"floor and roof screeds aggregates"

Salisbury Walk is part of the Girdlestone Estate in London, and the last phase to be upgraded by landlord the London Borough of Islington as part of their commitment to delivering decent homes standards.The TaskWorking to our detailed specification, Opus stripped the existing profiled metal roof and built up our TA-30 Flat Roofing System, installing insulation to achieve 0.18W/m2K as advised by current Building Regulations. Ventilation and rooflight hatches were also upgraded and new upstands fitted.The Outcome“Having achieved such a positive result in the refurbishment elsewhere on the estate by utilising the services of Langley and Opus, it gave peace of mind for all stakeholders to re-apply that formula in other works. It brings us a valued perspective, enabling us to make informed decisions going forward about the condition of the estate, knowing we have consistency in approach, design, materials and application. We also have the peace of mind, going forward, that the roofs are all upgraded to a high standard and are assured for decades to come.”Theo Petrou, Mears Group Project Manager

The building brings together the Kent Business School and the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science to promote synergies, collaboration and interaction, foster knowledge exchange and enhance the reputation of both schools. The development had a construction cost of approximately £26m and was completed at the end of 2016.The 8,200m2 building for University of Kent’s Business School and School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science is located towards the northern edge of the Canterbury campus. The £26m facility creates a vibrant new campus destination and allows two of the University’s most successful departments to expand and improve their current activities.Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent a series of interventions integrate the building into the campus and the ecology including new cycle and pedestrian pathways and green roofs that help increase biodiversity. Passive measures of natural ventilation with thermal mass and night time cooling are prioritised over active measures. Extensive roof mounted photovoltaic panels provide in excess of 10% renewable energy.Shield Membranes supplied all waterproofing, insulation and finishes to all roof areas on the Sibson Building.

 Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) facility that treats all of the residual household waste generated in Essex and Southend. To meet the structural design criteria of the contract, a very strong roof profile was required. To ensure fully effective sealing, this had to be a plain sheet without stiffening ribs. The requirement was met by a specially modified Trisobuild® R60 roof profile in a higher strength steel. The modified Trisobuild® R60 solution spans 2.65m. Tata Steel altered its production tooling to manufacture 26,000m2 of the modified R60 roof profile in double-sided Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®.Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® was chosen to optimise protection against the corrosive internal environment and external weather side of the bio-stabilisation halls. Super durable Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® provides exceptional corrosion resistance which has been proven in natural and accelerated testing. Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® exceeds the requirements of CP15 (as per EN 10169.2010), demonstrating excellent barrier properties when used internally.Images courtesy of UBB (Essex) Construction JV.

With limited vertical wall space for windows, Denizen Works utilised Glazing Visions’ fixed Flushglaze rooflights to flood the living spaces with light in their recently built housing scheme, Haddo Yard.The project, on the site of a former bungalow, is located in Whitstable, Kent and takes its name from Oliver Haddo, a character in former resident Somerset Maugham’s novel, ‘The Magician’. Haddo Yard forms part of a series of projects initiated by developer Arrant Land, that seek to explore how a town with a distinct visual identity can be enhanced by adventurous but contextual contemporary design.Having been approached directly by developers Arrant Land, Denizen Works undertook an initial design review exercise resulting in an extensive overhaul of the scheme. Despite the detailed design, problems emerged, with the ground floor living spaces extending into a single story volume to the rear of the site creating deep plans and on the second floor, apartments occupied roof space so vertical walls for windows was limited.Denizen Works contacted Glazing Vision, who they had worked with previously, with the aim to utilise rooflights over these spaces which brought light in to the deepest parts of the plan and to create living spaces on the second floor which could be flooded with light, even with a lack of vertical wall space.“Glazing Vision always provide good technical support which makes specifying and detailing their products very easy”, explains Andrew Ingham, the architect working on the project.One of the most important factors for Denizen Works when they sourced the rooflights were the frameless appearance of the Glazing Vision Flushglaze rooflights. Three fixed rooflights were used, measuring 2000x1000mm, as means of providing natural daylight and helping to maintain the clean, contemporary and minimal detailing that had been employed throughout the project.The resultant scheme comprises of 6no. two bed flats and 1no. 1 bed flat spread over three floors, each enjoying dual aspect and south-facing living spaces overlooking the gardens. The ambition for Haddo Yard was to create a distinctive and contemporary expression of local identity. The finished building asserts a bold and confident presence within its context.Haddo Yard is the first completed building by Denizen Works and Arrant Land, helping to present a unique addition to Whitstable’s built environment. Andrew Ingham concludes “We’re very proud of Haddo Yard and we have heard first hand just how much the current residents enjoy the light, contemporary spaces we’ve designed.”

To make a feature out of this pitched Topseal roof, simulated lead rolls were installed and anthracite topcoat to finish it off to give it a stand out look.

Welsh Slate’s Blue Grey Ffestiniog roofing slates have helped to transform St Pancras International from near demolition to an iconic gateway to Europe.

The NHS Estates Team required a new office space and workshop area and proposed the refurbishment of an existing building.Systems in useHyranger®Starcoat® PMMAOverviewAxter Ltd were instructed by William Gough & Sons Ltd to produce a design for six roof areas, following a site survey report. The project included a mixture of new build and refurbishment areas, comprising of various systems and design requirements. This included a cut to falls insulation design to comply with Part H and BS 6229:2018. Roof A, the focus of this case study, had a series of convex or ‘barrel roofs’, requiring bespoke detailing and careful design to achieve robust detailing and the required U-value.The project value was circa £1 million. This included all building works and a strict budget for the roofing package, which was achieved. The programme for the works was 16 weeks and completed in Autumn of 2022, to the required deadline.The successful project was also nominated for a National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) award 2023.ChallengesAxter were appointed at RIBA Stage 2 to undertake site surveys and work alongside the Principal Designer as Designer under the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015.The existing asphalt had shown signs of cracking and blistering, and the outlets were damaged from vegetation growth from a lack of maintenance. New outlets were installed with leaf guards, allowing free flowing water whilst preventing blockages.The proposed office section of the works required thermally upgrading to comply with Building Regulations: Part L. The U-Value requirement was 0.18W/m2K which could be achieved with a 120mm PIR flat board. Due to the curved profile of the roof, installing the insulation below deck level was considered. However, due to an inadequate ceiling height this was disregarded.Furthermore, this would have resulted in the development of interstitial condensation. Further design solutions had to be considered. To bend a 120mm board would have required multiple cuts to the insulation so the decision was made to split this into two thinner boards to achieve the radius more easily.When split into two layers the requirement changed to 2 x70mm boards (140mm total) as worked out using U-Value calculations by the in-house design team at Axter. A timber hard edge was introduced to abut the insulation at the building perimeter to separate the façade and the main field area.Systems and productsAxter’s Hyranger multi-layer RBM system was used across all six roof areas. The system is fully BBA and BRoofT4 compliant, and achieves a guarantee period of 20 years. For this project, Axter’s Goldshield Guarantee was chosen, which covers materials, workmanship and design liability. This was overseen on site by Axter’s Quality Assurance team, who audited the project inclusive of the installation, safety and general management of the roofing works.Axter Starcoat PMMA was used as a cost effective solution to coat the copper fascia and provide a fresh and seamless look to the exterior of the building.SolutionsThe Axter Hyranger multi-layer RBM system was installed using traditional gas driven torches to fully bond the (AVCL) Air and Vapour Control Layer and cap sheet layers. The underlayer was installed over a tissue faced PIR and therefore needed to be self-adhesive in order to reduce the risk of fire, complying with NFRC Safe2Torch guidelines. A cold applied Starcoat PMMA liquid was installed to the façade to achieve a seamless and cost-effective upgrade.The Axter Quality Assurance Team regularly attended site and were in constant communication with the appointed Axtershield Installer, Empire Roofing operatives, to ensure that the system was being installed correctly and to the expected standards in order to achieve the Goldshield guarantee required by the client. To achieve the guarantee level, all materials and workmanship had to be installed as per the Axter specification.The site agent from the main contractor was also regularly on site to oversee the project and ensure that deadlines and timescales were being achieved to keep the build on target for completion. The installation of the multiple roof areas was achieved to exceptional standards leaving the client very impressed with the workmanship.AcknowledgmentsWilliam Gough & Sons Ltd were very impressed with Axter Ltd on our first scheme with them at George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton. The requirements of the scheme, which included a complex barrelled roof were investigated on site early in the design phase of the project and Axter’s recommendations were swiftly proposed and agreed with the client’s Architect. Once the design requirements had been established one of Axter’s approved installers were employed by us to very successfully deliver the scheme. The 20 year Goldshield guarantee provided for the Reinforced Bituminous Membrane system offered peace and mind to our client. Chris Hinton, Senior QS, William Gough & Sons

Knolly’s House, a residential block of flats in London, required refurbishment works to the internal communal walkways and concrete stairwells as the existing waterproofing had reached the end of its serviceable life. The waterproofing needed to be fast cure as the communal balconies were the only access to the flats. Therefore, Proteus Waterproofing specified Pro-BW® Plus system.High Performance WaterproofingAs constant access was required by the residents, a fast cure waterproofing system was vital. Pro-BW® Plus was selected as it can be fully installed in three stages, each only taking forty-five minutes to cure before allowing foot traffic. Pro-Aggregate EM was incorporated for a slip resistant finish. Proteus Waterproofing worked closely with the Proteus Approved Contractor to ensure the project was completed to a high standard, including an aesthetically pleasing finish.Health and SafetyTo minimise disruption to residents, particularly on communal walkways which may also form the fire escape routes, the waterproofing system needed to be fast cure. Proteus Waterproofing’s liquid applied systems are cold installed and therefore remove the risk of fire to the building. The low noise application also allowed the Proteus Approved Contractor to complete the works safely.Long Term PerformancePro-BW® Plus is a high performance, rapid curing protective waterproofing membrane for balconies and walkways making it ideal for refurbishment where structural movement has occurred. Pro-BW® Plus reduces installation time from days to hours. Suitable for a variety of external applications, Pro-BW® Plus can be installed on concrete & asphalt for communal and private balconies, walkways, staircases and pedestrian ramps. As it is a cold applied installation, the system meets health and safety criteria by minimising risk to both operatives and members of the public. Pro-BW® Plus is BBA Certified and manufactured in the UK.

Fort DunlopBauder Total Green Roof System (BTGRS)SynopsisDuring the recent regeneration in and around Birmingham, innovation has been a key factor; a theme optimised by the redevelopment of the Dunlop Tyres warehouse which has been transformed into 45,000m² of office space and a 6,000m² hotel.Bauder Building BoardProject:Fort DunlopInvestor:Urban SplashLocation:BirminghamArea Size:7,100m2Architect:Shed KMContractor:James M Green Company LimitedThe specificationPractical challenges such as the reduction of noise pollution and maximising the building’s lifespan were all met by the Bauder Total Green Roof System with an extensive landscaping of sedum. The planting scheme provided instant coverage as the sedum was laid as pre-cultivated vegetation mats. Green roofs have excellent acoustic qualities for both external sound (up to 3dB) and internal noise (up to 8dB). This proved essentially in the selection of the Xero Flor blanket due to the proximity of Fort Dunlop to Birmingham Airport. The resultThe entire solution provided a watertight installation in conjunction with a 20-year guarantee whilst making the structure both environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing.System installedBauder Total Green Roof System (BTGRS) 1 BauderPLANT EA torch-applied, root resistant capping sheet. The product features chemically treated bitumen to deliver superior root resistance which has been tested and approved by the FLL. The membrane is reinforced with 250g/m² spunbond polyester fleece to allow the finished product to cope with structural movement without fracture.2 BauderTEC KSA DUOA self-adhesive bitumen underlayer with “DUO” lap technology to ensure thorough sealing of lap joints, even in lower temperatures. 3 BauderPIR FA-TEFlatboard insulation used on the lantern roof area to help meet its U-value of 0.15W/m²K. 4 BauderTEC KSD FBSA self-adhesive SBS elastomeric bitumen air & vapour control layer, with a mica finished upper surface to allow easy bonding of insulation using the specified Bauder insulation adhesive.Bauder XF 301 Sedum System1 BauderGREEN XF 301Sedum vegetation blanket instantly providing at least 90% coverage on an extensive green roof. Integrated water retention and filter layer.2 BauderGREEN AL 4040mm high perforated edge/drainage trim frames and retains the Bauder XF 301 sedum system.3 BauderGREEN SDFMulti-functional drainage and filtration layer which prevents the roots of sedum plants from becoming waterlogged.4 BauderPLANT ETorch-on root-resistant capping sheet green

Our purposeOn behalf of Amye Defence Services, Acclaim Contracts Ltd was commissioned to address the aging roof of the building, which was leaking despite receiving patch repairs over the past 20 years. The Ministry of Defence’s Project Allenby/Connaught demonstrates the Government’s commitment to maintaining defence estates.The £1.45bn scheme is a 35-year commitment to providing modern, high quality, fully serviced, purpose built living and working accommodation for 18,700 soldiers. It involves the new build and refurbishment of more than 550 buildings across Salisbury Plain and Aldershot, including upgrading Allenby’s Building 51, otherwise known as the Sports Pavilion.Our solutionAcclaim turned to Langley to provide all the material necessary to complete the work. After stripping the original roof to the existing plywood deck, the team fitted new treated timber around the perimeter and new uPVC fascia. The current edge trims, perimeter check kerbs, and extended flues were removed to ensure regulatory 150mm clearance was achieved once the new roof covering was installed. Langley’s HT180 attachment layer was loose-laid and nailed into place to provide appropriate protection to the timber deck while the “hot works” above were undertaken. Langley’s TA-20 Flat Roofing System was installed across the roof area, with insulation to achieve the regulatory requirement of 0.18W/m2K. SA-20 Flat Roofing Detailing System was used in fire risk areas, in line with Safe2Torch guidance. The range of Langley’s TA systems complies with Broof(t4) classification and has a Local Authority Building Control (LABC) assured accreditation. Under MOAT 31, Langley’s Parafor 30 GS (cap sheet to the TA system) achieves a ‘resistance to damage” rating of R4. It is independently certified by the BBA to deliver a life expectancy of at least 40 years, one of the longest available in the UK.Acclaim fitted Langley’s ParaFurb Refurbishment Outlets to upgrade the internal outlets where possible, cleaning and priming those where the design precluded the use of ParaFurb. We installed New Code 5 lead pipe sleeves to flues and hot pipes to a minimum 150mm above the waterproofing. In addition, Langley’s ParaTrim GRP Edge Trim was fitted to all the kerbs.“It carried great weight with us that Acclaim worked in partnership with Langley, who offers an independent insurance-backed guarantee. That is indicative of pride and confidence in its work, giving synergy with Amey. It also gives us, and our client the Ministry of Defence, that the refurbished estate at Allenby will serve and be fit for purpose for decades to come.”Will Loates, Service Delivery Area Manager, Amey

Project: Derry Sports ComplexYear: 2014Architect: Samuel Stevenson & Sons Assembly:·        Roof - APL StrongBak™ (perforated) acoustic roof with APL 65ZS aluminium standing seam system·        Wall – APL Slimwall™ Flat Panel System Size:·        Approx 15,000 m² of StrongBak™, APL 65ZS standing seam & Silmwall™ panels Special Features:·        StrongBak™ supplied in special white colour so no suspended ceilings required·        StrongBak™ supplied in aluminium over swimming pool area·        Building generally 10m high Building Location:·        Derry, Northern Ireland

A three year construction project in Knightsbridge required a temporary green roof on welfare huts. The local residents were concerned about overlooking these steel huts long-term. The solution is M-Tray® – our modular green roof system. The steel huts were wheeled into position on site on skates. They were covered with an EPDM waterproofing membrane. M-Tray® units were installed. They were easily carried up the stairs by hand and installed by hand within minutes. The modular and portable M-Tray® can just be unclicked and lifted away upon completion of the construction process.

Products: Flexi Everyday – H Frame Kits and Flexi-Feet, Flexi Light – Base & Extender frames, Flexi heavy – Modular Frameworks & Custom Frame Services: Cable trays, Ducts, A/C Splits & Air-handling units. Roof build-up: Warm roof design – PIR/PUR insulation with PVC/TPO field membrane. An assortment of products was required to support various services such as cable trays, ductwork, condensers and air-handling units. In addition, due to one of the air-handling units being extremely wider than usual, we also had to manufacture a bespoke custom framework for this item.

Products: Flexi light, Flexi heavy & Flexi access. Services: Plantroom, Generator, Air-handling units, VRF condensers and bespoke access solutions. Roof build-up: Inverted roof design. The mechanical services contractor on the project, had a number of different heavy building services that required supporting. This included a 6000kg plantroom, 6000kg generator, two 4500kg air-handling units and a 1150kg air-handling unit. Utilising our Flexi-Heavy Duty range of supports, we designed and calculated individual frameworks for each item of plant, paying particular attention to ensuring that the correct load management through our frames.

Beauty & Heritage - Marley’s Hawkins Fired Sienna clay plain roof tile, the perfect specification choice for a new development in Warwickshire. Properties had to fit seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, while also meeting strict planning regulations. Keith Greenall, MD for Greenall Construction, “The mock Tudor architectural style, incorporating natural materials meant we wanted to find a roofing solution in keeping with the look we had established. “The development required a clay tile perfectly matching the aesthetics within the village & the planning committee were happy the clay material suited the ambience & style of the development & local area.”

Metrotile Lightweight Roofing’s classic ‘Roman’ profile adorns the rooftops of a five building renovation ‘pilot’ project at Davis Road, DoncasterEach of the buildings is a prefabricated Hawksley Bungalow and has been modified throughout the yearsTo bring the homes up to ‘Decent Home’ standards, two major changes were made to the building’s exteriors. The first was a brick ‘skin wall’, that was built around the metal walls of the homes (adding a layer of insulation in the process). The other major alteration was that of a new roof in the form of a Metrotile lightweight tile system providing swift installation, traditional aesthetics and a low weight to reduce the load on the Hawksley Bungalow’s structure.

The new thermally broken sliding roof hatch opens horizontally on fixed or telescopic rails. The hatch features the following key points: Thermally Broken Lid & Upstand Fixed or Telescopic Rails ‘Lift-Off’ Unseated Opening, ensures the hatch is sealed and secure when closed. Self Sealing Double Seals 0.43 W/m²K U-value Perfect for manual operation, the sliding cover easily and smoothly opens. Brush seals around the front and side ensure that no roof debris can interfere with the mechanism and the external fixed rail provides enhanced support for larger sliding covers.

Product:Surespan 140° thermally broken aluminium smoke ventilator and roof hatch designed to EN12101-2. ]The AOV also offers push-button comfort ventilation in one package! This one-stop solution for smoke vent requirements to meet building control can achieve 1m² airflow and is available in standard stocked sizes or made to any size in between 900 x 900 and 1260 x 1260. Wind deflectors to improve airflow. RE 1,000 Ventilation 10,000 Vent Offset mechanism for Roof Access Snow Load SL500 Wind Load WL1500 Temperature Class T (-15°) Fire Resistance B300

The 2,500m2 basement extends beyond the property where a blue-green roof will be created over a suspended podium deck to form part of the garden. The Triton team worked closely with waterproofing and blue-green roof design specialists, EPG, to create a waterproofing strategy and utilised a comprehensive Construction Quality Assurance protocol agreed between Triton and EPG. The Triton team had been called in by main contractor, Era Build Ltd, to replace a previous supplier who had been unable to provide a warranty. After detailing was complete; Triton Approved Contractor, Cast Contracting Ltd (CCL), installed the systems.

low energy home in Threlkeld, Lake district, this huge open plan warm roof home went full Passive Purple to achieve maximum results of airtightness.

To create the design, we utilised our Motiva Linear™ product range. This product, with its monopitch straight roof design, enables a versatile and flexible construction.

5000m² of fibre cement profiled sheeting was specified by Stratton and Holborow building surveyors for the re-roof of the original buildings of a large preserved tin mine site in Cornwall.

Twinfix is a family run business. For more than 30 years they have supplied modular polycarbonate panels for use as rooflights in many railway stations and depots. Replacing the old canopy glazing used at rail stations with products from Twinfix’s range of polycarbonate glazing options floods the area with daylight while eliminating the common issues that occur with historic railway roof glazing. Last year, Twinfix assisted with the refurbishment of two of the UK’s historic stations, Gerrards Cross and Headstone Lane.Gerrards Cross StationGerrards Cross Station is a fantastic example of one of the nation’s historic stations. Built in 1906 as part of the Great Western and Great Central Joint Railway it has recently undergone a series of upgrades to improve the station for passengers.As part of a £2.4m Railway Upgrade Plan investment by Network Rail, the following areas were refurbished:Full replacement of the platform’s canopy – ensuring passengers are protected from the weatherInstalling lighting throughout – making the station safer and more secureRe-roofing of the main station’s roofWindows repairs where necessaryApplying fresh coats of paint to steelworkRefurbishment of the canopy roofHeadstone Lane StationTravel eleven miles east of Gerrards Cross and you arrive at Headstone Lane station. Another of the UK’s historic stations, this station opened in February 1913 and consists of a small single storey brick-built station building adjacent to the Headstone Lane road bridge, with two platforms.This station was also part of the Railway Upgrade Plan, with investment in the refurbishment of both platform canopies.An innovative roof glazing systemA team comprising of Network Rail, Principal Contractor J. Murphy & Sons Limited, and specialist Design Consultant Arcadis Consulting (UK) Ltd were assigned to the job to ensure that the correct roof glazing was specified and installed over the platforms.The product chosen for both stations was the innovative Twinfix modular non-fragile Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) system, glazed with 6mm clear solid polycarbonate. Approximately 225 square metres of these panels were required to re-glaze the five canopies across both stations, with panels delivered to site ready for quick installation.Each panel of the innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF system comprises of a powder-coated aluminium frame and fitted with polycarbonate glazing. The panels are built completely off-site in a quality-controlled factory environment, reducing the risk, and cost, of site mistakes, and are delivered on-site fully glazed and ready for rapid installation. The system has a unique linking design feature that results in incredibly quick installation times, making the system very much suited to rail work due to its restricted possession times.The Multi-Link-Panel NF system is an innovative roof glazing product that has been well utilised for many years on station canopy roofs, and it has been thoroughly tried and tested in that time.It was the chosen system for this project for a number of reasons:sustainability – these panels are virtually unbreakable in manufacture, transit and in situ, meaning that, unlike glass, maintenance costs will be eliminated.safety – Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) conforms to the HSE recommended test method ACR[M]001:2019 (as outlined in document HSG33) and achieves a ‘B’ Classification.off-site construction – The panels are pre-assembled in Twinfix’s factory ensuring strict quality guidelines are adhered to, which is not always guaranteed when roofing products are assembled on site.ease of access – The Multi-Link-Panel NF system can be fitted with In-Line Access Hatches, to allow cleaning of gutters and roof. These hatches are hardly visible and allow safe access through the glazing without needing to get on the roof.weight – The Multi-Link-Panel NF is light in weight and due to its modular format, it is very quick to install which allows for short rail possession works.appearance – the clear polycarbonate panels have the appearance of glass and provide just the right level of light transmission onto the platforms below.This project demanded a collaborative approach, requiring Twinfix to liaise closely with Principal Contractor J. Murphy & Sons Limited, installation company Orchard Roofing & Building, and design consultancy Arcadis, where early engagement with the team ensured that all aspects of the project ran smoothly from the onset.Richard Nash, Contracts Manager at J. Murphy & Sons Limited commented: ‘Throughout the design and implementation stages of our refurbishment works at Gerrards Cross and Headstone Lane Railway Stations, Twinfix have been a pleasure to work with. Working alongside both our designers and approved installers, they have provided a professional end to end service resulting in a quality finished product.’Piotr Stencel, Senior Project Manager at Arcadis Consulting (UK) Ltd commented: “All the Twinfix team we have been in contact with have been very helpful to provide information, contact and help resolve issues. We were also invited to their offices in Warrington back in 2019 where we could see/touch Twinfix products and discuss design/constructability aspects which is always better than just seeing on the product data sheet.”The Twinfix team are proud to be part of this journey that will see the UK rail network revolutionised and sees exciting times ahead for the company.

Sort Trae is a new build Passivhaus set in a steeply sloping site in Thurgoland, Barnsley. The owner is a former architect and designed the scheme up to planning. HEM Architects were commissioned to turn the design intent into an ultra-low energy and comfortable home and to administer the contract on site. The house is a 2-bed home, with the lower storey set into the hill. There is an attached weaving studio where the owner works. The house takes advantage of the beautiful views to the south and is a bold, contemporary home clad in black timber and open jointed stone.The rooflights set on top of the studio are a key part of the roof, visible from the entrance to the site and the house. Their crisp design met the architects desire for an elegant and unfussy roofscape.FAKRO flat roof windows were chosen for their thermal performance and the performance of the integrated kerbs.Paul Testa, Director at HEM Architects told us, “We have always specified FAKRO on our projects where possible. They have always led the market in terms of thermal performance and there is excellent technical support”.The FAKRO windows used were: 2 x FAKRO DXF-DU6 02K flat roof window – 600 x 900mm unit size 1 x FAKRO DXF-DU6 11k flat roof window – 1200 x 2200mm unit size 1 x FAKRO DXF-DU8 04k flat roof window – 800 x 800mm unit size Paul added, “We enjoy working with FAKRO and find that the products are delivered to site very well packaged and are very easy to install. Working directly with the manufacturer rather than builders’ merchants also means the contractor has much better manufacturer support should they need it”.HEM Architects is a practice of 10 staff, based in Sheffield. They have a reputation for Passivhaus design and gaining planning on difficult sites.The practice is on a mission to help everyone live in beautiful, practical homes that have minimal impact on our planet. They specialise in creative, sustainable residential architecture. Taking inspiration from the mess and joy of everyday life, they design homes for living and that delight every day.

This is the new sleek and inconspicuous cycle hub recently designed, manufactured, supplied and installed by Falco at Hackney Central Overground Station.Greeting commuters to the west of the station, the 10m cycle hub has been fitted with a combination of both reinforced safety glass and sustainable hardwood cladding.A series of 48 spaces of the FalcoLevel-Premium+ two-tier cycle rack have been installed along with a FalcoFix 2.0 cycle repair station, LED lighting, CCTV security, branding graphics, a green sedum roof and secure mobile app access. Falco also installed five separate TfL London cycle stands located outside of the cycle hub.The green sedum roof, an increasingly popular feature for Falco shelters, supports the operators sustainable development plan by providing the many advantages associated with green roof systems as well as insulation for both heat and noise. A sedum roof both reduces water discharge as well as compensating for CO2 emissions.The FalcoSmart mobile app access system uses Bluetooth technology to provide Hackney commuters with secure access to the cycle hub using their own smartphone or tablet, removing the need for physical keys and fobs. Commuters are able to apply for access to the hub via Falco and having downloaded the ‘App’ are given access rights to the cycle hub for a period of time depending on their subscription.The images attached show the new cycle hub addition, installed to the west of the station, on Graham Road.Hackney Central is a railway station located on the North London Line within Greater London, serving 4.3m annual passengers.   Falco cycle hubs can also incorporate a world of features including; smart LED lighting, green sedum roofs, CCTV and Help Point facilities as well as numerous other cost-effective features for the cyclist such as lock holders, helmet lockers, seating and bike repair facilities.For more information about the FalcoHub cycle store, a demonstration of the FalcoSmart app-based lock, the FalcoPod bike hangar or any other Falco product, then please speak to one of our friendly customer service staff on 01538 380080.

Like a lot of homeowners, William Oakley had an under-utilised part of his house. In his case an old outbuilding that had been used for storing the accumulation of life’s odds and ends. Lockdown saw high growth in repurposing previously neglected parts of people’s homes to better suit their lifestyle and leisure choices. William decided a new soundproof cinema room would be a far better use of this space, giving his family a much-needed entertainment area.This is the space William Started withWilliam engaged Cinema Rooms Ltd, a specialist AV equipment supplier and One Off Studio Ltd who specialise in the build and installation of Home Cinemas and Studios.Due to the proximity of the proposed soundproof cinema room to neighbouring properties, it was decided to investigate what acoustic treatments were available. Without adequate acoustic insulation, William’s neighbours may have been subjected to significant noise pollution resulting in potential neighbourhood disputes.Following a quick online search, William found iKoustic, a leading UK supplier of acoustic solutions. Discussing the available options with William and his installation team, iKoustic’s experts were able to advise on the most appropriate system to meet his needs. This included MuteClip, MuteCradle and Tecsound SY70, the quick and easily installed acoustic system providing market-leading acoustic benefits.iKoustic acoustic expert Richard Woodhouse explained, ‘Finding the right solution was imperative for all parties. The system we proposed using MuteClip, MuteCradle and Tecsound SY70 was a cost-effective solution to a complex but often seen problem. The impact of unwanted noise is such an emotive issue in noisy neighbours’ scenarios often resulting in easily avoided disputes if the right materials are included in the project from the outset. iKoustic take pride in sharing our knowledge with installers and end users to ensure the job is right the first time, saving expensive and intrusive remedial work.’Maciek Helfer of One-Off Studio commented, ‘This is the first time I’ve worked with the MuteClip and MuteChannel acoustic system. It was so quick and easy to install. I also found it very useful I could FaceTime Richard at iKoustic with any installation queries when building the soundproof cinema room’. Simon Gregory of Cinema Rooms enthusiastically added, ‘We only work with the highest specification brands and products to bring customers the best Home Cinema experience. The iKoustic team’s expertise and products fall into this category and we’ll definitely be using them again.’William’s soundproof cinema room is now fully operational and thanks to iKoustic his family can enjoy the latest blockbusters in glorious surround sound late into the evening, while his neighbours enjoy a peaceful night safe in the knowledge the biggest Hollywood stars will only be joining William. William commented, ‘We finally got to test out the soundproofing for the first time today with some serious SPL! The system has worked beautifully, barely a whisper outside. Fantastic job iKoustic!’https://www.ikoustic.co.uk/systems/floating-floors-and-under-screed/mutecradle-1630mm-concreteMuteCradle 16/30 was used to create a raised floor with the added benefit that the cradle and packers also allow accommodation of unevenness within the subfloor.The raised floor not only improves acoustic performance but allows servicing to be run through the floor void. Ideal for a soundproof cinema room.Wallshttps://www.ikoustic.co.uk/systems/masonry-wall/muteclip-stud-doubleMuteClip® Stud Double consists of an independent stud frame treated around the perimeter with Isolation Strip F5, MuteClip and MuteChannel are installed to the face of the stud. A double layer of 15mm acoustic board with Tecsound SY70 sandwiched between the two boards is then installed to MuteClip Channels.The system not only adds significant mass to the partition, but the layers of mass are decoupled from the structure by MuteClip. MuteClip is, in effect, a shock absorber – creating a ‘buffer’ between layers of mass and the core construction.The depth of the wall system also allows for servicing to run through the wall cavity of the soundproof cinema room.Ceilinghttps://www.ikoustic.co.uk/systems/timber-ceiling/muteclip-lp-doubleAs the ceiling height was restricted initially and further reduced by specifying a floating floor, MuteClip® LP (Low Profile) was used to minimise further loss in height.MuteClip LP again is a mini-shock absorber that decouples layers of mass from the core construction.With MuteClip LP you recess the clip and most of the channel into the joist cavity with channels running parallel to joists, this leaves just a few mm of channel sitting proud of the bottom of the joists – an acoustic benefit of MuteClip but with little encroachment on head height. This works great in a soundproof cinema room.If you are looking to build a soundproof cinema room you can contact ikoustic and our friendly team will guide you with everything you need to know to get started. Contact us today.

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.

Buzon UK Ltd were contracted to install the fully A1-rated ZERODECK + A-PED system on a private roof terrace on one of the apartments at New River Head, London

TEG Environmental was looking for a durable and cost effective roofing solution for its new high-tech in vessell composting plant in Exeter and chose Profile 6 as the ideal solution.

As an integral part of the roof refurbishment works to Thomas Cook’s commercial offices near Falkirk, Scotland, Plygene Gutterline was specified to refurbish the gutter network and prevent leaks for good.

A roof terrace offering stunning views is created using MidiTerrace™ complete decking system incorporating decking support cradles, aluminium joist and composite decking by Ryno.

Ryno self-levelling adjustable pedestals and stackable supports were chosen to support paving slabs on the many balconies, walkways and roof terraces of this residential development in the Bermodsey area.

In its largest building project in over 100 years, the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Exhibition Road Quarter achieves architectural cohesion between museum and street with the help of Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS) and Alumasc Roofing Systems. In a project that demonstrates expertise across the full building envelope, Alumasc Wade HCE drainage channels and access covers were installed to provide almost invisible yet functional water management, and a bespoke hybrid roofing system installed using Hydrotech and Derbigum waterproof roofing.Designed by Stirling Prize-winning Architect Amanda Levete and her practice AL_A, the landmark project aimed to “break down the barrier” between the great cultural artery of Exhibition Road and home of over 5000 years’ worth of cultural history.The entire project encompassed the construction of the Salisbury Gallery, a flexible 1100m2 temporary exhibition space, the Blavatnik Hall, a new entrance into the V&A from Exhibition Road, the Aston Webb Screen, a newly created colonnade formed from the original 1909 structure, and the Sackler Courtyard, a key area that strives for unity between the street, the museum, the historical and the modern.

Irwin Place is a stunning coastal property on the east coast of Guernsey. Designed by architects at The Drawing Room, Irwin Place is a prime example of how bespoke architectural aluminium systems can be incorporated to create a stylish and sustainable contemporary home.ARP supplied bespoke aluminium fascia, copings, and Colonnade aluminium downpipes. Our durable and stylish aluminium rainwater and roofline products were chosen to fit in with the varying weather conditions of the coastal environment.ARP's CAD team designed the bespoke aluminium fascia and coping, working with the Sarnian Roofing team throughout the process.The combination of roofing expertise from Sarnian Roofing, quality aluminium fabrications from ARP and expert design by The Drawing Room has resulted in a stunning coastal home. This magnificent project has been featured in prestigious magazines and received widespread acclaim as an exemplary representation of contemporary coastal architecture, highlighting its technical brilliance and expertise.We’re proud to have played our part in the success of this project, and we look forward to offering our expertise on similar projects in the future. Contact our team to discuss what aluminium can bring to your next project.

Systems in UseWilotekt®-PlusForce®Force Dalle®Aquamodul®OverviewBerkeley Homes initially contacted Axter in early 2017 about their project to create 844 apartments (including 175 affordable units), plus 8 shops, a restaurant, and a public plaza. The development, located in Edgware Road, will bring prosperity and jobs as well as housing, to a part of London in need of regeneration.The development involves 11 apartment blocks and is divided into 4 phases. Axter were involved in design prior to works starting, and were subsequently awarded the contract for Phase 1, later expanded to include Phase 2 and the current Phase 3.This is an update to a project we initially wrote about in its first phase. As noted there, Phase 1 was complicated by the fact that the Government amended the Building Regulations in 2018, after design work was completed and approved, imposing stricter requirements in relation to combustible materials in high-rise buildings. Timing meant that the developer was permitted to proceed under the old regime, but elected to apply stricter safety standards including a voluntary change to the system used on the balconies that was both tested to BRoof(t4) and included non-combustible insulation. The Axter team had to work quickly to amend designs but were able to modify the approved solution so that work could continue as scheduled.Phil Saunders, Regional Sales Director at Axter, has been our lead throughout the work. “This is one of the most challenging projects I have worked on,” he notes, “but also one of the most rewarding. Unique solutions were required to solve more than one problem, but it has been great to work on a development involving many technically elegant and aesthetically pleasing aspects, with a range of roofing systems and finishes, including Blue, Brown and Green Roof elements.”Additional challengesWestminster Council’s planning requirements included specific stormwater attenuation targets. With limited space onsite, Kevin Leahy, Technical Director at Berkeley Homes, was considering a Blue Roof solution, something the developer had not implemented before, so support from a technical manufacturer was especially important from the outset.Numerous other difficulties have had to be overcome during this project. Work was disrupted by Covid lockdowns not long after roofing commenced in 2019. Phases 2 and 3, which were very similar, also required us to support our partner through complex change: Phase 1 involved an inverted roof, a solution assumed to carry forward. However, assessment of weight restrictions and outlet positions meant that design would need to switch to a warm roof with tapered insulation.Additionally, work has continued throughout the period of the Ukraine conflict, where prices and supply of materials have been difficult to navigate.SolutionsTo achieve planning permission, Axter worked with Kevin and Berkeley Homes between 2017 and 2019, presenting the resultant roofing design for approval. We were able to demonstrate that the plans met sustainable drainage obligations. The London Plan for sustainable design and construction also imposed requirements, which were met by a mix of living roof solutions including Green Roof and Brown Roof finishes.“We’re happy to present Westminster Council to support the planning application,” continues Phil. “We have worked with Berkeley Homes many times and continue to do so on several projects. Nothing matters more to us than building and maintaining ongoing relationships with partners who know they can trust us to take weight from their shoulders.”Construction continued throughout the lockdown period, with Axter working hard to ensure uninterrupted supply. Materials continued to be delivered in a safe manner, and QA reviews were held virtually until we could resume our usual regular site visits.A switch in roofing approach generally changes the sequencing of work such as integration of roofing and door thresholds. “We were able to come up with an innovative solution involving multiple systems, including cold-applied liquid waterproofing, that permitted the original sequencing to remain,” says Phil. Change was also required in relation to upstand penetration details and movement joints.Throughout the project, Axter has been able to provide partners with full designs involving bespoke details, plus rainwater and u-value calculations, to ensure compliance at every stage.“We worked hard to find the smartest, most cost-effective solutions,” adds Phil. “We also appreciated that this was not the time to be too rigid in pricing. Some pain all round might be unavoidable in this difficult period, but we aimed to share the impact. We were also able to offer partners a guarantee of price stability for a set period of time, so they could proceed with certainty.”Axter manufactures its own systems and works carefully to plan ahead and liaise with long-standing supply partners. This allows us to stay ahead of shortages and offer accurate delivery timelines. Company-wide, we have been able to supply all systems as pledged.All of Axter’s approved installers must complete training specific to the systems involved, but in this case so many bespoke design elements were involved that we organised training specific to the project for all operatives. This training was also extended to the Berkeley Homes construction team, to ensure they were supported in how the roofing would integrate with other areas of construction.“This has been an exceptionally successful project”, comments Phil. “Hurdles have arisen, but with communication and hard work we have supported our client through rapid transitions and financial challenges. We have been very flexible on pricing, but we were not necessarily the cheapest initial bid. We were chosen anyway, because I think Berkeley Homes understands we add value that makes us the cost-effective option for the building’s future lifetime.”Phase 3 designs were approved early this year, with work just starting. Axter is now busy with design for Phase 4, with the project expected to continue through to 2025.

This stunning new-build with floor-to-ceiling glass panels is built into the hillside and thus required a robust waterproofing solution for failsafe protection. After the original property on this site in Barnet was demolished, construction began for a new building that could take full advantage of the stunning location. With floor-to-ceiling glass panels on one side of the property , this new-build is the best place to admire the views over London.Built into the hillside, the property was therefore partially-retaining and required a full waterproofing system throughout to protect from unwanted water ingress. As such, Newton Specialist Contractor Stonehouse were called in to expertly install a robust waterproofing system to the entire structure.The client appointed Stonehouse's Richard Allen as the waterproofing design specialist on this project, to ensure a fully BS 8102:2009 compliant build.Due to the partially-retaining nature of the structure, Richard recommended a combination of Type A, B and C waterproofing systems to ensure a Grade 3 habitable environment. Relying on an effective Type B structure, Stonehouse then applied a cementitious coating of Type A Newton 107F to the external surface of the flat roof decks and to the internal area of the lower lift pit.Given the high risk from water, the failsafe Newton CDM System was also installed on both levels of the structure. Newton 508 membrane was securely fixed to the internal walls using Newton's ancillary products, with water from the upper level being bunded and piped down to the lower level, then drained via gravity fall using Newton Basedrain.As one of our most experienced specialist contractors, Stonehouse expertly recommended, designed and installed a truly failsafe waterproofing system that will continue to protect this contemporary home for many years to come. Furthermore, Stonehouse were able to provide a 10-year guarantee for the installation, for complete peace of mind.