"electric fires and room heaters"

The brand-new Skills and Innovation Centre at South Staffordshire College takes pride of place on the college’s town centre site. The architects envisaged a facade of long vertical fins giving the appearance of timber. Maple supplied the extensive vertical fin façade and Powdertech Wood Finish (PWF ™) was selected as the most appropriate powder coating. Wood Finish is formulated to match the natural variations in colour, grain density and grain pattern of wood. Importantly, Wood Finish meets fire reaction classification A2-s1, d0. We coated 4000 metres of aluminium, comprising mainly rectangular sections of extruded aluminium, of sizes 200mm and 100mm x 50mm. The stunning facade combines the strength and longevity of metal with the warm, natural appeal of a wood finish.Powder coating satisfies green credentials as it contains no solvents, no VOCs and produces no hazardous waste. Maintenance is simple – just a wash down with water every 6-12 months.

SFS have partnered with a leading building envelope contractor,  on the construction of two iconic towers in the heart of Birmingham, one clad in brass, the other silver. The buildings will transform the city's skyline and deliver a mix of luxury apartments and retail space. The striking Left Bank development, in Birmingham's popular West End, will create the tallest exclusively residential building in Britain's second largest city.Alucoil larson® ACM FR - Brass Brushed panel, with a fire-rated mineral core, was chosen for the façade. This drained and back-ventilated rainscreen cladding system for Tower 1 is being fitted with an NVELOPE® bracket and rail system and powder-coated SLA3 frame fasteners, SLA5 fasteners, as well as SX3 and SX5 A4 (grade 316) stainless steel fasteners from SFS. The choice of surface finishes for the envelope demanded high quality fastening solutions that would stand the test of time, and perfectly complement the crucial aesthetic goals.

Wexham Park Hospital, an acute NHS hospital situated near Slough in Berkshire is protected by a network of 20 MxPro 5 fire panels.The 588-bed hospital is one of three managed by Frimley Health NHS Foundation trust, one of the top performing NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. As well as the main hospital building, the site has a large post graduate building, ambulance station, staff accommodation and a new £49 million, state-of-the-art, four-story Emergency Assessment Center. Responsible for the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the system was Advanced’s partner, Static Systems Group.In addition to the MxPro 5 panels, the system also comprises 18 MxPro 5 repeater panels and 2,000 Apollo field devices which are installed in a number of hospital buildings and departments including Intensive Care, Sterile Services, Radiology and its new 9,300 sq. meters Emergency Assessment Center.

A new ferry terminal on Brodick Bay, created as a tourism and community gateway to the Scottish Isle of Arran, has been fitted from stem to stern with door and window systems supplied by GEZE.Maritime design and modern comfortThe ship-shaped terminal, designed by the renowned architectural firm Norr of Glasgow, is part of a £30 million investment which aims to update the harbour, get it ready for 21st century travel, and improve passenger comfort.Natural ventilation thanks to automated windowsThe generously sized lounge with its double height and large wall of windows on the western façade offers visitors a breathtaking view of Brodick Bay. The large windows, which are automatically opened and closed by 30 GEZE Slimchain chain drives, give the reception area at the main entrance to the building a bright and spacious feel. The uniquely slim and understated look of the Slimchain window drives integrates perfectly into the unique façade design of the Brodick ferry terminal.The Slimchain window drives were installed not only on the large windows in the lounge, but rather throughout the entire two-storey building – with the exception of the upper ventilation openings: Powerchain chain drives are used there. These especially powerful window drives were chosen to operate the larger windows, since they allow for large opening widths – which is important for quickly venting smoke in case of a fire.The window drives are connected to a GEZE MBZ 300 SHEV control panel for smoke and heat extraction drives, which is integrated into the building management system of the terminal. This makes it possible to easily control and monitor the complex natural ventilation system.Ventilation, smoke and heat extraction, and emergency exit protectionThe windows in the staircases are also equipped with Slimchain chain drives. If needed, the window systems also allow for natural smoke and heat extraction: In case of smoke and heat, the smoke extraction solutions open the windows and control fresh air openings, so that lifesaving escape routes remain smoke-free and safe to use in case of an emergency. In addition, GEZE OL Line manual fanlight openers provide supplementary natural ventilation.Door systems for accessible fire protection doorsBeneath the glazed western elevation are two automatic swing doors to either side. These are powered by GEZE Slimdrive EMD-F door systems, just like another door on the side façade of the building. The electro-mechanical swing door drives for single leaf fire and smoke protection doors are extremely versatile: They provide power assisted opening and can be initiated using the operating button with constant opening and closing speed. Integrated obstacle detection also identifies potential obstacles and stops the opening or closing process if needed. By doing so, Slimdrive EMD-F drives also ensure easy and safe access for people with mobility issues.Understated design and high access convenienceFrom the main entrance, a glazed corridor leads to a bi-parting sliding door powered by a GEZE Slimdrive SL NTsliding door system, which leads into the foyer of the main reception area. The Slimdrive door drive fulfils two key stipulations here at once: It is suitable for interior and exterior doors with high levels of footfall, and ideally suited for glass façades with high design standards – such as the Brodick ferry terminal – due to its low operator height of just 7 cm.

The Conduit is an existing client of Caribbean Blinds having used our louvered pergolas at their previous club in Mayfair in 2018. Knowing both the benefits of installing louvered pergolas, providing flexible shade and shelter allowing the terrace to be used all year round, therefore providing an important revenue stream for the business along with a unique dining experience for their discerning members along with the service we offer, the Conduit wanted to replicate this at their new club in Covent Garden, albeit on a much larger scale.The new roof terrace, which was on the 7th floor, had a footprint of approx. 300sq/m. The client wanted to cover 2/3rds of this with pergolas, leaving the remaining 1/3rd completely open. The model was to be our Prestige Pod, which they had previously installed, where the louvered roof not only rotates but fully retracts and when closed is completely watertight. A total cluster of 8 modules were required to cover a surface area of c. 200sq/m. The perimeter edges were equipped with screens to offer protection from the elements to the sides. Additionally screens were inserted along with doorways between certain modules so areas could be zoned off for events and private functions. Each module had infra-red heating and festoon lighting installed to create a cosy and pleasant environment year round.A project of this size, requires clear communication, co-ordination and planning. We worked closely with the architect, designer, contractor and end client at every stage, to ensure a seamless process and journey. Site meetings were held with all parties. Full CAD drawings of the structures, positioning and importantly drainage, wiring and post mounting plate positions, which were highly critical as a steel sub frame had to be fabricated and installed and services run were provided. A dedicated project co-ordinator oversaw the entire project to ensure it run smoothly and on-time and in-budget.Like all roof terrace installations there were many challenges, from working at height to access with a road closure required for this project to allow craning of the goods to the terrace. Manufacture from order sign off for the bespoke pergolas was just 12 weeks, with installation taking 2 weeks, via our own trained teams and all in time for a VIP client 4th July party.Anthony Pollak, Facilities Director for The Conduit commented:“Having had a Caribbean blind pergola installation at our previous property we knew the quality of their products.When the opportunity came from our landlord to give us a substantial area to build a roof terrace we knew that we had to include Caribbean Blinds within the design.Installing the Caribbean Blinds pergolas has enabled us to use our roof terrace all year around. In the summer when the weather is good we can open up the space effortlessly and in the winter when the roof is closed, sides are down and heaters on it gives us much needed outside space.From the initial design meetings all the way through to install the Caribbean Blinds team were pleasant and professional to deal with. They made the whole experience very pleasant and straight forward.”To find out more about how we can help you create unforgettable alfresco experiences 365 days a year please contact one of our knowledgeable and friendly team on 0344 800 1947, send us an email projects@cbsolarshading.co.uk or visit our website www.cbsolarshading.co.uk.

The LAMILUX U.K Ltd installation team recently completed a school refurb project in York, where they installed an incredible 65 meter long X 2.4 meter wide LAMILUX Continuous Barrel Vault Rooflight. Designed with 16 integrated single ventilation flaps, evenly spaced along the rooflight for natural ventilation, the Barrel Vault rooflight, was positioned above classrooms and communal areas to not only enhance natural daylight in the rooms below, but also provide natural aeriation. Results from studies have proven that ventilation coupled with natural daylight will not only enhance the learning of the pupils in the classrooms, but also enhance the pupils health benefits with good indoor air quality. 

Premier Loft Ladders has released technical data and a BIM object on NBS Source for the Supreme Vertical loft ladder. This heavy-duty retractable ladder offers safe and easy access to loft spaces and plant rooms that can only be accessed via an elevated wall hatch. As such, it is easier for architects and designers to find and specify a solution for this otherwise challenging access requirement.The heavy-duty concertina ladder offers a load rating of 200 kg per tread, making it suitable for both residential and commercial projects. It also benefits from being very easy to operate.The product data can be found within section L30 (clause 41 and clause 421).

To help meet the client’s architectural ambitions and acoustic challenges, Rockfon acoustic ceilings were specified. In designing its new HQ DocuSign wanted to break down barriers and find new ways of working to empower employees. Open plenum ceilings, polished concrete floors and warm timber express the space’s raw, contemporary architecture. Crina Toderic – Henry J Lyons, “…a number of meeting rooms had one solid wall with the remaining three being glazed. It was agreed Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic be installed for its high sound absorption. Being completely seamless, the system allowed us to easily integrate with the rest of the interior aesthetic.”

Four rooms affected by noise and dust ingress in the Grade II Listed Harris Manchester College, part of Oxford University had thermal secondary glazing installed by Selectaglaze to lower noise breakthrough and to make the buildings more energy efficient. Selectaglaze installed secondary glazing to 28 windows. A number of products were combined for the specification, including Series 20 slimline vertical units. Series 10 horizontal sliding units were used in conjunction with Series 42 fixed lights and Series 42 curved fixed lights for large gothic arched windows. The College has created a more comfortable environment for all users of its spaces.

Motorised drives from SIEGENIA make opening and closing windows easy, convenient and barrier-free. Whether they operate turn-and-tilt windows or inaccessible skylights, whether they operate via pushbutton, app or via the building control system, they ensure room comfort and well-being. SIEGENIA has now expanded their product range: as a supplement to the tried and tested DRIVE axxent DK, the DRIVE CL is now also available to fabricators and end users. While the DRIVE axxent DK, by reason of its compact dimensions, also enables integration into the wide range of aluminium profiles, the DRIVE CL is a magnificent choice in case of high demands with regard to cost-effectiveness.

Delivering flexible space that can be quickly adapted to encourage collaborative working practices, moveable wall systems are fast becoming the norm for modern UK offices. Having enjoyed the benefits of a moveable wall that Style installed a few years ago, a major global consulting group recently invited them back to their London offices to install two further partitioning solutions, effectively sub-dividing a key meeting area. The Dorma Hüppe Variflex ML100 moveable walls allow the open-plan space to be closed off, creating three separate rooms. An incredible 59dB Rw acoustic integrity allows meetings to run concurrently, entirely undisturbed.

Ten Degrees, developed by Greystar, is the world’s tallest modular residential building. The build-to-rent schemein Croydon boasts 546 apartments across two adjoining 44- and 38-storey towers, as well as 10 different social spaces, including a games lounge, coworking space, dining room and gym.Greystar’s designers originally envisioned using timber flooring for the high-spec amenity areas but instead opted for the durability of Amtico’s Signature LVT. The cool brown base and lightly limed grain of Manor Oak was chosen to add texture and a premium aesthetic, creating a calmingand relaxed atmosphere in the open-plan social and co-working spaces.

The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, is one of the countries most valued heritage sites and contains many rare, unique and priceless artefacts.GEC Anderson stainless steel sinks and worktops were specified in a recent refurbishment of some of the Museum’s restoration and conservation rooms. Mica Architects included stainless steel worktops, sinks and tables from GEC Anderson’s Decimetric range. The Decimetric system offers a modular range of sizes (based on 100 millimetres = 1 decimetre) increments, providing cost effective solutions with a tremendous range of sizes and options. The range includes sinks, worktops and tables but also shelving, base cabinets, wall cabinets and tall cabinets.

The project was part of huge regeneration plans for Thurrock. The new three-storey Civic Centre, designed by LSI Architects, built by Kier Construction (Eastern) and clad by specialist façade contractor A2O Ltd, incorporates a council chamber, café, registrar service, staff offices, committee rooms and service area for the public.LSI Architects selected the MechSlip Brick Cladding System, supplied by Aquarian Cladding Systems, to achieve a non-combustible, through-coloured, textured, real brick façade, which provided sufficient form to ensure a statement building that was not subservient to the surrounding buildings. MechSlip proved vital for the project, which kick-started the Thurrock transformation.

West Cliff Hotel is a two six story Premier Inn which hosts 105 guest rooms and a third block with 88 residential units. The project included the demolition of a previous building then the construction of the hotel, with underground car parking. The hotel is only a 15-minute walk away (0.5 miles) from Bournemouth Pier and the Oceanarium.Cellecta ScreedBoard 28 was specified by HGP Architects in this luxury refurbishment to improve upon its existing acoustic properties. It's high density, and unique resilient layer provides unrivalled acoustic performance, typically 5dB better than legislative requirements.Inland Homes was awarded this 3,000m² contract to construct this development in Bournemouth.

St Cecilia’s Hall, today a part of the University of Edinburgh, has been thoughtfully redeveloped by Page Park Architects to create a more inclusive and user-friendly space. To provide the ancillary facilities needed in a modern-day museum, Page Park Architects created a new, modern entrance with improved and updated walkways and circulation areas. Drawing inspiration from the original dark-coloured flooring in the building, the architects specified Junckers’ 140mm wide Black Oak Harmony as flooring and wall panelling in the new areas. In addition, Junckers’ Dark Coco Rustic Oil was used to restore the rich, brown colour of the original wood flooring in the concert room and gallery spaces. 

The Project is a remodel of Meliá Milano hotel, one of the most popular hotels in Milano city . Spanish architect Alvaro Sans and Vittorio Grassi architects teamed up to restyle it , proposing a more functional and innovative design . Our Veranda Zip with Polyscreen ® 351 fabric are placed in the breakfast area as a finishing touch on the high skylights , increasing the flexibility of this space . It achieve this goal as well as providing solar protection , intimacy , or visual contact outside . Our Wood Venetian blinds were installed to cover solar control needs on the corridors and some private rooms . They create an elegant and welcoming atmosphere as well as offer the right balance between light and privacy

In China, on the exclusive island of Hainan, the Sanya Edition Hotel has chosen stone-effect porcelain tiles from Atlas Concorde to furnish its interior spaces.The elegance of stone-effect porcelain flooring gives the hotel spaces a stylish ambiance, offering the guests a luxury hospitality experience. The stone-look tiles illuminate the atmosphere creating a luxurious climate and an idea of elegance with a timeless charm. The inspiration of Luserna stone and quartzite enhances the interior floors of the suites and rooms of the building, translating nature into a material suitable for the design of spaces with an enveloping, suggestive climate. Delicate colours reveal the earthy details typical of stone, adding character and appeal to the places where they are laid.

Behind the façade of the iconic Grade II Listed Old Chelsea Town Hall, sits Chelsea Sports Centre. As part of a refurbishment of the showers and changing room areas, Washroom installed its flush front glass iLockers, back-painted in dark grey, together with Forte changing cubicles, manufactured from grey solid grade laminate (SGL), complete with unique Perspex integral roof to let in light while providing complete privacy for users and matching Forte toilet and shower cubicles. Washroom also manufactured bespoke ‘Black Quartz’ Corian vanity units and make-up shelves and installed its Legato benching to complete the design.

Washroom designed and installed washrooms and backstage dressing rooms for an iconic Grade II listed West End theatre, using brass effect laminate and marble-effect Corian to create the sumptuous design which mirrors the theatre’s stunning Art Deco style auditorium. The full height Alto toilet cubicles installed were finished with a unique high-sheen brass effect laminate and as a contrast, the Concerto integrated duct panel system was manufactured using black laminate. Completing the washrooms are the Corian solid surface vanities specified in a light grey marble with individual square counter-top ceramic sinks, red splashbacks and brass taps.

Mount Anvil and One Housing Group partnered to build a new luxury development, featuring studio apartments as well as one -, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments. These living spaces were designed to be surrounded by private gardens and water features in the heart of fashionable Clerkenwell, England.The plans for this new development called for 274 units within 10 stories set atop of 4,500 m2 (48,438 ft2) of commercial space, including room for basements and parking.To provide permanent protection against water for the space surrounding the basements and parking, Mount Anvil and One Housing Group’s construction team were looking for a long-term concrete waterproofing solution.

Flooring preparation products donated by F. Ball have been used to install high-quality floorcoverings in the newly-built clubhouse at CB Hounslow United FC. Stopgap P121 acrylic primer was used to prime the subfloor before Stopgap 1100 Gypsum was applied to create a perfectly smooth surface ahead of the installation of the floorcoverings. Styccobond F41 carpet tile tackifier was then used to install high-quality, bitumen-backed Desso carpet tiles to create a border around the perimeter of the function room. Lastly, wood-effect, Tarkett vinyl sheet floorcoverings were installed using Styccobond F46 solvent-free, pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive.

A 1963 Vanwide railway goods wagon with plans to turn it into a garden room for a family. To get the wagon to a usable state, a full strip out was required, leaving only the metal casing of the original wagon remaining. Once the wagon was stripped back, there wasn’t much metal remaining for the roof, only six thin metal trusses were left. Due to the shape of the wagon, insulation was needed that not only performed well but was fully flexible to fit the arched roof. It was also important that the insulation had a shallow profile to fit into the narrow space. Looking to insulate the 2m x 5m roof, careful consideration had to be given to retaining the original look of the carriage.

London’s new countryside escape, Birch, dating back to the 15th century, has undergone extensive redecoration thanks to support from the Dulux Trade team and its Heritage Range. The grade II listed country escape hotel was built in 1763 and became the 140 bedroom Theobalds Estate hotel in the 1990s. The country estate was once a royal favourite for King James I, a Georgian family home and Sir Christopher Wren’s retreat, a WWII military riding school and is now one of Hertfordshire’s most socially engaged and creative hotels. To maintain the heritage of the estate with its new contemporary purpose, the designers chose the Dulux Trade Heritage Range to redecorate Theobalds Park’s hotel rooms, foyer and corridors in a variety of colours - as the hotel underwent a transformation and rebrand into Birch, a new city escape. The rich colour range was the ideal match for the hotel’s contemporary theme allowing the country mansion, surrounded by acres of fields, to maintain its classic elegance whilst incorporating modern escapism into its new interior design concept. A combination of Green Oxide, Buff and Potters Pink were used for the geometric design on the hotel suite and corridor walls, complemented by Green Oxide and Roman White throughout the project. The former De Vere Theobalds Estate hotel is set to officially open as Birch on 3rd August 2020. Birch, which is billed as a city escape that “looks like a hotel, feels like a festival”, is the brainchild of former Ace Hotel London MD Chris Penn and his business partner Chris King, will feature a growing farm, an interactive bakery, two restaurants in partnership with Robin Gill, three bars and co-working and wellness space, as well as a 25-metre Lido (opening later this year) and pottery, music, screening, and art rooms. Dulux Trade Technical Support Manager, Steve Plowman, worked closely with the hotel’s architects, Red Deer, to adapt the colour scheme and specifications to meet with the colour contrast requirements of the Equality Act Part M. This included particular consideration of Light Reflectance Values (LRV), to ensure that critical surfaces could be clearly distinguished, aiding navigation for those with a visual impairment. The team worked to match the design to colours in the Heritage Range, to ensure that the project was completed to achieve a high aesthetic and functional standard. To bring this vision to life, Dean Jones and his team of highly skilled painters at Broadway Painting Ltd worked tirelessly to achieve outstanding results. Dulux Trade Diamond Matt was used for the corridors, walls and staircases due to its high durability and effectiveness in masking wall imperfections. The paint is wipeable and scuff resistant to ensure these high traffic areas remain perfect for years to come. It also offers new anti-fade technology and superior stain resistance through its unique Stain Repellent Technology, which can be wiped clean repeatedly without polishing up, helping to extend maintenance for up to five years. Dulux Trade Diamond Matt was also used on the ceilings, while Dulux Trade Eggshell provided the finishing touch on the doors and trim. The local Dulux Decorator Centre in Enfield worked closely with the Dulux Trade team to ensure colour accuracy and stock supply throughout the project. This collaborative work, along with regular site visits from Steve Plowman, kept the project on track and meant that any issues that arose, could be resolved very quickly. Ciarán O’Brein, founder of Red Deer, said: “Our ethos in creating Birch was to sensitively restore and listen to the existing buildings as best we could. True sustainability meant to us removing and adding things to spaces only where necessary. To this end we relied heavily on working with furniture, sculpture and of course paint to install new moods and agendas across the Grade II Listed building, bedrooms and even the bathrooms. We worked with Dulux on this exciting project; a deep Dulux Yves Klein blue transforms a traditional stairwell, pastel kaleidoscopic colours adorn listed ceilings in the Screening Room and a dark green creates warmth in a Drawing Room overlooking the lawns.” Steven Plowman said: “The work completed goes far beyond a normal redecoration program. The design is matched throughout all rooms and hallways exactly - with no variation in Heritage colour. The attention to detail is outstanding and clearly shows how a stunning design alongside an effectively executed colour scheme transforms any area. “The bespoke contemporary paint finish has transformed the hotel interior into a work of art that will stand the test of time and many visitors.”

The Störmede Rittergut, a manorial estate in Geseke, North-Rhine-Westphalia, is a special location for conferences and private events. On its extensive grounds, alongside the listed buildings, a modern hotel has been erected. Behind a wood-clad façade, 55 highly modern and simultaneously very comfortable rooms can be found. Already in the foyer the guest is met by a warm atmosphere, something contributed to not least by the use of great expanses of wood, a friendly colour palette and stylish furniture. The style of the house has been logically extended: high quality and modern, but still inviting feelings of pleasure.A subtle and well-chosen selection of furnishings spreads the harmonious impression throughout the house. In every room, in the semi-public toilet facilities and in the spa area, KEUCO fittings and accessories can be found. They underline the fine, high-quality tone of the interior design. The slender EDITION 400 fittings match the single or double basins harmoniously. IXMO fittings by KEUCO were chosen for the showers because of their minimalist appearance. The special thing about IXMO: the fittings unite several functions in the smallest possible space with a minimalist design. In this way, the Hotel Rittergut Störmede maintains a clear and comprehensible appearance in its showers. IXMO SOLO, a clever combination of single-lever mixer and wall outlet for shower hose in a single unit, is particularly impressive for its ease of use. The consistently modern approach continues in the WC accessories in the bathrooms. Here, the well designed forms and high-quality surfaces of EDITION 400 accessories by KEUCO set a special tone.The Hotel Rittergut Störmede exudes a unique atmosphere with its historical roots and, thanks to its excellent furnishings, offers the guest an extra special stay.

A new family-run hotel in Iceland’s Haukadalur Valley was designed to sit seamlessly within the extraordinary surrounding landscape. Hotel Geysir operates under carefully considered environmental objectives, including resource management, reduction of waste, increased recycling, and selecting products and services with a low environmental impact. Our popular Twin Herringbone flooring in Black Oak forms the perfect backdrop to the interior, which is as dramatic as the natural landscape surrounding the hotel. All rooms and suites have large windows to make the stunning scenery the main feature throughout the hotel. The building was designed by architect Brynhildur Sólveigardóttir, and interior design by Leifur Welding. Made from Junckers’ classic two-stave flooring, each floorboard consists of two rows of staves, one full-length and one with two half-length staves. This gives Twin Herringbone an authentic pattern and elegant. Delivered with a hardwearing factory finished surface ready to walk on as soon as it is installed, a Twin Herringbone floor has the advantage of saving on costly and time-consuming installation work as the floor does not have to be sanded, filled, and treated after installation. A pre-finished floor is far superior in terms of durability with optimal wear resistance and a uniform appearance. It also has a significantly shorter installation time compared to an unfinished floor, with minimal inconvenience. Each Twin Herringbone stave measures 129mm wide x 516.6mm long x 14 or 22mm thick. II is ideal for use in all rooms of the house except bathrooms and can be used with all major underfloor heating systems. Twin Herringbone feels warm and solid underfoot, the perfect backdrop to a luxurious hotel. 

A high specification sound absorption solution...GRAHAM Construction were appointed to lead the refurbishment of Senate House, part of the University of London which is to house the School of Oriental & African Studies. SOAS is the world’s leading institution for languages, cultures and societies of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.The plan is to improve the student experience significantly by offering state-of-the-art facilities, with a high specification sound absorption solution for reverberation control in the Teaching Rooms, Seminar Rooms, Meeting Halls, Study Units and Lecture Theatres.Increased sound absorption helps to improve speech transmission quality, sometimes as much as 35%, control echo as well as background noise and reduce reverberation times in teaching areas.The SOAS project will accommodate a 25% planned increase of the cosmopolitan student numbers, with staff and students together on one centrally located campus, so reverberation control is paramount in this instance.We have undertaken the supply & installation of 2,650 sq metres of the Absorb-R GypLine αw Acoustic Plaster along site our installation partner UK Acoustics. The Absorb-R GypLine αw system includes 25mm and 39mm Acoustical Absorption Boards which can be fitted direct to soffit, to a shallow narrow void track-line carrier ceiling or a deep void MF Ceiling Grid. The boards are then sanded and treated with a 3mm acoustic spray plaster with a choice of finishes. The Absorb-R GypLine αw System finishes can then be colour coated to any RAL top coat colour and provides a virtually seamless monolithic ceiling with high and exceptional sound absorption levels that meet or exceed typical reverberation criteria.

Hoebridge Golf Centre is a busy commercial and leisure facility that has three golf courses, a function facility and a health club. Given the busy nature of the centre, it had become apparent to many golfers and patrons that the acoustic conditions within the bar and restaurant area needed improvement.Hush Acoustics was tasked by the golf centre’s owners to develop a solution to this major acoustic issue as it possible that revenue was being affected in the bar and restaurant because of poor acoustics. Some paying guests did not want to spend their time in these problematic and noisy areas so addressing the issue was crucial to the centre’s long term success. Hush carried out its extensive survey and to fulfil the client’s requirements to make the bar and restaurant areas a far more comfortable place to be. The acoustic problem at Hoebridge Golf Centre was caused by a high level of ambient, reverberation and echo noise within the bar and restaurant areas.The solution proposed by Hush was to install Hush Absorber 50 Sound Absorbing Panels within the bar and restaurant areas. Through a series of calculations based on the site survey data, the amount of absorption needed to treat the issues effectively could be established.Mike O’Connell, General Manager of Hoebridge Golf Centre was delighted with the panels. He mentioned how well they blended in and complemented the look and aesthetics of the room, and appreciated the minimalistic design with bold colours to give the room a sense of vibrancy. The client was particular happy with the quick and efficient installation by the Hush installation team. They arrived on site at 6:05am, discussed the installation with Mike and had completed the installation by 8am, meaning no disruption to customers during busy times.

Continuity between indoor spaces and outdoor floors, a balanced interaction that increases aesthetic potential: Atlas Concorde sets the tone in an elegant Belgian residence.Refined, unique, chic: the metropolitan style of Atlas Concorde concrete-effect porcelain tiles decorates the interior and exterior floors of a large, charming private residence in the town of Maasmechelen, Belgium, giving them a strong, unmistakable personality. Furnished in an urban chic style, the residence uses concrete-effect tiles to boost its modern, extremely refined look, which plays on volumes and alternating light and dark tones. Laid both on the floor in the open space living room/kitchen area and outside, the concrete-effect tiles create a visual and functional continuity between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Thanks to a subtle texture on shades of grey, where the warm hues of oxidation and the cooler tones typical of the original material coexist, the concrete-effect porcelain tiles become a decisive element in the interior and exterior designs of the residence. Able to embellish rooms thanks to their versatility, which makes them easy to mix and match with other furnishings, the tile surfaces also project their own style in safety and continuity, extending the design possibilities. Premium large-format 120x120 cm tiles boost the aesthetic and functional potential of spaces, amplifying volumes and giving them the characteristics of safety and reliability, especially critical when designing outdoor solutions. With a variety of effects and nuances, the large format is also able to satisfy the broadest array of stylistic inclinations: its task is to reinterpret all the expressiveness of the original material and transform it into a real living experience.

We adapted our aluminium window specification to meet the narrower than normal vent dimensions at the best-in-class £52 million student village in Coventry, balancing requirements for daylighting, ventilation, student safety and aesthetics. A total of 3,500 sqm of aluminium windows together with aluminium curtain walling and aluminium high-traffic doors were fitted at the 893 home development. The installation not only contributed to the creation of an uninterrupted, zero combustible facade, but also provided maintenance solution for the building owner. Paradise Street has been architecturally inspired by the originally medieval city of Coventry. The scheme's homes are arranged in a wall, and three towers to address the busy ring road, with a gatehouse opening into a 2,000 sqm piazza. Balancing the ventilation and necessary daylighting requirements led to the introduction of a fixed and opening vent to each room. This presented a whole new design challenge when it came to the window detailing, hailing a true example of design and technical collaboration between the architect, contractor, fabricator and TECHNAL. Complementing the subtle textures used for the facade's anodised aluminium panelling as well as the interior colour scheme, the TECHNAL systems are dual colour. Externally they are finished in pearl beige and white, internally. Other TECHNAL systems used for this project include the visible grid curtain walling. This is installed into an angled brickwork detail, creating an interesting wedge shape design to the common room space. To the main entrance, TECHNAL high traffic aluminium doors have been installed and tested to Secured by Design standards. These feature maglocks and automatic gearing that are tied into the building management system, ensuring all doors open in the event of an evacuation.

With the aim of making a somewhat dated house welcoming and comfortable for a young family from Vilnius, the architect Ieva Prunskaitė of the Prusta studio redesigned the interior. The minimal, clean design combines functionality with beauty. Its focus is on simple lines and light spaces, devoid of clutter. Wood, plaster and cement are the three elements that are used throughout the house.The predominantly white walls with ECLISSE Syntesis Flush Hinged white doors contrast beautifully with the wooden flooring. There are also wooden accents across the white kitchen cabinets and wooden panelling defining storage areas and a cloakroom between the main door and the living room.The interior is also interspersed with accents of grey and black in the form of the black marble worktop and black chairs in the kitchen, the minimalist wood burning stove, grey accent wall and grey sofa in the sitting room and a decorative black metal screen with a geometric design separating the master bedroom with the ensuite.The minimalist style of the ECLISSE Syntesis Flush Hinged doors integrate perfectly into this interior being almost invisible, whilst being accented with sleek black handles echoing the colour scheme throughout.The ECLISSE Syntesis® Flush Hinged Door is part of the Syntesis® Flush Collection. This is a range of flush or architrave free products that work in harmony with each other. The collection features a, the concealed hinged door frame (available as a door set or frame only), pocket door system without jambs or architrave and a flush skirting board adapter. The emphasis is on uninterrupted, clean lines for an interior without fuss, where less is more.Architect: Prusta studioProduct: ECLISSE Syntesis® Flush Hinged Door

Facade systems from Technal helped the University of Leeds to set a new benchmark for student accommodation in the city. More than 3,00sqm of Technal glazing systems for the Charles Morris Halls were fabricated and installed, and the £21m student halls of residence comprises of two half-hexagon buildings sited around a central landscaped courtyard, providing 457 hotel-style study bedrooms.The challenging glazing specification involved the construction of large oriel glazing bays that project 300mm in front of the cladding, and contrasting projecting bays to the corners of the two buildings. The oriel bays provide a different architectural feature and an alternative to more conventional recessed panels of glazing. The floor to ceiling glazed units, which maximise natural light were constructed using aluminium curtain walling inset with top-hung casement windows. These were fabricated and installed into the bays in more than 30 different sizes to create a less regimented appearance for the building envelope. Laminated glass with coloured interlayers adds further interest to each facade - in panels of green where the glazing is set into red brickwork on the external elevations and orange for the courtyard elevations to complement the cream-coloured brick cladding. Long runs of curtain walling using 1500mm modules enclose the common room and the link bridge between the two accommodation blocks. The window units in the common room are linked to the air conditioning system, which allows them to open automatically according to CO2 levels. All other opening units on this scheme are operated by low-level levers to allow anyone, regardless of any disability to open the windows.

This brand-new sophisticated working environment in London was designed with best-in-class facilities, so it was an honour for Helmsman to be asked to supply the lockers. With the cycle to work scheme fast becoming more popular amongst workplaces, its no surprise that 72 Welbeck Street provided 114 spaces for bicycles, 9 showers and 138 lockers in their luxurious new commuter facilities.It was great to work with Specialist Joinery Group again on this project. In order to optimise the storage for the lockers, the client chose a variety of locker designs, including Z Lockers and 3 Compartment Laminate Lockers.Z Lockers are a great choice as they allow 2 people to store their items in the footprint of one locker and allow hanging of clothes, perfect for those who have cycled to work and are getting changed. While laminate lockers are perfect for a professional heavy duty finish.Both the Z Lockers and Laminate lockers chosen were manufactured from aluminium and stainless steel with Abet Laminate doors in colour Spring White. These materials are designed to withstand a wet environment and so are perfect for the changing rooms at 72 Welbeck Street. The Z Lockers also featured stands with seats, with slats in matching laminate from Abet.All of the lockers were finished with black circle number plates and Lowe and Fletcher camlocks. The perfect choice to keep the changing rooms looking slick and modern.This was another great project to be a part of in the heart of London, and it’s great to see that our lockers look and feel just like the designer intended.If you need Z lockers, Laminate lockers or want to chat with us about any bespoke locker requirements, give us a call on 01284 530427.

The Northern School of Art’s new Middlesborough campus is a development of regional importance, a major focal point for innovation and creativity in the Tees Valley.Located on a town centre site, the £14.5m iconic scheme comprises over 5,000m2 set over three floors, providing a range of studios for fine art, textiles, fashion, digital media, photography and 3D product design. Its concrete structure with exposed thermal mass, moderates the internal temperatures.Seven Architecture were responsible for the concept and master plan at the new school. Seven Director Simon Parker said, “To ensure a distinct and striking design for this gateway scheme we have introduced glazed terracotta panels to envelope the building which reference the long tradition of ceramics courses provided by the School. They also allow for glimpses into the building via long vertical windows which provide great levels of daylight within the art studios.“Once inside, internal finishes will provide the perfect backdrop for creativity; an exposed concrete frame and polished concrete flooring, coupled with splashes of colour throughout, will create a simple and robust yet flexible space for the students. The design strategy has been carefully established through extensive user consultation and the collaborative nature of this design has created a true flagship building.” Design, build and installation working hand-in-handBAM Construction were design lead and main contractor for the Project. Bill Mordue Interiors carried out the installation of the acoustic systems at the school. Jon Day of the firm, “We were very pleased to be involved with this prestigeous and innovative development. The work progressed smoothly with support from the Rockfon team as and when required. It offered Rockfon the opportunity to demonstrate how versatile their ranges are and how successfully they could control sound within this busy multifaceted setting.”In addition to the various studios and offices housed within the building, Rockfon acoustic systems really earn their place in the workshops, canteen, library, lecture rooms, busy thoroughfares and entrance hall where the pressures of controlling and containing sound in each space offer their own unique challenges. Challenges Rockfon is happy to meet, as independent research shows stress levels are reduced by 27% and focus is increased by 48% by improved acoustics.Performance, versatilty and beautyRockfon’s Jim Lundy, “Across all three floors throughout the school a mixture of Rockfon Universal Baffles, Rockfon® System Eclipse Islands™ and Chicago Metallic™ Infinity® Islands were installed in a variety of larger rectangular formats, sometimes alongside slimmer shapes, to work with the services already installed around and above them. In some instance, lighting and air conditioning are fixed within the panels, demonstrating their versatility. Rockfon Blanka® Activity B wall panels were also used within certain spaces to further control sound and help create the perfect environment for students to study, create, collaborate and socialise productively.”Ideal for thermal mass areas or where easy access to services is required, Rockfon® Universal™ Baffles offer an elegant and innovative acoustic solution. They have a smooth, easy clean fleece surface encased with corrosion resistant powder coated steel in two formats – two end-capped or four fully framed edge, and feature a multi-functional clip assembly which enables several installation and suspension possibilities. Delivering up to 77% light reflectance and diffusion, they are available in white or a selection of colours.The benefits of acoustic systems – seen and unseenThe high light reflectance offered across all our systems optimises natural light, aiding wellbeing and helping provide the best working conditions whilst minimising energy usage and costs. Vitally they all also demonstrate superior reaction to fire due in large part to the inert volcanic rock (stone wool) which forms their core. This stone wool also means Rockfon systems offer no sustenance to organisms which can lead to the growth of bacteria seen in some other ceiling systems.Rockfon Eclipse can be used as ceiling islands and as wall panels. Eclipse can be specified in a variety of shaped formats with a clean minimalistic A-edge and almost unlimited custom colour matching. Quick and easy to install, ceiling islands can be suspended by elegant wires, rods or fixed directly to the soffit.Seven Architecture Associate Architect Dean Murphy, “We felt Rockfon had a clean robust minimalistic design approach for both the suspended baffles & islands which clearly complemented the simplicity of our building design. Rockfon product ranges worked seamlessly alongside our design ideals for this building and worked well with our budget restraints.”The Rockfon Blanka range is available with semi-concealed and visible grid options for use as a suspended ceiling or as wall panels, offering a wide choice of alternatives for installation and usage. All embody Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection and >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation 26dB-46dB. Blanka’s easy clean, anti-static surface prolongs product life and is non-directional, speeding up installation, saving time and money.Dr Martin Raby, The Northern School of Art’s Principal, “The increased visibility and accessibility of the School will generate benefits for the region and town, attracting more students and footfall. In turn, this will bring significant economic benefit for the area and help to redefine the image of the Tees Valley for inward investors, students, and visitors.”

Following in the footsteps of a string of successful installations at the Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, Yeoman Shield products were again chosen as part of the refurbishment of the hospital’s Firth C & D floor corridors.With the need to refresh the interior walls and doors, as well as future proof them from further damage and marking, a variety of products from Yeoman Shield’s range were employed.Corridor doors, which are on the frontline when it comes to impact damage, were fitted out with Yeoman Shield Door Edge Protectors and PVCu clad glazing beads, both in a graphite colour. Contrasting Mid Grey Door Protection Panels were installed to both sides of the doors with vulnerable architrave and framework also protected by Yeoman Shield products.This comprehensive, fire rated, door protection system will extend the life cycle of expensive fire doors helping to keep them in good working order.Yeoman Shield Guardian Handrails in the same colour scheme were fitted along the hospital passageways. Bespoke metal brackets were manufactured by Yeoman Shield to implement the spanning of the rail over pillars though out a glazed corridor.Beneath the handrail 2mm thick FalmouthEx Wall Protection Panels were fixed to offer low level protection. A cream colour was chosen for the panels accompanied by Mid Grey Corner Protection Angles to keep a light and airy feel to the scheme.Pete Trenchard, who specified and project managed the scheme on behalf of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals added “When carrying out improvements and refurbishment of the corridors, in line with the STH standard colour scheme and standard fit out, I was keen to incorporate the Yeoman Shield range of products to achieve a long-term solution.“The specification of Yeoman Shield products on corridor walls, vulnerable corners, doors, frames & architraves, protects the fabric of the corridors without detracting from the visible aesthetic appearance expected of a hospital environment.“I worked closely with the Yeoman Shield team through the design and specification phase, drawing on their expertise to find a cost-effective fit for purpose solution. The site survey and installation offered a start to finish package which has been contributory to the successful and well received outcome of the project”.

An architect designed, self-build house with annexe for a multi-generational family built to zero-carbon standards.The scheme’s design is influenced by the architectural vernacular of the area. The surrounding houses are a legacy of the Land Settlement Association scheme, with distinctive mansard roofs, steeply sloping gables and dormer windows, constructed in a simple red brick with terracotta plain tiles.The mansard is reflected in the new house with the roof extending down to form the walls. Instead of terracotta tiles, large format slate has been used to form a modern equivalent. The house is mainly slate tile; however, it was felt important to also reflect local brickwork. As such, brickwork was used for two huge brick-faced chimney stacks that rise through the gable.PROJECT INFOTo form a contrast with the very smooth grey of the slate, a textured red brick with slight colour variation was sought. White mortar lightens the brickwork while recessed mortar joints are used inside to provide shadow to each brick. Perforated brickwork surrounds the stone coping on both chimney stacks, adding visual interest to the building through both the materials and the shadows created by the brickwork perforations.The brick selected was stock thrown Hampton Rural Blend from Forterra’s Ecostock range. It has a rustic finish resembling handmade brick. Ecostock bricks are manufactured using the latest technology in sustainability and production efficiency, producing bricks with low embodied energy as well as advanced colour consistency, dimensional accuracy and quality.The structure incorporated huge amounts of insulation, a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system, and a solar photovoltaic array at the bottom of the garden, along with a ground-source heat pump. These installations will ensure that the house generates more electricity than it could ever use.