"ground water control trench sheeting etc"

Sika supplied a fully-comprehensive solution to provide the ultimate watertight protection for a basement within a commercial superstructure that is destined to earn ‘landmark’ status in London’s Canary Wharf.Located within the capital’s thriving dockside district, 1 Bank Street will occupies a 5,000m2 footprint. The stunning 28-storey building, which is 145 metres above ground, is designed to include cutting-edge trading floors on three levels. A large slip form core forms a significant part of the fully fitted-out building which has achieved an ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM rating, making it one of the most sustainable and desirable buildings of its type in London. Designed by globally-renowned architects, Kohn Pederson Fox Associates (KPF) in conjunction with structural engineers, Arup, 1 Bank Street provides capacity for 6,000 full-time equivalent jobs, enhancing the role of Canary Wharf as a prime London office and employment location.

The Bodmin Jail on the edge of the Bodmin Moor in Cornwall was originally built by military engineer John Call during the reign of King George III in 1779, as part of the ground-breaking Prison Reform. The buildings in their current form were completed by 1881. The later 19th century saw part of the site transferred to the Admiralty, and the Bodmin Royal Naval Prison was established by 1887. The building is statutorily listed at grade II and has been renovated as a luxury 70-bedroom boutique hotel and a museum.Over the course of history, the roof structure and slate have suffered significant degradation, which has given Mallino Developments Ltd. the challenge of immediate renovation. Twelve Architects, a London-based firm are behind the design of the hotel, while the main contractor C Field Construction and engineers ARUP Group turned the design into reality. Close attention was paid to the design aesthetics required to achieve a contemporary looking roof structure on the historic building.

The Perry Barr Residential Scheme forms part of an exciting £700m regeneration project in north-west Birmingham.When complete, it will welcome thousands of new residents to over 1,400 modern homes. They’ll also have vibrant restaurants and retailers right on their doorstep, along with upgraded transport infrastructure.Towelrads provided radiators for Plot 7, a six-storey residential building with ground floor retail. These included bespoke non-UK market sizes which Towelrads successfully manufactured and shipped into the UK, fulfilling a quick turnaround on a prompt call-off basis. Towelrads also supplied all the chrome electric towel rails in the apartments’ bathrooms.Originally planned to be the Athletes’ Village for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the first residents are due to move into the former Birmingham CityUniversity site in 2023. They’ll be setting up home in houses and apartments spanning the private sector, shared ownership and social housing overseen by BirminghamCity Council.

Glazing Vision rooflights were used in the re-construction of this mews house situated in the prime real estate and conservation area of Mayfair, London. The building is an exceptional example of stunning architecture and elegant, contemporary interiors. Whilst adding a majestic character to the mews itself with its dark brick façade and impactful balcony, the outer appearance belies the vast size of the residence internally. After the demolition of the former mews house and after 2 years of construction, which had even necessitated underpinning the neighbouring houses, this property now accommodates a basement with indoor pool, lower ground floor with cinema room, open plan living and dining space, 2 floors of bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as additional terraced balconies.Keeping the interiors bright and airy throughout was key to the design concept – floor to ceiling windows and Flushglaze Walk On Rooflights from Glazing Vision were installed to maximise the daylight where it would have been otherwise compromised on the ground and second floors. In addition, a Glazing Vision 3 Wall Box Rooflight provides unimpeded access from an internal staircase to the impressive roof terrace, which is recessed down 1 1/2metres between 2 pitched roofs and which offers a vast outdoor space for entertaining, dining and relaxing.Two Flushglaze Walk On rooflights were specified by the architect to negate the risk of potential dark spots appearing in the dining zone and living area on the ground floor. Engineered by Glazing Vision to bespoke sizes and to meet the future projected foot traffic upon them, they were seamlessly integrated into the balconied terrace on the second floor, thus shedding light through to the bench seating in the kitchen and lounge.Their minimal internal framework was in keeping with the contemporary aesthetic of the interior, and both rooflights augment the quality and quantity of light entering this open plan area, even extending out towards the central stairwell and landing.Two further custom-sized Flushglaze Walk On Rooflights installed on the roof terrace add an intricate design detail but also create a wow factor. Perfect for flat roof terraces, these rooflights lie flush with the wooden decking. Again tested to allow for regular foot traffic and to bear the weight of terrace furniture, the rooflights offer complete safety and watertight integrity. On the second floor below, the two windowless bathrooms are flooded with the light coming through these rooflights – indeed such is the brightness of these rooms that privacy blinds have been installed for occasional use.Seeking to optimise the very large roof space that had been created (4m x 8m) the architect specified Glazing Vision’s 3 Wall Box Rooflight, which would offer easy access all year round to the roof terrace and also provide a contemporary glass feature. For the accommodation of the 3 wall mounted box rooflight a timber box frame had to be built which abutted the exposed brick wall behind.The property’s imposing central staircase provides access to the box rooflight, which in turn maximises the light falling down the stairwell to the bottom of the house. At a touch of a button from an access keypad, the sliding roof retracts to give a 50% clear opening with no “bowing of the head” necessary. The operation is quiet and safe, and the provision of a rain sensor ensures closure from inclement weather.

When the Coleg y Cymoedd (translated meaning is the College of the valleys) in Wales needed to totally refurbish the flooring element of their campus in Ystrad Mynach (near the town of Caerphilly), they turned to international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply over 1000m2 of flooring for numerous areas and spaces throughout the campus. It was a project that provided Gerflor with the perfect platform to showcase a raft of high-quality flooring solutions ideal for the concerned demanding education environment.Tony Thorne, Gerflor Sales and Specification Manager - South Wales commented, “This project started at the specification stage with the Architects Austin-Smith: Lord. Over several meetings, we looked at a number of products to be used in various areas of the building scheme. The installation at the Ystrad Mynach campus is an outstanding example of how a mix of Gerflor innovations can achieve world class results. Mixing gym tiles with sheet vinyl, safety flooring and LVT, yielded incredible results for this college refurbishment project.”Kate Thomas, Director Austin-Smith: Lord commented, “The refurbishment project, part-funded by the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme, formed part of the college’s plans to continually invest in new facilities and equipment that will allow learners across its catchment area to have access to the latest training opportunities and career paths.”Mark Bond, Estimator and H&S Manager at Floor Furnishings commented, “The client is extremely impressed with the end results. We regularly work with Gerflor products and recommend Gerflor where suitable, in line with our client’s requirements and expectations. Gerflor’s staff are particularly skilled in being able to work in collaboration and alongside both the end user clients, as well as contractors in achieving an excellent final result that is pleasing to the client and meets the complicated design brief.”

Project OverviewMount Earl Gardens is a new residential development in Streatham, South London, built on a site formerly occupied by old garages. Modular construction has been used to create a building of one, two and three storeys, creating as little impact as possible on the views from existing houses. Walkways have been designed within the block, with 'modernist' screening which allows light and fresh air into these areas whilst still keeping them safe and secure for residents. The aluminium screening runs along the length of the buildings and is also utilised in sections, including garden division screens, throughout the entire block of thirty-two apartments. To achieve the design vision, the building needed an homogeneous appearance to blend with the external red brick facade.Off-site build and finishThe client selected the perfect shade from our Landscape™ Terrain range of powder coatings - 'Original Terracotta'. All of our architectural powder coating have excellent durability, requiring minimal maintenance. Powder coating as a process brings further benefits, particularly to a modular build. The apartments were entirely built in a factory, leading to a faster installation time, less time spent on site and a 90% reduction in on-site waste. Powder coating is also a factory controlled process, thereby reducing time spent, and waste generated on site, and not dependent on weather conditions as is the case with air drying wet paint.Powdertech Corby coated nearly 3000 linear metres of aluminium which was fabricated into screens off-site and delivered to site just in time for installation.BenefitsPowder coating is an offsite process. It is factory controlled leading to improved consistency, less wastage and reduced environmental impact.The powders have excellent weather resistance and colour stability.Powdertech's rigorous pre-treatment system will help to keep the facade elements free from corrosion for up to 40-years.Powdertech plant and the operational team have the capacity to process large quantities of material within a short time frame, with no compromise on quality.

Controlling noise and acoustics is a key element in design and particularly when designing for the elderly. The need for more assisted-living and retirement accommodation continues to rise to match the ever-growing ageing population whether it’s to combat the cost of living independently, downsizing, increased care needs or just a sense of community and freedom.Care Homes and Day Centres play an important role in our society and can improve the quality of life for its users through an increased sense of security and to combat isolation. New accommodation is frequently designed to replicate the comforts of a home and to minimise transitional stress but all too frequently ambient levels of noise add to the challenges faced by the elderly. The impact of noise pollution on the elderly is far worse than in younger years. Presbycusis, (hearing loss that occurs gradually for many of us as we grow older) along with cumulative lifetime noise exposure, decline in physiological resilience and dementia all have an impact. The McManus and McClenaghan (2010) study recommended that “having a good acoustic environment can support inclusion and reduce confusion in people with dementia”. Today’s trends of designing with hard surfaces means that all too often the problem is exacerbated with residents, staff and visitors suffering from noise pollution adding to increased levels of stress and anxiety.Danish acoustic panel manufacturer Troldtekt is a world leader in designing and developing acoustic panels to create calm, healthy, comfortable environments with their long-lasting solutions for effective sound control combined with colour to create characterful design. Troldtekt acoustic panels are available in a variety of different structures and colours combining superior sound absorption with award-winning design. The Troldtekt range has a minimum expected life cycle of 50 years coupled with excellent resistance to humidity and tested to meet ball impact standards. The range is available in various sizes and structures, from extreme fine to coarse. They can be supplied as natural wood or finished in almost any RAL or NCS colour. Depending on the panel specified, reaction to fire is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0 or A2-s1,d0 respectively.

THE PROJECTParadise Student Village is in a prime location being only a short walk from Coventry City Centre and the main University campus. This impressive site contains over a thousand rooms, and this is likely to grow.The company behind this development is AXO, a student accommodation provider, who is committed to going that extra mile for their residents. The living experience of the student community is their top priority, with a range of future-proofed attractive facilities.One of the new services on offer at Paradise Student Village is the intelligent parcel management system myRENZbox delivered by The Safety Letterbox Company, part of the RENZ Group.Available to all couriers, this system allows students to manage their parcel deliveries and returns with utmost security and discretion via mobile app or online portal. It can also be used as a safe storage location or to securely exchange personal items between residents or for collection of packages by local services, such as dry-cleaning companies.Not only does myRENZbox save time for users, but having this system as a secure central delivery location also increases the number of successful first-time deliveries at Paradise Student Village. This intelligent parcel box solution has a positive impact on the environment, as there are fewer journeys made by delivery personnel.For AXO, the headache of intercepting and organising parcel deliveries has been solved by myRENZbox. Deliveries are made directly into the system, so the front of house staff can concentrate on offering the best living experience to the students. The responsibility for lost or damaged parcels becomes a thing of the past!For students, myRENZbox streamlines the process. There is no waiting time to pick-up their parcels. They are in control of their deliveries via the mobile app. As soon as they receive a notification of delivery into the system, they can collect their items.The myRENZbox configuration installed expertly at Paradise Student Village comprises of a control module, two 533mm extension modules and seven 300mm extension modules. It has been designed to fit snuggly in the alcove space available. The system has been powder coated in Traffic White (RAL9016), which is one of many standard colours. The overall appearance is clean and bright and allows the myRENZbox logo to stand out.

Coventry is a city of movements; for struggling workers, for women, for political reformers, for ravers, for refugees. The UK's motor city. The UK's bicycle city. A center of the UK's watchmaking trade. A City of Culture that uses its past to forge its future. Coventry Moves! Its Upper Precinct was a very concrete heavy city center, partly because of the style at the time, and partly out of necessity to ensure it could be re-built as quickly as possible after the Blitz damage. The project had access to a partial fund of £7.75 million from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) as part of the overall £11.8 million scheme. The package of works included; the installation of enhanced paving, street furniture, lighting, water features, planting, and the restoration of the historical Levelling Stone monument that was originally placed to commemorate the re-build of Coventry after the 1940-1942 enemy attacks. With the initial removal of the 'big green elevator' and huge concrete, once considered an eyesore, a clear view of the cathedral can now be seen, a view that has not been enjoyed since the 1970s. Almost every design element of this project included natural stone of some sort, making the relationship between the contractor Eurovia, the City Council, and BBS as the supplier, vital to complete each task on time and on budget. The circular shaped 'show stopping' water features created in a combination of both Italian Porphyry and Portuguese buff granite - a place where many people are often seen enjoying the weather. The benches and planters created in Portuguese buff granite, none of which barely had the same two pieces throughout, putting the pressure on BBS to individually CAD each and every one. The project covering the entirety of the Upper Precinct and continuing on Market Way, and Smithfield way, saw the complete removal of everything in situ and replaced with an unrecognizable scenery. All in time for Coventry Moves the City of Culture event.

Project detailsAfter 30 years of manufacturing, a tumbler room floor at Alinabal Inc.’s facility had begun to seriously deteriorate. The company uses a heavy duty soap to wash and deburr steel parts in their industrial tumblers, then pours the liquid out onto the flooring beneath and rinses it into a trough.Over time, harsh chemicals in the soap began to eat away at the floor. Even to the point that they had begun to expose the aggregate in the concrete! Worried about continued water leakage as well as further contamination to the floor, Alinabal Inc. began to look for a solution.Alinabal Inc. knew that this project would require a unique product, as they were looking for something that would achieve minimal downtime during the repair. They were also in need of a product that would be able to withstand wet conditions regularly, since this area was still to be used for washing and deburring steel parts in the future.In addition to these qualities, Alinabal Inc. wished to use a self-levelling product with minimal floor prep. Having used our products in the past, Alinabal Inc. again turned to our expert sales team for suggestions.Our solutionAlinabal Inc. asked our technical advisors what the best product for the job was. They were recommended and used Flowtop®.Flowtop® is ready for foot traffic in 6 hours. In this case, it drastically cut the downtime during repairs with its quick curing properties, and because it is 3 times stronger than standard concrete, it is also able to withstand the rinsing process that the floor would be subject to post repair.The self-levelling characteristics of Flowtop® were just what Alinabal Inc. was looking for, and as a bonus, it created a slip resistant finish for enhanced employee safety!Through the use of Flowtop®, Alinabal, Inc. was able to obtain a newly finished floor, and return to daily operations in a timely fashion. Employees could again efficiently squeegee water into the disposal trough, and the floor itself was no longer in danger of contamination from

A dynamic, highly flexible building at the University of Cambridge has been fitted with Junckers solid wood flooring as part of a light-filled interior scheme. The West Hub, designed by Jestico+Whiles, is a hybrid building designed to cater for students, commercial tenants, and members of the public. A focus on fostering connection and collaboration through thoughtfully designed interlinking spaces is evident in the interior, which is bright, open, and welcoming. The new building combines structured spaces with generous circulation areas for breakout and informal social and study use. The large, light-filled rooms make use of Junckers Nordic Oak Harmony flooring finished in ultra matt lacquer as an ideal backdrop. Using materials in paler shades helps maximise levels of natural light reflected into the space, supporting user wellbeing as well as minimising reliance on artificial lighting. A large plate-steel orange staircase, clad in Junckers Nordic Oak, zigzags its way through the main atrium, providing a visual and circulatory focal point as well as connecting the building vertically. Each of the floors in the building were designed with a different ambiance in mind, from a vibrant and lively ground floor housing a café and dining area, to a more relaxed, calmer first floor and a quiet upper floor intended for study. The building has achieved BREEAM Excellent and adopts many aspects of the WELL standard, including plenty of natural light and elements of biophilic design. On the lower ground floor hospitality areas, plants and trees have been integrated into the interior, which coupled with Junckers solid hardwood flooring provides an environment with a connection to nature, an element proved to support wellbeing as well as performance. An ideal choice for a busy, user-focused building, A pre-finished, solid hardwood floor from Junckers has a perfectly smooth surface and cannot harbour dust or mites. As an all-natural material, wood contributes to an even and balanced indoor climate as it helps maintain temperature in a room and reduces static from electrical equipment. All Junckers’ floors hold the Danish Indoor Climate label and have undergone extensive degassing and odour testing to ensure there are no chemical substances in the flooring. Junckers also complies with EU legislation REACH. The floor was installed by PICA Floorings Ltd. 

Highly skilled flooring contractors, Ransome Flooring Limited, have used Level IT Smooth floor leveller to install LVT flooring at a ground floor apartment in Bristol.BackgroundWith over 20 years’ experience and a reputation built on perfection, reliability and recommendation, Ransome Flooring Limited’s extensive nationwide flooring portfolio put them in perfect place to install 68sqm of LVT flooring at a ground floor apartment in Bristol.The ChallengeDue to the design of the apartment, a seamless transition between the various living areas was crucial. The products used also needed to provide a first time, rapid and silky smooth finish to minimise disruption and prevent any dangerous trip hazards for the homeowner.The SolutionAfter securing the project, Ransome Flooring Limited sought professional advice from UltraFloor’s team of product experts. After visiting site, and carrying out moisture testing, UltraFloor recommended the use of Prime IT Multi-surface Primer and Level IT Smooth – expert subfloor preparation materials that would meet the clients’ requirements perfectly.Formulated to promote adhesion to all UltraFloor smoothing underlayments, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer reduces pinholing, minimising the risk of costly failures. With a coverage rate of 200m² at 3:1 dilution, Prime IT multi-surface Primer is a must-have product for all flooring installation projects.Prime IT Multi-surface Primer was applied to the substrate, and once both coats of primer had fully dried, Level IT Smooth was applied.Pump or trowel applied from 2mm to 30mm, Level IT Smooth has an extremely smooth finish, essential for installing LVT, and boasts a superior flow – perfect for larger flooring projects.With a coverage rate of approximately 5.5sqm at 3mm, Level IT Smooth is suitable for underfloor heating systems, has a working time of 20-30 minutes and can receive foot traffic after just 2-3 hours – allowing you to move on to the next part of your project quickly.The superior performance of Level IT Smooth is just one reason why this much-loved smoothing underlayment is being used on a daily basis up and down the country.The ResultsThanks to the expertise of Ransome Flooring Limited and UltraFloor’s superb subfloor preparation materials, the homeowner was soon able to enjoy their luxurious new flooring.

Basildon & Thurrock University HospitalBauder Total Roof System (BTRS) and LiquiTEC cold applied waterproofing systemSynopsisBasildon and Thurrock University Hospital’s existing roof was failing in multiple areas, and 80 rooflights needed replacing. The client wanted the refurbishment to make as little impact as possible on the departments directly below which included drug refrigeration, x-ray and ultrasound clinics, patient wards and operating theatres.Bauder Building BoardProject:Basildon & Thurrock University HospitalLocation:EssexProject Type:RefurbishmentRoof Area:900m²Specifier:NHSApproved Contractor:Breyer ConstructionProject challengesThe plant on the rooftop could not be turned off or raised and many of the AC units and boilers had to be left running due to the nature of the rooms below. Certain areas had to be repaired before others and detailing under and around the plant that could not be raised was almost an impossible task. When working around the plant, COSHH regulations had to be considered and adhered to.The result Coordinating with both the client and approved contractors was key in this project, and by using cold liquid applied waterproofing the contractors could ensure a watertight seal with quick application, allowing them to complete the remainder of the roof using reinforced bitumen membrane, and meet the tight project deadline of 12 weeks.System installedBauder Total Roof System (BTRS)Suitable for a variety of applications on both new build and refurbishment projects and can be used in warm, cold and inverted roof scenarios.1 Bauder K5KA top quality, heavy duty, torch-applied SBS elastomeric bitumen capping sheet. The product features a spunbond polyester reinforcement to allow the finished product to cope with structural movement without fracture, and a mineral finish to provide protection against UV degradation.2 BauderTEC KSA DUO 35A 3mm thick technically advanced self-adhesive elastomeric bitumen underlayer with DUO lap technology and glass lattice reinforcement.3 BauderPIR FA G16 Tapered (laid to falls)Tapered insulation is a lightweight, convenient, easy to install and cost-effective alternative method of providing falls to a roof instead of incorporating them into the structure.4 BauderTEC KSD FBSA technically advanced, 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.LiquiTEC Roof SystemThe Bauder LiquiTEC roof systems combine ease of application, fast cure and durability to provide a cold applied liquid waterproofing product second to none.1 LiquiDEK with reinforcement layerA cold applied liquid fast curing waterproofing resin, for use on the main roof area of the LiquiTEC Roof System. It is applied in 2 coats ‘wet-on-wet’, with a layer of Bauder 110g reinforcement fleece between them. The product is a PMMA based resin and requires the addition of catalyst to trigger curing. It is solvent, isocyanate and halogen free, minimizing its environmental impact.2 BauderTEC KSD DUOCarrier membrane & Vapour Barrier is a technically advanced self-adhesive elastomeric bitumen vapour barrier with patented “DUO” lap technology. The product features an aluminium foil facing for vapour impermeability.AdvocacyBreyer Roofing’s Contracts Manager for the project, Kerry Cutts:“The main challenge was working around the hospital’s requirements. For example, we provided a weekly plan for the areas we were working in and the rooflights / plant affected. Where possible, we worked out of hours while doing rooflight replacements to minimise any issues. We also worked closely with Bauder to vary the specification when we had to work around live plant. The communication between Bauder and Breyer Roofing was exemplary throughout and I was pleased this completed project was nominated for a national award."

Speedwell Baths were originally opened in 1937, and quickly became a beloved recreational spot for hundreds of Bristol City dwellers for more than 7 decades. Unfortunately, in 2005, Bristol City Council made the decision for the Baths to close. Subsequently, the site remained abandoned for several years until their demolition in 2019.This paved the way for a new five-storey complex comprising 31 affordable homes, featuring a mixture of 1 & 2 bedroom apartments.This signifies the successful conclusion of a vital revitalization initiative for the local community, bringing much-needed affordable housing to Bristol. PARTNERSHIPThe architectural design for this development was entrusted to Angus Meek Architects, a Bristol based firm, who worked alongside Bristol City Council & property developer, Crossman Homes, to bring the project to fruition.HAG Ltd was successfully awarded the contract & crucial responsibility of delivering security and fire protection door solutions throughout the five-story building, leveraging our expertise and track record. THE PROJECTWork on site began in 2019, starting with the dramatic demolition of the historic swimming pool and the building was eventually completed & handed over to Abri Housing Association in January 2022.The front of the building is designed as an "art moderne" style but incorporating elements of art deco detailing from the original Baths, demonstrating that the development has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the area, reflecting the style & shape of the existing building in a contemporary way.HAG Ltd. were delighted to have been chosen to work on such ground-breaking local development and were keen to assist in the design & installation of high-end security & fire protection products that could aesthetically compliment the design & style of the building.Steel doorsets are versatile, can provide high levels of security, as well as fire protection tested to BS EN 1634, and offer excellent value for money. Bespoke options that were utilised on his project, were louvered doors, communal doors & insurance certified doors, which conform to LPS1175.Louvered doors allow for bi-directional airflow, a medium level of security and can be fully customisable to meet your specification. This was key in this project, to allow ventilation to various secure plant rooms across the site and offer a bespoke colour option, so doors can blend seamlessly into their surroundings.In a busy City complex of 31 apartments, secure yet robust communal entrance doors are a necessity to allow for a high level of pedestrian traffic throughout the day. Double glazing panels allow for through vision and locking systems can be adapted to include access control.Our Fireguard Fire Resisting steel doors gave Speedwell Baths fire protection & high levels of security. Fire protection can be guarantee from 60 to 240 minutes and these doors are certified to BS EN 16034. HAG Ltd. hold the CERTIFIRE certification as well as being FIRAS installation certified – one of only a few installers in the UK to hold such a highly sought after accolade. Sean Gill, management company manager at Abri, one of the largest housing providers in the south, said: “Our new development on the Speedwell Swimming Baths sites will provide further much-needed affordable housing in the city."

Efficient Approach Dramatically Reduces Turbine Noise at CCGT Power StationsTen years after it was first used at Uskmouth, this innovative approach to soundproofing that reduces insulation depth by up to 76%, is once again commissioned in France.Dangerous Levels of NoiseModern dry cooling systems offer many benefits over traditional systems in CCGT power stations, but they have the disadvantage of being a complex source of noise transmission. The turbine noise recorded coming from the dry cooling system at the Severn Power CCGT Power Station at Uskmouth was between 130dB(A) and 135dB(A). Exposure to these levels of noise, a full 50dB above The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 “upper action level”, will cause both immediate and permanent damage.When acoustics and soundproofing specialist, CMS Danskin Acoustics, were brought in by SPX Cooling Technologies, designers of Uskmouth’s dry cooling system, they discovered not only high levels of noise but also that the noise generated had a very low-frequency bias, the most difficult noise spectrum to treat.Solutions for low-frequency noise issues typically involve wrapping the problem in significant quantities of acoustic insulation, with many standard solutions being as deep as 500mm to 700mm. The sheer volume of lagging required for an insulation-based approach to a project like Uskmouth, with 8,000m2 of ducting to be covered, would be expensive, time-consuming to install and prohibitively disruptive.The New Approach proven at UskmouthThe challenge of producing a soundproofing system that would be cost effective and efficient to install was taken up by CMS Danskin Acoustic’s Technical Direct Paul Absolon. CMS Danskin has a reputation for effective, high quality acoustic solutions tailored to the specific challenge, and this solution was no different.Exploring the wide range of acoustic materials from the company’s industrial acoustics range, Paul opted for a combination of materials working in concert: the unique CMS HTIB elastomeric isolation pads, constructed from a polyurethane-bound rubber granulate with excellent dampening and isolation characteristics; QuietSlab SVX3, a high-performance, mineral- fibre acoustic lagging; and WBKT Acoustic Barriers, a high-density, barium-sulphate-loaded thermoplastic polymer, which is thin, flexible and easy to work with.By using a bespoke combination of materials which each tackled specific aspects of the problem, CMS Danskin Acoustics were able to create a soundproofing solution with a construction depth of just 170mm, between 66% and 76% thinner than the 500-700mm standard solution. Disruption was minimised and material costs reduced.Once complete, the system was rigorously tested by SPX Cooling Technologies and Uskmouth’s main contractor, Siemen’s Energy. CMS Danskin Acoustics’ solution had reduced the noise generated by 39%, to just 82-83dB(A), under the 85dB “upper action level” listed in The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.Peter Ullrich, project director, Siemens Energy, commented at the time:“Effectively controlling noise and reducing sound emissions was a top priority for us in the Uskmouth project. Not only was it essential that the dry cooling system satisfied all the legal acoustic obligations and regulations but just as important was that neighbouring properties were not disturbed by additional noise levels.”Repeat Success at LandivisiauTen years on, the same successful approach has been applied to the dry cooling system at the new CCGT Power Station at Landivisiau in Brittany, north-western France. Also built by Siemens, the dry cooling system was supplied by SPG Dry Cooling. In the case of Landivisiau, even greater sound reduction was required, from approximately 140dB(A) to below The Control of Noise at Work Regulations limit of 85dB(A).To meet this challenge, SPG and CMS Danskin collaborated on extensive testing at the acoustic testing laboratory of SRL Technical Services. The reductions achieved during testing as part of the specification process were some of the largest reductions in sound ever measured at SRL.Once the specification was confirmed, CMS Danskin worked with SPG to ensure that materials for the multi-layer acoustic solution were prepared and delivered efficiently so that SPG’s installers always had the correct materials on site. The installation of the acoustic soundproofing was completed in October 2021 and the power station entered commission as planned in April 2022.“CMS Danskin Acoustics Limited successfully supplied the acoustic material package for the project which was tested at SRL to give an overall lab test reduction of 68dB Rw.”Robert Hill, Project Manager, SPG Dry Cooling

The Host Helix building, also known as the “Helter-Skelter,” was a unique and striking structure built in 2011 with stunning views of North London and Wembley Stadium. Over time, the building experienced general wear and tear and water began to enter the buildings’ complex structure.Polyroof Products were called in to consult with the clients and offer a seamless, encapsulated solution that could address the many unusual details associated with the building’s design.The SolutionA full survey of the roof terrace areas was conducted by the Polyroof Technical Services, after which a bespoke specification was produced for the works. The proposal document detailed a comprehensive set of recommendations for producing a seamless solution to encapsulate the problematic roof, therefore solving the issues that had arisen over the years due to its condition and age, as well as the issues associated with the original design of the pitched, curved roof.Polyroof SA Carrier Layer was then applied over the cement particle boards with Polyroof pre-formed GRP Drip Trims fixed to the external edge. For continuity and to create a uniform finish, the SA Carrier Layer was extended onto the main roof sections as a substrate for the Protec system.Any details requiring local reinforcement were treated with Protec Resin and 75mm wide Polymat 450. The curing process was allowed to take place. To accommodate structural expansion / contraction movements at appropriate details, 25mm disbondment tape was installed prior to local reinforcements.The first coat of Protec Resin and Polymat 450 was applied at a minimum coverage rate of 1.3 – 1.5Litres/m² (0.66 – 0.77m²/Litre) and was allowed to cure. To complete the system, a second coat of Protec Resin was applied at a minimum coverage rate of 0.5Litres/m² (2.0m²/Litre) and was allowed to cure.ComplexitySuch an iconic building in the local community, the client wanted to protect the original aspects of the building to the fullest extent, so the Protec system installed at the perimeter was color-matched to the original blue and grey colours. This was achieved by blending pigments until they matched the desired colors, in turn the pigment was then blended into the Protec resin before application. The survey revealed concerns about the original building designs from 2011 and the roof’s drainage system. Due to the roof’s pitch, rainwater was cascading down the curved slopes at high velocity and causing water to bounce into the building under the original capping.After many discussions between the main contractor and Polyroof, as well as the provider of the external cladding, it was agreed that the perimeter detail needed to be encapsulated with the new waterproofing system to prevent further water ingress. Fire-retardant cement particle boards were fixed to the internal and top faces of the external parapet walls, and the Polyroof SA Carrier Layer was applied over them with Polyroof pre-formed GRP Drip Trims fixed to the external edge.The Protec System was then applied to encapsulate the entire parapet detail, meaning its waterproof integrity would be covered under the Polyroof Guarantee. The curvature of the building added complexity to this process, and the contractor took great care in cutting the trims to size and fixing them to the external edge to ensure they followed the profile of the structure. Due to the building’s height, all the trims were face-fixed to prevent wind uplift.WorkmanshipIn order to improve drainage and prevent water from accumulating in hotspot areas of the roof, the contractors were instructed to install new internal curved gutter channels at the point where the roof and building met. These channels were designed to have a sufficient height and angle to effectively direct rainwater towards the outlets, preventing water from pooling on the roof. However, the installation process was made more complex due to the curved nature of the building’s architecture, which required careful measurement and customization of the gutter channels to fit the unique shape of the building.Additionally, the contractors had to consider the many joins of the gutters and how they would hold up to the elements over time as the building structure expands, contracts and moves. Extra steps were taken to ensure the gutters liquid membrane was properly sealed and secured to prevent leaks.The contractors were instructed to repair all protrusion and mansafe post details as necessary in order to allow the Protec System to be installed to a minimum height of 150mm, and to terminate it underneath a suitable weathering flange or jubilee clip. In addition, all right angles were to be reinforced with double taping. Any protrusions that were liable to significant movement was required to have disbondment i.e., bond break, tape applied to it to stop the external coating from stressing on expansion. Furthermore, all pipes were to be abraded, solvent wiped, and where necessary, primed in accordance with the Polyroof coatings manual. A flashing detail was also to be created with a weathering flange or seal.All outlets were inspected to ensure that they were functioning properly. Any outlets that were deemed unsuitable were replaced with new ones. The outlets were cleaned, prepared, and primed as necessary. The Protec system was then dressed into the outlets as far as was practical. The inspection and replacement of the outlets and the preparation of the Protec system helped to ensure that the drainage system functioned effectively.ConclusionThe refurbishment of the roof was completed within the client’s target timeframe and budget. Following a final inspection by Polyroof Technical Services, which highlighted quality workmanship of Tower Asphalt Ltd, the client received Polyroof’s trusted Accredited System Guarantee and now has the peace of mind the roof will be leak-free for decades to come.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home was established in 1860 by Mary Tealby as the Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs. Since it opened, the charity has cared for more than 3.1 million dogs and cats. To increase capacity at their old Windsor site BDCH are adding a new wing.The animal charity required specialist doors for a new intake building which includes 27 kennels and 4 maternity kennels.Dortek supplied hygienic hinged doors with Stainless Steel frames throughout the new building. Some doors also had automations and access control locks for ease of access and increased security. Fire doors with 30 minutes certification were also supplied for the protection of animals and staff throughout the facility.The GRP construction of Dortek doors makes them easy to clean, waterproof and extremely robust. They are ideally suited to animal care facilities requiring a low maintenance design.

Challenge: Concourse Village Plaza houses apartment blocks, retail shops, a multiplex cinema and underground parking. Chloride ingress and weathering has taken its toll on the structure with cracking and spalling of the concrete cover from reinforcement corrosion.Strategy: Significant concrete repair in conjunction with an ICCP system was needed for the structure. LoCem® +chase®, will be used specifically for reinforced concrete structures, where the ICCP anode mortar operates within slots cut and holes drilled strategically into the reinforced concrete structural elements. LoCem® is a low carbon cement alternative that can also act as a cathodic protection anode.Outcome: With the design of the ICCP for the Central podium completed, construction will begin in 2023 before moving to the West and East podiums. The project and is expected to go on for the next 2.5 years. The result of the project will be an ESG compliant strategy that will create a more resilient structure, utilising low carbon build materials that can control the impact of corrosion.

The Scottish Salmon Company is the leading producer of quality Scottish farmed salmon operating across the West Coast of Scotland and Hebrides.The Scottish Salmon Company is the leading producer of quality Scottish farmed salmon operating across the West Coast of Scotland and Hebrides. The company required upgraded door systems at their processing facility in Stornoway. Dortek supplied Novosprint high speed doors and Metaflex sliding chiller doors to facilitate the segregation of production areas for hygiene and temperature control. The short opening and closing times of the Novosprint door which has speeds of up to 5 m/s, was used to help improve hygiene and operational efficiency, prevent unnecessary heat loss, and significantly reduce energy costs. The Metaflex sliding chillers doors were specified due to their airtight seal which eliminates draughts or leakage. The door also has a hygienic finish for food safe environments and automatic operation for easy access.

The original main entrance door to a residential block posed significant challenges, being both unstable and unreliable, ultimately leading to a less-than-ideal user experience. Recognising the need for a substantial upgrade, our focus shifted towards implementing a solution that could withstand the diverse demands placed upon it by the building’s occupants.In response to these requirements, we introduced a robust commercial door section that not only provided enhanced security and stability but also offered unparalleled reliability and durability. This new system was meticulously designed to ensure ease of operation for the end users, effectively addressing the previous difficulties they had encountered. Furthermore, by seamlessly integrating with the existing access control infrastructure, our solution not only facilitated smooth transactions but also offered cost-effective servicing options for ongoing maintenance needs. Through this comprehensive approach, we successfully transformed the main entrance into a secure, user friendly gateway that met the diverse needs of the residential block’s occupants.

Ascent Rooflight Covers were specified by Eurosafe Solutions as part of a Safe Access strategy to allow maintenance personnel to frequently access the roof areas to undertake Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) works at an office / warehousing premises in Orgreave, Sheffield. The Ascent Rooflight covers are a freestanding unit that sits above the potential fall hazard of the glazed rooflight. Formed from an angular aluminium framework with mesh infill the rooflight covers do not overly restrict light penetrating the rooflight. The Rooflight covers are supported on small spreader plates which provide a non-penetrative support solution on the flat felt roof. The Ascent Rooflight covers are testing in accordance with ACR(M) 001:2014 Test for Non-fragility of Large Element Roofing Assemblies (fifth element) and manufactured following 1090 factory production control procedures allowing CE/UKCA marking as required with all Safety critical components as per the Construction Product regulations 2022  

A beautiful timber frame house, made of Western Red Cedar based in Kings Langley. Kings Langley, Hertfordshire is the birthplace of Ovaltine, the soothing malt drink. The village is divided by the River Gade and endowed with a couple of beautiful lakes.It is here, at one of these lakes, that a charming timber garden house is fitted with beautiful wooden louvres. By Sunshield, in collaboration with Contrasol. We were delighted to assist the owners with custom made external louvres to provide the a much needed perfect solution to reduce glare. Our client is sensitive to light and needed an effective shading product to specifically reduce sunlight entering the internal space.Our client was looking for something to be able to control light as well as a solution to fully block out light at night. The windows are South facing; therefore the louvres were also perfect for shading purposes and heat reduction.The Sunshield team applied the popular 98W which is made from Western Red Cedar to compliment the overall building.

Eden at New Bailey, aka A3 Salford located in Salford, Manchester is Europe's largest living wall. The living wall wrapped on all elevations across the façade was designed, supplied and installed by Viritopia.The living wall is designed with modular plants with an ivy veil with a mix of trailing and climbing plants, almost acting as a camouflage to the building as a whole. The species of ivy has been carefully selected for its hardiness and seasonal appearance. This living wall will absorb and filter the pollution and carbon in the atmosphere, enhance biodiversity, attenuate rainwater, reduce noise and provide biophilic benefits for the health and wellbeing of the users.This 3,900m2 green façade has a 20,000 litre self-sufficient rainwater harvesting tank, helps control the urban heat island, and took around 10 months to install. Eden is also increasing the BNG by 174% with this project, with over 16 tonnes of soil and 33 different plant species and 350,000 plants in total helping it along the way.

Turning a roofscape into a power station just got better. The combination of GreenCoat PLX with integrated, almost invisible solar functions to deliver green energy and good looks. The solar modules are bonded directly onto the metal roof within the controls of a factory environment at Metal Solutions Ltd, Bolton. Lightweight and maintenance free with no access requirements for cleaning the solution is a real game changer. Each module is 358mm wide and sits between the Snaplock® standing seam profile. In harmony with GreenCoat Mountain Grey the solar modules are virtually invisible from the street. A traditional Glass Crystalline module would add substantial weight, wind sheer load on the standing seam fixings and require access for bi-annual cleaning with the then risk of damage during that process.The thin, flexible solar modules do not detract from the design of the house and offer an excellent yield even in low light conditions.

Myatts Field North is a major regeneration project in the London borough of Lambeth, the development consists of 808 new homes, and 172 refurbished properties with 10 per cent fully accessible to wheelchairs. New streets, green spaces, play areas, landscaped park with two seven-a-side football pitches, multi-use games area and a play area, community centre, local store, commercial units, and an energy plant which provides reliable and efficient heating and hot water were also installed.Cellecta’s ScreedBoard 28 was specified by PRP Architects due to its ultimate single layer acoustic overlay treatment. It is frequently reviewed as the solution of choice for new build and refurbishment developments. Its high density and unique resilient layer provides an unrivalled acoustic performance.Regenter Ltd was awarded this 50,000m² contract to construct this regeneration in South London.

Croft Gardens is a four building student accommodation at King’s College in Cambridge, achieving full Passivhaus Classic standards. With 12 rooms across three floors of three crescents and a villa, along with the Victorian Holmcroft building which provides a library, laundry room and common room area, Croft Gardens provides 84 homes for graduate students. Including graduate rooms, communal facilities, landscaping and external works, Croft Gardens will be carbon negative for the first 7-10 years of operation.Cellecta’s HEXATHERM XFLOOR 500 was specified by Feilden Clegg Bradley due to its high resistance to compression and closed cell structure that provides unrivalled resistance to water absorption, making them ideal for residential applications. These insulation boards are used under a concrete slab to comply with part L Building regulations.Gilbert-Ash was awarded this 650m² contract for this development at Barton Road.

Timber Yard consists of two residential buildings made up of a collection of 379 modern apartments in Birmingham’s Southside district. The East Block features stylish one, two and three bedroom apartments, while the West Block includes a mix of studio, one and two bedroom apartments; both buildings surround a private courtyard garden. This development provides leisure facilities such as a gym, concierge services, a club lounge and screening lounge, and parking. The location is pedestrian friendly, with Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Moor Street walkable within 10 minutes.Cellecta HEXATHERM XFLOOR 250 was specified by Claridge Architects on this project for its high resistance to compression and closed cell structure that provides unrivalled resistance to water absorption, making them ideal for residential applications.Galliard Homes and Apsley House Capital were awarded this 7,500m² contract to construct this development.

Structural Repairs’ office space was beautifully and seamlessly integrated into one of Windsor’s iconic train station arches. This newly built office space boasts from its impressive structural logistics and boldly featured decorative and themed memorabilia at many of its cozy corners.Via a combination of the fire grit machine, TORC system (seen in the images and videos), water by pressure and a DOFF system, the carbon accumulated in the brickwork was removed. These methods, especially the DOFF system, work with high-pressure stream and extremely high temperatures.Brick cleaning is an arduous and labor intensive process by which a brick masonry, also known as a layer of brick which has been laid on the wall’s outermost surface, is cleaned. Brick cleaning is required at various different stages of a building’s life, and with our arch, a cleaning was more than overdue to restore it back to its original condition!

A functional, child-friendly washroom design featuring Genesis toilet cubicles was created for Rainbow Nurser. The nursery opted for Venesta’s Genesis toilet cubicles, a popular choice for early education settings due to it's versatility and many customisable features including low-level doors and curved partitions. The toilet cubicles were specified in High Pressure Laminate (HPL) making them ideal for nursery usage, allowing for easy cleaning and simple maintenance, meaning they really will stand the test of time.For cost savings and reduced installation times, our Vepps pre-plumbed panelling system was specified. In addition, low level vanity units were installed featuring semi-recessed basins. A favourite for our youngest customers as they don’t get the water from the basin on their clothes when washing hands. Read the full case study for more details.

ROJECT NAME: RENOVATION PRODUCT SUPPLIED SUPPLIED: INSTALLER SELFBUILD CONTRACT FLOORS AEROMIX was chosen for this renovation project thanks to its many benefits of offering warmth, smoothness of finish and speed of install. This project came with a challenging access issue meaning a long pump distance and lots of services in the floor AEROMIX was the perfect solution. This was the perfect product, providing an ideal solution for the insulation for this project. Reducing CO2 due to reduced carbon emissions within the product. The installer who completed this project SELFBUILD CONTRACT FLOORS said AEROMIX was poured as insulated ground baring slab, installed at 250mm deep achieving the required 0.11 u-value, this allowed the customer to clip the UFH pipes directly to it before being topped with a 65mm C20 liquid screed AEROMIX provided the ideal solution for the insulation on this project, compared to the normal concrete floor and other traditional methods, the speed of pumping the insulation coupled with the high thermal properties has contributed in saving the customer both time and money. 

The new Santander Work Café in Jersey is the banking institution’s first major high street location in the Channel Islands. The banking space is designed to provide customers with a better experience in a comfortable and open environment and is the work of Santander’s in-house architects, Jose Miguel Perez Tallon and Ruben Sesmero Blanco. They worked with fit-out contractor Style Shopfitting, to specify Amtico Signature LVT, which was fitted by Marett Floorcraft. When considering the design for the new Work Café, Santander’s in-house architect team wanted to experiment with a new floor pattern to bring together the informal meeting and co-working spaces on the ground and first floors. Amtico produced a bespoke version of its Aspekt laying pattern, using shards of Signature in Worn Oak, Solar Pine and Exposed Concrete for an ultramodern and urban look to inspire visitors, create specific zones and link the two floors of the building. The design blends into Worn Oak, laid in Stripwood, to aid wayfinding and subtly connect different areas while complementing the colour scheme. 

Conversion of listed Cotswold coach houseDesign Storey architects are thrilled with the transformation of this curtilage-listed coach house located in a walled garden within a conservation area in a small Cotswold town. The task was to extend the ground floor of the property to create a new boot room and dining room, increase the amount of light into the property and improve connection of the house with the garden. The project proved particularly tricky due to the listed and conservation status which made selection of materials especially sensitive. Having specified Lindab guttering for these reasons and for its longevity and minimal appearance, the architect was assisted with samples so that the client could choose their colour palette on site. They opted for Anthracite Metallic coated finish gutters and downpipes and square hoppers which the architect said, “contributed to the overall quality of the build and visual appearance of the final building”. Following this, Design Storey are using Lindab guttering on a number of further projects including a school extension and a family home, stating that Lindab, “provide a quality range of products to suit a number of solutions.”

In 1861 a small group of stonemasons formed the Edinburgh Cooperative Building Company to create affordable homes, by and for workmen, to escape from slum landlords. Typically, the terraced houses were arranged back-to-back with individual gardens: the ground-floor front doors facing one direction and first floor front doors on the opposite side with external staircases.The ‘colonies’ design has been widely replicated and recently resurrected with a contemporary approach in a new Edinburgh development by Glencairn Properties. Bellevue Colonies at McDonald Road recreates the original sense of community and interaction between neighbours with shared footpaths, gates and external stairs.Lang+Fulton supplied Modena railings to delineate each private garden space and provide boundary demarcation to the street. The railings were mounted on dwarf walls and were hot-dip galvanized and polyester powder coated for a durable finish in keeping with the quality materials of brick, zinc and slate that were used throughout the development.Awards: Homes for Scotland - Housing Development of the Year (shortlisted)

St Pauls’ Way is an award-winning 1, 5, 6, & 7 story building with 23 units consisting of one, two and three bedroom flats over a ground floor community space. This scheme was designed using Building Information Modelling (BIM) to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating of 72.7%, awarding it winner of 6 national housing awards, including Evening Standard New Homes Award 2019’s ‘Best Regeneration Project'. Constructed of light gauge steel frame and faced with a buff brick, this scheme will contribute to London Borough of Tower Hamlets Community Plan.HiDECK Overlay 18 was specified by Architecture PLB in this project as the overlay flooring solution. It’s ideal for flooring applications incorporating an underflooring heating system due to its high thermal conductivity which provides rapid reaction times, saving on running costs. In addition, its high density makes it perfect for a variety of acoustic applications.Stack London was awarded this 6,300m² contract for this development in Tower Hamlets.

The scope of this ambitious project was to restore and transform an abandoned Neo-Gothic Cemetery Keeper’s Lodge with adjoining public facility into a luxurious mansion in just 12 months.  Works included demolishing the adjoining public facility to enable the construction of a new basement.The proposed new build construction would be a luxury ground floor extension which would run the footprint of the redundant public facility to offer a 4,000 square foot subterrain space with key features such as 13-meter swimming pool, 2 additional bedrooms, a tv games room and office space.Simon Gill Architect designed the ambitious project and was appointed as Project Manager.Delta Registered Installers 5 Star Basements were employed to undertake both dig out and installation of the structural waterproofing with Delta’s Technical Waterproofing Consultant, Paul Callaghan representing Delta. This approach at the design stage, allowed Paul to attend design team meetings and to ensure all criteria’s of BS8102:2009 were met.As aired on Grand Designs on 6th January 2021.

Based in Lincoln this multiple dwelling new build project required sash windows to fit its architecture. The homes were built using local stone which meant standard white windows wouldn’t match its high-end appearance. The developers also needed windows that came with high performing benefits such as thermal efficiency, security, all while remaining maintenance-free. Using our in-house spray shop, Charisma Rose was specified in a solid cream option that complimented the stonework beautifully. The trickle vents were also colour matched to seamlessly blend in with the windows and keep the luxury charm of the buildings. A traditional astragal bar grid was picked to match Georgian architecture as well as run through horns and a 2/3 unequal split for the ground floor. This project ran smoothly providing more than 50 sash windows over seven dwellings. All windows were manufactured and delivered on time and snag-free, meaning there was no impact on the developers schedules.