"mechanical cleaning chemical systems"

The scope of work at 217 Bath Road combined a full-scale structural refurbishment and fit-out of the internal space along with extensive landscaping works around the building.Landlords EPIC UK sought to revitalise the site into four floors of highly desirable Grade A office space — all to be done with a strong emphasis on sustainability.With a view to make the most of the available floorspace, a partially-filled atrium design was submitted by architects Stiff + Trevellion.Radii AG’s experience in providing structural glazed atrium solutions saw them work closely with the architects and main contractors Overbury and contribute their considerable expertise to bring the design to life.The initial atrium design at Bath Road was to be comprised of system partitions that were installed ‘slab to slab’, with spandrel panels then covering the glazing.After careful consideration, Radii AG proposed an alternative solution that would see all glazed elements and spandrel panels installed in one continuous plane.This evolution of the design would ‘value engineer’ the build and improve overall aesthetics by ensuring clean lines throughout.Furthermore, Radii AG were able to work closely with our western contracting office, who were tasked with supplying the abutted glass partitioning systems.The installation of free issue spandrel panels ensured a seamless aesthetic transition to the adjoining glazed partitioning from the industrial-style partition system.

Opened in June 2017, RIBA North is RIBA’s nationalarchitecture centre based at Liverpool’s Waterfront. Aninspirational resource for both members and the public,it plays host to a variety of architectural exhibitions andtalks.Because of the prestigious, landmark nature of theproject, Allgood was selected by architects BroadwayMalyan to deliver a bespoke ironmongery specificationthat would seamlessly integrate with the 2.4-metre-highglass doors in the front entrance, gallery and WCs.Allgood designed and manufactured bespokestainless-steel pull plates that were laser etched withRIBA font lettering in-house at our Brearley Streetfactory. The pull plates were required to integrate with arange of glass doors, which meant detailed setting outto ensure compatibility of fixing mechanisms with thespecific toughened glass construction, to avoid any riskof unnecessary strain on the glass material.Further bespoke elements included custom-made pushand pull handles that were fitted to toilet cubicles withconcealed fixings to deliver the desired contemporaryfinish to complement the modern aesthetic throughoutthe building The project is testament to the combined effort of thedesign teams as it involved months of collaboration andplanning between Broadway Malyan, the main contractorISG, and the specialist door providers, to ensure thechosen designs translated into end products that metmechanical compatibility and performance requirements.Allgood was involved at all stages, from inceptionthrough to the manufacturing and delivery. As well asbespoke products, the iconic Modric and Mode ranges- which are crafted from grade 316 solid stainless steel- were selected for their durability and sleek design.These were specified in the RIBA staff spaces, such asthe meeting rooms, offices and staff accommodation.

Altro wall solutions support fight against COVID-19ChallengeNew Jersey’s Holy Name Medical Centre was at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19, coping with an alarmingly high rate of new COVID case admissions. It became clear that for Holy Name Medical Centre to continue providing its patients with crucial life-saving care, their existing Intensive Care Unit (ICU) space would need to undergo an essential update.Approach“Our ICU was built in the 1960s and was in need of an upgrade,” stated Melissa Candela, Holy Name Medical Centre’s Manager of Design and Construction. “Our experience at the epicentre of New Jersey’s outbreak triggered an action plan to transition the outdated space to a unit with the highest technology, safety, and design standards, in addition to strong functionality.” The design of the unit needed to prioritise interiors that could endure frequent cleaning and disinfecting routines while helping to create a design-oriented space with a patient focus.SolutionHoly Name Medical Centre selected Altro Whiterock White and the decorative Altro Whiterock wall designs throughout the ICU to create a high design, hygienic space for patient treatment. Altro Whiterock is a hygienic walls system, providing smooth impact-resistant surfaces and leaving dirt and bacteria nowhere to hide. This is especially practical in the case of Holy Name Medical Centre’s ICU, where thorough cleaning is vital in promoting the safety of patients and staff alike. Altro Whiterock wall designs can be used alongside Altro Whiterock White to create a less clinical feel in patient areas.Altro Whiterock wall designs give elegance to interior walls while providing the durability you expect from an Altro Whiterock wall sheet.

With the aim of making a somewhat dated house welcoming and comfortable for a young family from Vilnius, the architect Ieva Prunskaitė of the Prusta studio redesigned the interior. The minimal, clean design combines functionality with beauty. Its focus is on simple lines and light spaces, devoid of clutter. Wood, plaster and cement are the three elements that are used throughout the house.The predominantly white walls with ECLISSE Syntesis Flush Hinged white doors contrast beautifully with the wooden flooring. There are also wooden accents across the white kitchen cabinets and wooden panelling defining storage areas and a cloakroom between the main door and the living room.The interior is also interspersed with accents of grey and black in the form of the black marble worktop and black chairs in the kitchen, the minimalist wood burning stove, grey accent wall and grey sofa in the sitting room and a decorative black metal screen with a geometric design separating the master bedroom with the ensuite.The minimalist style of the ECLISSE Syntesis Flush Hinged doors integrate perfectly into this interior being almost invisible, whilst being accented with sleek black handles echoing the colour scheme throughout.The ECLISSE Syntesis® Flush Hinged Door is part of the Syntesis® Flush Collection. This is a range of flush or architrave free products that work in harmony with each other. The collection features a, the concealed hinged door frame (available as a door set or frame only), pocket door system without jambs or architrave and a flush skirting board adapter. The emphasis is on uninterrupted, clean lines for an interior without fuss, where less is more.Architect: Prusta studioProduct: ECLISSE Syntesis® Flush Hinged Door

PROJECT OVERVIEWThe project comprised the design, manufacture, supply and installation of a new 8000m2 footprint of a highly specified Packing Facility. The brief was to provide nine GMP Grade D packing cells, each of which required strict temperature, humidity and pressure control to enable primary packing of pharmaceuticals in a clean environment with no risk of contamination. Each of these Primary Packing cells connects to a common, secondary packing area. OUR SCOPE OF WORK To meet the project specification and environmental requirements, Norwood proposed our 100mm Mediline Partition. Following a rigorous selection process, our solution was a preferred option over four alternative systems. Working closely with the client’s team and the main contractor, we designed and developed bespoke solutions such as Flush Coving, Fire Rated Vision Panels, Bulkheads and Half Height partitioning. Cleanability has been ensured through the hygienic finish of the partition panels and, in particular, by incorporating recessed radiused coving at ceiling to wall joints providing a smooth clean finish throughout the room. Our innovative acoustic ceiling combines hygienic, wipeable, sound absorbing materials and cleanroom grade panels which not only reduce environmental noise levels but also provide cleanable airtight surfaces. Within the open plan secondary area, partial height glazed partitioning was employed. The facility was built with future adaptability in mind and the possibility of increasing the cleanrooms to Grade C, therefore the Norwood Flush Coving was utilised in the spinal corridor and primary cells. Supplying over 7000m2 of ceilings and 6000m2 of partitioning, this was one of Norwood’s largest projects, delivered to an extremely challenging programme. 

XXL Sport chose the Urban Shalestone tile for the recent refurbishment of their Sweden store.Client feedback is that the new floor is better for their staff to work on, less noise, easy to clean, good reflection of light and the Urban tiles are quick and easy to install.

8300 SQM of Optima FC+, Optima FC+ perforated panels and Optima IPC (soffits) have been used in the completion of the 23-storey New Bailey building in Salford Quays.Optima FC+ was selected for a number of reasons on this project.Predominantly, it is an incredibly user friendly system – panels can be quickly and easily adjusted on site and the system can be fixed top down, or bottom up with individual panel removal and replacement. This makes Optima FC+ a highly desirable choice for designers and installers.However, the panels were specifically adapted for this project to enable a completely secret fix system, as per the architects vision. Therefore the top return fold was increased to 50mm instead of 38mm. This allowed for the security fixings to be completely concealed by the panel above, allowing the customer to easily fit the panels from ground up.Sotech worked closely with the design team and installer at the very early design stages to make this modification possible. The teams used a 3D modelling route, which allowed the customer to comment and make changes to the model without physical cost.Optima FC+ perforated panels were chosen as an additional aesthetic feature and Optima IPC was selected for the soffit areas as the architect requested a secret fix system.A bespoke window reveal and bracket was included in the panel design. This allowed for an extended side return which was used to hook on the panels and enable a secret fix. The Optima IPC system was perfect for this part of the design as it enables hidden mechanical fixings and is a cost-effective solution using 2.0mm aluminium.Black PPC aluminium was used as backing trays to enhance the appearance of the perforations, prevent views through the perforations and close off the cavity.Optima FC+ has been independently tested and certified to meet CWCT rigorous specification for rainscreen cladding and has been fire tested to BS8414-2 and classified to BR135 for high rise buildings. This makes it the perfect solution for Plot C1, now the tallest residential building in the New Bailey plot.Plot C1, which features a six-storey podium with an exclusive rooftop garden terrace for the wellbeing of residents, incorporates a number of sustainability measures including surface water drainage attenuation, minimising off site spoil disposal, reduced water consumption.The project has been shortlisted in the 2022 Facade Awards UK for ‘Best use of a rainscreen system using aluminium’.

The Northern School of Art’s new Middlesborough campus is a development of regional importance, a major focal point for innovation and creativity in the Tees Valley.Located on a town centre site, the £14.5m iconic scheme comprises over 5,000m2 set over three floors, providing a range of studios for fine art, textiles, fashion, digital media, photography and 3D product design. Its concrete structure with exposed thermal mass, moderates the internal temperatures.Seven Architecture were responsible for the concept and master plan at the new school. Seven Director Simon Parker said, “To ensure a distinct and striking design for this gateway scheme we have introduced glazed terracotta panels to envelope the building which reference the long tradition of ceramics courses provided by the School. They also allow for glimpses into the building via long vertical windows which provide great levels of daylight within the art studios.“Once inside, internal finishes will provide the perfect backdrop for creativity; an exposed concrete frame and polished concrete flooring, coupled with splashes of colour throughout, will create a simple and robust yet flexible space for the students. The design strategy has been carefully established through extensive user consultation and the collaborative nature of this design has created a true flagship building.” Design, build and installation working hand-in-handBAM Construction were design lead and main contractor for the Project. Bill Mordue Interiors carried out the installation of the acoustic systems at the school. Jon Day of the firm, “We were very pleased to be involved with this prestigeous and innovative development. The work progressed smoothly with support from the Rockfon team as and when required. It offered Rockfon the opportunity to demonstrate how versatile their ranges are and how successfully they could control sound within this busy multifaceted setting.”In addition to the various studios and offices housed within the building, Rockfon acoustic systems really earn their place in the workshops, canteen, library, lecture rooms, busy thoroughfares and entrance hall where the pressures of controlling and containing sound in each space offer their own unique challenges. Challenges Rockfon is happy to meet, as independent research shows stress levels are reduced by 27% and focus is increased by 48% by improved acoustics.Performance, versatilty and beautyRockfon’s Jim Lundy, “Across all three floors throughout the school a mixture of Rockfon Universal Baffles, Rockfon® System Eclipse Islands™ and Chicago Metallic™ Infinity® Islands were installed in a variety of larger rectangular formats, sometimes alongside slimmer shapes, to work with the services already installed around and above them. In some instance, lighting and air conditioning are fixed within the panels, demonstrating their versatility. Rockfon Blanka® Activity B wall panels were also used within certain spaces to further control sound and help create the perfect environment for students to study, create, collaborate and socialise productively.”Ideal for thermal mass areas or where easy access to services is required, Rockfon® Universal™ Baffles offer an elegant and innovative acoustic solution. They have a smooth, easy clean fleece surface encased with corrosion resistant powder coated steel in two formats – two end-capped or four fully framed edge, and feature a multi-functional clip assembly which enables several installation and suspension possibilities. Delivering up to 77% light reflectance and diffusion, they are available in white or a selection of colours.The benefits of acoustic systems – seen and unseenThe high light reflectance offered across all our systems optimises natural light, aiding wellbeing and helping provide the best working conditions whilst minimising energy usage and costs. Vitally they all also demonstrate superior reaction to fire due in large part to the inert volcanic rock (stone wool) which forms their core. This stone wool also means Rockfon systems offer no sustenance to organisms which can lead to the growth of bacteria seen in some other ceiling systems.Rockfon Eclipse can be used as ceiling islands and as wall panels. Eclipse can be specified in a variety of shaped formats with a clean minimalistic A-edge and almost unlimited custom colour matching. Quick and easy to install, ceiling islands can be suspended by elegant wires, rods or fixed directly to the soffit.Seven Architecture Associate Architect Dean Murphy, “We felt Rockfon had a clean robust minimalistic design approach for both the suspended baffles & islands which clearly complemented the simplicity of our building design. Rockfon product ranges worked seamlessly alongside our design ideals for this building and worked well with our budget restraints.”The Rockfon Blanka range is available with semi-concealed and visible grid options for use as a suspended ceiling or as wall panels, offering a wide choice of alternatives for installation and usage. All embody Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection and >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation 26dB-46dB. Blanka’s easy clean, anti-static surface prolongs product life and is non-directional, speeding up installation, saving time and money.Dr Martin Raby, The Northern School of Art’s Principal, “The increased visibility and accessibility of the School will generate benefits for the region and town, attracting more students and footfall. In turn, this will bring significant economic benefit for the area and help to redefine the image of the Tees Valley for inward investors, students, and visitors.”

IssueA rental property in Stourport-on-Severn needed a quick refurbishment, allowing the landlord to turn the property around for tenants who were keen to move in. The main areas to be refurbished were the kitchen and bathroom, both of which needed to be fully re-fitted, providing a fresh, clean home for the new residents. ApproachThe landlord had previously worked with Altro products and needed quick to install products, which would provide ease of installation, durability, and ease of cleaning. “We had received information about a new product, Altro Walls ShowerKit, and were keen to try it out. The house needed a quick turnaround as our tenants were waiting to move in. The installer was also keen to have products that were easy to manoeuvre, carry up and down stairs, and resulted in less waste” said S.Birch, Landlord.SolutionAltro Ensemble luxury vinyl tile in colour Pewter Concrete was selected for the kitchen, providing a luxury feel together with comfort underfoot and impact sound reduction.Altro Walls ShowerKit in colour Cool Mineral and Stacked Metro design was selected for the bathroom, partnered with Altro Wood adhesive-free in colour Post Oak. The combination of an Altro floor and wall results in an easy-to-maintain and safe space, giving the bathroom a homely aesthetic, with ease of cleaning and our Altro one in a million slip-resistance reassurance.

Our range play area surfaces are ideally suited to replace current turf areas that get muddy during the winter and dusty during the summer, with the benefits of providing a clean, safe, soft area for children of all ages to play year round.

Our range play area surfaces are ideally suited to replace current turf areas that get muddy during the winter and dusty during the summer, with the benefits of providing a clean, safe, soft area for children of all ages to play year round.

Our Thermopine® cladding, painted black, is the ideal companion to a traditional stone and slate cottage in the Scottish Highlands. The new elements of the home focused on clean, sharp lines, and painting the cladding black allowed for a strong contrast to the neighbouring traditional cottage.

Project DetailProject: Motel One – ManchesterLocation: Manchester Piccadilly, UKProduct: TS.9000 range of architectural closers for main reception and TS.3000 range of contract closers for apartmentsProject Description“Manchester has got everything except a beach,” said Ian Brown, lead singer of The Stone Roses. The city in the northwest of England is known as a party and music capital. Bands such as Oasis, The Smiths or The Chemical Brothers have their roots here. However, if you want to experience all the different aspects of this diverse city it would be best if you booked a longer stay at your cheap and centrally located Motel One Design Hotel in Manchester.Brand new and built in a very tight but friendly spot the Motel came as no surprise requiring a couple of door closers for its Hotel and resting overnight stay accommodation. The TS 9205 were chosen for heavily used entrance area and the TS 3204 were chosen for their bedroom doors because:They are supported by an established companyHave excellent right up and guaranteesVery easy and fast to fit and adjust making them the perfect answer for the contractor and door manufacturer.

Suma International Manufacturing Company fabricated 26 Halspan FD90 64mm for Jawaher Residential Building.Halspan 90 internal fire door blanks feature Halspan's unique 3-layer particle board. Specifically designed for the purpose, using a complex combination of chemical and engineering development, these blanks produce doors of altogether superior quality, strength and overall preformance.The Jawaher Residential Building is suited in Salmiya, Kuwait, and compromises of 13 floors featuring luxury apartments, a gymnasium, and a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the city.This project featured 26 fire-rated doors fabricated using Halspan’s FD90 64mm unique 3-layer particle board that is durability tested to severe duty and is suitable for veneer, laminate, or paint finishes.The doors were used in the primary entrances for all floor levels and are latched single-acting single doors (LSASD) featuring a wooden frame and solid red meranti lipping with beech veneer facing.This project was contracted by Main Contractor; Al Daleel General Trading & Contracting Co and was fabricated by Suma International Manufacturing Company.Photography courtesy of Suma International Manufacturing Company.

Armourcoat’s Acoustic Plaster System has been specified by UK architects Softroom for the new $12billion Istanbul Airport in Turkey. The facility will eventually fly 200 million passengers a year when complete in 2028, making it the world’s biggest airport.The stunning interior design for the Turkish Airlines lounges is the result of an international competition won by Softroom. The brief called for 19,000m2 of lounges that embody the national carrier’s new brand philosophy of ‘flow’ within the airport environment. The lounge design forms a passenger journey that effortlessly weaves the spaces of the lounges together. To aid the sound quality within the lounges, the Armourcoat Acoustic plaster system creates a seamless ceiling finish with a class ‘A’ Noise Reduction Coefficient rating. Its clean and smooth mineral surface adding to the overall design.In addition, the Armourcoat Acoustic Seamless Plaster system was installed as large island panels within the 55,000m2 duty free area operated by Unifree duty free in partnership with Gebr Heinemann. The area takes inspiration from the Bosphorus strait in Turkey, with seven sections each selling brands related to its theme including Emporio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Bulgari. Designed to optimize the acoustics of interior spaces, the Armourcoat Acoustic Seamless Plaster system comprises of a special mineral wool composite panel that is bonded onto the substrate and finished with a seamless layer. It offers an elegant marble based plaster finish while allowing sound energy to pass through the surface. The system consists of 80% recycled material, has zero VOCs and achieves class '0' fire rating. The system has also been granted the Quiet Mark Award - the international mark of approval from the Noise Abatement Society Charitable Foundation. Photography: © Büşra Yeltekin

Client: Highways Agency, England, with Northampton CC Main Contractor: Balfour Beatty Main Products Used: Emseal BEJSEmseal BEJS used to seal Parapet & Wing wall joints on the new A45 Dodsmoor Bridge in Northamptonshire:This new bridge forms part of the A45 Daventry Link Road at Dodmoor in Northampton, where the wing-wall joints and the parapet joints with the precast elements provided a challenge for the engineers. These joints had to be able to accommodate the anticipated high levels of movement, but the site measured widths of the joints varied from around 25-30mm up to around 100mm. The potential movement, including movement in different planes, their variable form and dimensions, were too much for any ‘normal’ preformed joints, or extruded, gun-applied, so-called ‘mastic’ joint sealants to be used. This is clearly evidenced in the inset picture, where the specified extruded sealant was already seen to be failing under this loading. Additionally, the wing-wall joints were to be back-filled with a watertight seal. Following previous experience with difficult and complex movement jointing requirements, the Balfour Beatty engineers discussed the situation with NCC and the Emseal BEJS System was identified as an ideal solution. Emseal BEJS is available in different widths that can also be precompressed further for ease of installation, it is fast and easy to install, plus importantly requires no invasive mechanical fixings.

1,500/M2 3mm Aluminium 1050 Grade H14 in Optima FC and Optima TFC systems has been used in the completion of the striking Onyx Building, Lancaster Circus in Birmingham. Optima FC was selected as the client required a hook-on cladding system with secret fixings for the main extent of the face. Optima TFC was then used in a mechanical fix for the slatted window cover panels due to barrier loading requirements.The building, which has been designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, comprises of two bold, angular towers with sharply defined ‘razor’ edges and a smooth, highly detailed, gloss black finish, rising 13 and 24 storeys respectively. The towers are anchored by a middle section rising to 10 storeys and finished with a traditional, matt brick with defined window reveals and texture.The Optima FC & Optima TFC systems were used with bespoke detailing where the main façade (Optima FC Hook On) met with a slatted window cover panel (Optima TFC).Sotech and Axalta Coatings created colour matches to Alucobond 887 & Alucobond 888 Metallics to allow this project to proceed via a powder coating route.Now available for students, the 1025 building occupies one of the most prominent sites in the heart of Birmingham City, positioned between Vesey Street, Lench Street and New Town Row.TESTIMONIALSJamie Smith, Estimator:“It’s an eye catching building in a busy area of Birmingham. The mixture of Axalta 887 & Axalta 888 Metallic is almost alien against the traditional brick and terracotta buildings within its proximity.Phil Fisk, Axalta:“The striking, dark colours chosen for this project were bespoke metallic products bonded to gain the highest application stability. Manufactured using Axalta’s Super-durable Polyester resins incorporating higher grade pigments and stabilisers, the enhanced coating provides outstanding exterior durability as well as looking aesthetically impressive”.

When undertaking a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) maintenance and upgrade contract on a North Sea offshore platform, RBG Limited identified that critical noise levels were apparent in a range of working areas.Investigating the issue, RBG Ltd commissioned environmental sound testing, which revealed that ambient noise exceeded a specified minimum of 55dB (A) throughout the electrical workshop, store room, hydraulic workshop, subsea office and mechanical workshop, reaching its highest levels of 88-96dB (A) in the mud pit room. Additional noise generated by operating pumps, cranes and machinery would further increase the noise levels in these areas.As such, RBG Ltd needed to source a high performance industrial acoustic solution that would sufficiently reduce the noise contamination and make the working environment acceptable.Seeking expert industrial acoustics advice, RBG Ltd briefed CMS Acoustics on the project parameters, who responded with a bespoke ISO Acoustic Enclosure Panel system design.The SolutionThe ISO Enclosure Panel is a prefabricated sound reduction system, designed to create noise-protected structures in industrial environments. A self-supporting and robust construction, it offers the additional benefit of a short assembly time, facilitated by the panels being lightweight and easy to handle.The industrial acoustics technical team at CMS Acoustics calculated that a combination of 50mm and 100mm thick ISO Enclosure Panels would be required to achieve the specified noise reduction in the different areas. Depending on panel thickness, fire resistance ranging from 30 minutes to two hours can be achieved.For RBG Ltd, CMS Acoustics manufactured the panels in white and supplied them in ready to assemble kits clearly labelled according to area for installation. Some panels were manufactured to allow removal for maintenance while others were designed to be stud welded to external walls.To increase system robustness, CMS Acoustics integrated acoustic doors and vision panels into the ISO Enclosure design.

The Cyclepods Canterbury 40 Bike Compound is a secure facility for bikes with the ability to add extension units to suit most spaces. Shelter manufactured from hot dipped steel Galvanised 50 x 50 box section to BSEN ISO1461 Transparent PET 4mm roof Optional Transparent PET 4mm sides Aluminium fixing straps Anti-climb end panels No crawl under perimeters Angled roof Rear security panel Front security swinging gate Padlock/Hasp locking mechanism BREEAM AND CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES COMPLIANT This cycle compound can help contribute towards gaining ENE8 Cycle storage credits when used in the appropriate situation

The Cyclepods Canterbury 20 Bike Compound is a secure facility for bikes with the ability to add extension units to suit most spaces. Shelter manufactured from hot dipped steel Galvanised 50 x 50 box section to BSEN ISO1461 Transparent PET 4mm roof Optional Transparent PET 4mm sides Aluminium fixing straps Anti-climb end panels No crawl under perimeters Angled roof Rear security panel Front security swinging gate Padlock/Hasp locking mechanism BREEAM AND CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES COMPLIANT This cycle compound can help contribute towards gaining ENE8 Cycle storage credits when used in the appropriate situation

TRC was appointed as principal contractor by Barker Associates in May 2019, to carry out specialist sash window restoration works.Trinity Primary Academy is a primary school located in Bounds Green Road, Wood Green, London. It was built in 1899 by Mitchell and Butler and consists of yellow brick and red brick dressings, tiled roofs, irregular fenestrations, and sash windows that give away its Queen Anne Revival style. It's currently categorised as a Grade II Listed building with Historic England, and is part of the Academies Enterprise Trust.Nature of the worksAs the building was Grade II listed, timber window repairs had to be sympathetic and complementary to the historic nature of the property. Many of the existing timber sash windows were inoperable due to the build-up of decorative coatings, timber degradation, and defective and broken sash window ironmongery, as well as opening mechanisms. The requirement was for the windows to be fully refurbished, repaired and operational as originally intended, but also modified to meet health and safety requirements.Phase one of the refurbishment of 200 sash and timber casement windows commenced on the area needing most attention: the west elevation of the building. Following the success of phase one, the client team extended TRC’s appointment to continue around the remainder of the building, systematically completing all other windows, door and roof light refurbishments.This overall refurbishment project included:Stripping back the existing paint from the historic sash windows and repairing any decayed timber.Repairing glazing as and where necessary.Improving the thermal and acoustic containment by installing draughtproofing.Repainting windows and installing ironmongery.Undertaking brick and stone repairs to the building’s exterior.This project also required our specialist attention on some specific areas of traditional glazing. This aspect of the project required the repair and refurbishment of all four oriel bay windows and the oriel bay glazed roofs. Completion included the supply and fixing of new safety glazing and hardwood timber roof rafters, along with the repair and refurbishment of the two existing openable roof lights. The supply and fixing of new code 4 lead flashing, with lead wedges, was also carried out and fully pointed with the correct cement mortar at the wall abutment.Additional detailed work throughout the project included the following:Removal of all existing fitted window blinds for refixing upon completion of works.Removal and repair of existing window ironmongery, including original mechanical winding gear, solid bar opening mechanisms, locking fasteners, slide bar restrictors, cable restrictors, handles and stays.Careful removal and repair of all internal fixed-glazed hopper units, casements and pivot openings.Removal and replacement of all cracked and broken glazing, and replacement of the existing Georgian wired-glazing, with 6mm safety glass or 4mm polished plate glass to areas up to 1.2m height from floor level. Where privacy was required, white opaque glass with thickness in accordance with above was used.Removal and replacement of all loose and defective glazing putties, and removal of all flaking, loose and built-up paint coatings.Exposure of all timber rot and decay ready for repair with Repair Care Systems products, followed by sanding and priming ready for decoration.Vertical sliding sashes repaired, refurbished and rehung on new sash cords and weights, and adjusted as needed. Sashes were routed to accept new brush pile weather stripping. New parting beads and staff beads were serviced with brush pile weather stripping where appropriate.Final internal and external decoration was carried out using Dulux or Leyland trade paints, allowing for one undercoat and one gloss finish.

A recent upgrade to the prestigious Empress State Building for the Metropolitan Police was conducted by main contractor, Overbury.As part of the works, stainless steel shelving by GEC Anderson was specified to the vistor’s property store room. The room was very irregularly shaped and so the shelving (5 tiers of 500mm wide shelves) was specially made to suit. A total of 75 metres of shelving was supplied and installed by GEC Anderson for specialist sub contractor, BA Joinery.

The chosen colours for the brighter abstract paving zones are from our very own recycled glass range called Spectrum®, the glass chippings are of the smallest size available and average around 3mm. The recycled glass is always tumbled (no shape edges) before colour coating begins which is completed in-house to guarantee a colour consistency and UV stability.The striking and fun paving zones SureSet installed feature four bright colours of;Lemon and limeTutti fruityAquaUltramarine blue.The colours were separated using straight aluminum edging provided by our supplier Dural UK Ltd. To keep it fun and interesting triangular shapes were incorporated into the design. These increate areas of abstract triangles were installed by hand using a hand float, to ensure the coloured resin bound glass had the best finish.

The Northern Hub required improved and increased train services via direct links between Manchesters Three mainline stations and a new direct link to Manchester Airport. SureSet helped redevelop these areas by installing two mixes of Resin Bound Paving to run next to the viaduct, which also includes entrances to step areas and ramp ways. The colour Tuscan Barley Butter a dark red mix with tones of gold and yellow, and Bronze which has more browns and greens, were then used in conjunction with a traditional concrete slab. SureSet provides a durable, accessible, low maintenance surface that will last.

The Wilberforce Trust is a charity dedicated to helping and empowering those with sight and hearing loss and impairment in the York and North Yorkshire area to live fulfilling and independent lives. The Trust had tenants in community based supported housing and family homes around York but wanted to deliver an innovative ‘extra care’ housing scheme designed especially for people with a visual impairment and other disabilities; the first of its kind in the area.Wilberforce House offers 30 one-bed, open-plan purpose-built, self-contained apartments along with a Living & Learning Zone – providing education and leisure activities – a courtyard cafe and offices for the Trust itself, all set in four acres of accessible landscaped gardens, including a large sensory garden. The apartments utilise smart home and assistive technology personalised to their lifestyle needs.A consultant was employed to review the development’s plans with regard to fire safety. His report included recommendations for additional fire safety measures including the ability for cooker hobs to be switched off by an alarm, as kitchen fires are a significant risk with 50% of all accidental house fires starting in the kitchen. WHY THE FIRECHIEF KITCHEN STOVE GUARD? The initial solution proposed was costly as it meant hob alarms would need to be hard wired into each apartment’s fuse board. Damian Pocknell, Head of Housing, Facilities & IT at the Wilberforce Trust recalled having seen and read about the Firechief Kitchen Stove Guard and realised that this would be much more cost effective. The fire consultant agreed and subsequently signed off on the Kitchen Stove Guard as the approved solution.  

Over 200 Optima windows and doors from Profile 22 were installed in an £11 million community hub in Leeds city centre.Westerton Walk in Leeds city centre is an extra care housing development comprising 63 one- and two-bedroom flats with care services, shared lounges and dining facilities. It has been built on a vacant Leeds City Council-owned site and has createda dynamic community hub.

Optima windows were chosen for the construction of 18 houses, 38 flats and two retail units as part of a regeneration scheme in Maidstone, Kent. Housing association Golding Homes has invested £50m in a three phase regeneration project to transform and improve the former Park Wood estate in Maidstone. The scheme involved providing over 200 new homes, mainly family houses, as well as new community facilities including new shops, and a much wider package of investment to improve the local area.

Products: Flexi light – Flexi Base & Extender frames, Flexi heavy – Ahu Frameworks, Flexi everyday – Duct, pipe and electrical containment. Services: VRF Condensers & Air handling units. Roof build-up: Warm roof design – PIR/PUR insulation with PVC/TPO field membrane. Supplied via a wholesaler in Cardiff, our hot dip galvanised frameworks were supplied in lengths and widths to suit each unit being supported. With all products available from stock, the contractor ordered frameworks in stages, to suit the phased project programme, and eliminated having to find space within an already restricted working environment for everything to be delivered at once.

The brief for this project was to design, supply and install a bespoke and sympathetic waterproofing solution to a Grade II listed, commercial structure with an impractical damp basement.Delta Registered Installers, MacLennan Waterproofing worked closely with the Principal Contractor, HB Projects to achieve a Grade 3 habitable space whilst preserving this historic structure.The Co-op shop in Petworth Village, provides the local community with everything they need, whether its household essentials or a place to meet friends.The site incorporates two Listed Buildings, including part of a Listed Church. The store applied for listed building consent to reconfigure its ground and basement floors, to increase the retail floor space and improve the functionality of the store.When designing a waterproofing/damp proofing solution in a historic building or a structure of architectural interest, additional design considerations should be employed during the design stage to maintain preserve aesthetic and structural integrity of the structure/building. The waterproofing design should be sympathetic in application whilst offering a robust solution.Care consideration should be applied when specifying products to ensure they are ideally suited for meeting the complexities of listed building requirements.

Products: Flexi access. Services: Bespoke access ramp solution. Roof build-up: Warm roof design / TPO/PVC membrane. Pump House recently supplied an external rooftop access ramp solution for a proposed route out of a building down onto the flat roof. The solution was fully adjustable against typical flat roof falls, and did not penetrate the waterproofing below. Steelwork was hot dip galvanised whilst landings were a non-slip 8mm thick GRP sheet to provide great slip resistance. Supplied with full handrail and kick plates to all exposed sides, to ensure safe passage of pedestrians and cargo.

Delta Registered Installers Timberwise (UK) Limited were called upon to offer a waterproofing design to this Grade II Listed property to meet the requirements of BS 8102:2009 to achieve a dry habitable living space, defined as a grade 3 environment.

The Riverside development in Rochdale includes two nine storey apartment blocks comprising a mix of 240 one- and two-bedroom properties for private rent. The Rochdale town centre Riverside regeneration project also includes a 147-bedroom hotel and 43,000 square feet of office space. The Fire regulations which apply to high-rise living accommodation meant that the kitchens in the apartments would require a fire suppression unit complete with sprinklers to be fitted. These units need to be installed and maintained by a specialist engineer and can also cause damage within a property should they be activated due to a fire.  Therefore, the Firechief Kitchen Stove Guard was chosen as an alternative, unobtrusive design-led fire prevention solution. 

Creating easy access to the garden is often the dream for many homeowners. Opening the space and enjoying fresh air has, thanks to programmes like Grand Designs, become ever popular. Kestrel came up with a solution for their discerning client.

The former Gaumont Palace Theatre, a grade II listed building had been given a second life to become the Ellen Terry building for Coventry University. Kestrel Aluminium together with HTL Windows and Doors took on the project to give the building a fresh look and combine the historic style with the modern touch. As the building is a remembrance from the golden age of cinema the vital part was to create an elegant run of doors which matched the original façade using modern, thermally broken commercial entrance doors.

Perry Hall Academy, a large primary school built in 1949, with original waterproofing still in-situ. IKO assisted the Academy funding bid by providing a detailed survey report, including intrusive core sample analysis. The roofs were suffering from water ingress, cracks in the mastic asphalt, pooled water and poor heat retention, so decision was made to replace the roofs throughout. New rooflights were also specified to allow more natural light in while the design chosen reduced the external noise transmission. IKO worked with specifier Concept Education Services to deliver the project (some work during term-time) within 6 months.

Project: Hotel, Spa La Bastide de Tourtour, Tourtour, France