaking pre-plumbed Vepps system, making regular duct maintenance effortless thanks to its linear-bearing hinge.Vepps also makes it impossible for the public to access duct space, with specially engineered anti-tamper locks.Read the full case study for more details.

BackgroundK Systems’ retrofit of the REEMA non-traditional construction Properties in Swindon, South-West England, is a stellar example of the company’s ability to harness years of expertise with forward-thinking innovation to meet the needs of its clients.Swindon Borough Council had a development of 50+ properties in Upper Stratton all with aged facades and poor thermal qualities, some with U-values as inadequate as1.59W/m ² K.K Systems supported Swindon Borough Council, led by Projects Surveyor John Black, to completely refurbish this residential development and deliver on five primary objectives:- Improve the thermal performance rating of each home (SAP rating)- Deliver greater thermal comfort for residents- Choose a solution with acoustic benefits and non-combustable benefits- Reduce tenants’ energy consumption- Deliver an attractive aesthetic that would uplift the areaHaving a good reputation for matching systems with finishes to deliver its clients’ visions, K Systems partnered with approved installer, Rateavon Ltd, to scope out theproject and specification in fine detail, with particular focus on insulating properties and aesthetic.Our ServiceK System worked in collaboration with Swindon Borough Council and Rateavon Ltd to upgrade these poorly insulated houses and deliver a total revamp of the properties, resulting in thermally efficient homes.One of the primary requirements was to improve the performance rating of each home, with a target U-value of 0.30W/m²K. In fact, K Systems exceeded that in the project delivery by achieving a U-value of 0.29W/m²K.The project was completed with minimal disruption to existing residents, and due to forward planning and regular site visits by an experienced K Systems project manager, where processes and progress were monitored and evaluated, the project was completed within the agreed timescale.Digital technology was deployed from the very beginning to produce models and CGIs (Computer Generated Imagery) to not only assure Swindon Council the finished project would meet its specific requirements, but to also guide the design process and ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.Regular inspections and site audits were carried out alongside Swindon Council to ensure the same level of care and attention to detail that applied when specifying theproject was being applied during its implementation and delivery.Technical Project DetailsOn initial inspection, K Systems found a problematic substrate. The REEMA hollow panel non-traditional construction properties are constructed of a concrete frame with thin concrete panels to the exterior façade. This type of thin panel construction created a significant challenge for the team to find a suitable EWI fixing, but with the help from Rawlplug, one of our EWI fixings suppliers a robust and safe fixing solution was found, without compromising the existing REEMA construction.Harnessing years of EWI system design knowledge and unrivalled expertise in this field, K Systems worked closely with Rawlplug and a structural engineer to identify a suitable fixing detail and pattern which would not only be robust but also suitable for this type of substrate.With a structurally strong solution agreed, focus then turned to the appropriate insulation solution.After a comprehensive scoping process taking into consideration client requirements, project objectives, budgets and timeframes, K Systems specified the industry proven K Systems M, Mineral Wool EWI system to not only significantly boost thermal performance of the buildings but also reduce noise pollution for the tenants.K Systems 100mm Mineral Wool insulation has an industry-leading ability to generate exceptional thermal performance. That made it the perfect choice for the refurbishment as it would combat the increased heating costs faced by residents whilst retaining the solid foundations of the existing building and reducing the risk of condensation or mould damage.Other technical benefits which made the K Systems Mineral Wool system the ideal specification for this refurbishment include:- non-combustibility, A2-s1,d0 fire rated- its excellent acoustic properties, reducing noise pollution- its environmentally friendly composition as the insulation is free from gases with ODP (ozone depletion properties) or GWP (global warming potential)- its workability and easy to cut format, reducing labour time across the board for the team.Having identified solutions that improved structure and thermal performance, K Systems then offered the best quality finish for the properties – an aesthetically pleasing, cost effective combination of VBriQ+ clay brick slips and Silkolitt+ silicone render that both Swindon Council and the residents would be proud of.VBriQ+ is a lightweight, highly durable, clay brick slip system and a more cost-effective finish option in comparison to tradition brick systems without compromising on quality, weather resistance, workability and durability. This made it perfect for a project of this scale – a project which required maximum and long-lasting impact without incurring maximum costs.The Silkolitt+ silicone render finish rejuvenated the properties’ exteriors and massively enhanced the area’s overall aesthetic, making it a much more appealing place to set up home.Yet again going the extra mile for clients to ensure unrivalled workmanship and longevity, K Systems finished all 52 properties with K Pro - a water-based protective treatment used to provide long term enhanced water repellent properties to external render and other masonry surfaces, helping combat the problems associated with water intrusion including efflorescence, frost, water-soluble pollutants and algae growth meaning the substrate will stay clean and dry for longer.K Systems and approved installer Rateavon Ltd delivered an excellently designed and expertly executed refurbishment, that exceeded the expectations and requirements of the client, Swindon Council, and the residents of the newly improved homes.John Black, Projects Surveyor at Swindon Borough Council, said:“Throughout the project K Systems have supported Swindon Borough Council agreeing all detailing to ensure current day Building Control Regulations were met. They supported resolutions throughout the project lifecycle and were really reactive, visiting site and supporting when required. They carried out weekly detailed spot check reports with photographic evidence and also checked batch numbers of materials. They delivered a great service. A really successful project.”

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

Architect: Artillery Architecture Installer: Stortford Interiors Product: Gustafs Panel System LSA supplied almost 200m2 of custom perforated Gustafs ceiling panels to the feature catwalk ceiling which spans the full length of the Catlin Insurance offices in London.This was our first project working with Gustafs to use custom perforation patterns, the chosen style is a backlit semi bespoke geometric pattern designed to be rotated to give the illusion of random perforations along the 60m long stretch whist giving excellent acoustic control. This design was previously used by Gustafs in the Swedish Embassy in Washington DC and we are very proud to have this project in our portfolio.

Optimum sound control and humidity resistance were design imperatives for the new Strathclyde Sports Centre. HERADESIGN® and THERMATEX® Aquatec were specified for the project. HERADESIGN® Macro was installed on the walls around the swimming pool. THERMATEX® Aquatec formed the ceiling system in the adjoining changing, showering and circulation areas. Gareth McKnight, Kennedy Fitzgerald & Associates said, “The challenge was finding a system that met the anti-corrosive criteria and performed acoustically. An acoustician measured the reverberation times and HERADESIGN® performed well. With a white interior colour scheme HERADESIGN® brought texture, added depth and interest to the overall interior design.”

In spring 2015, the Spitzacker shopping centre in Urdorf (ZH) was reopened after considerable renovation and extension. The retail area has been totally transformed and has almost doubled in size, with numerous new tenants. There are 13 new stores housed in the complex, built in the style of a bright, spacious mall with a glass roof.All shop entrances feature record THERMCORD sliding doors with thermal insulation. The benefits of the THERMCORD model are very clear, as it plugs one of the last gaps in a building’s thermal insulation. During the day the doors provide regular, reliable service, and after closing prevent heat loss, or heat penetrating into a space requiring controlled air temperatures.www.migros.ch

Raybloc (X-ray Protection) Ltd takes great pride in presenting our latest case study showcasing our outstanding collaboration with Singleton Hospital in Swansea. This partnership entailed the manufacturing and installation of cutting-edge radiation shielding solutions, including a Frameless Operator Screen, a wide range of lead-lined doorsets, and internal viewing windows to match. As well as these fixings, Raybloc also supplied and installed the lead-lined wall panelling to the controlled areas, making the process of lead shielding as simple and hassle-free as possible for the contractor and Trust. These advanced products not only prioritise the safety of patients and staff but also significantly enhance workflow efficiency and create a therapeutic environment.

Motorised drives from SIEGENIA make opening and closing windows easy, convenient and barrier-free. Whether they operate turn-and-tilt windows or inaccessible skylights, whether they operate via pushbutton, app or via the building control system, they ensure room comfort and well-being. SIEGENIA has now expanded their product range: as a supplement to the tried and tested DRIVE axxent DK, the DRIVE CL is now also available to fabricators and end users. While the DRIVE axxent DK, by reason of its compact dimensions, also enables integration into the wide range of aluminium profiles, the DRIVE CL is a magnificent choice in case of high demands with regard to cost-effectiveness.

The Ascent Roof Hatch Guardrail was developed to meet the need to protect workers as they Ascend / Descend through an open roof access hatch.. The Ascent Roof Hatch Guardrail is designed as an integral part of the roof hatch and its structure. This ensures that roof integrity is maintained – limiting potential future maintenance issues.The guardrail protects worker from a fall through the open roof hatch. The Ascent Hatch Guardrail was specified on this project by AOV Systems Ltd as part of their Safe Access strategy. Manufactured following 1090 factory production control procedures allowing CE/UKCA marking as required with all Safety critical components as per the Construction Product regulations 2022

ProjectSurespan designed and manufactured a single leaf hatch that was installed in a residential home in Solihull, for access to an underground level gym.ProductThe HIACE external single leaf access hatch to fit a structural opening 1200 x 3400. The pan-type door was recessed for 40mm paving slabs infill with an EPDM unbroken seal to help prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture. The floor hatch was fitted with a retractable safety grid operated by a 24v actuator. FeaturesRated at pedestrian loading, operated by two 24v DC Actuators. 40mm paving slabs infill. Retractable safety grid Supplied with a Zen-controlled 240vAC/24vDC electrical supply, and transformer.

The school has 69 pupils who have special educational needs, of which around 28 would board on the first floor of the new school.Soundis were contracted to supply an acoustic fabric wall mounted panelling system to the newly constructed teaching areas within the school. The requirement for sound absorption on this project was elevated due to the sensitivity of sensory processing within the children. The panels help to control & reduce reverberation times (echos) providing a calmer environment for the children to work in.The system chosen on this project were the Soundis 40mm Absorb-R SofTone Panels, due to the panels being 40mm thick, they provide Class A acoustic performance.

Union Industries is helping a growing Berkshire manufacturer to keep its new facility extension properly segregated.Union Industries designed, manufactured and installed a Picadoor and two Static Fabric Industrial Partitions to create a 3-Sided static enclosure. The Picadoor, which was originally created as a bespoke product for an existing customer, is one of Union Industries’ smaller, lighter weight, fast acting doors and helps to maintain temperatures and reduce energy consumption in small internal applications. The door has a variable speed motor, inverter system inside the panel for controllability and is ideal for small internal doorways where regular access is required, but environmental conditions also need to be maintained.

A secure and flexible solution with DORVISIONAs part of a programme of reducing maintenance costs whilst improving security across its stadium and ancillary club buildings, Blackburn Rovers FC has launched a new “open and closed doors” policy. As part of the policy, the football club has installed DORVISION, an innovative GPRS based door controls system developed by dormakaba, global leader in the development of door technology products and systems. Enabling the remote opening and closing of multiple doors from one central location, the system has enabled the Football Club to significantly achieve its goals of reduced costs and increased security.dormakaba’s contribution to the projectAn extensive review of the way the club manned the many entrances associated with its estate and the costs involved with using staff to maintain security, highlighted the rising costs associated with manually unlocking and locking its doors plus emergency and regular maintenance visits. Requiring a solution that would cut man hours associated with manually opening and closing doors as well as reduced service costs, and having been satisfied with the dormakaba automatic door controls used throughout the stadium, Blackburn Rovers Football Club turned to the company’s innovative DORVISION solution.DORVISION was installed onto the existing twelve sets of doors which included dormakaba’S automatic sliding door operators ES200 and ES90 and the electro-hydraulic swing door operator ED200. These were located at various parts of the stadium including entrances for fans and players, a reception area and a retail shop. The club had the additional requirement for a retail shop, located offsite in Blackburn city centre which also required a remote opening, closing and locking facility on the existing dormakaba automatic doors

dormakaba helps provide ‘Access for All’ at £14.5M Clapham Junction Station refurbAs Europe’s busiest railway station with 41 million trains passing through each year, Clapham Junction welcomes hundreds of thousands of passengers onto its platforms every day. Delivered by Network Rail with main contractor Osborne, the improvement package makes the station fully accessible for all passengers, including those with reduced mobility, heavy luggage or children.dormakaba's contribution to the projectDelivering smooth operation and closing reliability in all weathers and seasons, dormakaba’s ED 100 swing door operators proved perfect for the entrance‘s new automatic doors.During in-house testing at temperatures of -15°C, the ED 100 was proven to provide full performance, and reliable closing. Also equipped with dormakaba Wind-Load Control, the ED 100 swing door automatic operator can recognise and compensate for wind loads with a force of up to 150 N (maximum admissible force) making it the perfect solution for doors subjected to high winds and extreme temperature.As part of the major improvement works, dormakaba FFT folding space saving doors completed the construction of the brand new ticketing facilities, travel information screens and toilets in a fully-refurbished ticket hall.For the entrance to the new lift lobby at Platform 17, dormakaba supplied the ES 200 sliding door operator. Easy to install and set-up, it features a powerful motor and a dynamic acceleration/deceleration control capability to ensure reliable operation. The operating performance of the ES 200 is matched by its clean design that complements any building.