"brick block cutting services"

We were approached by a porcelain tile supplier who needed to elevate porcelain tiles around a new build property in Wales. Initially concrete was used to create a base. However the weight of the concrete bent the lintels. The installation proved very challenging due to such a dramtic fall over such a short distance, creating a severe 5% slope. Fortunately our ‘Balance’ self-leveling range of adjustable pedestals provided the answer. Our service team are on call to advise and support installing contractors throughout their project, including site visits.

Millbury Nursing Home is a purpose-built residential nursing home.The Development will consist of a new fully serviced single storey extension which will double the capacity taking it from 66 bedrooms to 132.The works consist of a new extension incorporating 66 single bedrooms with associated nursing accommodation, visitor accommodation, administration and staff areas, dining & living facilities & all associated accommodation to ground floor level with associated alterations to elevations. Being able to deliver this extension quickly and with minimal disruption to the current residents was of the upmost importance.

Amazon has invested heavily in its UK operations in recent years and more recently with the accelerated growth of online shopping, significantly increasing its number of warehouses across the UK. One such distribution centre is in Kingsnorth, Kent. This 34,000 square metre warehouse opened in 2018 and has benefitted from the installation of a Gatic Slotdrain CastSlot system.With its high-capacity surface water intake and high-performance loading capabilities, the CastSlot system from the Gatic Slotdrain range is specifically designed to bear load ratings of up to F900, which amounts to 90 tonnes – making it the ideal product for major distribution centres such as this. In an area where unremitting, slow turning HGV traffic is a major consideration, Gatic’s CastSlot drainage system provides reliable water management.“Gatic CastSlot was specified by global professional services firm RPS, to provide high-capacity drainage that had a discreet finish, within the service yard and car park for the distribution centre,” said Zach Graham, Gatic Area Sales Manager for London and the South East. “They valued the design put forward to them and accepted to take away unnecessary costs to client and project without reducing performance of the system.”“In addition, RPS have used the Gatic range before and will look to use the system on a design whenever possible.”

Escapade Silverstone is a unique new commercial development sat right on the edge of the iconic Silverstone circuit.This prestigious project is comprised of 60 residences, a club house and car storage.The development is due to be completed in 2024, ready for next year’s Grand Prix.It will operate as short-stay accommodation for both the major calendar events and for the rest of the year when people are out on the track testing cars, etc. Escapade guests will be able to enjoy all that Silverstone has to offer.Axter were involved right from the outset. There were lots of complexities with the project, due to the nature of the design and the architect’s intentions, so we were able to recommend different solutions for different sections of the roof.Our video case study shows the progress so far. It's such an exciting project to be a part of and it was great to see the finishing touches being made to the waterproofing works by Embassy Site Services.Wilotekt®-Plus has been used on the new clubhouse and our Ecoflex® system has been specifically chosen for the residencies.It’s been a pleasure to work with Escapade, HG Construction and Embassy Site Services on this project and we can’t wait to revisit the site next year to check out the finished development. Stay tuned for our next video.Systems in useWilotekt®-PlusEcoflex®

Established in Eastbourne over 130 years ago, W.Bruford is proud of its reputation for exceptional service, exclusive choice and attention to detail. They are recognised as a prestigious jewellers and pride themselves in offering the highest quality products and services. We wanted to do their brand justice by working closely with them to make their vision for their entrance come to light.Project Year: 2019Product: ASSA ABLOY SL500 Transparent Sliding DoorProject Background: Having worked with Innovare Design on their shopfront redesign, the client approached us to request a bi-parting all glass automatic door with side screens and pocket screens, and for the operator to sit above the ceiling and be the closest match to the bronze finish on their sign. As a high end jewellery store, both security and a clean and sleek look, were priorities for the entrance.Solution:FAAC Entrance Solutions installed the SL500 Transparent sliding door four panel system and finished the operator cover in a 50% gloss Light Bronze RAL Finish. The pocket screens were replaced by flush mounted EN16005 compliant safety presence detecting sensors which together with the 10.8mm glass and a dotted manifestation, contributed to an elegant yet safe entrance. We integrated mechanical bolt floor locks, and first-entry switch and last-exit push buttons for the use of staff. For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

The Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation Trust is looking to improve its Adult Mental Health Inpatient services and Dart Valley Systems provided products for its new Sherwood Oaks unit. The new unit aims to give patients, staff, and visitors the best form of services and level of care by providing single accommodation and en-suite facilities that will improve privacy and dignity for patients. The products provided for the project are as follows: • 72 x VR01-030 High security V2 basin with integrated backplate (not including sensors) • 72 x SH07-040 High security shower head 30 degree • 36 x VR01-072 High security WC pan less abled with grey top • 36 x VR01071 V2 high security WC pan with grey top • 72 x VR07-004 Washroom control system kit – for DVS High Security backplate & WC Our high-security and ligature resistant products are virtually unbreakable and create a safe solution within all mental health facilities. The Sanitaryware, basins and accessories are manufactured from GRP (glass reinforced polyester) which is cost-effective, vandal-resistant, and completely shatterproof. Complete with a high-grade polyester gel coat finish, GRP provides a more domestic and familiar feel to the room creating a more therapeutic environment for those requiring an inpatient stay.

Located in the East Midlands, Mountsorrel Quarry supplies the construction industry with large volumes of essential materials, which are used for construction projects throughout the UK.Due to an industrial fire which left a screen house beyond repair, a complete rebuild was required which included the design, supply and installation of safe, compliant access solutions.RequirementWright Engineering Group required four floors of open mesh flooring, handrail, stanchions and treads to re-build an industrial building at Mountsorrel Quarry that burnt down in November 2022, for the site to be back to full working capacity.SolutionLionweld Kennedy Group designed, manufactured and installed four floors of steel and GRP access solutions to the Mountsorrel site, enabling the building to be rebuilt safely. LK 20mm ball proof Safegrid flooring was required due to the height of the building and permanent access needed under each floor.Customer FeedbackLionweld Kennedy Group were by far the standout choice of all of the suppliers we contacted. From the beginning theservice was second-to-none, all items arrived on their project critical specified delivery dates, and the quality of the products were of a very high standard.Lionweld Kennedy Group remain a preferred supplier within the Wright Engineering Group due to the high quality of products and the excellent customer service always received.Luke Fagan, Construction Manager, Wright Engineering Group

Asset management firm, BAML has signed-up to use FireDNA’s Fire Door and Doorset Monitoring Software and Mobile App.With the introduction of Regulation 10 back in January 2023 which requires the owners of buildings over 11 metres to carry out quarterly inspections on all fire doors. The FireDNA software and Mobile App allows users to undertake on-the-spot audits and inspections, capturing the data in real time; the data is then stored and managed through the FireDNA cloud.The programme is being rolled-out in 10 developments across London, managed by BAML, including Embassy Gardens in Nine Elms, Wardian London’s iconic two towers in Canary Wharf, Royal Wharf in the Royal Docks area and the Brentford town centre regeneration project adjacent to the River Brent.“We are delighted to be awarded this contract and look forward to working in partnership with BAML.” said Tony Millen, FireDNA’s Operations Director. “Across the 10 developments, our FireDNA Inspection Partners will inspect, tag and monitor 25,000 Fire Doors using our Mobile App, making the inspection process efficient and compliance easier.”(About BAML – BAML is a property management organisation providing customer-focused services to residents in more than 11,000 homes across London. This includes managing the planned maintenance, capital expenditure programmes and financial accounting and onsite services).

West Lindsay Council sought out to build a new crematorium for the area, as statistics showed that 75% of funerals are now cremations. The £6.3m site is state-of-the-art and includes landscaped grounds, remembrance gardens filled with young trees and wildflower meadows, a reflection pool, a car park for 120 vehicles and ample space for further development if necessary; to include a second chapel if there is demand.The new crematorium will be welcome to all forms of religious and/or secular services. With beautiful views of the woodland across Nottinghamshire, this facility will help make a real difference to residents at difficult times in their lives.With the building itself boasting modern design, the chosen paving materials for the hard landscaping were chosen to help complement the rural nature of the area and make the best use of the natural boundaries.Modal textured in Charcoal Grey Granite and Oatmeal Granite were used alongside Myriad Sunlight for the pristine entranceway, working brilliantly with the warm tones of the building and soft landscaping in the surrounding area.Main contractor, Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd. alongside Haverstock as the architects, carried out the project.The result was a warm and beautiful landscaped area. The combination of sizes and colours create an unmissable entranceway that is modern and welcoming. The facilities are now open to the public to provide a much-needed service for local’s in a tasteful and well-designed environment.Images supplied by West Lindsey Council

We supplied 24,000m2 screed binder to our Smet Supported Partner, Fast Floor Screed Ltd. The industry experts pump-applied Südanit 280 Alpha Hemihydrate Screed using their fleet of Mobile Screed Factories in the new hospital complex, The National Forensic Mental Health Service (NFMHS) in Portrane. We supplied 20,000 m2 Rapidur® B5 Rapid Drying Floor Screed which was laid by industry experts, B Doherty Screeding Mobile Screed Factory).The NFMHS is a new state-of-the-art facility located 22 km from Dublin City in Portrane, North County Dublin. The project was awarded by Health Service Executive to the Joint Venture formed by OHL (50%) and OHL’s local delivery partner JJ Rhatigan (50%).The project, which commenced works on site in 2017, comprises the construction of a forensic mental health hospital, as part of St. Ita’s Hospital complex. It covers a floor area of 24,000 m2, not including the energy, maintenance, and gardening buildings. The new hospital will accommodate 170 patient beds, distributed as follows: National Forensic Hospital: 120 beds; Mental Health Unit for Children and Adolescents: 10 beds; Intellectual Disability and Mental Health Unit: 10 beds; and the Intensive Care Rehabilitation Unit: 30 beds. The construction project also includes the execution of spaces related to energy production systems, maintenance, and horticulture.

Bath and North East Somerset Council is the latest local authority to receive a network of the UK’s most user-friendly bike hangar design - the FalcoPod. Falco manufactured, supplied and installed four units complete with both smart app electronic access and manual key access to three residential areas across the borough.The FalcoPods were installed this winter as part of a two-year trial to provide secure, on-street cycle parking facilities for residents who don’t have access to private cycle parking, such as a garage or shed. The bike hangars provide secure lockable storage for 24 bikes and are located across the north of Bath on New King Street, Sydney Buildings and Great Stanhope Street.Each mobile app bike hangar and mobile app cycle hub provides Southwark residents with quick and easy accessibility via the users smartphone. The user registers for a place through the Falco Rentals website, downloads the app, is granted accessibility via the back office and then can access their chosen hangar within minutes. For users without a smartphone, a physical key can be supplied instead.As well as manufacture and installation, Falco is also providing a fully managed service with both app and key rental management for the residents and bike hangar maintenance on behalf of Bath and North East Somerset Council Highways and Infrastructure team.The Falco Rentals website enables Bath residents to look for free spaces in the bike hangar network, book an available space and pay online, all in one place. The Falco Rentals website also provides a useful video along with other ideas and tips on safely looking after a bike.In addition to the Bike Hangars for Bath and North East Somerset Council shown here, Falco also provides a fully managed service of Bike Hangars for a number of other Council’s including the London Borough of Southwark, the London Borough Westminster, London Borough of Brent, London Borough of Camden, London Borough of Merton and Brighton & Hove City Council.For more information about the FalcoPod Bike Hangar, the FalcoPod Bike Hangar service or your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080. 

The new year saw the start of a roll-out of the UK’s leading bike hangar design for Sheffield City Council, creating a new network of secure cycle parking across Sheffield’s Crookes suburb, located to the west of the city centre.The Bike Hangars provide secure, on-street cycle parking facilities for residents who don’t have access to private cycle parking, such as a garage or shed. The bike hangars provide secure lockable storage for up to 48 bikes and are located across streets within the suburb including Bates Street, Hadfield Street, Heavygate Avenue and Brighton Terrace Road.As well as manufacture and installation, Falco is also providing a fully managed service with key rental management for the residents and bike hangar maintenance on behalf of Sheffield City Council’s Highways and Infrastructure team.The Falco Rentals website enables Sheffield residents to look for free spaces in the bike hangar network, book an available space and pay online, all in one place. The Falco Rentals website also provides a useful video along with other ideas and tips on safely looking after a bike.In addition to the Bike Hangars for Sheffield City Council shown here, Falco also provide a fully managed service of Bike Hangars for a number of other Council’s across the UK including; Brighton & Hove City Council, London Borough Southwark, London Borough of Camden, London Borough of Merton and Bath and North East Somerset Council.The FalcoPod bike hangar as shown here in Sheffield, is a simple and effective cycle parking facility designed to meet the needs of cyclists who don’t have access to private cycle parking facilities. Operating like a giant bread bin, each hangar is a secure and lockable unit capable of accommodating up to six bikes each. The innovative cycle parking solution is also available with an App enabled smart lock, enabling residents to access the unit with their smartphone, eliminating the needs for physical keys and fobs.For more information about the FalcoPod Bike Hangar, the FalcoPod Bike Hangar service or your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080. 

Twinfix has over thirty years’ experience designing, manufacturing, and installing school canopies, playground shelters and covered walkways for education establishments, including nursery schools, primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and universities. Each structure is designed to fit and enhance its surroundings while providing the school with the type of canopy, playground shelter or walkway they need. Twinfix provide a full in-house service, from design right through to installation.Outdoor areas that are currently not usable during hot or wet weather conditions can be made into fully productive parts of the school or nursery. Canopies installed adjacent to a nursery classroom create an easily accessible area for sand and water play, while a walkway can give protected transit for staff and pupils between buildings at any school site.Golborne High School is a coeducational foundation secondary school located in Golborne, Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, England.The oldest part of the school was opened in January 1954 and today it is a trust school under the umbrella of the newly formed Golborne and Lowton Co-operative Learning partnership.Last year, Twinfix were approached by Parklands Services to design, manufacture and install three fabricated, lean-to mono-pitch canopies at the school. The canopies all served a different purpose: one provided cover for an outdoor eating area, provide shelter to pupils outside their classroom as they learn and play and to provide cover to parents and students waiting to enter and leave.The structures spanning a total of 162 square metres comprise of Twinfix’s innovative Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) roofing system, glazed with 25mm multiwall polycarbonate. The roofs are non-fragile in accordance with the HSE’s test for fragility ACR[M]001:2019, an important factor when installing canopies where children may try and access the roof. Each canopy has an aluminium frame, powder-coated to RAL 7016 anthracite grey.Being a one-stop shop for designing, manufacturing and installing such outdoor structures Twinfix are proud to offer a seamless service to any school or other education establishment looking for a canopy or walkway. The staff and pupils at Golborne High School are delighted with the latest additions to their school.

Sherwin-Williams delivers high-quality mirror coatings that reduce applied costs for seasoned mirror producer, Virginia Mirror Company.Virginia Mirror Company began producing mirrors for furniture manufacturers in Virginia and North Carolina in 1913. Now, it’s a prominent supplier of fabricated and stock sheet mirrors for residential and commercial construction throughout the southwestern region of the U.S.  As a leading producer of stock sheet mirrors, Virginia Mirror sells the majority of its products through distributors in the after-paint market. As an added layer of service, the company delivers all glass products to their customers directly, using its own fleet and loading process. The company’s most popular offering is its 42x120-inch sheets.“Virginia Mirror is known for its quality, craftsmanship and service,” said Lloyd Brigman, director of operations for Virginia Mirror Company. “From producing exceptional products to paying invoices and delivering products on time, these basic principles have been the foundation of our stability. They’re what set us apart from other mirror producers.”NEW & IMPROVED SILVERINGThroughout the 2000s, Virginia Mirror sourced its coatings from a paint supplier that eventually discontinued its mirror coatings portfolio, leaving Virginia Mirror in need of a new supplier. At the beginning of 2019, with quality, craftsmanship and service top-of-mind, the long-standing company chose Sherwin-Williams as its primary mirror coatings provider.“The kickoff discussions with Virginia Mirror centered around the quality of our silvering chemicals and paint,” said Tim Reilly, Sherwin-Williams mirror coatings technical sales manager. “They wanted to learn as much as they could before moving forward with our chemistries.”For quality, performance and application assurance, Virginia Mirror tested the Sherwin-Williams coatings on its production line.“After initial testing, we saw less rejection on the line,” said Michael Fain, plant manager for Virginia Mirror Company. “The chemicals just ran better. They were higher quality than the previous coatings we used, and the technical support we received from the team played a tremendous role in choosing them as our supplier.”

Closomat works closely with local authorities across the country, installing high-spec Changing Places toilets in community centres, car parks, information centres, leisure centres and other vital community hubs, as part of refurbishment programmes and new constructions.Closomat has vast experience in these areas, working alongside other contractors to ensure facilities are robust and meet all the required standards. The company also frequently works with local authorities to realise facilities utilising funding from The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, central government Changing Places fund, for which it is a preferred supplier.Closomat has installed Changing Places facilities for the following local authorities: Birmingham City Council - Birmingham LibaryBolton Council – Barlow Park Youth CentreBournemouth City Council – Bournemouth GardensBracknell Forest Council – The Look Out Discovery Centre, Swinley ForestCheshire West & Chester Council - Storyhouse in Chester, Sandy Lane Aqua Park & Play Area, Grosvenor Park and Frodsham StreetDoncaster Council – Civic OfficesHull City Council – Wilson CentreLeicester City Council – Haymarket Bus StationLiverpool City Council – Calderstone Park, Newsham Park, Croxteth Hall ParkNorth Norfolk County Council – Wells toilet block, Stearmans Carpark, Cromer Information Centre, Vicarage Street, North Walsham, Queens Road, Fakenham.Manchester City Council – Town Hall, Lloyd Street.Mid Suffolk District Council – Mid Suffolk Leisure CentreSolihull Council – The Core, Solihull’s flagship community building including library, theatre, art gallery and café/bars Stoke on Trent City Council – Stoke Bus StationTamworth Borough Council –Tamworth CastleTorbay Council – Festival Apollo toilet block on Paignton seafrontWarminster Town Council – Warminster Civic CentreWest Berkshire Council – Northcroft Leisure CentreWiltshire Council – County Hall in TrowbridgeFacilities at Calderstone Park, Liverpool; The Look Out Discovery Centre (Swinley Forest); Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre; Northcroft Leisure Centre, West Berkshire; Tamworth Castle; Warminster Civic centre and Wilson Centre, Hull, include the added benefit of a Closomat wash and dry toilet. These facilities go above and beyond British Standards, allowing them to support a wider range of users including those who require additional help with cleaning after toileting.

The Challenge Modern paving was required for a contemporary farmer market and restaurant  Crimple Garden Centre in Harrogate has increased its retail offering to include a food hall, restaurant, gift shop and art gallery. The vision for the new building was to provide an open plan artisan style farmer market and restaurant that comfortably coexists with the existing garden centre.  The modern building form was driven by its highly sustainable design with natural ventilation, northlights and its saw-tooth style roof adding originality to the scheme. A key point when designing the area was the importance of creating an identity which relates to the adjacent garden centre but gives distinction to the new offering.  A visually appealing external area was important to attract customers into the farmers market and garden centre. Modern paving that could withstand significant footfall was required to complement the contemporary aesthetic of the new market.  The Solution Artro linear paving harmonises the styling, lines and tones of the new building  Tobermore worked closely with the project team to ensure design aspirations were met. Crimple required a unique external area to align with the quirky finish of the new artisan style farmer market and restaurant. Tobermore’s Artro linear block paving was the perfect hard landscaping solution for the main entrance area.  Artro’s strength lies in its ability to adapt its look depending on the colour and laying pattern used. A unique look was created using a mix of two cool grey tones. A high percentage of the lighter Platinum was combined with a low percentage of the darker Carbon. Artro’s stretcher bond orientation naturally guides customers inside the Crimple building. The linear paving blocks offer a modern, hard-wearing surface that will withstand significant footfall and vehicle trafficking, if required. With accessibility in mind, Artro provides confidence with a low slip/skid surface in all-weather conditions. The smooth surface finish is suitable for prams and wheelchair users.  A featured walkway from the front row parking bays to the main entrance was created using Tobermore’s Mayfair Flags. The silver slabs feature sparkling natural granite aggregates that add to the scheme’s contemporary aesthetic. As sustainability was a key consideration of the project, Tobermore’s permeable paving option Hydropave Tegula Duo was chosen with its ability to function as a SuDS paving system. Laid in the warm shade Bracken, the contrast between the paving products helped to zone the pedestrian areas.   Tobermore’s granite aggregate Fusion Edge added the finishing touch to the project with its modern aesthetic.    

Glazing Vision has helped enhance daylight ina cleverly constructed London home using ourPitchglaze Roof Windows.New build projects in built up areas such as Londoncan be challenging, however Clapton Roadis an example of excellent precision and wonderfullyexecuted construction. Gauld Architecturehave created the perfect modern home usinginsightful architectural detail and two GlazingVision Roof Windows. The drawings called formodern architecture at every corner, from zinccladding to wooden interiors.A single storey doctor’s surgery had previouslybeen converted to a residential building, butunfortunately the home had very little floor area.The property overlooked a private garden behindand suffered from damp as well as a lack ofprivacy from passers-by, and so an upgradewas overdue. Previous planning applications toextend had been refused, and so an alternativeorganisational approach was needed to improveresidential amenity.The proposed works consisted of splitting theaccommodation over three levels, with thebedroom and bathroom a half level belowground, and the kitchen and entrance at streetlevel with the living space a half level above toenable views out over the heads of pedestrians.The split helps to reduce the massing and theasymmetric roof is shaped to minimise impacton the natural light to the neighbour’s windowsand garden behind.Construction commenced on the property, andquickly it was confirmed the boundary brick wallcould be salvaged from the previous structuregiving a familiar and robust public facing edgeand provides a desired sleek finish to the wall.The home also boasts crisp zinc roofing and wallcladding detailing, providing a smooth transitionfrom the exposed bricks to the first storey.The Pitchglaze Roof Windows allowed GauldArchitecture to achieve a seamless junction withthe folded zinc, with the glazing set on the sameplane to give the roof a pleasing continuity.Internally, the glazing is sized so the externalviews are framed only by the lined reveals,with the roof window largely hidden giving asleek finish. The Pitchglaze roof windows wereinstalled by the contractor, an easy installationprocess is guaranteed by following our installvideo or consulting our installation guide. Muchnatural light is captured via the roof windows,positioned strategically to ensure good andeven distribution throughout, while set flushwith the zinc to achieve a surface tension andpleasing solidity to the roof planes. These highqualityelements and considered massing resultin a greatly improved contribution to the street scene.“Glazing Vision helped give guidance on the interface between the roof window and a buildup thatwe were unfamiliar with. Our local Technical Specification Manager was very knowledgeable onintegrating the roof windows into the roof.” – Kevin Gauld, Director, Gauld ArchitectureThe minimalist interior coupled with striking exterior design meet perfectly to ensure a modernand desired look. The Pitchglaze Roof Windows solved a lasting problem with the home and wereresponsible for providing the client with the sought after amount of natural daylight.If you are working on a project which requires rooflights or roof windows get in contact with us on01379 658300 or fill in our contact form.

Featuring 20 restaurants, bars and cafes, the three-storey, canal-side destination is located within a 36-acre nature-filled landscape that has been commercially-reimagined, with designers using the site’s Victorian train station and warehouse buildings as inspiration. The nearby historic Lace Market, the epicentre of the world’s lace industry during the 19th century and now a protected heritage area, was also an influence on the Island Quarter’s architectural form.With the creation of 1,600 new homes and 6,000 office jobs included as part of the masterplan architects claim, that as a verdant archipelago, The Island Quarter is ‘setting the scene for something really different’ for city centre mixed-used developments. For this high-profile, complex project, IG Masonry Support was selected to design and manufacture 19 Brick Slip Arches that met the structural and aesthetic requirements for The Canal Turn building within the development.ChallengeIG Masonry Support was selected for The Island Quarter programme following its successful completion of similarly complex projects in conjunction with brickwork contractor, Lee Marley. Our brief was to design and manufacture 19 Brick Slip Arches, 17 at ground level, and two at fourth-floor level, of the site’s main building. The greatest challenge in this respect was coordinating the brickwork configuration of two deep-soffit arches, which were to meet at a 90-degree angle at the structure’s ground level corner.In addition, the siting and size of two large arches at the building’s uppermost level provided a potential issue.SolutionThe experience and expertise of IG Masonry Support’s technical team was essential to ensuring the 90-degree corner arches’ unique formation complemented the surrounding building work. Following extensive research and detailed assessments, a complex system involving a large volume of steel and brickwork was designed and embedded within the structure’s corner section, thus providing a suitable base for the deep-soffit arches to meet at the correct angle. For the finish, our half-arch solution combined with our innovative B.O.S.S. deep-soffit system, proved ideal.In terms of the logistical operation to install the two large arches on the building’s fourth level, we required engagement with Nottingham City Council to implement appropriate road closures during their delivery. Due to their size, the arches were delivered separately and once on site, were carefully craned towards the top of the building. This process was particularly challenging, as there was little space (half-metre) for the contractor to install the heavy structures into the correct position.Thanks to the design skills of our technical team in supplying a solution that was bespoke and precision-made for this application, the corner arches were an identical fit. They provided the impressive building with a unique feature and an aesthetically-pleasing finish. The prefabricated nature of the arches not only guaranteed their controlled and high-quality manufacture, it led to a more rapid and cost-effective installation, with the units being delivered straight to site for immediate implementation. This outcome would not have been possible with traditional brickwork and might have delayed The Island Quarter’s scheduled and much-anticipated opening in late 2022.

Discover the remarkable transformation of Draycott's Canal Side Cottages, a project that has breathed new life into six derelict 200-year-old cottages in Derbyshire. Led by the dedicated efforts of the Derbyshire and Sandiacre Canal Trust and local volunteers, this restoration project has not only created a stunning residential development but also a historical tourist attraction.Gowercroft products used:Chatsworth Sliding Sash WindowsMelbourne DoorsHardwick Casement WindowsRed GrandisOriginally built in the 1820s on the banks of the old Derby Canal, these cottages served as homes for mill workers and local families. However, by 1985, they had fallen into disrepair, on the verge of demolition. In 2017, the Derbyshire and Sandiacre Canal Trust stepped in to rescue the cottages as part of their ambitious plan to restore the disused canal and the surrounding area.With the vision of turning these cottages into a vibrant mixed-use complex, the Trust launched a £650k appeal. The goal was to create three 2-3 bedroom dwellings, a canal side café, commercial spaces for leisure companies, and a museum showcasing the canal's history and the lives of mill workers.ADDC Architects, renowned conservation experts, were entrusted with the task of designing the conversion. They skillfully worked around the intricate history of the original brick buildings, which had gone through multiple alterations and rebuilds in the 19th century. The architects aimed to preserve the unique character of the cottages while ensuring a functional layout suitable for their new purpose.The restoration process involved an incredible community effort, with local tradesmen, contractors, and volunteers coming together to bring the cottages back to life. The extensive work included clearing vegetation and debris, erecting scaffolding, reinforcing timbers, and salvaging original bricks and slates for rebuilding.One crucial aspect of the restoration was the installation of new timber windows. Gowercroft Joinery, a reputable local manufacturer with expertise in heritage and restoration projects, supplied the traditional Chatsworth sliding sash windows for the canal-facing elevations. These windows perfectly matched the original designs, featuring slim finger-jointed frames and Georgian styled glazing bars. At the rear, Hardwick casement windows were installed to maintain a utilitarian look consistent with the building's history.Crafted from solid Red Grandis hardwood, the windows offered both elegance and energy efficiency. The bespoke curved top casements faithfully reinstated, and Melbourne hardwood doors further enhanced the joinery and timber craftsmanship throughout the cottages.The restored Canal Cottages now stand as a symbol of the Trust's broader vision to revive the 13-mile canal and its surrounding areas. Once completed, the canal restoration will create a 25-mile cruising ring, connecting to thousands of miles of navigable waterways across the UK. It will provide opportunities for outdoor activities, such as angling, canoeing, and cycling while promoting wildlife conservation and improving the well-being of local residents.By being a part of this project, Gowercroft Joinery has not only contributed to the architectural heritage but also supported the revival of the Derby Canal, acting as a catalyst for regeneration in the city centre. The Canal Side Cottages showcase the perfect synergy between traditional craftsmanship and modern performance, ensuring years of comfort and enjoyment for all those who experience them.

Recent Home Office research and analysis of ‘trends in fire false alarms and fire alarm policies’ reported a decline in false fire alarms caused by malicious or accidental activation of manual call points due to the introduction of protective covers.Still every false fire alarm remains costly, disrupting schools and businesses, placing unnecessary strain on our emergency services, and reducing the public’s faith in fire alarms.Continuing to be the largest incident type, false fire alarms accounted for 42% of the incidents attended by fire and rescue services in England year ending September 2023 – fires accounted for 24%.Home Office figures show that there was a total of 3,030 false fire alarms caused by the “malicious activation of [a] fire call point/alarm” in England during the 12-month period, surpassing challenged hoax calls as the largest reason for malicious false alarms.Accidental activation remained a significant contributor, 15,609 false alarms were recorded due to the accidental and careless activation of life safety devices, including manual call points.With similar figures reflected across the UK, over £1 billion is lost every year due to false alarms.To recoup this cost, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service joined the London Fire Brigade in recovering costs from hospitals, airport and student halls with a poor false alarm record.Dangerously, false fire alarms divert fire crews away from real emergencies; creating unnecessary risk as crews travel at high speed to attend ‘emergency’ calls. The ‘crying wolf’ factor caused by frequent false alarms causes staff to become complacent and less willing to act quickly when an alarm activates.The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service recently changed the way its firefighters respond to automatic fire alarms in commercial premises to reduce unnecessary call outs from unwanted fire alarm signals.However, the reduction of unwanted fire alarm signals to fire and rescue services does not necessarily reduce false fire alarms and therefore may leave fire safety issues unaddressed. This may not only lead to disruption for businesses, but also to alarm fatigue for the occupants – conversely, successfully reducing false alarms will also reduce unwanted fire alarm signals.Repeated false alarms reduce the public’s confidence in fire alarms, contributing to alarm fatigue and a complacent attitude toward evacuations. Alarm fatigue occurs when a person becomes desensitised to an alarm due to repeated false alarms and consequently fails to react appropriately in a real emergency.As recommended in BS 5839-1:2017, manual call points can be fitted with a protective cover to prevent false fire alarms. The British Standard Institute recommends in section 20.2b, that: “All MCPs should be fitted with a protective cover, which is moved to gain access to the frangible element.“It is now recommended that a protective cover is fitted to a Type A manual call point to help prevent false alarms.”Consequently, Home Office research examining the long-term trends in false fire alarms found that the introduction of protective covers was a contributing factor in the decline of false fire alarms caused by malicious or accidental activation of manual call points.As the original call point cover manufacturer, Safety Technology International produce a range of protective covers, specifically designed to prevent false alarms whether accidental or malicious.The STI story began in 1980 with a challenge by a school headteacher who wanted to stop their false fire alarms. Founder, Jack Taylor, used his expertise in security systems to invent the first and original Stopper® polycarbonate protective cover. From low profile covers to outdoor and sounder models, there are variations to suit all applications.The tamper-proof polycarbonate covers ensure call points are protected without restricting legitimate use in a real emergency, a combination of optional warning alarm, flashing beacon and break seal acts as a deterrent against malicious activation.

First fully inspired Cradle to Cradle development in the Netherlands uses Accoya Cladding. The Bosch Siemens HOME (B/S/H) office, called The Inspiration House, is the first building designed for Park 20|20 (the first Cradle to Cradle-inspired full-service development in the Netherlands). The Inspiration House 20|20 was designed by architect William McDonough with Michael Braungart, the founder of the cradle-to-cradle movement. Accoya wood was chosen for the external cladding and windows because it is the only wood product that has achieved the prestigious Cradle to Cradle Gold Certification.

Ogilvy & Mather UK is a global advertising & marketing agency based in London. They offer integrated marketing solutions with a focus on measurable results. For their offices at Sea Containers House, extending over several floors, the project included high quality filtered drinking water systems for staff and visitor refreshment. The highly respected facilities manager Anabas said that they regard the product as very best quality and reliable with an excellent service package as back up. In addition, they said, the Billi engineers are professional, friendly and carried out the installation and commissioning efficiently and on time.

The original waterproofing on the Maternity Hospital roof had exceeded its serviceable life and begun experiencing water ingress, requiring urgent remedial work. Bristol City Council wanted to optimise the roof area by installing a high quality, long lasting PV array that would contribute to its Solar City scheme that aims to provide one gigawatt of solar power to Bristol by 2020. The installation needed to cause minimal disruption to ongoing work at the hospital and insulation upgrades were necessary to ensure the roof achieved the required 0.25 U-Value.

Victoria Gate is one half of Victoria Leeds; a beautiful shopping district, recognised as one of the premium shopping destinations in the North of England. The award-winning Victoria Gate opened in October 2016 and is a modern interpretation of Victoria Quarter, paying homage to the surrounding architecture. Artform were asked to supply a mixture of street furniture items to the prestigious city centre development. The products specified were the Parc Vue seats, with and without armrests, the Loop cycle stands and the Spencer litter bins. Artform also provided a full supply and installation service on this project.

Access flooring once again was selected for this major £12 million building in Cheltenham. Bathgate Flooring manufactured and installed over 5600m2 of Panels to ensure that this Grade A office space offered the maximum flexibility. Products Used BGM 600 Steel Encapsulated Panels Constructing this Office Development is well recorded with a time lapse video of the entire project available through the Gloucestershire Live news story. Access Flooring is used in buildings like this to ensure that there is easy access to the services if needed. Simply lift up the floor panels and all the cabling is visible beneath.

The innovative £26 million building at Edge Hill University, contains the University’s Library, Careers and Student Services, within its contemporary 8,000 square metre space. The original design included a roof terrace, which increased the outdoor space, with carefully thought out landscaping and additional seating for the Library. The FGP range, by Artform, was selected due to the co-ordinated design, including seating & litter bins. A key feature was the use of anodised aluminium frames, which offers a tough and durable finish, due to it being through coloured and not painted.

Howe Green’s 7500 Series Medium Duty Aluminium Floor Access Covers were supplied for the Nationalmuseum of Art in Stockholm, which is currently undergoing an extensive restoration programme. The premier tourist attraction required an access solution that was visually appealing, secure and of superior quality. The 7500 Series Floor Access Covers were fitted as duct runs in the museum. The majority of covers were infilled with limestone floor tiles while the remaining units have a visible concrete finish. The covers offer safe and easy access to cabling and other services located beneath the flooring.

The £27 million Art and Design Academy is the first phase of John Moores University campus masterplan. Rick Mather Architects specified 32 Stainless Steel Howe Green access covers, ranging from the 7500 Series to the 1050 Series, to enable easy and safe access to underfloor services in a number of locations. The panels were individually manufactured to match the size of the Charcon Appalachian stone floor slabs and to blend seamlessly with the surroundings. Featuring double seals, the access covers meet the highest standards of hygiene and security as well as being corrosion and maintenance-free.

A Grade II listed Royal George building in Knutsford was sympathetically restored to create a stunning dining venue for the Loch Fyne brand. During the restoration project, contractor A&J Interiors specified 4 of Howe Green’s 5000 Series floor access covers. The covers were required to provide an unobtrusive access solution to cover the kitchen’s essential mains services whilst maintaining fast and easy access for maintenance or emergency repairs. Blending seamlessly with the flooring the covers avoid distortion and prevent the risk of slips and trips – essential within a busy kitchen environment.

The UK’s first Palm Restaurant opened in Belgravia, London. Specialists in interior refurbishment, Fileturn Contractors fitted 5 of Howe Green’s 5000 Series floor access covers and one of its Visedge covers. The covers were selected to provide easy access to essential building services including plumbing and electrics. The 5000 Series covers were used in the restaurant’s signature hardwood floor of the lower level private dining area while the Visedge was perfect for the flexible flooring in the basement. Excelling in cleanliness, hygiene and durability, the covers are perfect for commercial applications.

Award winning developer Hill required a seamless solution to accessing concealed bathroom services at The Scene, Walthamstow and their Park View development in Sidcup. Howe Green supplied the Tile-a-Door+ Wall Access Panels manufactured in a bespoke size to fit Hill’s specific tile grids. The panels can be custom made to the millimetre and are supplied ready to tile with up to a 10mm thick finish, making the installation process quick and straightforward Howe Green’s Tile-a-Door+ panels ensure that access for any future repairs or maintenance will be faster, easier and cost-efficient.

The largest library in the whole of the UK was designed with the community in mind. The fashionable design was quickly accepted and turned into fruition. The building won the RIBA West Midlands Award and named the best overall building of the year in 2014 as well as being named “Building of the Year 2013” in The Architects Journal. Over 30,000, Grainger’s H Range, raised access flooring pedestals were installed here, by Carillion and Capita Symonds to provide a highly durable and decorative floor, under which cabling could be routed. Tucking all important services safely out of harms reach.

Delta products were used at ground level on a semi-detached property in Hertfordshire that suffered from severe flooding. After the flood at the Grade II listed property in Long Marston, restoration experts DJ Hutchings of Towcester was called in, and – in turn – they called upon the services of Peter Cox . Work includes the full strip-out of all wall finishes and the solid floor on the ground floor. Mass underpinning took place to all the external walls. Included in the materials supplied by Delta is the MS500 system applied to all ground floor walls and MS20 on the floors.

As one of the leading off-site blasting and painting applicators, specialising in intumescent coatings, Vale Protective Coatings strive to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. Using the latest coatings and techniques is integral to support their offer of ‘unrivalled service’ to their customers in the steel construction industry.With a history of supporting trials for new products, Vale were the ideal partner to test our new Hempafire Pro 315 Fast Dry.The purpose of the trial was to prove that Hempafire Pro 315 Fast Dry applies more efficiently, significantly increasing productivity, without compromising coating quality.

Chippenham Pit Stop is a family-run motorway service station on the M4, incorporating offices and modern meeting facilities. In order to complete the redevelopments, the site required a modern-design led carpet tile that needed to be fit for heavy contract use. Heckmondwike supplied its Odyssey commercial carpet tiles, which provide a uniquely creative finish to any development. Perfect for architects, developers and designers, Odyssey is a distinctive fibre-bonded carpet tile that delivers both style and substance. It can also be paired with Supacord for break-out areas.

ECLISSE are delighted to have been the supplier of choice for this prestigious development in the heart of historic London. The Westminster Quarter development comprises of 102 private luxury apartments, many with private outdoor space. Residents will also benefit from an exclusive gym, 24hr concierge service and landscaped courtyard and the roof terrace and roof lounge have stunning views of the Houses of Parliament and other iconic landmarks. Completion: 2017 Residential Units: 102 Construction Cost: £35.5m Architect: White Ink Architects Client: Taylor Wimpey Contractor: McAleer & Rushe