"electric fires and room heaters"

Concierge Camping come back to Bushboard for their latest luxury washroom refurbishment. Concierge Camping at the Ratham Estate in Chichester just became even more luxurious. This year, brand new shower suites were added to the 5 star washroom offering. Boasting wet room style shower facilities with Bushboard’s solid grade laminate (SGL) IPS panelling in Wenge laminate along with top of the range brassware and fittings. Read the whole case study on our website.

Fernie Fields Sports Club decided to extend their changing rooms to meet current football requirements.Definition contemporary flush-fronted toilet cubicle range was chosen to bring a wow factor. Manufactured in Sage Green Solid Grade Laminate to ensure durability.Stephen the Trustee Vice Chairman and project manager explained, “We chose the sanitaryware to be pre-plumbed and we definitely think this was the right choice to speed up the operation on a tight deadline”. Read the whole case study on our website.

Over thirty Clement Conservation Rooflights have been installed into this impressive conversion in Battersea. The Sanctuary is a 19th century Listed Building, previously St Paul’s Church, now four outstanding apartments and one exquisite house. A variety of rooflight shapes and sizes were chosen to suit various room requirements, including Clement 3, 4, 5 and 6, all standard sizes available from stock. A slate profile was specified to achieve a flush finish on the outside of the building.

Helmsman Z Lockers, 4-compartment Heavy Duty Lockers and Inline Cubicles were supplied, delivered and installed by Helmsman professionals in Cambridge. Our new range of cubicles went into both male and female shower rooms with seat stands attached to bespoke sloping top Z Lockers suitable for wet environments. Bespoke privacy panels and benches were supplied in each cubicle to keep the bench clear of water. Natural Ash laminate was used across the bespoke project.

This blockwork construction with sips panel warm roof connections and fabric made completely airtight using Passive Purple. This Passive build with sips panel roof in the heart of Cambridge was a great job from start to finish, with Passive purple brush sealing all the connections of various substrates such as steelwork, blockwork and timber and then given a final send of with a spray application of Passive Purple, with intricate detail, multi-level rooms and grand design in general, achieving under 0.6ach was no problem.

A new £13.5million sports and swimming complex in Blackburn town centre has been constructed to replace the ageing Waves Water Fun Centre. The joint project between Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackburn College will provide for students and residents swimming pools but also a larger fitness suite, a dance/ aerobics studio, sauna and steam room and two sports halls. The scheme, partly-based on Darwen Leisure Centre, will reduce the running costs of the existing Waves complex and reduce the subsidy.

Billed as the 'UK's happiest office' this 91,000 sq ft building is home to the telephone answering service; Moneypenny. Planet won the project after impressing AEW Architects with stylish and cost effective products. FireStop doors were installed to compliment the earthy tones and playful 'outdoors' theme of the office design. For the meeting rooms and office partitioning, Planet's p20 slimline glass partitioning was used along with full height glass swing doors to maximise the light and airy feel of the the office and atrium areas.

Luxury boutique hotel Sir Joan, located in Ibiza Town, houses 12 hotel rooms and 2 rooftop suites with private pools and stunning views of the port of Ibiza. The black and white façade combines traditional and current Ibizan architecture. The openings in the façade offer privacy to guests and create natural ventilation and lighting. This stunning aesthetic was achieved using Reynaers CF 77 and CP 155(-LS) sliding and folding door systems, and CS 68 aluminium window systems.

The Brimstone is a luxury boutique hotel. It is located in the beautiful Lake District, and their view of the famous Langdale Pikes would be difficult to beat. In order to provide a clear view of the countryside, the balconies of the rooms and suites were fitted with Q-railing's Easy Glass Slim all-glass balustrades. The railing system's large glass expanses, maximising light and visibility, plus unbeatable quality and safety, made it the obvious choice. A total of 116 metres of glass balcony balustrades were installed in just 2 weeks.

Located in South Yorkshire on the edge of the Peak district the spa enjoys beautiful rural surroundings. The spa is located in a converted farm building with views down the valley to the south and fields to the north. The spa health suite comprises an Aroma steam room, Panoramic sauna, Himalayan sauna, Herbal bath, Rasul, Feature shower and footbaths. A superb choice of thermal experiences within a relatively small space yet through clever use of glass always feeling spacious and relaxing.

With extensive experience of hot bath cultures from his travels around the globe, our client invited Helo to create a “one of a kind” steam room as part of the new bedroom suite in his North London mansion. The aim was to create an area both visually spectacular and to serve all the client’s wishes – a Turkish steam bath with high power shower, a heated bench for stretching exercises and the ultimate luxury, an Infra Red radiating ceramic lounger from Sommerhuber!

A Stannah Maxilift MRLi motor room-less passenger lift and Goodsmaster CD chain drive goods lift are the moving solutions of choice for Meridian Grand, a luxury banqueting, conference and events venue in Edmonton, North London. Both Stannah lifts help Meridian Grand deliver a first class service, whether this is for small, intimate gatherings or large, corporate occasions – from weddings to big-number fund raisers – all in opulent surroundings that are the hallmark of this family run business.

On the strength of the successful installation of a Stannah A2S down-escalator in the Slough branch of JD Sports, Stannah were once again approached to quote for their three-storey Liverpudlian store. As a result, two Stannah A2S escalators (one up, one down), an exclusive 8-person Maxilift MXL passenger lift and four 50kg Microlifts, for the transport of smaller merchandise between stock rooms and fitting floors, now provide all people- and goods-moving requirements within this thriving outlet.

The Grade II Listed Victorian Tamworth Assembly Rooms had secondary glazing installed by Selectaglaze as part of a multi-million-pound project to refurbish and restore the much respected theatre. A solution was required to insulate the single glazed original arched casement windows in the auditorium to provide suitable acoustic and thermal insulation. Selectaglaze’s Series 41 side hung casement secondary glazing was specified with 6.4mm glass to each of the windows, matching the sightlines and providing full access to the originals for cleaning and maintenance.

Crown Place in Nottingham is a project brought to life through the collaboration of Crown Student Living, Winvic Construction, ECE Westworks Architects, and specialist Stofix installers, Caxton Facades. The project consists of 196 studios and 230 cluster rooms spread across six stories and an inviting internal courtyard featuring a reception, gym, and vibrant social areas. We’re proud to have supported yet another project that champions sustainable urban living and sets a blueprint for modern communities.

A newly built student accommodation block in Liverpool features an attractive, colourful external finish, thanks to Cembrit’s Cembonit cladding boards.Plato House is a purpose built student development comprising 86 spacious student rooms complete with a kitchen, en-suite bathrooms and high speed Wi-Fi throughout. Supplied via Vivalda of Manchester, Pemberton-based cladding contractor, Bak Cladding Solutions installed approximately 1000m2 of Cembonit cladding in a combination of Tufa, Pearl and Sand colours.

International bathroom experts Villeroy & Boch have been commissioned by Hotel La Tour, Birmingham to remodel all of their en-suites and public wash-rooms. Working with pHp Architects and interior design Adrian Coleman, Villeroy & Boch have updated the 4* hotel with sleek wall-hung sanitaryware and contemporary surface mounted basins; choosing pieces from their Loop & Friends, Momento, Squaro and Subway collections. In total 550 pieces were installed, completing 174 bathrooms in the hotel.

Roof slates by Welsh Slate feature on the renovated Cleveland Pools.The UK’s oldest public open-air swimming baths, once used as a trout farm, are enjoying a new lease of life, thanks in part to Welsh Slate.Some 75m2 of Welsh Slate’s new Penrhyn Heather Blue roofing slates feature alongside salvaged originals on the main building and changing rooms of the lido at Cleveland Pools, a Grade II* listed building that had been on the Buildings at Risk register.

Brunswick House is a superb new residential scheme of 251 bedrooms, incorporating a mixture of studios and cluster rooms. The scheme is designed to offer outstanding student accommodation for undergraduate, postgraduate and international students in the heart of Cambridge. The client required stair nosings for 7 staircases meaning a total of 296 steps that would be durable enough for high traffic student usage. There was an additional design restraint in that the staircases would be made out of cast metal and therefore no mechanical fixings could be used.

ABOUT CURRAGH:Nestled in the glorious countryside of Southern Ireland sits the Curragh Race Course. Initially founded in the coffee rooms of Kildare, the Irish Turf Club was quickly established as the governing body for horse racing throughout Ireland.The first recorded race on the plain took place in 1727 and now Curragh (from the Irish name ‘Cuirreach’ meaning ‘place of the running horse’) is home to Ireland’s five classic races.ABOUT THE PROJECT:The Curragh site has recently undergone a 65 million Euro redevelopment project across its entirety. Works carried out included the stable yard (featuring 135 stables) and the building of a brand new grandstand with a spectacular sweeping roof. Covering 10,500 square metres the new grandstand can cater for up to 6,000 people within its four levels – in fact, the site as a whole, has an incredible crowd capacity of 30,000 - which is a typical number for events such as Derby Day!Visitor enjoyment and responsible ‘crowd’ control during any event at Curragh are equally important to the site owners and managers; therefore, all aspects of this were to be considered carefully during the planning stage of the redevelopment. Ensuring an event at Curragh is a pleasurable experience takes a lot thought and care. Aspects such as creating the right atmosphere for the different areas and ensuring that everyone can hear race commentaries and announcements, all form part of the overall impression of the day’s event. Taking great lengths to provide all visitors with a memorable day is likely to encourage them to return again in the future.To carry out the works required, a selection of top consultants were selected for the different aspects of communication throughout the site. Dublin based, Sound Productions Ltd was chosen to design and commission the PA/VA and EVC, as well as the TV and other audio distribution systems required for the Curragh buildings and surrounding grounds.The brief to Sound Productions was to supply a flexible multi-zone audio and voice alarm system with top quality audio. The specification was for a complex zone arrangement, with multiple audio inputs from broadcast companies, live commentary, background music and TV audio distribution. This included the requirement for a 98dB sound level trackside, with absolute intelligibility throughout all areas (including those with high reverberation) and, for this, a highquality PA/VA system was needed. It was imperative that these works were delivered on schedule, with ‘quality’ to be considered as the prevailing factor, without exception, throughout the project.The PA/VA system was to be delivered over two phases – the first one being the system rack for the Parade Ring; the second to be the New Grandstand, including two main Baldwin Boxall PA/VA VIGIL control racks delivering power to a network of EN54 loudspeakers. The specification for VIGIL to be the PA/VA system for Curragh was due to Baldwin Boxall’s renowned reputation for product quality and reliability, as well as the company’s excellent track record for the delivery of large projects.Now fully installed and operational, the PA/VA system is equipped to cater for up to 24 analogue and 32 digital audio channels all distributed to over 50 zones. Multi-zone general paging is also delivered using Baldwin Boxall’s BVRD TSM touch screen microphones along with BFM series microphones for emergency purposes.The project’s requirement for disabled refuge call points has been fulfilled by the installation of Baldwin Boxall’s Omnicare EVC system, which is controlled via a 16-way control panel situated in the Security Room.Commenting, Peadar Carley, Project Engineer, Sound Productions said “We are delighted to have been involved with such an amazing project. We have a long-standing professional relationship with Mercury Engineering (the project electrical contractors), who share our ethos of being very particular with detail and passionate about providing the best quality. To know that we were chosen due to our ability to deliver large, complex systems and for our audio knowledge, makes us very proud indeed.”When asked about Baldwin Boxall, Peadar continued, “We have been buying, installing and commissioning Baldwin Boxall products for very many years - over 30 in fact. The systems just keep on going - they really are robust! But it is not only for this reason that we return to Baldwin Boxall repeatedly, but also because of the support we can get from them. They know their stuff, are easy to deal with and I recommend them without hesitation.”

The recently built front extension creates a new threshold for the church, encompassing a large multipart Flushglaze fixed rooflight from Glazing Vision. The rooflight works to fill the entrance lobby with natural daylight and helps to create a lofty, open space with character.Utilising frameless rooflights to accentuate this highly contemporary home, CDC Studio have adopted the perfect balance of imagination and persistence. Designed as a ‘forever home’ for their retired clients, this house is accessible, highly contemporary, low energy, sustainable and secure.Having approached CDC Studio, to create a home which was not too big for two, but big enough to accommodate village parties and wider family coming to stay.CDC Studio replicated the thatched barn and knitted into the local community, encapsulation the character of the village through local crafts and materials of flint, red brick, timber shutters and estate fencing complimenting this with the use of zinc to echo the agricultural aesthetic of the original land use.Adopting a thoroughly modern approach, the kitchen, dining and living spaces are open plan to allow for social gatherings and to provide a smooth flow throughout the home. With three Glazing Vision secure by design flat rooflights along the roofline, natural daylight is allowed to fill the property and create an open space for the homeowners to enjoy.The kitchen sits under a column-free, steel rod hung mezzanine with acoustic damping which was rigorously engineered to avoid the reverberating noise. This creates a sense of enclosure to the kitchen whilst allowing CDC to achieve the fully flexible family / party space requested beyond.Two Glazing Vision electric Visionvents have been included to deliver a continual air flow running through the property and providing a constant temperature and source of natural daylight into the entertainment area of the home.To compliment the contemporary style of this house, a Glazing Vision Sliding over Roof rooflight has been installed, whereby the entire section of glazing retracts out onto the roof space, leaving open, unimpeded views of the sky above. When closed, the amount of glass is maximised to maintain an almost frameless appearance.“CDC Studio have been specifying Glazing Vision for a number of years and our clients have always been very pleased with the results. A combination of standard products and the option to deliver a bespoke solution means that Glazing Vision cater for all types of projects and affordability whilst products are well made and come with the addition of guarantees.” Delphine Dryer, Associate Director CDC Studio.The character of the thatched barn is emphasized by embracing its full height to the ridge, offering modest but usable guest rooms wrapped in painted timber boarding. These were identified for immediate family use, the height helping to overcome their narrow nature on plan, integrated wardrobes, back panels and pegs for hanging make them hard working spaces. A separate master suite spreads into the new volumes providing dressing, bathroom and a private patio area which offers the clients a place for quiet retreat when guests are staying.The house boasts its own private ‘Gin and Tonic’ balcony. The mezzanine space creates a private second sitting area with a concealed timber stair nestled between concrete sheer walls to provide access. It is quiet yet connected to the main space, and commands views to the west with a fully opening sliding over roof rooflight to let the outdoors in. A separate guest suite and shower room afford privacy to occupants and visitors alike.The extended roofline and orientation provide solar shading to the solar controlled west facing glazing with the careful positioning of rooflights to prevent overheating in the height of summer, plus water runoff is directed to a salvaged historical water trough which the clients will use to water the garden. The linear design is extended into the immediate landscape with water rills extending out like fingers into the wider area which over time the clients will begin to accentuate with their planting.This project showed the right combination of imagination and persistence, creating a home which not only fits in with the local village heritage but also manages to stand out and create a ‘wow factor’ for those which bask in its glory.“We have recently been impressed with their ability to comply with the secure by design requirements which not all companies seem aware of. We have used the fixed and venting rooflights on our Stacked house and Y house and a massive bespoke sliding rooflight on our Parkhouse which the clients adore.” Delphine Dryer, Associate Director CDC Studio.

Our client, One 17 Design, acted as Architects, Interior Designers and Project Managers for this superb project with involvement from inception through to completion. Their brief was to create a home office / garden room in the grounds of an existing detached home, which was done by extending the detached garage.The material palette for the garden room predominately featured oak and steel. Blackened oak cabinetry and steel fenestration provide a striking contrast against the natural oak frame and cladding. Clever detailing in the relationship between the oak frame and steel doors adds a contemporary twist. The bricks for the outside of the building were selected to match the brickwork of the existing bungalow. Bespoke Clement steel windows and doors from the W20 range were chosen for the project, including an interior door, fitted with reeded glass that leads to the bathroom. All handles were powder coated black to match the steel frames.The project won “Best amazing space” at the 2022 Northern Design Awards.Freddie Garside, Partner and Director at One 17 Design, said:“We and our client were delighted with the finished doors and screens. The narrow framed black steel doors complement the natural oak frame perfectly. Clement were very professional, efficient and responsive throughout the whole project.”Photography: Joe Cotterill

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

BackgroundIn response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Universityinvested heavily in transforming as many spaces as possible into video-enabled environments. The University quickly identified a substantial problem affecting the overall video collaboration experience in these spaces.Both in room and remote participants were avoiding the spaces due to the poor user experience in the spaces.The SolutionTK-Team immediately knew that the issues related to Reverbration Time (RT) post-survey, a detailed proposal was presented. The University promptly decided that they were happy with the proposed plan and agreed to proceed with installation.Optimised Room Performance with TK-TeamAcoustic PanelsEach panel has been customised in colour, to closelyreflect the University's crest colours, giving each space apersonalised look and feel throughout.Regardless of the size of the groups, the implementation ofthe new acoustic panels has crucially enhanced each spacefor both University staff and external partners.Consequently, the University has reported a substantialincrease in usage of the facilities by staff members, both onsite and remote due to the significant improvements made.Concentration and communication levels are up, and stress levels are down.The thorough before and after testing conducted by TK-Team enabledthe University to experience a noticeable difference inReverberation Time and noise levels in each meeting space. 

Style recently worked with contractor, AKP, to create space flexibility in AECOM’s new Glasgow premises. The addition of a Dorma Huppe Variflex glass and a Variflex solid moveable wall allow staff to create a meeting room within a main breakout area, as well as an additional meeting area near a social pool room and relaxation space.Both partitioning systems benefit from semi-automatic operation. The panels are moved into place manually, whereupon impressive rubber seals automatically expand to exactly the right pressure to create an effective acoustic barrier. With the glass and solid moveable walls boasting 47dB and 46dB acoustic ratings respectively, formal and informal meetings can take place without outside disturbance. AECOM, the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, has bought the Glasgow team together on one site at the new Bothwell Street offices. Reflecting employee preferences for more balanced choices when going to the office, the city centre location boasts Scotland’s first roof-top running track, spa-like shower facilities and over 400 cycle racks. Extending the focus on wellness to the workspace, the interior design includes workstation areas, break-out and sitting areas, individual booths for calls, open collaboration project tables, as well as a confidential project room.“We were delighted to have been appointed for this very forward-thinking and highly sustainable building, which has been formally certified by the International WELL Building Institute,” said Angela McGowan, sales director at Style Scotland.“The Dorma Huppe moveable walls are EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) certified in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN15804, which means they are a perfect fit for this eco-friendly office.”The glass Variflex moveable wall has a fully glazed single pass door, allowing the wall to be left in position for extended periods of time, with ease of access.The solid moveable wall features a magnetic writable surface on one side, and black laminate on other, making it practical for use during brainstorming sessions, training and workshops.

A mix of cultures and styles: this is how the various earthy looks of Atlas Concorde porcelain tiles define the soul of Zanzibar's Emerald Resort. Explore the project. White sandy beaches, a sea with crystal-clear waters that you can dive into to experience vivid colours and unique, unspoiled nature. This is the collective image of Zanzibar, an otherworldly place where the striking Emerald Resort recently opened. A space marked by luxury, intimacy, and cosiness where Atlas Concorde porcelain tiles were chosen for all the rooms. Different earthy looks are used in each room, producing a style capable of guiding guests on a journey between the sought-after vistas of the West and an exotic ambiance. Deployed in a number of different shades, from dark hues to softer tones, wood-effect tiles cover a variety of areas of the resort. The intense natural and authentic character of wood comes alive on the surface of the porcelain tiles, conveying the timeless appeal of the original material in a contemporary design. And so it is that the rooms, kids club, and some of the shops in the resort were transformed into spaces with a simple but welcoming aesthetic. Combined with stone-look tiles, wood-effect porcelain tiles are also featured in the Asian restaurant. The marriage of Western and Eastern culture, where the sophistication of an avant-garde style is combined with the allure of the magic of the Rising Sun. Stone-effect stoneware tiles reproduce the veins, shading, and suggestions of natural stone, creating a perfect synthesis of beauty and functionality. Used in different areas of the Emerald Resort, these surfaces create a contemporary look that blends perfectly with the architecture of another age. Completing the design of the resort are concrete-effect and marble-effect tiles. The concrete-effect tiles used for one of the building's restaurants create an industrial style that is both striking and practical. Tiles from Atlas Plan, the Atlas Concorde brand of large slabs, clad the sinks in the luxurious suites. The different collections used underscore the ability of the Atlas Concorde range to meet a wide variety of design and stylistic requirements. The final result is a harmonious stylistic mix where beauty coexists with technologically advanced high quality.

Altro help transform spaces for mental wellbeingIssueThe old unit was originally a hospital ward which had been de-canted and empty since the COVID-19 pandemic. This included bedrooms, shower rooms, and kitchens in an old-fashioned community hospital building.ApproachThe building was stripped out and architects Hypostyle were enlisted to re-design all spaces as part of the major refurbishment programme. These spaces included a reception and waiting area, treatment office, corridors, and therapeutic rooms. The local Altro specification consultant provided guidance on suitable products when considering infection control, hygiene requirements, and NHS standards, and local children and young people were consulted on the colour scheme. A natural, calming atmosphere was required, one that reflected the hospital gardens and nearby woods, and Hypostyle provided the internal design specification.SolutionTo create a welcoming, biophilic theme, Altro Suprema in a natural tone and Altro Wood adhesive-free were specified for the reception, corridors, waiting area and treatment rooms.Helping to reduce noise transference, Altro Orchestra with 15dB impact sound reduction, was specified for the offices. For hygiene and safety, Altro Whiterock White and Altro Suprema were specified for the bathrooms.“It takes a lot of courage for young people to attend CAMHs – it can be an anxious time for them and for one of them to say ‘This place is wonderful, it has made me feel better already’ has confirmed that we have achieved our overall goal to create a welcoming, calm and comfortable environment. This is now the standard we will be aiming for in all future projects.”Altro Whiterock White hygienic wall cladding is a proven, high performance alternative to ceramic tiles.Altro Wood adhesive-free creates maximum impact with minimum downtime providing a safe, durable and decorative solution for busy spaces.Altro Suprema is a non-sparkle, low-gloss safety flooring with superior stain, abrasion and scratch resistance suitable for very heavy commercial use, foot and wheeled traffic.Altro Orchestra provides 15dB sound reduction and comfort underfoot in a wide choice of colours and five designs.

Located in Earls Court, London, the Lillie Square development will eventually stretch from Chelsea football ground to Kensington Olympia, and comprises of over 800 multi-million pound luxury dwellings. The development will also contain London’s largest private residents’ club, which boasts a lounge, library, private dining room, cinema, gym, spa facilities and 20 metre swimming pool with jacuzzi.Lillie Square Phase 1 required the formation of a watertight basement to house the luxury private residents club serving the entire property development. A large portion of this luxury clubhouse, including a swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room, gym and function room, is below ground. The project therefore required robust waterproofing to protect the internal environment.Newton Specialist Contractor Stonehosue were consulted at an early stage to be part of the design team and provide a guaranteed waterproofing solution that would comply with the requirements of both BS 8102:2009 and any third-party warranty providers.The long-term partnership between Newton Waterproofing Systems and experienced Specialist Contractor Stonehouse has seen both companies partner on a vast portfolio of properties across the UK, and Stonehouse brought this experience to the table at Lillie Square.In order to provide the maximum level of protection, Stonehouse combined two Types of waterproofing in order to achieve a completely dry ‘Grade 3’ internal environment as per the recommendations of BS 8102:2009.The first of these products was the Type A, cementitious, liquid-applied waterproofing membrane Newton 107F, which was particularly suitable to this large-scale project due to the fact that it could be quickly spray-applied over large areas.The 107F was supported by the Type C Newton CDM System cavity drain waterproofing, installed throughout the basement area of the clubhouse, with four Titan-Pro sump chambers containing dual NP400 pumps, as well as Newton High Water Alarms, Inverters and Battery Back-Up protection creating a truly failsafe system.By working with Sir Robert McAlpine at the design stage it was possible to consider the lifetime performance of the structure as well as the cost in order to design and install thorough waterproofing protection.

In 2020, Hewlett Packard Enterprises relocated to The 210 Building, an inspiring office development in the heart of Winnersh Triangle. Working with architects, Perkins and Will, and BW Construction, Style was specified to create an extensive range of flexible space within the meeting rooms as well as a chic, collaborative working environment.Using a combination of 52dB Dorma Hüppe semi-automatic Variflex glass moveable walls, 55dB solid semi-automatic Variflex moveable walls and Style’s ingenious ‘working wall’ pivot panels, a supremely flexible and stylish training and meeting suite has been created. Hewlett Packard employees enjoy a contemporary environment with the freedom to rapidly change room configuration as often as required. The 210 Building offers 62,000 sq ft of newly refurbished office space, of which 31,000 sq ft has been let to Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Aiming to enhance the work/life balance of employees and staff located in the Winnersh Triangle, the Park offers a plethora of amenities including fitness facilities, cafes, open spaces for walking and cycling, an on-site nursery and even its own dedicated railway station. “This is a stunning installation,” said Julian Sargent, Style’s group managing director. “Everything about it is first class, making this a project we’re incredibly proud of.“The Variflex moveable walls offer top-end acoustic integrity, which means meetings and training sessions can take place undisturbed. The combination of glass and solid panels deliver a wonderful blend of privacy and transparency, while bringing a light and airy feel to the floor space.“The mix of fabric and writeable white board finishes offer a chic interior design yet a practical one too, and the pivot panels offer the perfect solution for collaborative working and break out groups.”Style’s agile, floating panel ‘working walls’ remove the usual barriers of meeting and training rooms, segregated work desks and cubicles, instead offering companies a space where individuals can group together, team up quickly on projects, share ideas and change their environment to suit the task in hand.

When Formby Point Construction needed to specify the insulation for The Gables, an exclusive housing development in Crosby, the project had multiple objectives. Firstly, the company wanted to go beyond the thermal and acoustic requirements outlined in the building regulations. Secondly, with such a large number of applications across multiple construction types, Formby Point Construction wanted to use one manufacturer and supplier to specify the correct product for each application. This would ensure ease of installation and ensure the project was delivered on budget.With this in mind, Formby Point Construction, consulted Formby-based builders’ merchant, Huws Gray, who referred it to Knauf Insulation.For the separating floor applications, Knauf Insulation recommended Knauf Insulation OmniFit® Roll 40, a versatile, non-combustible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification Glass Mineral Wool insulation that provides both excellent thermal and acoustic performance. Knauf Insulation also recommended Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 for the masonry cavity external walls, Knauf Insulation Masonry Party Wall Slab for separating walls to comply with Document E and Knauf Insulation Loft Roll 40 for the insulation of the loft.As well as considering the comfort of the homeowner, Formby Point Construction considers the welfare of its employees as part of its decision making. In addition to excellent thermal and acoustic performance, Knauf Insulation scored highly on this aspect thanks to the ECOSE® Technology, its patented sustainable bio-based binder. Products manufactured with ECOSE® Technology contain no added phenol or formaldehyde, and they are 70% less energy-intensive than products manufactured with traditional formaldehyde-based binder. They have no odour, are softer to touch, making them much more pleasant to handle and install. They have also achieved the best possible Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort, contributing to a high level of indoor air quality for installers and homeowners alike.Once the specification had been agreed, Knauf Insulation then worked with Huws Gray to price the project and take advantage of volume discounts. This meant that Formby Point Construction had some additional budget for insulation. The company therefore decided to install Knauf Insulation Acoustic Roll within the stud walls between all rooms, going above the minimum standard required between bathrooms and bedrooms outlined in Document E.Thanks to Formby Point Construction’s commitment to going above and beyond the regulations, and Knauf Insulation’s high performance Glass Mineral Wool insulation, homeowners at The Gables will enjoy quieter, warmer homes. To see how Knauf Insulation can help with your insulation needs, check out our Housebuilders Hub.https://www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/Housebuilders-hub

UltraTile are delighted to have played a part in the restoration of The White Swan – a pub based at the heart of Gressenhall Green, Norfolk.BackgroundThere has been a pub at the heart of Gressenhall Green for over 250 years but when the doors sadly had to close in 2018, and with the threat of the land being redeveloped for housing, the local community took it upon themselves to raise the necessary funds to transform their much-loved pub and reopen its doors once again.The ChallengeThe ‘Save our Swan’ community project has ambitious plans for the pub. Builders and volunteers have been hard at work stripping out the old fixtures, redesigning the interior space to provide more room and better facilities, and renovating the Cartshed to install a wood-fired pizza oven and dining area.The Gressenhall Community Enterprise have done a tremendous job in raising the funds needed to restore and revitalise The White Swan. For the project to be a success, and to ensure funds and volunteers’ time are used most effectively, it was crucial that the materials used throughout the restoration were reputable, trusted and guaranteed to perform.Dereham Tiles & Carpets, flooring specialists with over 20 years of knowledge and expertise, recommended the use of UltraTile for all tiling installations.The SolutionUltraTile was delighted to be part of such an important community project and was more than happy to donate 50% of the adhesives and grouts needed, free of charge.UltraTile ProLevel One was used to prepare the subfloor in the main pub and Cartshed, ready for installing the Jaipur Heritage antiquated limestone tiles with ProRapid RS tile adhesive and ProGrout Flexible grout.Formulated for depths up to 60mm in one application, ProLevel One deep fill floor leveller incorporates a blend of specially graded fillers, cements and polymers to offer a rapid curing profile for early fixing of tiles, even at thicker depth applications.ProRapid RS is a flexible rapid set tile adhesive specially formulated with enhanced adhesion and flexibility. These properties make ProRapid RS an ideal choice for use in wet areas, with underfloor heating systems and for installing porcelain, mosaic and natural stone tiles.Available in 12 colours to complement popular tile choices, ProGrout Flexible has been formulated using ColourShield Technology for a vibrant and long-lasting finish with all tile types. Polymers have been added to the formulation of ProGrout Flexible to increase flexibility and to provide a virtually impermeable set.Results“Brilliant, quality product that complements our limestone floor and adds to the character of our community pub”. Rosie Begg, Secretary at Gressenhall Community Enterprise.There is still work to be done at The White Swan but with the hard work and dedication of the local community, the doors to this much-loved pub will reopen for business around Easter 2022.

The Oak Cancer Centre at The Royal Marsden’s Sutton site is a state-of-the-art research and treatment facility, designed to bring the hospital’s 400-strong research team and its clinical care facility together under one roof. Specialist brickwork contractors, Lesterose Builders, were appointed by main contractor ISG to design and build the 2,800m2 masonry façade. As a result, they were responsible for ensuring the façade complied with the relevant thermal and fire safety regulations. The time and cost challenge The architect’s specification named a rock mineral wool product, but when Sam O’Keefe, Commercial Manager at Lesterose Builders, tried to place the order, there were two problems. He explained: “The first issue was availability – there was an eight to ten week lead time due to materials shortages. And the second issue was cost. We discovered the original insulation manufacturer had two planned price increases, and the extended lead time and phased delivery schedule meant that the Oak Cancer Centre project would be hit by both.” These two issues would not only delay the build, but would push it significantly over budget. So Lesterose Builders needed another insulation solution. Meeting the specification Lesterose Builders turned to Knauf Insulation, a fellow member of the Association of Brickwork Contractors (ABC). Knauf Insulation’s sales team looked at the specification and was able to offer an equivalent – 200mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab.  Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is a rock mineral wool insulation product with a thermal conductivity of just 0.034W/mK, which meant it would meet the U-value of 0.21W/m2K. It is also non-combustible with Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification, which means it will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. It is British Board of Agrément (BBA) certified for masonry façades at any height as well as for the broadest range of build-ups of any rainscreen solution on the market. This meant Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was suitable for use in the Oak Cancer Centre because it complies with building regulations that ban the use of combustible materials in the walls of relevant buildings over 18m tall. In addition to fire safety and thermal performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab offers excellent sound reduction characteristics. Crucially, Knauf Insulation was able to meet both the schedule and cost parameters for the project. “Once we had confirmation that Knauf Insulation could match the specification and deliver to the planned timescales and budget, it was then a case of getting the architect’s approval. This went extremely smoothly. We just made a technical submittal with the datasheets and environmental product declaration (EPD) and Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab was approved for use without any queries.” Ease of installation The seven-full loads of insulation were purchased through Parker Building Supplies. These were delivered to the site in eight phases in line with the schedule of works. The product is designed to be easy to install correctly. Superior robustness and durability mean it can be manoeuvred easily into place. And unlike some competitor products, it can be installed with either face of the slab against the substrate, speeding up installation and preventing incorrect installation. Furthermore, the natural flexibility of rock mineral wool means it adapts to minor imperfections in the substrate, while slabs knit together when tightly butted, eliminating air leakage that could reduce thermal and acoustic performance. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is also manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable, and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally friendly. Products made with ECOSE® Technology generate low levels of dust and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and have been awarded Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort (Gold) certification. Construction work is known for its challenges, particularly around budgets and schedules – but thanks to Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab, Lesterose Builders was able to overcome both these issues and meet the required specification factors for the Oak Cancer Centre. 

Tolson’s Mill is a grade 2 listed former mill close to Tamworth. This iconic and unique development consists of 51 new canal side apartments and 10 town houses all offering a bright and stylish finish. These apartments offer a unique waterfront lifestyle, blending tranquillity with a vibrant local community. Set right beside the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal the Mill is divided into floors of 10 apartments. The annex will be divided into a range of 2 to 4 bedroom townhouses making full use of the annex and its dual aspect, which overlooks the canal.Cellecta’s HiDECK Structural was specified by Crosby Granger Architects due to it being a conductive structural floorboard and having outstanding acoustic and fire performance and low thermal resistance.Brookland Group was awarded this 8,940m² contract to construct this refurbishment located in the district of Lichfield.

Dura Deck Flip® Composite Decking | Case StudyOver the past six years this Georgian property has been lovingly restored by Ciara and her husband Ben, including underpinning work to the foundations and a new roof.Journalist Ciara’s passion for the unique and creative really shone through in her design for her composite decking area. With a love for creamy based neutrals to complement the earthy red brick tones the house, she chose pretty Dura Deck Flip composite decking in the colour Weathered Cedar for the main decking area. UV resistance, scratch and stain resistant and with a Class C fire rating, it was installed on rot-free Dura Deck Aluminium pedestals and bearers for a low-maintenance ‘fit-and-forget’ decking solution.

Port Glasgow Shared Campus SchoolArchitect: Ingenium Archial ArchitectsInstaller: MoorconProduct: Shiluvit by OranitOfficially opened Spring term 2014 the Port Glasgow Shared Campus School is the first project of its kind in Scotland.The new school building houses both Port Glasgow High School and St Stephens High, as well as sharing its ample resources with the Craigmarloch Additional Support Needs School.500m2 of ‘Shiluvit’ panels in Nordic Pine were used across the atrium and second floor corridors of the new shared campus in Glasgow.The product was chosen for both its excellent fire-retardant properties as well as the brilliant acoustic protection it provides against spaces like this which would otherwise be affected by high levels of sound reverberation.

A stunning refit of a listed building overlooking Green ParkDevonshire House is a Grade 2 listed gem residing in Mayfair, and we worked with Bain Capital and TP Bennett Architects and their respective contractors on the refurbishment of the fourth-floor offices and their four expansive external terraces. The challenge was to find a decking solution that was fully compliant with the latest Building Safety Regulations while maintaining the aesthetic of this historic London property.MyDek’s Luxura – an A1 fire-rated composite – was chosen for the project as it seamlessly aligned with the building’s aesthetics while delivering a robust, enduring surface for the upgraded outdoor spaces. The roof terraces had a limited loadbearing capacity that could not accommodate concrete paving and Luxura emerged as the ideal solution, allowing for top quality decking that remained well within structural limits.