"natural insulation products"

Positioned at the end of Stansted Airport runway, is a brand-new College which opened its doors for the first time in September 2018. With just one runway serving all take off and landings, and the college’s location not far from the end of it, noise was a big concern. Selectaglaze helped provide a tailor-made solution with secondary glazing. It is the most effective method of acoustic insulation for windows in extremely noisy areas. Selectaglaze installed 32 units across the college with their Series 10 - 2 and 3 pane horizontal sliders and a Series 41 casement door.

Following years of neglect, the Grade II Listed Fellowship, Bellingham - London has undergone a huge transformation and in June 2019 reopened as the ‘Fellowship and Star’. Harking back to its history as a music and entertainment venue, it has a new cinema, theatre, concert space, pub; and is also home to charity ‘Lewisham Music’. To prevent the ingress of traffic noise from a busy thoroughfare outside and to prevent noise outbreak from the concerts and music lessons, 32 secondary glazed acoustically insulating units were manufactured and installed by Selectaglaze, to improve the performance of the original crittal windows.

Gateway 12 is multi-million pound industrial development on a c.16-acre site located three miles to the South West of Gloucester, adjacent to the A38 dual carriageway and just one mile form Junction 12 of the M5.For the main structure of the buildings Trisobuild® R32 was used for the roof and Trisobuild® C32 was installed vertically on the walls; Trisobuild® HR50 was used horizontally at the higher level for the soffits in Merlin Grey. The offices area wall elevations were constructed using Trimapanel® insulated panel system.

In the development of the fenestration and curtain wall systems for Great Marlborough Street Reynaers worked closely with envelope contractors Baris Facades in order to develop no fewer than 6 bespoke cap profiles. One ensured that the insulated aluminium panels, which are a feature of the building, glazed flush with the curtain wall cap profiles. Another feature of Students Castle is the distinctive protruding box detail around the windows of the towers headed by aluminium louvre panels accommodated by bespoke capping. Further bespoke elements facilitate the omission of mullions on certain window positions, as part of the distinctive design.

This was a major refurbishment and landscaping project for an office development in the City of London. A podium deck had been re-waterproofed and the area landscaped, by contractor Scotscape, with a mixture of hard surfaces, grass lawns, planters and borders. Wallbarn has a very wide range of pedestals for a variety of applications. So we were able to supply exactly the right pad to best support the 6 x 2” joists the landscaping contractor needed to hold their decking boards. The timber joists were fixed into a frame and rigid insulation placed into the cavities between the beams.

Barr Gazetas worked closely with BW: Workplace Experts and Glazing Vision on the remodelling of this contemporary yet classical office building which involved creating an accessible private terrace for staff and clients to enjoy the views of central London, as well as providing the 6th floor with natural daylight. Utilising a terrace in densely populated areas such as London is a great way to provide a building with more accessible space. Originally the 6th floor offered 2,821 sq ft of space, but with the addition of the terrace area, this increased to 3,790 sq ft.Not only does an accessible terrace supply you with extra room, but, in London, the presence of a roof terrace typically adds 12% to the value of a property, rising to as much as 25% in coveted Chelsea. Other benefits of access rooflights include improved natural ventilation, control of interior temperatures, and the result is also beneficial to the aesthetics of a building such as 6 Duke Street. Barr Gazetas chose Glazing Vision not only due to our vast experience in designing and manufacturing access rooflights, but also for our ‘start to finish’ service. All of our rooflights are designed and manufactured at our HQ in Diss, and we even offer an installation service via our sister company, Glazing Renovations, which provides our clients with peace of mind.Box rooflights are a great way to gain easy access to any roof terrace. Operated at the touch of a button, the user simply climbs the stairs whilst the rooflight is retracting into its open position and walks straight out onto the terrace. Our three wall box configuration is one of the most popular and can offer an almost seamless integration into the fabric of your building. On this particular project, the sliding section when open provides a clear opening of 1927mm on the left side when viewed from the outside and is glazed on the front and top with a built-in fall of 3 degrees, and mounted to walls at the rear and two sides. The rooflight also includes the optional extras of a proximity detector and a battery back up. The rooflight was crane lifted to the terrace so that installation could be carried out by Glazing Renovations.Our Multi-Part Walk On Rooflight has supplied the 6th floor with a large amount of natural daylight which is proven to boost vitamin D, help improve sleep, and can help boost focus. The rooflight also includes Enduro Shield glass protection which provides superior resistance against contamination caused by moisture, hard water, all types of dirt, lime scale, salt spray and pollution, and also helps protect against degradation, staining, corrosion and etching. Our standard glass specification on our Flushglaze Walk On Rooflight is designed to withstand regular foot traffic in domestic applications with uniform loadings of 1.5kN/m² and concentrated loadings of 2.0kN in accordance with EN 1991-1-1-1:2002.The two rooflights perfectly complement each other and work together to provide a vast amount of natural daylight whilst creating a visually impressive, accessible terrace area.“The Walk On Rooflight was key to providing as much light to the floor below as possible, and the box rooflight was a great feature to the terrace, providing easier access than a ‘hatch’ access product.” Pradumn Pamidighantam, Senior Architect, Barr Gazetas.

The Bauder green roof on Sharrow Primary School in Sheffield was the first in the country to be declared a nature reserve. A fitting accolade for a school that defies traditional ideas of what a school should be.

Find out more about our work at Grantley Hall in North Yorkshire, which used the ROOFTRAK™ IFP as the base for some stunning natural stone cladding.

The roof project in Bermondsey consisted of an accessible green roof for residents on the first floor and a green and brown roof at the next level. Natural Aggregate, 6mm Barley Beach. London

A large bespoke walk on rooflight from Glazing Vision, split into 20 sections, has enabled plenty of natural daylight into this newly built basement conversion, whilst maintaining their outdoor space.With a mantra of ‘don’t move, improve’ being ever present within the world of today, it is important for homeowners to understand how they can best improve their own home and add value to not only their property but also to their style of living.So, when this homeowner spoke to Goedehuizen Architects, they were keen to understand what could be done to create more space in their home and, in particular, how they could create a new lounge area for entertaining friends. With a lack of space above ground and without removing any garden space, it was decided the best option would be to create a basement extension.One of the common problems when creating a basement extension, is you may not be able to get enough light in and the new room may end up gloomy or always dependent on artificial light. Therefore, to avoid this becoming a problem, Goedehuizen Architects sought out a rooflight option which would enable ample light to enter the basement whilst not impacting on any of the outdoor space.Impressed with his discussions with Glazing Vision Europe, it was decided that the initial concept designed by Maikel Snels, architect at Goedehuizen Architects, could be achieved and would include 3 bespoke double glaze diamond shaped walk on Flushglaze rooflights and a large multi-part walk on rooflight, in a U shape and split into 20 sections.Glazing Vision Walk-on rooflights using Flushglaze technology are designed to be installed flush with external flooring – perfect for flat roof terraces. The multipart construction also allowed the construction beams to become camouflaged within the design.Due to its frameless design the U shaped walk on Flushglaze flat rooflight, measuring 1200mm (span) x 11700mm x 15500mm x 11700mm, was not only able to provide the required natural daylight into the basement, but also created an aesthetically pleasing design that fitted into the garden well and maximised the usable space by enabling the clients to walk on the product.This additional natural daylight has helped to bring new life into the property and showcase a remarkable extension project, which has provided the homeowners with the perfect lounge area for entertaining.“The finished result is really great, we get a lot of positive response on the rooflights. Because of the rooflight the basement is a very light space.” Maikel Snels, Goedehuizen Architects.

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.    

The Project  Friargate One is a 150,000 sq ft, 13 storey, low energy building forming part of a £700m project to create a new business district in Coventry.  The building sets the standard for the remainder of the 37 acre Friargate scheme that will include 13 more office buildings, two hotels, homes and shops all set to transform the area around the train station. This project is the largest development in the West Midlands Combined Authority.   The Challenge Deliver a product to satisfy the architects design & meet the highest standards offered within the industry. Provide a full range of accessories to compliment the system. Manufacture bespoke boxed out mirror units complete with rebated lighting strip. Ensure the system is installed to highest standard to create a seamless fronted wall of cubicles and superloos across varying floors.  The Solution Floor to ceiling Flush 44 system installed throughout male & female washrooms and unisex superloos situated over two floors.   The system encompasses a 44mm MR core with a hardwood rebated edge detail. The overall finish is modern and sleek creating a seamless flush wall of cubicles with complete privacy and comfort for the users.Close management of each phase from site survey through CAD drawings, call up and manufacture ensured we had complete control of the project and were able to accurately survey the areas and install the seamless system desired by the client.SpecificationProduct Range: Flush44 HPLDoors: HPL Bonded onto 44mm MR Core, Formica Graphite F7837. Hardwood rebated edgesPilaster: HPL Bonded onto 44mm MR Core, Formica Graphite F7837. Hardwood rebated edgesPartition: Partition: HPL bonded onto 38mm MR Core, Formica Folkstone F7927Ironmongery: Stainless SteelAvailable Finishes:These Systems Are Available In The Following Finishes:• Natural Wood Veneer• High Pressure Laminate• High Gloss LaminateAccessories Product Range W/C'sSpecificationProduct Range: AccessoriesMirror Backing Panels: Blanc Menuires B015 with 4mm Safety Backed MirrorsWaste Bins: Prestige Waste BinOther:Paper Towel HoldersWaste BinToilet Roll HoldersSoap Dispenser

Client: Northacre Consultant: Vinci Technology Centre Main Contractor: Multiplex Main Product Used: Emseal ColorsealThe development of The Broadway creates six buildings on a plan designed to frame views of the Grade-1 listed 55 Broadway across from Victoria Street in Westminster, providing residential, office and retail workspace and a new public space linking Victoria Street with Broadway and Dacre Street. The new building elevations were specifically designed “to reference the local vernacular in the rhythm of facades”, using materials sympathetic to the traditional sandstone and brick of the adjacent historic Conservation Area. The façades and their constituent precast panels were therefore a critical element in the design and construction process, as was ensuring that the joints between them could safely accommodate the anticipated thermal and any other structural movements, whilst always maintaining a watertight seal. This was further complicated by the façade design and necessary construction tolerances, meaning that the joints varied in width, resulting in high joint movement capability demands. A test programme was established with Vinci Testing Houses to determine the most suitable joint solution available to meet these challenges in detail - and the clear winner was Emseal Colorseal. This is a unique, preformed, double-sided, silicone-faced movement joint sealing system, that is bonded in position without invasive metal anchoring. Colorseal is CE-marked and ETA-certified to provide a watertight seal with 100% joint movement capability, thermal insulation, UV stability, and colour coordination with vertical or horizontal substrates.  

Hart has supplied hundreds of industrial doors to infrastructure projects both across the UK and internationally.Project/doors:9 Electric insulated roller shutters14 Speedor Super high speed doorsThe challengeOld rail shutters are unreliable with a potential to free fall due to mechanical failure. Doors that are past their ‘asset life expectancy’ should be replaced to ensure up to date legislations are met. These areas tend to have varying traffic and need to be secure for safety. These dangerous situations can be remedied by replacing with new doors designed for purpose. The solutionHart completed a major contract to replace old and unreliable shutters at the Stewarts Lane depot, Battersea. The contract included the removal of old doors and re-installation of nine doors of varying sizes, the largest being 8.5m wide and 4.7m. Safedrive motors delivered quiet and smooth operation despite the size and improved security and safety for staff.The successHart replaced 14 of it’s own Speedors installed at Laira Depot, Plymouth which were still operational after 22 years. This is an astonishing length of service and a testament to the quality of product. Hart’s reputation for technical excellence developed over many years has given Hart a distinct edge when involved such contracts.The Review:“Your installation staff were extremely efficient and friendly workers. They carried out the work safely in a professional manner and there were no issues or problems on site. Both of them were a credit to your company.” First Great Western Ltd

OverviewPowrmatic was selected to supply a manufacturing facility heating system in a new 60,000sq.ft building in Manchester which was expertly installed by our trusted and long-standing engineers at Swiftheat Gas Services Limited. Four LX60 heaters, one LX90, and eight CECx4500 destratification fans were installed into the facility.Project BackgroundSystem 3 Limited, a leading manufacturer of high-specification insulating glazing sealed units and toughened-laminated glass, was expanding production into new premises. They needed a reliable and efficient heating solution for their newly refurbished premises. Swiftheat was recommended by Powrmatic, a family-run business with a reputation for providing commercial heating solutions and industrial heating installation.SolutionSwiftheat Gas Services Ltd provided a complete installation of the heating system for System 3’s new premises. The installation consisted of 5 ErP-compliant suspended LX60 and LX90 warm air gas heaters and eight CECx destratification fans to assist with air circulation. The building size was 60,000sq.ft, and the entire project required an 88.9mm stainless steel gas line.ResultSwiftheat Gas Services Ltd provided a complete installation of the heating system for System 3’s new premises. The installation consisted of 5 ErP-compliant suspended LX60 and LX90 warm air gas heaters and eight CECx destratification fans to assist with air circulation. The building size was 60,000sq.ft, and the entire project required an 88.9mm stainless steel gas line.

The FA wanted only the best for its highest-profile ‘social pitch’ at St George’s Park, its new centre of excellence in Staffordshire, opened in October 2012 by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – FA President Prince William wife, Kate.The fence at Pitch No 2, the David Beckham Pitch, needed to take sponsorship and branding and keep rattle and noise to a minimum. The FA also wanted to fit in with the landscaping of the National Forest in which the centre sits.The SolutionThe system had to be in keeping with the environment – even down to surfacing the pitch surrounding the same golden colour as the car parks. In addition, it needed to limit noise impact on neighbours and cause minimal disruption to pitch use during installation as the fencing went in after the pitch.They chose a quality system that will last on this high-usage pitch at heights of 2m and 5m with EPDM inserts to insulate the fence panels from the posts to reduce noise during impacts to 72dB compared with the 93dB of wooden panels.Zaun designed its Super Rebound to take branding and sponsorship signs and fencing to remain robust even in brisk winds when the graphics can threaten to act as a ‘sail’.The installation, which is around a pitch that is primarily used by the public rather than for England training, carriesZaun’s industry-leading 12-year product guarantee.Zaun worked closely with East Staffs Borough Council on planning consent and with the St George’s Park groundsmen and facilities team to complete a tight programme of works on the £105m complex on budget and in time for the royal opening.

In Carpi, in the province of Modena, Atlas Concorde was chosen for the porcelain stoneware floors and white clay wall tiles of a luxurious private residential villa featuring spacious interiors and an equally large outdoor area. Six ceramic collections from the company were used to furnished the rooms of the house, employed in different shades depending on their role.Those who decide to enjoy the interior of the residence find themselves surrounded by elegance. Thanks to modern furnishings and refined colours, the atmosphere is a fresh combination of comfort and luxury.An important contribution is provided by Dwell, the ceramic inspired by the world of brushed concrete and synthetic resins, the perfect ally of contemporary and original architectural projects.Also enriching the interior is Seastone, here chosen in the Greige shade and in the 22.5x90 cm size. Defined by a simple look and multiform, varied traces of fossils, the surfaces of Seastone combine the uncompromising natural beauty of stone with the superior technical and functional performance of porcelain stoneware. With meticulous research and the expert use of mixtures of earth and flakes of different colours and sizes, this ceramic collection gives the rooms a natural, contemporary European flavour, mixing refined design, evocative materials and a guarantee of reliability.Also included in the interior design is Trust, in the Copper colour and Brick composition. With its earthy nature and rich details, stone invades the space, creating enveloping and suggestive atmospheres. In particular, Trust recalls quartzite and Luserna stone with its surfaces featuring intense variations in colour and texture, obtained through the use of the most modern and sophisticated ceramic technologies.Marble and wood alternate in the outdoor floors of the villa.The former thanks to Marvel Pro porcelain tiles, the highest ceramic expression of marble that effectively meets the needs of contemporary design. Installed in the dark Grey Fleuryand in the LASTRA 20mm slab, Marvel Pro stands out for its intense veins, natural shading and refined beauty.In contrast, the warm embrace of wood comes to life thanks to Doga, the collection that evokes sanded slats of oak, and Etic, the family that combines intense natural character and authenticity in a wood effect full of allure and history.

Gripsure decking has been used to complete a landmark health building. The £41 million Health Innovation One is the new home of Lancaster University’s Medical School and Division of Health Research.The state-of-the-art building is also a regional hub, which brings together industry, research partners, health and care providers, the voluntary sector and local authorities. The focus is to help improve the health and well-being of the area.With such a variety of uses and needs, it was important to get Health Innovation One’s outside space just right.BAM Construction Ltd, the firm behind the project, came to Gripsure because they wanted a safe, non-slip decking area which blended with the style of the building and its natural surroundings. Gripsure Cumaru was the ideal choice. This hard-wearing, non-slip decking range comes with a 25+ year expected in-service life.Up to 3,500 linear metres of our Cumaru boards have been used outside Health Innovation One’s main entrance and for the flooring of an outdoor seating area.“The Cumaru product was offered as a value engineering option and offered a significant saving to the specified product as well as being a high-quality solution.” said Jonah Speaks, Assistant Project Surveyor at BAM Construction Ltd.As well as the quality and look of the product, Jonah said the construction team was impressed with Gripsure’s support and help at every stage.He said: “There was ongoing support from the technical team to propose the correct fixings and interfaces to ensure long term performance and robustness.”Work was completed last year on Health Innovation One, which features various meeting rooms and event spaces – including a dedicated Innovation Lab and Business Lounge and an on-site cafe.The building is part of the wider Health Innovation Campus at Lancaster University. The site will allow external organisations to work with university experts when addressing health challenges in Lancashire, the North West and across the country.Gripsure is proud to have contributed to such an important project.

Designed by architects from Qatar, this complex villa has a very different design from the usual house models; Clean and angular forms which are broken up with massive section of timber structures. These structures are not ordinarily large section of timber. They are created in house at Technowood and serve as a “reduced timber option”. Furthermore, with only using 2% when compared to using sold timber for the same project.Stone, metals and glass are the main texture of the design. These white tones of concrete structured against panels of natural timber, it’s most eye-catching feature. Located in Dohada, one of the most modern cities of Qatar, this futuristic house is also accompanied by the tranquil nature of the pool and the wooden sunbathing areas surrounding the secluded exterior.When working with designs for projects, Technowood allows the Architect to think big and realise big at the same time. Unsupported beams of this natural material can span up to 12 metres unsupported… imagine this section in a hard wood, the weight would be tonnes in comparison to the lightweight Technowood option.Credits and Further informationLocationDohada, QatarMaterialsCantilevered Bris Soleil, solid forms and cladding in TechnowoodProjectPrivate Villa

Award winning project in Cambridge. Only natural daylight used during the day. A mixture of Class 1 and Class 2 non-fragile rooflights.Very large single pane units.

A combined smoke and natural ventilation system from SE Controls Africa is helping create a comfortable and safe environment for visitors at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The ancient printing house of “De Vooruit” in the Center of Ghent, was completely stripped to only the ancient concrete supporting structure. From there the renovation to an ultramodern student home was to be made with steel, providing safe stairways, safe and easy to walk on platforms, as well as outside sitting areas for the students. This was all to be made in aesthetical harmony with other products, such as COR-TEN steel that was used in the project. This to create a modern look, aspiring to the students.The project criteriaPcP had to meet the criteria for a sustainable, durable product which was safe and comfortable to walk on. At the same time, the product needed to blend in well with the COR-TEN steel being used for other parts of the project, providing a modern look that would appeal to students. Another challenge was installing the new steel structure onto the existing concrete supporting structure of the original building.The solutionLannoo Konstruktie chose the OPTIMO® O2, Spiral treads – Type K and panels, as these high-quality products met all the stated requirements for the new student accommodation building. In addition, it was a bonus that the OPTIMO® O2 perforation is easy to walk on in all types of shoes, and is even suitable for outdoor furniture, such as tables and lounge chairs.“The strength-to-weight ratio of the PcP solution is very favourable. This was very helpful for us, as we had to mount the new steel structure onto the old concrete supporting beams. It was important to have a light but very strong panel and steps. PcP was ideal for this purpose.”– Christophe Lannoo, CEO, Lannoo KonstruktieThe resultThe ancient printing house of ‘Dagblad Vooruit’ in the centre of Ghent was completely stripped back to its concrete supporting structure. The structure was then developed to create ultramodern student accommodation using steel with safe stairways, safe and comfortable platforms as well as exterior seating areas for students. This work all harmonised aesthetically with the other building materials, such as the COR-TEN steel used in the project. The aim was to create a modern and inspiring student residence.Architectural steel platform and spiral stair treadsThe project lasted a total of five months from first production to final installation of the panels and steps. In total, 150 spiral K treads were used for three spiral stairs on the three-storey building. More than 100 OPTIMO® O2 treads were installed, together with almost 300 square metres of OPTIMO® O2 panels, both standard and customised. For Lannoo Konstruktie, it was a very attractive project to be engaged in, and likewise for PcP, which is used to projects which are more industrial in nature.

The project Veranda Sun consists in the installation of sun protection at the restaurant terrasse of the hotel “The lodge at the golden gate “ nestled at the northern end of the golden gate bridge in historic Fort Baker .The project is an example of collaborative development which results in unmatched timeless property speeded in history , nature and design . The installation of Bandalux O-Box system with stainless steel rod fasting system and Polyscreen 350 fabric created an airy indoor/ outdoor ambiance while beautiful natural design elements permeate the space. The integration of Bandalux systems provided a sun protection that aligns with the project’s commitment to sustainability as it has already been certified LEED Gold . 

Project: Solina observation tower and gondola stationClient: PKL and PFR GroupsThe Prime Minister of Poland, Mateusz Morawiecki, hailed the opening of a new observation tower and gondola lift in the Bieszczady Mountains as an investment that will strengthen the magnetism of Solina, a major tourist hotspot.At the opening, Morawiecki remarked how Solina is a beautiful place where nature is untouched by the human hand*. The picturesque holiday destination in South East Poland is famous for its forest-covered peaks and vast open water, home to the largest artificial lake in the country.These surroundings make Solina equally as popular with birds as it is for tourists. The area is home to 130 species of birds, including eagles, hawks, sparrowhawks, smews, black terns and songbirds; while also being located on a main migratory route.Protecting Solina’s bird population was therefore a top priority for the two groups behind the tourist attraction, the PKL Group (Polish Cableways), which provide sustainable mountain tourism services, and the PFR Group (The Polish Development Fund), a state-owned financial group which invests in sustainable social development, who paid close attention to the needs of bird species throughout the design and construction phases.They turned to specialist glass for the gondola station and the observation tower to help protect its feathered neighbours.Glass designed to protect birdsPilkington AviSafe™, an innovative glass designed to protect birds, was specified for the project’s glazing. Its unique patterned UV enhanced coating disrupts the reflection on the glass, helping birds to see a clear barrier.Jason Eggerton, UK specifications manager at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, explained: “Experts distinguish three effects leading to birds colliding with glass.“The mirror effect is where birds mistake the glass’ reflection as reality. Corners of buildings or narrow passageways can also lead to collisions as they allow birds to see the habitat on the other side of the building. Thirdly, the fly-through effect is where birds may also not see the transparent barrier and aim to fly into a building to a perching spot, such as within an atrium.“The gondola station and observation tower are surrounded by forests making bird collisions due to reflections of the trees a particular risk. Ultimately Pilkington AviSafe™ disrupts these reflections making the glass more visible”The coating is designed on the principle that birds see in a different light range to people, making Pilkington AviSafe™ glass more visible to birds while remaining aesthetically appealing on the exterior surface. From the inside however, it’s barely visible to the human eye.It was used in the large, modern glass facades of the gondola station in combination with Pilkington Suncool™ 70/35 and Pilkington Optilam™ glass, which ensures effective thermal insulation, solar control and safety.The Pilkington AviSafe™ glass was manufactured at the Merseyside manufacturing site of Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, in St Helens.Jason Eggerton continued: “Making buildings truly sustainable goes beyond emissions and energy efficiency. Architects and specifiers increasingly need to consider how their projects impact local wildlife too.“Pilkington AviSafe™ has clear value amidst nature reserves, forests and mountains in Solina. But many of the world’s major cities are located on bird migratory paths, where tall, glazed buildings can increase the chance of collisions.“We’re proud to support a project of such high prestige and economic significance in Poland, and to play our part helping Solina’s tourism industry to maintain its minimal impact on nature and local wildlife.”

The new part of Sct. Hans hospital, designed by KHR Architecture and Rubow Arkitekter, is a beautiful example of the healing architecture of our time. The total 20,700 m² building contains a brand new forensic psychiatric department with 126 beds. The architecture is based on the beautiful surroundings in a hilly and varied terrain that slopes down towards Roskilde Fjord. The new part of St. Hans Forensic Psychiatry incorporates the surrounding nature into the architecture, where the location of the buildings is adapted to the landscape's topography, so that the buildings become part of the landscape and the landscape a part of the building. Throughout the project, there has been an intensive focus on creating healing architecture based on the latest knowledge in the field.Nature and light have a documented positive impact on patients' well-being and Sct. Hans is therefore built into the landscape in a way that ensures beautiful views both from patient rooms and corridors and common areas. There is never a view from one patient room to the other, and high-placed windows provide a view even for bedridden patients.Throughout the construction, nature has been thought of, where wood in both interior design and furniture creates a sense of homeliness, sensuousness, and presence. Nature is constantly drawn into the building via large windows and window sections from floor to ceiling. Outside, fantastic sensory gardens, outdoor activity areas as well as gardens and spaces for quietness and reflection have been created.Hudevad has delivered Our P5 Vertical in a beautiful, muted color for installation in the beautiful wooden panels that create warmth and coziness in many of the building's rooms. Our white P5 Vertical adorns many of the long corridors and ensures that the cold draft from the large windows is limited.

A programme of works carried out at a Nottinghamshire hospital has seen a number of products from the FIREFLY range employed to upgrade the passive fire protection throughout the roof spaces, with the manufacturer providing site specific design details to assist the highly experienced contractor complete the project on time. DC Fire Protection Ltd., based at Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, works right across the country covering multiple sectors of the construction industry, installing active as well as passive fire protection systems.  For its 10 week contract at the Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Centre at Kirby in Ashfield, the specialist installed dozens of rolls of the Titan Lite™ fire barrier as well as the Apollo Horizontal barrier, Collaroll and two of the 1200 x 600mm FR120 Access Panels to link some of the safety zones being created. Built in 2007, Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Centre is conjoined to the existing Ashfield Community Hospital and offers extended health services to the local community, supplementing the current services by providing purpose-built rehabilitation facilities, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other community health services.  It also offers consulting rooms, treatment rooms and an activities of daily living suite, rehabilitation and gym areas.A Director of DC Fire Protection, Daniel Mabbott, commented: “We have been dealing with FIREFLY for a number of years, including buying large quantities of the Titan Lite™ and Apollo Lite , which we use for commercial contracts as well as other work.  We often propose the use of FIREFLY systems to clients and in this instance, where we were simply given the performance standard the client required, we proposed the use of Titan Lite plus Apollo Horizontal to upgrade the exiting fire walls which no longer comply with current requirements.” “There were a number of plastic PVC-U soil stacks rising through the roof in what was specified as a Controlled Zone, for which FIREFLY provided us with a bespoke detail to protect them where they passed through the barriers, while we installed a couple of their FR120 Access Panels in addition to the fire doors which we fitted in a number of locations throughout the roof.  The project was completed on time and we have now moved onto another contract where we are again using a number of FIREFLY products.”Third party approved, FIREFY Apollo Horizontal 30:30 provides 30 minutes integrity and insulation to exceed the minimum requirements within the Building Regulations relating to fire barriers.  In common with other FIREFY products, Apollo Horizontal is manufactured using specially treated woven glass fibre fabric, being flexible and lightweight making it easy to install. Specifiers and specialist fire contractors wishing to find more information about the full range of products available from FIREFLY can visit www.tbafirefly.comImages shown are taken during installation and some sections of the installation might be incomplete.

Kota Brown paving was used to create this warm, mediterranean feel in this large landscaping project. Kota Brown hand cut setts were added alongside bespoke natural stone copings.

St Laurence School is a comprehensive academy in the historic Wiltshire town of Bradford on Avon. Find out this new case study - SureSet Natural Aggregate, 10mm Barley Beach, BA15 1DZ

Our technical team were invited to complete a roof survey and condition report of this residential project, where the existing roof area which was suffering from repeated leaks, failed repair attempts and significant standing water.ChallengesUpon inspection it was clear the roof covering had been recently renewed, but the workmanship, attention to details and drainage falls were sub-standard and no doubt contributory to the ongoing leaks and consequential ceiling damage to the areas below.Although the client preferred a robust torch-applied reinforced bitumen waterproofing system, our Safe2Torch assessment picked up some redundant roof plant, combustible cladding interfaces and complex penetrations which necessitated a localised flame free solution.Our team also carried out a level-survey to ascertain the existing falls, and what, if anything, could be done to alleviate the standing water without excessive cost.SolutionsOur comprehensive roof survey report included a dimensioned roof plan, identification of Safe2Torch areas/details, bespoke waterproofing designs for complex penetrations, and a thorough assessment of the existing roof make-up (via core samples) and drainage.Given the apparent age and good condition of half the roof area, it was left in-situ and overlaid with Hyranger single layer RBM system. Minor improvements to the drainage layout, via the introduction of a tapered insulation scheme central to the roof where the outlets where positioned, helped to significantly improve falls. Elsewhere, the rest of the existing roof covering and thermal insulation were stripped back to expose the original asphalt.The asphalt received a new air and vapour control layer before the same Hyranger system, including a mix of both flat board and tapered Hytherm ADH insulation, was installed to improve the falls and correct the thermal performance balance.A Safe2Torch abutment detail to existing cladding was identified early on in the Axter roof survey report as a fire safety hazard, so in accordance with our specification and recommendations, our accredited Axtershield Installer - N R A Roofing & Flooring Services Ltd - expertly installed a Hyranger Neo-Bitumen Flame Free membrane solution around a 900mm wide margin.The Axtershield Installer worked efficiently and to a very high standard to complete the project on budget whilst delivering an aesthetically pleasing and robust waterproofing solution.Systems in useHyranger®Neo-Bitumen® Flame Free

This seven-storey buiding in Soho, West London claims some impressive history: dating from the 1930s, it was the former London headquarters of Paramount Studios. Now in a conservation area, its transition to 15 luxury apartments needed to be handled with sensitivity by TF Architecture, to preserve the building’s external appearance. We were delighted to design, manufacture and install 83 traditional box sash windows for the project, made from Accoya. This high-performance timber is created using a patented chemical process to dramatically increase its strength, stability, durability and insulation, while still maintaining the beauty and character of timber.

The next generation of CS 38 is now available from Reynaers – Slim Line 38 (SL 38) is a highly insulated inward and outward opening aluminium window and door system, that combines elegance and comfort with a unique design. The special slender steel look offers the perfect windows and doors for modern architecture and the renovation of steel-frames, respecting the original design but offering a thermally improved solution. Large-framed Crittall Windows complement the industrial aesthetic and gives the building a unique character and identity of its own. The fabricator on the project was AWS Turner Fain Ltd, part of AWS Group.

The Green Roofs Consultancy report looked to the provision of Green Bio diverse roof to address the need to encourage additional species. The ABG Green Bio diverse Roof System includes a mixture of plug planted sedum, cuttings and seeded annual and perennial wildflowers. ABG Roofdrain was used as a reservoir and drainage base layer to optimise water retention and prevent ponding. Special provisions were made to create hibernicula for local endangered species. The roof will benefit the building by providing additional insulation and reducing noise pollution.The roofs substrate filters out dust and pollutants helping improve the environment nearby

Goodluck Hope is an exciting new development located on the historic Leamouth Peninsula, with incredible views along the River Thames, settled by Allies and Morrison architects. The development includes new shops, restaurants, bars and outside spaces to eat, shop and relax in. In order, to protect the façade elements and ensuring the protection of the building against driving rain and moisture preventing future corrosion, insulation deterioration and mould growth at the same time it increases the building energy efficiency and minimizes the condensation risk, Effisus Breather FR-B Membrane and Effisus Breather FR Class A1 membrane were applied.

Gracing the banks of the River Thames in the heart of historic Westminster, 9 Millbank is a landmark residential address that captures the very essence of British Luxury and style, developed by Eric Parry Architects. Effisus solutions were used in order to protect the façade building from environmental factors. Breather FR Class A1 membrane was used to protect the façade elements against moisture, driving rain and wind avoiding corrosion, insulation deterioration and mould growth. Vapour FR Class A1 membrane was used to prevent the condensation risk, improving the airtightness and consequently the energy efficiency of the building.

The purpose of this development is making the re-cladding of an existing building removing Aluminium Composite Material insulation and cement particle board and replacement with new 3mm aluminium cladding and associated works. The new building will include a mixed tenure unit of 138 one, two and three bed apartments. It’s design was developed by the PRP Architects. Its design was developed by the PRP Architects. In order to protect the façade building from moisture, driving rain and wind the solution Effisus A2 Fire Rated Breather FR System was applied, using an A1 Fire Rated Breather FR Membrane.

Conceived and developed by Knight Dragon, and designed by eight leading architects, this project collection of 16 unique buildings supports an ecosystem of 1,800 creatives, individual makers, ambitious start-ups, ground-breaking enterprises and industry leaders. Effisus partnered with London-based and award-winning Adam Khan Architects consulting on Façade Weatherproofing. The two buildings designed by Adam Khan are very different from each other, one a raw monolith of concrete and the other a lightweight building with an Op Art-inspired façade. Effisus Vapour FR membrane Class A1 was chosen to protect the insulation and building interior.