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Project Name:Niles Bakery, St AustellProject Location:St Austell, CornwallProduct UsedCemfloor C30Based in the scenic town of St. Austell, this project consists of a ground floor baking factory over 630m2 and first floor office space of similar size.Cemfloor was chosen for this project thanks to its many benefits including easy installation and reduced drying time.The floor needed to be strong enough to carry the weight of the baking machines so Cemfloor c30 at75mm was the proposed solution for the ground floor.On the first floor, heavy foot traffic and office equipment needed to be considered and Cemfloorc30 at 50mm was installed.Time on site was limited and the screed needed to be installed in a short time frame. NMA Flooring started the pour at 8am and were offsite by 11:30am. Light site traffic work was able to commence 48 hours after the pour

Beachcliff Hotel and Apartments are an eight bedroom and two flat period property in the Edwardian seaside town of Penarth, Wales. It is the perfect base for exploring the local area, located opposite the Victorian Penarth Pier and beach and town centre. Both apartments have a view of the sea. Initially built in 1904, the Beachcliff building became a central part of Penarth’s historic waterfront. However, years of weathering from the Bristol Channel led to the structure’s decay; most of the property had to be dismantled and rebuilt as a gabled Edwardian pastiche façade.Cellecta’s FIBREfon 28C was specified due to its acoustic performance. The Cellecta solutions were recognised as the ideal products for the acoustical and soundproofing demands of the domestic and commercial development. FIBREfon 28C is an acoustic overlay board designed for concrete floors requiring a high compressive treatment.Richard Hayward Properties had ownership of the contract to develop this 1,000m² rebuild.

PROJECT NAME: NORTHENDEN CUSTOMER 92 CONSTRUCTION LTD PRODUCT SUPPLIED AEROMIX SUPPLIED BY WOTMIX MANCHESTER INSTALLER CONCEPT CONSTRUCTION RIBBLE VALLEY LTD AEROMIX was chosen for this renovation project thanks to its many benefits allowing all UFH to be more cost effective and energy efficient, smoothness of finish and speed of install. Significant savings were had on this project by using AEROMIX. The customer 92 Construction Ltd complimented better U-values, a much cleaner process, no excess waste and allowed the project to complete the whole process within 1 week thus saving time and money 92 CONSTRUCTION LTD said “great progress recently over at Northenden project, with the internal sub flooring now complete, we up’d our game with this one and went for the new innovative AEROMIX liquid insulation base ground bearing slab 

Mono M311 Glass Infill Top FixThrough the early design stages of this impressive project, Delta Balustrades worked closely with the Liverpool based architects to develop the specification, design and technical details of the balustrade system.As one of the main features of the building, the Mono balustrade system to stairs, atriums, and external terraces with its minimalistic and subtle appearance, transformed the architect’s vision into reality.To meet requirements for buildings designed for children a lower handrail at 600mm above pitch line was required to the stair balustrades and the glass infill panels were required to extend to 1500mm above FFL and stair pitch line.On site close cooperation with the main contractor was necessary to conceal the baluster fixings below the finished floor level in line with the architect’s specification. Externally, this required an early fix of the balustrades without the glass infills, to enable the contractor to complete the waterproofing in view of subsequent trades progressing.

Calderdale Council recently embarked on an extensive refurbishment project of the ballroom in the Grade I listed Todmorden Town Hall, which completely refreshed the interior using specialist redecoration services and colour insights from Crown Paints.The 19th century building, which includes a ballroom with ornate ceiling features and plasterwork, has been home to a variety of events over its long history. The Council’s £120,000 investment into the ballroom included improvements to the acoustics and a redecoration project that aimed to refresh the building while being sympathetic to its rich history.As part of the works, Crown Paints’ colour consultancy team devised a new colour scheme for the ballroom with a rich blue called Jet Stream and Victoria White with red and yellow accent colours. It is based on the hues and tones of the original Minton tiles which were hidden beneath the ballroom’s wallpaper and rediscovered before work began.

This stunning Grade II* Surrey property was built in 1932 by renowned architects Connell, Ward and Lucas and is a rare example of the Modernist Movement in architecture.Described at the time as ‘more like an invention by Picasso than a house’ the building was revolutionary for its time and divided opinion. Built using reinforced concrete with a flat roof it is designed to prioritise light and space.The windows are key to the original concept which is based on the movement of the sun – in the morning the breakfast room gets the early sun and the living room benefits from the light in the late afternoon.Windows from the Clement EB20 range were manufactured and polyester powder coated in a matt Pastel Blue. The Clement EB20  double and single doors include Clement’s multi-point locking door system which can achieve PAS4:2016 in accordance with approved Document Q. 

Queen’s University is a member of the Russell Group, and one of the United Kingdom and Ireland’s leading universities which continues to shape and serve the world through research and teaching. Based in the heart of Belfast, Queen’s University is committed to enhancing its historic campus and the surrounding conservation area while providing 21st century facilities for education and research.With the entrance atrium combining various double and triple-height spaces over different floors, Armstrong METAL Cellio was the perfect choice to provide a sleek contemporary ceiling that connected and unified these spaces into one recognisable volume, with a sense of lightness and transparency.HERADESIGN® was used throughout the building as a recognisable and repeated element that provided good acoustic performance with texture and pattern. From a wall and ceiling installation highlighting the reception area, to acoustic absorption on the walls in meeting rooms and subtle black hanging baffles in a bar space.

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) continuously strive to provide better education for the next generation of medical professionals. As such, with help from NTW Solutions they wanted to create a modern learning space for their medical education centre in Gosforth. Forbo Flooring Systems' Flotex, Modul'up and Allura Flex ranges all played a key role in bringing this project together .NTW solutions was established in 2017 by CNTW NHS Foundation Trust to provide a range of important services, across a variety of teams. They work alongside stakeholders such as NHS Foundation Trust to provide high-end project outcomes. Offering a variety of foundation placements, the medical centre will provide young nurses and doctors with a good base level of education to then move forwards in their chosen speciality. To do this there was a variety of factors to review when looking at designs.

Our team at Helmsman manufactured and installed 49 two-compartment bespoke Z lockers, which is a wet specification as they are ideal for environments where it is humid, our aluminium & stainless-steel body with solid grade laminate is a perfect choice. The bespoke Z lockers were requested to have an internal self and fully perforated base which allows airflow through the lockers.The laminate Z lockers were installed with stands, 1 nest of 1, 2 nest of 2, and 14 nest of 3. The specification of the stand was 461mm high overall, 298mm wide, and 450mm deep with 1m rivets,Our Z lockers are a fantastic choice as it allow two people to store their belongings in the footprint of one locker, the design of this locker is modern, innovative, and stylish. Additionally, users would be able to hang their clothes in a taller section of the locker, which reduces the risk of wrinkling.

The designers for the new offices in Atherstone, Warwickshire focused on creating a building that would be in tune both with its rural surroundings and also with the inventive and artistic profession of the occupants. The premises are the headquarters and design studio for a well known video game development company.The design of the building is based on a large barn with attractive contemporary wooden panelling and external posts and beams. Running alongside these posts and beams is dramatic bespoke aerofoil solar shading and weather louvres.As a perfect colourful contrast for offsetting the wood, ‘Copper Mine’ - gives the effect of patinated copper or Verdigris. The project comprises of 475 linear metres of 170mm elliptical aerofoil blades.The final effect of the blue/green aerofoil fins set against the wood is stunning as the images show. ‘Copper Mine’ is a textured finish and will give a pleasing variation in shade as sunlight moves across its surface

The Santo António Villas, Golf & Spa Resort (previously known as Parque da Floresta) is situated on the far West of the Algarve amongst hilly landscapes. The resort located near the historic town of Lagos, Portugal opened in 1987. It was designed by Pepe Gancedo who was one of Spain’s most famous Architects and has no two holes the same which attracts golfers to return again and again.This project included many different techniques which can be achieved using SureSet resin bound paving. The whole surface was first covered in primer and CRM (crack reduction membrane) to provide additional support to the tiled base below. The surround of the pool was laid in 3mm Popcorn along with a frame created with aluminium edging and 3mm Bronze Medal, a flower design was also installed using the flexible aluminium edging and colours from the Spectrum Range.

Built in the market town of Sandy, Bedfordshire, Cotton Tails is a prestigious £2.5 million private residential property, the finalist for the RCI Pitched Roofing Awards. The property extends for around 4.8 acres and it includes formal gardens, fenced paddocks, stables, and outbuildings. The incredibly modern five-bedroom mansion offers 6000sq ft of living space characterized by a wealth of attractive features, including an impressive full height reception hall with a floating staircase and enviable underground wine cellar.The Cotton Trails project was managed by Mark Lenn, the landowner, and built by Bartram Timber Frame Buildings Ltd. For the installation of the roof, the landowner selected D Stockwell Roofing Contractor, based upon recommendations, experience, and quality of workmanship. Roofers were instructed to only use high-quality materials to complement the luxurious mansion and interiors of the prestigious property.

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 Creative Centre at York St John University represents an evolutionary step in educational architecture, mirroring the institution’s commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and community engagement.By integrating cutting-edge sustainable technologies and materials, the centre not only minimizes its environmental impact but also serves as an inspiring example of how modern design can contribute to the well-being of both the planet and its inhabitants.The facility’s versatile spaces encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students and faculty to explore new frontiers in arts and education. This architectural gem not only enhances the university’s landscape but also strengthens its ties with the local community, inviting public participation in a range of cultural and educational events.As a symbol of York St John University’s forward-thinking ethos, the Creative Centre is poised to shape the future of creative education, making it a cornerstone of both the university and the wider society.Three main concepts formed the foundation of the design approach. First, it is a genuinely sustainable building, both in operational and embodied carbon terms, with a substantial timber frame and simple climate control. Second, the main atrium space unites all the building elements together, reflecting the latest thinking in higher education to create ‘third spaces’ for cross-disciplinary collaboration.Finally, the Centre makes the most of its proximity to York Minster connecting the University to the heritage of the surrounding city. Throughout the atrium, recital hall and critical listening room, views to the Minster are carefully framed, reinforcing this picturesque view across the stunning historic site.Low embodied carbon materials, such as glulam and CLT and SIPS were used for the construction of the Centre, as part of a ‘fabric-first’ approach using Passivhaus principles to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.Working alongside environmental design consultant Atelier Ten, the project’s eco credentials were achieved by using triple-glazing, making the building air tight, providing simple operation systems – such as openable windows – and a mixed mode ventilation system with both mechanical and natural ventilation in teaching rooms.The building is extremely functional and flexible, for example the 2,000m2 of teaching space are column-free internally with modular servicing to allow easy re-configuration in the future should the university’s requirements change. The 180 capacity auditorium was designed with SSV Theatre Consultants to facilitate teaching as well as performances, with a level access technical level. And the building connects to the natural environment through its use of natural materials and integration with a campus wide landscape masterplan.

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.    

Located between St. David's and Aberdour, the tanker terminal at Braefoot Bay is a base for the export of liquefied petroleum gas. The terminal consists of two jetties located on the north shore of Incholm Island. The gas is piped to the Mossmoran Plant in Fife direct from the North Sea, broken down to form ethane and then converted into ethylene, the basic hydrocarbon 'building block' of the petrochemical industry. The products are then piped the final three mile journey to the Braefoot Marine Terminal where they are fed into tankers and gas carriers for markets in Europe and the USA. The terminal is operated jointly by Shell Expro and Exxon.The jetty was suffering from increasing levels of deterioration of the reinforced concrete structure due to the relentless corrosive action of the marine salt environment on the reinforcing steel. A remedial plan was developed to carry out repairs and to introduce a cathodic protection (CP) system to greatly enhance the protection level and therefore extend the life of the structure. The plan was prepared by structural engineers from Shell, led by Hans Verheyde, and Balfour Beatty Construction Services UK (BBCS) was awarded the contract.Two major factors had to be accommodated within the repair programme. Firstly, the tidal flow that submerged the lower part of the jetty twice every 24 hours and secondly, the jetty is a fully live and very active transport hub and shipping schedules had to take precedence at all times. Round-the-clock flexible working maintained delivery of the twelve-month project.Saint-Gobain Weber's specialised repair concrete products were specified for the remedial actions on the Braefoot Bay jetty and technical application advice was provided for the active phase of the project. A suspended scaffold was designed and installed which allowed fast access when the tide ebbed so that productivity could be maintained. Traditional techniques were used to breakout the spalled and cracked concrete and to wash out the surface chlorides and clean the existing reinforcement steels.webercem five star repair concrete CP is a shrinkage-compensated, high strength, low resistivity, flowing repair concrete designed for use in conjunction with CP systems. This pre-blended cementitious concrete fully complies with the Highways Agency Specification Class 29F for high-strength flowing concrete for major structural repairs. It contains non-reactive aggregates with a low soluble-alkali cement content which is particularly important where CP is to be used. The rapid strength development and dimensional stability of webercem five star repair concrete CP – which reaches 27N/mm² in 24 hours – was especially valuable in the tidal conditions in Fife. Tight shuttering was used on the wide beam sections of the jetty to take the poured concrete which reached an integral bond with the original concrete. This process reformed the structural integrity using products with proven durability.An innovative CP system using Duogard® hybrid anodes from CPT was installed to protect the steel reinforcement with the anodes fixed into the soffits with a special CPT mortar. Where the CP installation required chases to carry the cabling, webercem HB40 high-build structural repair mortar was used to fill and seal the chases. webercem bondcoat, a polymer-modified, cementitious bonding aid and steel reinforcement primer, was first applied into the chases to ensure enhanced bonding. webercem HB40 is an acrylic-polymer modified, single component mortar and is lightweight with high build qualities. It can be applied in layers up to 75mm thick vertically, and 50mm on overhead soffits, and can be used without formwork. It was then applied onto the tacky webercem bondcoat primer and finished flush to the concrete surface.The Braefoot Bay terminal project has been completed successfully and Dewi Miller, contracts manager, BBCS, is confident that the jetty protection will extend the working life of the structure. "The products we have used are excellent and the application methods have enabled us to deliver a high degree of protection and reinstatement to the concrete structure. Working on a live site in a tidal zone has required a flexible work schedule but the whole project has worked exactly to plan and the client is very pleased with the result. The Weber materials have been the key to achieving this success."

Hardtgenbuscher Kirchweg school sports facilities in Cologne-OstheimBRINGING COLOUR INTO PLAYAs a district of Cologne, Ostheim is primarily a residential area for the neighbouring industrial zones of Kalk and Mülheim. Ostheim is shaped by residential neighbourhoods with dense high-rise construction and social housing.In 1981, a new school centre was built on Hardtgenbuscher Kirchweg to accommodate the rapidly increasing population, comprising the Heinrich Heine Gymnasium and Albert Schweitzer Realschule secondary schools. In addition to three multi-purpose halls, the school complex has a large outdoor sports facility, which is also used for external sports events.The outdoor sports facility was completely renovated and remodelled in 2022/23. Various Polytan surfaces were used as part of the design. Nowadays, Hardtgenbuscher Kirchweg is home to a large synthetic turf playing field with an athletics track running around it, facilities for long jump, high jump, shot put and javelin, as well as a multifunctional playing surface that combines two courts each for handball, basketball, volleyball and tennis.The large football pitch was equipped with the Polytan LigaTurf Cross synthetic turf system, which combines smooth and textured filaments. Both textile fibre types combine to create a single hard-wearing surface, with a look and feel that is barely distinguishable from natural football turf and is used successfully in professional sport worldwide. Thanks to its textured filaments, LigaTurf Cross ensures low and easy maintenance, as well as greater infill stability and an increased turf volume.The football pitch is surrounded by a four-lane running track, which can also be used as a sprint track on one of the long sides, for which two additional lanes have been added. Like the javelin throwing facility a little to the side, it is laid in sky blue Rekortan M. Our Rekortan M is a genuine high-speed synthetic surface designed to support top sporting performance. The combination of an elastic base layer and a solid construction not only makes it fast, but also guarantees optimum conditions for professional athletes and discerning amateurs alike.Both curved sections of the athletics track are also used – on one side, there is a gymnastics area with fitness equipment and high jump facilities, while on the other side, there are provisions for long jump and shot put. Both are also made of Rekortan M, but laid in different colours. Brown and beige were used in the gymnastics area, while beige and orange alternated in the long jump.In addition to the running track, our high-precision system for professional performance diagnostics – Polytan SMART – was installed. The Polytan SMART system consists of integrated, maintenance-free, magnetic timing gates that are permanently and securely installed in the ground. It is accompanied by a sensor weighing only 15 grams and the tried-and-tested diagnostics software from Polytan’s partner, Humotion. Even amateur athletes can benefit from the system by using the free Smart Run by Humotion app on a smartphone, which is worn on the body using a running belt. The measurements – such as distance, time, number of steps and step frequency – are evaluated and analysed directly in the app. In Ostheim, a total of 6 magnets have been embedded in the surface, two in the running track and four in the sprint track.The multifunctional playing field is based on PolyPlay S since different colours make the court playable for handball, basketball, volleyball and tennis. While the primary colour is beige, the four handball goal areas on two parallel handball courts are finished in sky blue. The rectangular zones under the four hoops on both basketball courts are a striking bright orange colour. The volleyball playing surfaces are shaded brown. The lines for the four different ball sports are drawn in red, yellow and white.The school sports facility in Ostheim shows once again that Polytan offers a broad portfolio of high-quality sports surfaces that are suited to the most varied requirements. On the multifunctional playing field, the colour scheme and coloured lines also demonstrate that different sports can be played compactly on one and the same surface. One thing is certain: Polytan has brought a whole host of colour into play in Ostheim. The outdoor sports facility is used for school sports and by SC Köln 2000 e.V., a club that offers its members a wide range of sporting activities.

When the government instructed people to work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, the gym where Wirral-based personal trainer Megan Hewitt worked closed down. So, Megan and partner Dan decided to build a fitness studio in their garden to allow her to conduct video personal training sessions during lockdown. To ensure the 6m x 3m timber frame building would be suitable for use all year round, it was essential to insulate the roof and walls.The couple researched various types of insulation online and narrowed it down to Mineral Wool because of its thermal performance and fire safety. They had three other considerations: it had to be good at blocking noise, have excellent sustainability credentials, and be easy to install, as they planned to fit it themselves.Just one product for all applicationsTheir research showed that Knauf Insulation 50mm and 70mm OmniFit Slab ticked all the boxes. It is a multi-application slab, meaning the couple didn’t need to purchase separate products for the roof and walls. What’s more, it offers a higher level of thermal performance than alternative versatile slabs on the market.It is manufactured from Glass Mineral Wool and is non-combustible with a Euroclass A1 Reaction to Fire Classification, meaning it will not add to the development or spread of a fire should it occur.Keeping quietAs any exercise fanatic knows, a good workout needs a strong soundtrack and Megan wanted to motivate clients without becoming a noisy neighbour. OmniFit Slab provides excellent levels of acoustic performance thanks to its open fibre structure that absorbs sound waves.Insulation that doesn’t cost the earthSustainability was another important factor for the couple. Like all of Knauf Insulation’s Glass Mineral Wool insulation, it is manufactured from up to 80% recycled content, mostly used glass bottles and jars that would otherwise go to landfill.It is also manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder, which contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. ECOSE® Technology is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally-friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and have been awarded the Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold Standard.Its softness was a benefit that Megan noticed during installation. She said: “I remember helping my Dad with our ‘old-school’ Mineral Wool loft insulation when I was younger and it was horrible, it irritated my skin for 24 hours after. But the OmniFit was fine – there was no irritation whatsoever.”Installation was no sweatA tight fit between joints is essential to eliminate gaps that can reduce thermal and acoustic performance, but with some types of insulation it can be difficult to achieve the high quality installation required. OmniFit Slab is manufactured to provide friction fitting to ensure all joints are sealed correctly. Despite having no previous experience, Megan, Dan and a friend fitted the 40m2 OmniFit Slab themselves over the course of a day.“Before fitting the insulation, we watched an installation video on YouTube,” said Megan. “We followed the techniques shown and it was really easy to install. We had no problems at all.”“I’m delighted with the finished result. When the fitness studio was finished, we kept turning up the stereo to see whether the insulation really was soundproof – even at full blast, you couldn’t hear the music outside. It’s amazing.”“Before we put the insulation in, I was exercising in winter gear with the radiator on full – now the studio is lovely and warm. I’m back in vests and I haven’t had to put the heating on at all.”Thanks to Knauf Insulation OmniFit Slab, Megan and her clients can enjoy a high energy workout in a warm, safe environment – without disturbing her neighbours. What’s more, the insulation is sustainable and will ensure the studio’s energy consumption and carbon emissions are low over its lifetime. Note: Megan, Dan and her friend maintained social distancing guidelines during the insulation install. Megan continues to follow government guidelines for the operation of gyms and exercise facilities, conducting her sessions online when in-person training is not possible.

The Protec System was used to waterproof the domed green roof areas of this striking, sustainable house development which was featured on Chanel 4’s Grand Designs. With an ambitious vision and a tight budget, Robert and Milla Gaukroger set about transforming a dated 1980’s house overlooking Lake Windermere into a state-of-the-art, eco-conscious home. Since the house lay in beautiful hillside surroundings, in order to blend into this setting, the domed roofs of the house were to be covered with a wildflower meadow mix to provide a green roof construction.The SolutionThe Protec System was chosen as a waterproofing membrane for the roofs as it is ideally suited for green roof applications. Lightweight, flexible and highly durable, the system can easily accommodate structural expansion movements and is tough enough to resist root penetration. The Protec system was applied to over 350m2 of domed roof to provide a long-lasting waterproofing membrane.The key reasons why Eastleigh chose Protec are the same reasons that has seen it become one of the fastest growing cold-applied liquid roofing systems in both the new build and refurbishment markets. Combined with the timber cladding to the verticals of the building, the finished aesthetics of the development blended seamlessly with the surrounding areas.A warm roof build-up that can be made waterproof at multiple stages:For larger projects the Protec system can be made temporarily waterproof at two stages prior to the application of the full waterproofing system. The first stage is upon installation of the sealed, aluminium-faced vapour barrier.The second phase follows the reinforcing of the foil-faced insulation board joints with Protec resin and taping mat. This enables a much more controlled approach to the installation with a greatly reduced chance of rain causing disruption and damage during the works.Highly flexible membrane:Regardless of the size of the roof, Protec forms a homegenous membrane, without a single joint or seam and without the need for any expansion joints.RapidCure technology for quick installation:The application of Protec as a liquid, through to the curing process where a solid, tough membrane that can be walked over, takes only 30 – 60 minutes. This enables large sections of the roof to be fully completed in a short space of time.Installing the Roofing SystemsThe Protec System provided waterproofing to all flat roof areas as well as the extensive parapet wall sections. The roof areas were made up of two designs: the Protec Warm Roof System (approx 7,500m2) and Protec applied to concrete as part of an inverted roof design (approx 1,000m2).The roof installation was carried out with a planned, phased approach that was synchronised to the wider construction schedule. For the warm roof areas, the first stage was to fill the troughs of the structural metal roof deck with acoustic insulation infills that will dampen external noise within the leisure centre. Next, the crowns of the deck were primed ready to receive the self-adhesive vapour barrier.The use of a high-performance aluminium vapour barrier not only eliminates the risk of condensation within the roof, but also provides temporary waterproofing protection, which is extremely useful on larger works such as this.The Polyroof RES Insulation boards, which comprised of a two layer system totalling 170mm to achieve a U-Value of 0.14 W/m2K, were bonded using high-performance PU adhesive to the vapour barrier. Following the wind uplift calculations it was determined that mechanical fixings were not required for this application – making for an extremely rapid installation. As you can probably imagine, fixing through 170mm of insulation into the crowns of the metal deck can be a tricky and time-consuming task.A key advantage of using a tongue and groove insulation system is that the finished surface of the roof is smooth and level without any unsightly board steps that can also lead to standing water issues. The insulation board joints were sealed using Protec resin with Polymat Taping Mat 450 which, in addition to providing additional strength to the joints, also creates a temporarily waterproof layer.For the inverted roof sections, Protec was applied directly to the primed concrete/screed surface. The membrane was inspected by Polyroof Technical Services, signed off and then covered with inverted roof components. An interesting fact when using Protec in inverted roof situations is its incredible durability performance – as tested by the BBA, Protec “can provide an effective barrier to the transmission of liquid water and water vapour for the design life of the roof in which it is incorporated”.Monitoring and CompletionThroughout the duration of the contract, Polyroof Technical Services carried out regular site visits that were reported back to Interserve as part of Polyroof’s free-of-charge contract monitoring service. This enabled the client to keep up-to-date with the progress of the roof installation in detail and also provided peace of mind that the original specification was being closely followed and implemented.Polyroof worked closely with the Roofline Group during the installation, enabling the challenges were identified and solved in an efficient and coordinated manner – saving the client time and money.

World’s first climate-neutral synthetic hockey turf at the Hamburger Polo Club e.V.FIT FOR THE FUTUREThe Hamburger Polo Club e.V. has a long and illustrious history behind it. The club was born in 1898, making it Germany’s first polo club – although it started as little more than an alliance of Hanseatic and Anglophilic gentlemen, who had found an enthusiasm for polo after first encountering the originally central Asian sport in England. Today, the club with headquarters in Klein Flottbek includes divisions for hockey and tennis.For many year’s the club’s flagship was its first women’s hockey team, which currently plays both indoors and outdoors in the 2nd Bundesliga Nord. The men’s team even plays in the 1st Bundesliga. The hockey players have two synthetic turf pitches available to them, as well as a hockey hall in the winter.In 2023, the hockey pitch was resurfaced with Poligras Paris GT zero, the world’s first carbon-neutral synthetic turf for field hockey. We developed it specially for this year’s Summer Olympics in Paris, where the world’s best teams will compete. Poligras Paris GT zero is up to 100% climate-neutral, without compromising on playing characteristics.This is made possible by a combination of different measures: these include a new manufacturing process and the use of sustainably farmed, biobased synthetic materials. For example, the turf fibres are manufactured using I’m Green™ polyethylene, a biobased plastic that is made from the otherwise unusable byproducts of processed sugar cane. This saves around 73 tons of CO2, compared to a conventional synthetic turf.A major component in maximising the sustainability of Poligras Paris GT zero is the permanently improved product design, which consumes less water than before. For example, the synthetic turf used at the Olympic Games in Tokyo consumed 39% less water than the turf used in Rio only four years earlier. Polytan Paris GT zero takes this development even further with the introduction of Turf Glide, a new protected technology. It reduces surface friction, so that even less water is needed to reduce the friction resistance and minimise the risk of injury. Poligras Paris GT zero is currently the only turf that is approved for the category of water-based hockey turf and the FIH innovation category “Non-Irrigated”.With Poligras Paris GT zero, the Hamburger Polo Club e.V. has consciously opted for the sustainable future of hockey. The main pitch can be divided into two smaller youth pitches, and will be used both by the professional Bundesliga players and by youth teams. Naturally, the colour of the Hamburger pitch was selected to match its high ambitions in “Paris blue”. The visual highlight, however, is the club logo, which is inlaid into the turf. Although hockey is played at the level of the future, the inscription reflects a longstanding tradition: the Hamburger Polo Club.

Beautiful, spectacular curved glass designs made with evguard®. Luxury Apartments Complex - The Unique Tower - High UV ExposureQuito, EcuadorMixed-use 24-story residential tower in Quito, Ecuador by architect Carlos Zapata. It is located on the northern edge of La Carolina Park and is one of the city’s tallest buildings with the communal pool and lounge area, as well as a series of vertical gardens. The new tower was made to embrace the striking views of the Andes mountains and volcanoes and the surrounding valleys and the busy streets of Quito. The project was designed to be a visually porous structure. This is Zapata’s first project with Quito developer Uribe Schwarzkopf. https://www.dezeen.com/2020/11/24/unique-carlos-zapata-unique-uribe-schwarzkopf/The building features a facade made with glass and aluminum panels, a sculptural envelope that folds to optimise light and privacy within the apartments.The tower was also made to generate the smallest possible impact when it comes to the use of non-renewable resources, such as electrical energy saving, use of potable water, collecting and reusing rainwater, water treatment, and irrigation systems.Amdeksa S.G./Ecuador contributed to its unique design with the spectacular laminated glass design with evguard® UV-380 and evguard® MPE .Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a part of the solar radiation spectrum, with the wavelength falling between 100 and 400 nm. Since UV radiation has pros and cons based on the field of application, laminated safety glasses at different applications need different UV cut-off to fulfill the requirements. In addition to the evguard® laminating film, Folienwerk Wolfen GmbH also offers evguard® laminating film UV-380 with increased UV cut off to provide higher protection against UV radiation.evguard® laminating film UV-380 is most suitable to minimize the amount of natural UV light to pass through. Even though the standard evguard® laminating film is certified for EN 12543-4, evguard® laminating film UV-380 would be the best choice for some special applications such as to protect the UV sensitive inlays within the glass laminate from discoloration or fading.Photo: Luxury appartments Complex in Quito by Amdeksa S.G. & MM4GLASSFor more information on the project please contact:Amdeksa S.G.Edison Chavez+593 99 832 1083edisonchavez123@yahoo.comContact MM4GLASS for #evguard® in the territories of Central America (except Mexico), South America and Caribbean Islands.Moreno MagonMM4GLASS - Machine Market for Glass +55 11 9 8579 6439moreno.magon@mm4glass.comwww.MM4GLASS.comContact GlassParts for #evguard® in UK & IrelandTony Mallick +44 7392 458390tony@glassparts.co.ukwww.glassparts.co.uk

The Dogs Trust holds a special place in the heart of the canine loving public. The national charity’s Cardiff Rehoming Centre sets an incredible benchmark of facilities to ensure rescue dogs get the best chance of a happy and healthy future. Run by devoted staff, the centre includes 20 exercise paddocks, a training hall, 74 kennels with underfloor heating and a fully equipped grooming suite. A pawsome attention to every need The project is located on an eight-acre brownfield site and comprises a campus of strategically located pavilion buildings. The buildings to the north are open to the public, offering training, rehoming services with conference facilities. These buildings are focused around a feature 'Piazza' providing a pedestrian link between the buildings and a place for people to meet. The 'working' buildings are reserved for training and rehabilitation. The heart of the development is the main reception structure, which contains kennels, education areas, a veterinary wing and conference/meeting room facilities, along with specialist and ancillary spaces. Contemporary and exciting…but not lavish The Dog Trust’s primary yellow corporate identity is picked out strongly on feature walls and other elements, whilst most exterior elevations and interiors adhere to whites and greys and a limited number of materials. Oliver Henshall of Cardiff-based project architects, Powell Dobson, spoke about the project, “Because the Dog’s Trust is a charity we were mindful that, while creating contemporary and exciting architecture and interiors, neither should appear as if money had been lavished on them. After all, the dogs should always be the priority in terms of funding allocation. With that in mind, we liked the idea of leaving the services exposed, dressing internals with just the essentials. Rockfon Eclipse® Islands were the ideal choice in terms of helping create a sharp, modern aesthetic while offering superior sound control.”Dogs Trust Cardiff Deputy Manager, Kim Davies, “The building looks wonderful, with the ceilings suspended between the lighting really setting off the space and looking fabulous.”An acousticians’ best friendAt the Dogs Trust, elegant 40mm thick, 2360x1160mm, frameless acoustic islands are suspended by wires, but Eclipse can also be installed using a suspended grid or fixed directly to the soffit. Their smooth, deep matt, super white surface has anti-static properties, which extend product life. They are perfect for thermal mass applications and absorb sound on both sides, reducing reverberation time while improving ambient sound levels. Eclipse can be supplied in various shapes and colours to enhance design freedom and is also available as a wall panel, where extra sound absorption combined with design options is required. Rockfon Specification Manger Rowan Green, “All Rockfon acoustic systems are made from naturally occurring inert volcanic rock (stone wool), are non-combustible and will not harbour harmful microorganisms and bacteria. They have a high recycled content, are fully recyclable and are certified to leave a positive impact on people and the planet 

Brick manufacturer Vandersanden is launching a new texture generator for its facing bricks and brick slips. With the new online tool, architects, property developers and consumers can design a facade by combining, among other things, different types of bricks and brick slips, colours, laying patterns and joint thicknesses.In total, the texture generator allows more than 1.1 million combinations to be created and compared. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, Vandersanden's texture generator displays the most detailed and realistic digital reproduction of a facade texture to date. The generated texture can be easily downloaded, including image folders and technical specifications.Maximising digital opportunitiesVandersanden has been focusing on the digitisation of its offering for some time. For several years, the company has been digitising various services for different customer groups. Knowledge sharing, inspiration and convenience for customers are central to this. The new texture generator is their very latest digital innovation."With the texture generator, we are making the most of the possibilities that the digital world offers, in order to better fulfil the present and future needs of our customers. The texture generator is an endless source of inspiration for both professionals and consumers. Professionals can visualise their projects realistically in a simple way, because the texture can easily be integrated into drawing programmes", says Nathali Donatz, Group Marketing Director at Vandersanden. "With the texture generator, we make it easy for professionals and consumers to design the perfect facade and by doing so, strengthen our role as the partner for creating beautiful facades."Lifelike visualisationsWhereas most texture generators on the market make visualisations based on photography, Vandersanden embraces a new technology, namely photogrammetry. This technology enables a digital 3D image of a brick, and in a later phase also of clay pavers, to be created by means of an extensive set of photos.As a result, products are displayed with a particularly high level of detail and 3D depth. The new technology also allows for greater scalability, which means that recurring patterns are virtually impossible. All this means that textures can be visualised in a particularly realistic and natural way. Vandersanden does not compromise on user-friendliness: the tool is very simple and intuitive to use.Texture generator 2.0With its texture generator, the family business wants to go beyond the existing tools on the market."By using advanced technology, we are addressing gaps in existing texture generators. Current technology allows for less detailing and less flexibility, making textures more repetitive and artificial. With our texture generator, we want to provide customers with the most realistic image possible, so that they can perfectly imagine what their future facade will look like", says Nathali Donatz of Vandersanden.For more information and to try the texture generator visit Lifelike textures with the texture generator | Vandersanden

Woodlands is a high-quality retirement scheme of 17 luxury apartments by PegasusLife, now part of Lifestory, in exclusive Canford Cliffs, Dorset. Designed by Snug Architects, the building’s striking, contemporary form is crafted to include a carefully specified combination of whitewashed, vertical timber cladding, glazed balconies, bronze-coloured windows and white Antro facing brick slips from leading brick innovator, Vandersanden. “It was the team at PegasusLife that first suggested using Vandersanden brick slips,” explains Mike Worthington, director at Snug Architects. “The very stylish Antro brick complements the whitewashed timber cladding and the bronze metal colour of the windows very well to provide an incredibly mature material palette.” Within walking distance of the beach, Woodlands stands on Flaghead Road amongst age-old pines. The building’s architecture was inspired by its setting and, although bold and contemporary, relates harmoniously to the scale of the surrounding housing. The structure was conceived as a three-storey modern brick envelope with a basement car park that has lift access. Woodlands was built using a reinforced concrete frame construction. Instead of traditional brickwork, Gebrik Brick Cladding Panels featuring Vandersanden’s Antro brick slips were supplied by Aquarian Cladding for the project. These were constructed off-site and installed straight onto the building frame. By using Gebrik panels, the aesthetics of the building were maintained as originally designed while minimising on-site works. A further advantage was that the build programme was more efficient than with traditional construction as the building was watertight more quickly, so interior spaces could be fitted out in tandem with work to the exterior. To complete the facade, Antro brick pistols and splayed/canted brick specials were employed with the bricks wrapped underneath the soffit of window and balcony openings. Vandersanden’s Antro stock facing bricks have a sanded-coated and creased structure. They are a mix of different kinds of clay forms and made with 100% natural resources; the loam that forms the most important base material dates from the Ice Age. By using specific sand types for the surface covering, the desired colour is achieved. Mike Worthington says: “The Vandersanden bricks are good quality and provided the basis for a beautiful and mature materiality for this retirement living development which we were delighted with. They’ve weathered very well and we’re regularly complimented on the scheme and asked who supplied the bricks. We’re very proud of it.” Canford Cliffs is an affluent suburb of Poole with a significant population of retired people. PegasusLife is a retirement living provider on a mission to fundamentally re-think retirement living in the UK. Unsurprisingly, Woodlands was shortlisted for the 2017 RIBA South West Awards. Further details on Snug Architects are available at https://www.snugarchitects.co.uk. To find out more about the bricks used in this project or to see the wide range of high-quality bricks available from Vandersanden, click on the 'View more' link 

At 73m, Thames Quarter is Reading’s second tallest building. It will include 315 built-to-rent apartments, a hub for tech start-ups, a cinema, dining rooms, roof terraces and a residents’ lounge overlooking the Thames.Specialist contractor Precision Façades chose high-performance insulation solutions that would not only contribute to homeowner comfort but would also be kinder to installers. The company specified more than 20,000m2 of Knauf Insulation’s Glass and Rock Mineral Wool insulation for the project.Steve McGowen, Managing Director of Precision Façades explained that Knauf Insulation is the company’s preferred supplier thanks to the high level of support it provides. He said: “Knauf Insulation’s Sales Team are always on hand to help us with our orders, they also have a Technical Team who can provide 3D U-value calculations, and crucially, they are always able to deliver our orders quickly.”The design called for a variety of façade panels manufactured from different materials and finishes, which affected the thermal performance required across the build. To accommodate this, Precision Façades used Knauf Insulation Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab in four different thicknesses (50mm, 100mm, 140mm and 190mm) for the rainscreen façade. It also used 100mm and 150mm OmniFit® Roll 40 within the steel framing system.Both Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab and OmniFit® Roll 40 offer the required levels of thermal performance. They are non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification so will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. This means both products meet the requirements of building regulations in England and Wales banning the use of combustible materials on all buildings over 18m. Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has also been certified by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) for use in high rise residential applications.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab and OmniFit® Roll 40 also have excellent sound absorption characteristics ensuring quiet spaces for residents, even while moviegoers enjoy surround sound.In addition to delivering the required thermal performance, both Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab and OmniFit® Roll 40 improve installer’s experience of using Mineral Wool. This is because they are manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.As well as being kind to installers, ECOSE® Technology is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders.Thanks to Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab and OmniFit® Roll 40, residents at Thames Quarter will enjoy warm, safe, and comfortable homes, built with insulation that is kinder to installers and the environment.

Today’s students demand a high standard of living, and with 348 beds, separate study and social spaces, a dining room and gym, The Malthouse, new luxury apartments in Wilder Street, Bristol have been designed to provide it.Spread over five stories, the external envelope features a combination of different coloured brickwork and rainscreen cladding. AWW Architects had specified non-combustible insulation to meet the requirements of building regulations in England and Wales, which ban the use of combustible materials on the external walls of certain types of buildings over 18m.With this in mind, main contractors Watkin Jones contacted Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team to determine which insulation solution would be most suitable to achieve the required U-value of 0.19 W/m²K. They also wanted to determine whether the wall build-up would prevent cold bridging and act as a vapour barrier.The Technical Support Team undertook complex 3D U-value calculations and condensation analysis. 3D U-value calculations completed in line with BS EN 10211 are used for rainscreen projects because they are the most accurate way to ensure a building’s thermal performance matches the initial design. The Technical Support Team provided a fast turnaround on the enquiry and recommended 100mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab as the best solution for the project.Manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. This means it will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. As well as having a British Board of Agrément (BBA) certificate for high rise residential applications, it also has a BBA certificate for use behind masonry façades – making it suitable for the different applications on The Malthouse.In addition to fire safety and thermal performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab offers excellent sound reduction characteristics.More than 8,000m2 of Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab insulation was supplied to the development by builders’ merchants M Markovitz Ltd.Like all Knauf Insulation products, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has been designed for ease of installation. Improved robustness means it is easy to manoeuvre into place and it can be installed either way round without compromising performance.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort. ECOSE® Technology is also made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally friendly.Thanks to the technical support from Knauf Insulation, The Malthouse will deliver the students a comfortable, warm, quiet and safe environment where they can enjoy their university years.

Central M40, a 70 acre industrial estate situated off J11 of the M40 in Banbury, comprises six warehouses totalling over 1 million sq ft of accommodation – equivalent to roughly 17 football pitches. The estate was developed speculatively by db Symmetry*, who specified CA Group’s robust Twin-Therm® Built-up Roof and Wall systems.A key component of the Twin-Therm® building envelope system is Therma-Quilt, a bespoke high-performance Glass Mineral Wool insulation. It is manufactured by Knauf Insulation specifically for CA Group and is the result of a long standing partnership between the two companies.Therma-Quilt is ideally suited for non-residential cladding applications. It offers outstanding performance and functionality available in different thicknesses to support the Twin-Therm® system, delivering enhanced thermal U-values as low as 0.09W/m2K. It is non-combustible with a Euroclass A1 Reaction to Fire Classification, meaning it will not contribute to the development or the spread of a fire.Therma-Quilt is also a high-performing acoustic insulation. In Twin-Therm® roof applications, it helps reduce the drumming effect of rainwater, while in Twin-Therm® wall applications, it aids with sound reduction and can minimise the reverberation of internal sound when used in conjunction with perforated metal liner sheets. Therma-Quilt has been developed with water resistance in mind and uses materials that help prevent water ingress.The Twin-Therm® system has been designed with sustainability in mind and Therma-Quilt is no exception. Knauf Insulation’s Glass Mineral Wool products contain up to 80% recycled materials. This saves on virgin raw materials and energy demands, cuts carbon emissions, and reduces waste going to landfill.It is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binder, so it is more environmentally-friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.In total, more than 70 tonnes of Therma-Quilt insulation were used on the six megasheds on the Central M40 development. While the industrial estate was built speculatively, its strategic location has previously attracted premium occupiers including Hellofresh, Prodrive Motorsport, TVS Supply Chain Solutions and Rinkit.Thanks to the Twin-Therm® system with its Therma-Quilt insulation, the warehouses have achieved BREEAM ‘Very Good’ ratings, while the businesses using them will enjoy more comfortable, warmer and safer working environments – and lower energy costs. *db Symmetry has rebranded as Tritax Symmetry

American software giant Adobe has opted for C-TEC’s innovative SigTEL disabled refuge system at its impressive UK Headquarters in Maidenhead, Surrey.With its powerful controllers and extensive arrangement of fire telephone and disabled refuge outstations, the system is central to protecting the state-of-the-art UK offices of one of the world’s most successful software and technology-based companies. However, according to David King, Installation Manager at Niscayah Group, the company that completed the project at Market House, the installation was far from straightforward as the building already had a SigTEL disabled refuge system installed on one floor which needed to be connected to new equipment so to create one large system for the entire four-storey building.Said David: “The challenge was to interface an additional Master Controller and various outstations to the equipment already in operation. To achieve this we temporarily suspended the system and used C-TEC’s new EVC423 software to completely reprogram it once the new Controller and outstations had been installed.”Although specifically designed for the programming of larger SigTEL systems, C-TEC’s new EVC423 is also excellent for programming smaller disabled refuge/emergency voice evacuation systems.Said David: “The software proved to be a lifesaver on this particular project as it enabled us to program the entire system from scratch very quickly reducing system downtime. The fact that you can edit outstation/extension names using a PC makes programming so much quicker and easier”As a result, Market House now has a fully operational disabled refuge/emergency voice evacuation system. In an emergency situation, the system will enable clear two-way communication between building management and people located in the refuge areas to, firstly, assist rescue teams in finding people and, secondly, to let stranded people know that help is on the way.Based in London, Niscayah Group is a subsidiary of Swedish-headquartered Niscayah AB (formerly known as Securitas Systems AB). Specialising as an integrator, the company offers complete fire and security solutions for customers with high demands for security and efficient solutions.

Project OverviewClient: Mather & SmithFinish: Powdertech Anomatch™A prestigious residential block in London’s Knightsbridge was designed to feature stripes, or ‘fins’, of beautiful anodised aluminium running vertically up the building. The metallic sheen of these vertical fins would form a continual line giving a stylish and contrasting definition to the pale red brick of the exterior. The window sills would also be anodised aluminium.The ProblemThe aluminium fins are 4m in length and intended to be seamlessly joined after anodising to provide the effect of one continuous metallic stripe. It quickly became apparent that the anodising process was not able to provide a consistent shade on the metal. Every strip was a slightly different colour and once erected on the building the patchwork effect was untidy and unsatisfactory. The smallest inconsistencies in shade, within an area intended to be homogenous, will mar an intended visual effect.The SolutionPowdertech Anomatch™ achieves a similar appearance as anodising, enhancing the metal with a soft sheen. Furthermore, it provides excellent colour stability and consistency between batches, regardless of the origin of the metal, and negates any differences in base material grain. Powdertech Corby became involved in the project when the developer had aluminium fins and window sills in different stages of preparation, many already anodised, some part-finished and others unprepared. Powdertech Corby collected all of the aluminium in its various states and chemically stripped the anodised fins back to base metal, before processing and coating 500 square metres of aluminium in Anomatch™ 547.Despite the varying states of the aluminium on arrival at Powdertech, Anomatch™ gave a consistent colour to every piece, thus meeting the design brief for the vertical fins, window cills and copings uniformly throughout the development.Benefits of using AnomatchConsistent colour shade between batchesExcellent resistance against corrosion.Cost savings as lower grade aluminium can be used, rather than the high grade needed for anodising.Faster turnaround than anodising.Sections can be drilled or cut without fracturing the coating.Steel can be coated with Anomatch™

This is the latest cycle hub designed, manufactured, supplied and installed by Falco as part of a new regeneration at Walkden Railway Station. Boosting sustainable travel access for Walkden residents, the new cycle hub has been commissioned by Salford City Council to help combat congestion, provide dedicated off-street parking and provide greater cycling accessibility to and from the station.The 12m x 4.5m bespoke shelter is based on the UK’s most popular cycle hub design - the FalcoHub and features secure cycle parking for up to 32 bikes, utilising traditional Sheffield cycle stands. The steelwork of the roof has been powder coated in a ‘Traffic Blue’ RAL colour, whilst the rest of the steelwork has been powder coated in a seperate ‘Squirrel Grey’ RAL colour. LED lighting with a occupancy sensor has been fitted to the roof alongside bespoke branding graphics which have been applied to the toughened safety glass cladding.The new cycle hub makes use of the FalcoSmart app-based locking system, which uses Bluetooth technology to activate the locking mechanism from the users smart phone or tablet, with the benefit that they no longer need to carry keys or fobs. Cyclists are able to apply for access to the hub via the Council and having downloaded the ‘App’ are given access rights to the cycle hub for a period of time depending on their subscription.The system has a fully automated back office enabling the administrator to register new locks for new cycle stores as well as adding new users and creating groups and assigning rights. A huge benefit to the local authority is that they are able for the first time ever to assess usage of a cycle parking facility, directly from the back-office app information.The cycle hub was developed by Falco’s in house design team to ensure it met the client’s specification including structural calculations to meet the EN 1090 CPR requirements of UK law.For more information regarding the cycle hub scheme at Walkden Station or any other product from our cycle parking and shelter portfolio, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

DescriptionLocal Smet Supported Partner, master builders NRS Group Construction, machine-applied the LIDL External Render System onto Poroton blocks externally using as Base Coat: Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement Render, and as Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block or mass concrete and insulated plinths: Bauprotec RHS Multi-Purpose Render.The internal Render System specification onto Poroton blockwork consists of a base of Coat: Bauprotec 850 M, Lightweight Lime Cement Render, sponge floated in warehouse areas, and skim finished in sales areas. Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block: Bauprotec RHS is used.The Irish LIDL render spec, available from SMET consists of:Bauprotec 850 M is a factory-produced Lightweight Lime Cement Render, specially designed for machine or hand application produced to EN 998-1: 2010 and is CE Marked.Bauprotec RHS is a CE Marked, factory-produced highly polymer-modified render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.The special render properties; lightweight, low thermal conductivity, high yield, and the Smet Supported Partner’s superior technical backup, are key factors in choosing SMET. SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.  If you’d like to speak to us about your Lidl job – contact SMET.All LIDL spec SMET Render System products are available directly from Smet Building Products Ltd, who ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical backup in the machine application of the LIDL specification.SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.  If you’d like to speak to us about your Lidl job – contact SMET.

Situated in the heart of the community of Driffield, Kingsmill School is a SEN school which caters for pupils aged 2-19 years. Situated across two sites, the main school site houses Early Years through to Key Stage 4. The school was completed in May 2017 and has been purpose built to meet the needs of its pupils. Alongside eleven new classrooms, the main site also has a new hydrotherapy pool, rebound room, sensory therapy room and sensory rooms.Students aged 16-19 are based at The Kings Mill Student Centre which is based at Driffield Secondary School approximately a mile away from the main site. This comprises three classrooms and a combined common room and food technology area.When the school decided to utilise its outdoor space to provide a safe environment for pupils to learn and play undercover, Twinfix were approached by Main Contractor Hobson Porter to design, manufacture & install four classroom canopies..The free-standing mono-pitch canopies all comprise our innovative Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) roofing system, glazed with 16mm multiwall polycarbonate. The roof is non-fragile in accordance with the HSE’s test for fragility ACR[M]001:2019, an important factor when installing canopies where children may try and access the roof. Each canopy has an aluminium frame, powder-coated to RAL 5015 sky blue to match the school’s building and logo. Other features Twinfix incorporated into the design of canopies are anti-climb guttering and post-protectors, which provided further elements of safety for the students.Being a one-stop shop for designing, manufacturing and installing such outdoor structures we are proud to offer a seamless service to any school or other education establishment looking for a canopy or walkway. We are really pleased that the staff at Kingsmill School are delighted with the latest additions to their school and we know they are planning to use it for all sorts of fun and healthy outdoor learning/playing experiences for their children.

Client: NHS HighlandLocation: Inverness, Scotland, UKYear: 2023Project size: 400 m²Vebro systems: vebrobound StoneAn attractive, slip-resistant alternative to tarmac was required for the outdoor areas surrounding an elective care centre in the heart of Inverness Campus.NHS Highland, one of the fourteen regions of NHS Scotland, provides physical and mental health services across the Highland and Argyll and Bute Council areas, covering an area of 32,500 km² and serving a population of 320,000 people.NHS Highland has opened a new elective care facility at Inverness Campus, a hub for world-class research and development in the life-sciences sector.The National Treatment Centre, based at the Inverness Campus, comprises an ophthalmology outpatient department, ophthalmology and orthopaedic theatres, inpatient wards, an imaging and diagnostics suite, as well as collaborative spaces, educational facilities, and office spaces.Not only does the centre cater to local needs, but it also goes beyond by fostering innovation and research, enhancing the scope and impact of clinical services provided.Vebro Polymers has supplied vebrobound Stone, a fully permeable, SUDs compliant resin-bound aggregate system that is ideally suited for use in public-facing external applications like hospitals and healthcare facilities. The permeable, seamless polyurethane resin bound aggregate system is designed for installation directly onto tarmac or concrete on terraces and external areas of commercial and institutional venues and delivers a stylish and low maintenance alternative to loose gravel, block paving or concrete.Available in a range of attractive aggregate blends, vebrobound Stone can complement existing structures to deliver a stunning welcome to institutional facilities such as this.Hendersons, established over 40 years ago and based in Moray in Scotland, provide first class resin flooring installation throughout Scotland.The company, who also offer a range of other services including painting, decorating and industrial cleaning, deployed their dedicated resin flooring team to transform Glenturret Distillery. Hendersons prides itself on the continual training of existing staff and development of trainees across its business, ensuring it continues to offer an unsurpassable service.

Cambridge Central Mosque is Europe's first eco-friendly mosque and the first purpose-built mosque within the city of Cambridge. The mosque is well insulated and naturally ventilated, using efficient heat lights in the roof and solar panels on the top to help generate renewable energy.Cellecta XFLO Micro was specified by Marks Barfield Architects as its underfloor heating insulation boards were used to help create an efficient and environmentally friendly heating system. Cellecta ScreedBoard 20 was also specified for the overlay floorboard. It is suitable for all types of steel, concrete and timber floors.Warmafloor were awarded this 250m² contract to develop this eco-friendly structure.

The owners of this attractive, spacious home have recently refurbished and added a kitchen extension. Being situated within a London Conservation Area, it was vital that any new fenestration matched the existing. Clement was chosen to replace the doors and windows with new products from the Brooking and W20 ranges. All the new steel windows and doors are fitted with rectangular leaded lights - not only do they look fabulous, but they also allow a surprising amount of natural light into the house. The client chose dual colour for a number of the windows and French doors on the rear elevation. The outside frames were painted Pure White and the inside Black Grey - perfectly suiting the design and decoration.

Exeter, Blackburn and Cambridge Crown Decorating Centres have donated paint to community projects. Devon's Kingsway Meadow Centre refurbished it's interior with Crown Trade Full Undercoat and Crown Trade Matt Vinyl donated by Exeter Crown Decorating Centre. Brockholes Nature Reserve received a donation of Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Primer Undercoat and Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Satin paint for its restaurant refurbishment from Blackburn Crown Decorating Centre. Cambridge Crown Decorating Centre donated Crown Trade Clean Extreme and Crown Trade Eggshell paint to The C3 Church to refurbish the interior of a local resident’s home.