"roof finish underlays and insulation"

When a Vue Cinema on the outskirts of Doncaster needed a section of the asphalt flat roof refurbished as part of extension and maintenance works, a zero odour solution was required that would allow the building to stay open to the public throughout installation. A liquid waterproofing product was considered ideal to avoid the need for complex edge detailing associated with single ply or bitumen products around the plant.

Not long after completion, the Foundation Stage and Children’s Centre building at Layfield Primary School in Yarm started leaking. Water ran down internal walls and damp patches spread across ceilings. Fortunately, the problem has now been solved with the help of SIG Design & Technology, which specified its SIGnature Torch on System to remediate the leaking roofs once and for all.

The London Wall Place is a circa 300,000 sq ft building arranged over 12 storeys. The innovative design provides floor plates of circa 9,000 sq to 42,000 sq ft and includes over 35,000 sq ft of roof terraces for exclusive tenant use.  Location: LondonContractor: Brookfield MultiplexArchitect: Make ArchitectsAspex supplied: Doorsets & Ironmongery

The curved teaching space and the auditorium block are connected by a curved segment known as ‘The Link’ which runs through each floor of the building. This linking component features Schüco FWS 50 curtain walling both in the construction of the walls and horizontally in the roof skylights to let natural light into the centre of the building. The Link also acts as an important device to separate the two geometrically opposed buildings.

Magazine B is a series of Grade II listed brick sheds inRochester, Kent. Its unusual name stems from the fact it wasoriginally used as a Victorian military installation – ‘magazines’were buildings constructed to store gunpowder andammunition.Long left derelict, the site was acquired to convert into aseries of offices – and Southern and County Roofing wereengaged to fit replacement slate.

This recent converstion from a well known Blackpool arcade into public house is a success story that bears all the hallmarks of the owner’s astute buying, pricing, high turnover and excellent brand awareness.From the beginning of the project, Strongdor worked closely with the architects being involved with design, selection, supply and fitting of the best steel doors for the unusual and striking roof terrace restaurant.

The £1m centrepiece in the restoration of a historic park in Lancashire has been completed, incorporating innovative use of the MX curtain walling system from Technal. The dramatic sculptural pavilion in Avenham Park was the winning design in an RIBA competition. The building has a strong geometric design, which includes a complex zinc-clad ‘saw tooth’ roof and extensive use of timber, aluminium and glass.

This significant project was the restoration and extension of a 1976 Basil Spence building in the City of London. This original structure was designed for The Salters, an 800-year-old livery company. It combines post-war bold brutalism with a world of ritual and tradition and its associated memorabilia.InterLace designed, manufactured and installed electric roof blinds for the light and airy atrium, and hand-operated roller blinds in offices.

'new beginnings' start with an impressive arrival sequence...Set between St. Paul’s Cathedral and The Old Bailey, 7 Newgate Street offers occupiers 75,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art contemporary office space following extensive refurbishment. An impressive reception, new 7th floor pavilion and communal roof terrace set the tone for the architectural detailing throughout the building. And, with a focus firmly on customer experience and environmental performance, the re-imagined building required a creative Entrance Matting product to match the overall design vision.High-spec design with beautiful curved features seen all around the lobby area needed the flexibility of INTRAflex Radial Entrance Matting to achieve the creative transition. As the only product on the market able to achieve such an aesthetic without compromising functionality, INTRAflex Radial was a fundamental inclusion for the project.Taking ShapeFrom revolving doors to curved glass covering the front entrance, achieving a matching, radial matting design was integral to the design’s success. Having originally requested a free sample to confirm INTRAflex Radial was the product the architects needed to achieve their vision, MORROW + LORRAINE specified our product having seen the quality, functionality and beauty of our product first hand. Opting for black INTRAlux Elite Fibre Inserts coupled with a black anodised finish – the dark colour scheme complements the interior of the newly refurbished building perfectly.Functionality was integral to the project and was integrated into the design. Although the revolving doors are the main entrances into the building, it was important to ensure that our creative Entrance Matting stretched beyond the width of the revolving doors to deal with the London foot traffic entering through the pass doors in order to protect against dirt and moisture. A commercial office space that Boasts 75,000 sq ft of space will obviously experience high levels of footfall, meaning the INTRAflex Radial was specified for its robust, heavy-duty performance as well as it’s flexible design capabilities.Building for the futureThe sustainable qualities of INTRAflex Radial were an essential consideration for this project. With a real focus on leaving as little an environmental impact as possible, the inclusion of the 100% recycled aluminium Entrance Matting and 100% Econyl fibre inserts helped the finished product to achieve Net Zero Carbon status. With our sustainably manufactured products also reducing environmental impacts in practice such as water usage due to less frequent cleaning, we’re proud to have been involved in such an ethically created, architecturally beautiful and truly creative space.

Hale Brown Architects were appointed to redesign 6 Middle Street with the brief to redevelop it into a modern office space that incorporates new sustainable design elements.Set within the narrow cobbled streets along the eastern boundary of the Smithfields Conservation Area this refurbishment included demolition of existing roof structure and replacing it with a feature glazed roof, creation of a mezzanine floor and installation of a cantilevered staircase. The concept was to open up the space to create free-flowing natural light throughout all floors, open up views, create natural ventilation and maximise ceiling heights while incorporating a timber slatted raft concealing service.3v provided a full ironmongery service for this project which including a mixture of brass and matt black products. Black products were used on timber doors and bespoke textured brass pad handles on black frame glass doors, the pad handles were chosen to compliment the detailing in the timber slatted ceiling raft and wall panelling. We think they work seamlessly together! Photography: Neil Kenyon

A large commercial client of EnviroBuild required a contemporary and low maintenance decking solution for their purpose built flat refurbishment project in South London. The decking would be supported over a flat roof surface, plug on balconies and garden decking areas, so required a versatile decking bearing system.The SolutionThe project used 400 m² of Hyperion Granite Pioneer decking installed on a sub-frame made of non-rot Manticore recycled plastic lumber. To support the decking over the low profile balconies and taller flat roof sections, adjustable decking supports were used. The various sizes of pedestals, allowed both very shallow decking heights and other sections to be supported securely with minimal installation time.Customer FeedbackThe client loved the look of the Granite Pioneer decking against the classic redbrick building. Combined with the modern glass balustrade, they created the perfect outdoor living spaces.Project DetailsSize: 400 m²Product: Granite Hyperion Composite DeckingSubstructure: Mesa Adjustable pedestals & Manticore Plastic LumberLocation: London

Finish: Interpon D2525 Brilliance Parts coated: Cladding Architect: Hopkins Applicator: Vertik-Al

Lomax + Wood have supplied high performance made-to-order timber box sash windows and doors for this stunning country home in the county of Berks. Based on the classic Georgian window proportions this new build property shows a full range of Lomax + Wood products, all suited to provide elegant and pleasing sightlines and proportions.In total 39 high performance made-to-order timber sash windows and doors.26 Traditional timber box sash windows with slim 18mm double glazed units.Made-to-order entrance door, with insulated panels incorporating steel inserts for security.3 French door sets hung only for surface fitted espagnolette locking.6 Dormer casement windows with horizontal glazing bars.Supplied using engineered timber with under the Lomax + Wood FSC® Chain of CustodySet within a country landscape this substantial country house has incorporated a number of period features to create a traditional country style. Lomax + Wood worked closely with the clients to ensure their vision was upheld and that the high performance timber windows and doors produced the correct proportions throughout the property.From matching the paint colour to sourcing the desired ironmongery and finishes Lomax + Wood’s made-to-order service ensured the clients requirements were listened to and acted upon.A primary concern of the architect and client was to ensure the timer was truly from a sustainable source. Lomax + Wood are committed to sourcing from sustainable sources, to this end we have worked hard to achieve FSC® Chain of Custody which is deemed by many to be an environmental gold standard. This work was undertaken in partnership with BM TRADA who are also deemed to be a mark of quality in our industry. Too many companies in the industry are passing off their product as from a sustainable source without ensuring it is through industry certification.Lomax + Wood products have also been independently tested to ensure the building regulations are met including Part Q, this involved a full range of intruder testing by Exova BM Trada.All Lomax + Wood products are made-to-order and whether you require a traditional style or more contemporary the product options are available to meet your requirements.

Accoya has been selected for the façade of the building and has been designed to recreate Louis Vuitton’s famous quatrefoil branding which adorns many of the company’s luxury products. The façade also had to meet the high standard of quality associated with the brand and be delivered to the highest levels of aesthetic finish. The finished building is impressive and the Accoya façade is covered with our guarantee against rot and decay for 50 years for exterior use above ground, making it perfect for a demanding outdoor application and location such as this.

The new 3,100 m² resin floor at the Honda Import Centre, installed by Resin Floors Telford, features a robust and seamless finish using Arturo's high-build resin coating. The installation process included extensive surface preparation and remedial repairs to allow an industrial top screed to be applied before two coats of Arturo EP3900 high-build coating compound were applied for durability and a gloss finish. The project resulted in a highly durable, aesthetically pleasing floor that exceeded client expectations.

ASF Manufactured these stunning stainless steel pedestrian guardrails for the Princess Street area of Swansea.Posts manufactured from the ASF 5008 Bollard offer a 114mm diameter upright with a solid machined top. The upright has a satin finish whilst the top is left as machine finished which gives a bright polished look.Panels are from stainless steel tube and uprights from solid stainless steel bar, making this product look great but also be low maintenance, robust and long lasting.

Year: 2023Product: CladdingFinish: OlivegreenArchitectural solutions: Architectural panelsProject type: EducationThe exterior cladding features Parklex Prodema textured panels in the Olivegreen finish. The integration of the earthy hue into the building’s facade blends it harmoniously with the environment, while the natural wood texture on the surface adds a unique element of organic variation with no repeating patterns. All Parklex Prodema panels for exterior cladding are weather-resistant and maintenance-free, ensuring durability against atmospheric agents.

THE PROJECTThe Highbury Square project features multiple banks of freestanding Steel 2 mailboxes finished in a classic Window Grey (RAL 7040) colour. The mailboxes used in the project feature jet black vinyl numbering, and the banks are securely fixed to the floor of the location with the use of a pair of supporting legs.Project Type: Private AccommodationProduct: Steel 2 MailboxInstallation: FreestandingAccessories: Vinyl Writing. Supporting stands.Colour Finish: Window Grey (RAL 7040)

Crow Wood Spa is set within the magnificent Lancashire countryside – famous for its tales of witches, sorcery and black magic in the 17th-century. Working closely with the client, Prospec’s installation of Cabrillant 700 cubicles are the centre piece of the spas changing areas, meeting their exacting high specification. The toughened and laminated glass provides an opulent feel and white opaque finish is clean and crisp. The Spa Manager added ‘how fantastic the showers look’ and that the entire team are ‘really pleased with the finish.

Flowcrete UK has supplied a floor finish for the publicly accessible campus vision to transform the dated 60’s office building into a vibrant new space for students and art lovers alike. The project specified 300m2 of the seamless, self-smoothing glossy resin system, Peran SL, as it met both the aesthetic and functional criteria. The hard wearing system will maintain a high performance finish for an extended period of time despite the heavy foot traffic, scuffs, and general wear and tear that it will inevitably face.

The stunning state-of-the-art, multi-level, Better New Addington Leisure & Community Centre, designed by GT3 Architects for the London Borough of Croydon features buff brick cladding with 3D- textured detailing thanks to external cladding supplier Aquarian Cladding Systems.The project was part of the Southern Construction Framework and followed a string of work carried out by Willmott Dixon for the Borough. It was also home to the building contractor’s first Building Lives Academy, aimed at upskilling young people in the area and providing them with an opportunity to join the construction industry.Originally, another brick cladding system was specified for use, however due to the complexity of the stepped window frame detailing, the additional cladding support rail cost, the time it would take to install, and a lack of product warranty from the supplier, an alternative cladding system was sought to meet the programme and budget.To resolve the challenge, Aquarian and specialist cladding contractor Express Dry Lining, part of Aquarian’s Approved Installer Network, worked closely together to achieve an acceptable finish to match the specified material, which suited the local vernacular thus meeting the aesthetic, programme, and commercial requirements.Peter Head, Director of Express Dry Lining said: “The design and installation support of Aquarian helped us ensure that all stakeholders were supported throughout the process of material selection, buildability, component production and assembly to achieve a photogenic building free of defects which will last. This is one of those projects to be proud of for a very long time.” In addition, the solution had to be a cladding system that used brick slips which could also be produced as standard bricks to build landscaping planters and achieve a seamless ‘hit-and-miss’ brick feature in the façade. As an innovative, panelised, insulating brick cladding system, which has been successfully tested to BS8414 on five separate occasions and has an EN13501 fire rating of B, s1, d0, Gebrik was perfect, with Aquarian supplying 1126m2 to the project.To achieve the 3D features in accordance with the architect’s design brief, eighteen different panel and corner components were produced, 25% of which were bespoke and therefore project-specific.The expertise of Express Dry Lining in the setting out of the substrate ensured the 60mm thick ‘brick wallpaper’ is consistent across the entire façade with perp joint alignment across both the stretcher and stack bond panels. And their attention to detail in ensuring the system was cleaned down after pointing ensured the façade was completed on time and to everyone’s satisfaction. The finished project was completed six weeks ahead of the revised programme with Gebrik significantly contributing to the speed of construction and reduction in programme, leading to significant cost benefits elsewhere. The London Borough of Croydon is delighted with the quality of the completed building, with Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure, and sport, quoted as saying, “This is a stunning new centre with first-class facilities for everyone in New Addington to enjoy and be proud of.” Peter Head concluded by saying, “It is unlikely any other brick cladding solution could have been used as cost-effectively and efficiently as Gebrik to create a façade of such high quality.”

As part of an exciting regeneration project in Cardiff, Lowfield Timber Frames specified SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT panels alongside a supply of their timber kits for a development of 12 two-bedroom houses in Heath, Cardiff.As part of an exciting regeneration project in Cardiff, Lowfield Timber Frames specified SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT panels alongside a supply of their timber kits for a development of 12 two-bedroom houses in Heath, Cardiff.The homes are built to strict Passivhaus standards, offering improved health and wellbeing conditions for occupants whilst requiring very low levels of energy for space heating or cooling. Additionally, using timber frame for the construction lowers the carbon footprint of the development.The major benefit of a Passivhaus build is the reduced energy consumption during the operating life of the structure. This will ultimately lead to reduced energy costs, heating bills, and even lower carbon emissions for the planet.The average air test result for the 12 homes came in at below 0.5 ACH. A Larsen truss panel (a lightweight wall extension which creates extra wall space to a house insulation) was also used in the project. It was 330mm deep with the finished wall make-up being closer to 500mm.Darren Jarman, Managing Director of Lowfield Timber Frames, commented: “The Highfields scheme in Cardiff was just one of several passivhaus schemes we have completed over the past 2 years. We now have an external wall build-up that not only meets the passivhaus standards, but also has extremely low embodied carbon credentials.“The external wall has been fire tested and achieves the airtightness required, all in all, reducing the heating requirements and the running costs of the property.”SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is an airtight OSB/3 panel with integrated vapour control and air barrier properties for use as structural sheathing in timber frame structures. The airtightness is engineered into the OSB panel substrate, whilst the factory applied specialist surface finish technology provides increased and constant vapour resistance on the warm side of construction. The panels are suitable for both new build and renovations.The distinctive green layer of SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is a UV cured coating providing increased and constant vapour diffusion factor. In addition, it provides a smooth and durable surface for taping the connections.The panels made to OSB/3 grade, are moisture resistant and can be used in humid conditions (service class 2). The hygroscopic nature of the OSB panel acts as a humidity buffer to help prevent interstitial condensation within the timber frame structure in limited cases of reverse diffusion.Jarman concluded: “Whilst there are other products available which will achieve the airtightness, we feel SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is the most robust solution available and eliminates the possibility of accidental damage, resulting in a failed test.”The ambitious project is part of the ‘Cardiff Living’ programme, a 10-year partnership between Cardiff Council and Wates Residential, which will deliver 1,500 new homes at sites across the city.Discover more about SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT and its applications here: https://mdfosb.com/en/products/smartply-airtightFind out more about Lowfield Timber Frames here: https://www.lowfieldtimberframes.co.uk/Twitter: @LTFltd

Global eco-friendly beauty brand Lush has diversified into hairdressing, opening its first “spa for your head” hairlab in Brighton.  Staying true to its “green” roots and initiatives to minimise waste through recycling, Lush chose the Armourcoat Polished Plaster Koncrete Textured surface finish to create the desired minimalist aesthetic throughout the salon, on the recommendation of Jade Aden Interiors, tasked with delivering Lush’s design scheme. Koncrete Textured Polished Plaster gave the multi-dimensional finish Lush wanted, with enhanced eco credentials over the paint finish that was originally envisioned for the salon. Armourcoat’s ‘Snow Cloud’ colour reflected the raw natural feel whilst giving a softness to the interior aesthetic.  Crafted from hydrated lime and crushed recycled marble, Koncrete Textured yields a 38% recycled content with zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds). The surface finish’s mould and mildew resistance further enforced its relevance for the salon.  Andrew Barnetson, Commercial Manager @ Jade Aden Interiors: “Lush wants to demonstrate there is a way that can make us- and the planet- feel good. Having used Armourcoat’s system previously we recommended it as a better alternative than the textured paint being considered. Lush is very happy with the end result.”

Noble Oak is warm and classic in appearance, adding golden tones to a rippled dark grain for a timeless finish.

PROJECT: BLACKWALL REACHLOCATION: LONDONMATERIAL: GRCFINISH: PORTLANDMAIN CONTRACTOR: HILLS PARTNERSHIPS

PROJECT: THAMESIDELOCATION: WINDSORMATERIAL: WEST CASTFINISH: PORTLANDMAIN CONTRACTOR: SHANLY HOMES

Waterproof, hard-wearing, low-maintenance, seamless micro finish for walls and floors in 1 - 2 mm.

Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) is a rail-road intermodal freight terminal with an associated warehousing estate in Northamptonshire. Owned by Prologis, the business park was originally built in the 90’s, but a recent expansion has added around 4 million square feet of storage and office space. Some buildings are already occupied by leading brands such as Royal Mail, BooHoo, Dunelm, Tesco and Sainsburys.DIRFT’s Unit DC628 (DC10) is a net zero carbon building with 627,707 square foot warehouse space rated BREEAM Excellent. Among its features are solar PV systems, a roof terrace, and enhanced external amenities.Our team was commissioned to provide seating and planting solutions for the outdoor amenity space and roof terrace by BCA Design, Landscape Architects for the project.Our RailRoad modular seating solution with Delta supports, and FSC iroko timber slats, that are left untreated to allow natural weathering, was installed in the outdoor amenity area adjacent to the car park - along with Parallel picnic tables and benches and Zenith 500 litter bins - creating an outdoor lunch break environment in which employees can enjoy during warm weather.Decking supplied by Outdoor Deck was installed on the roof terrace of the building, complete with our AKRI 300 steel planters with 500mm high panels, manufactured from triple process recycled steel, to form a variety of linear shapes filled with plants and greenery to create a peaceful oasis with a view of the countryside.Seating and benches made from FSC Iroko timber which included armrests on some, were integrated onto the planters to provide warehouse staff with quiet spaces to relax. The rooftop planters were complemented by the addition of our Hollo range of freestanding low seating / tables

Prior Weston Primary, located in the City of London, required a large south facing free standing canopy that would create solar energy for their school whilst also protecting their pupils from the elements. Able Canopies designed and installed a variation on the Kensington Dual Pitch, incorporating IPV (Integrated Photovoltaic) solar glazing panels into the roof panel design to provide a solar power facility for the school.

Rising up from its Thames-side site at Pimlico at the meeting of Millbank and Vauxhall Bridge, River Walk is an elegant new development of 116 high specification apartments with 170 crescent-shaped balconies, all of which need to be carefully waterproofed. Specialist roofing contractor Knight Asphalte Co Ltd is carrying out this task, using Hydrostop AH-25 liquid waterproofing.

A brand new hospital in Middlesex will deliver efficient and much improved care to it’s patients. The hospital includes new wards, an extension on one of its existing wings as well as the relocation of its existing energy centre. With so much investment in the new hospital including state-of-the-art equipment, the roof design needed to be robust, provide security and require minimal maintenance throughout its lifetime.

This sociable housing project located on a backlands site behind terraces of Victorian houses in Beckenham comprises six homes, with coach house and is an exemplar low carbon, flood resistant scheme. As in all sociable housing schemes, private space is combined with valuable shared amenity which contribute to and support community. The project combines a number of products including ANTHRA-ZINC standing seam roofing. 

In 2018, pioneering polycarbonate roofing supplier Twinfix marked the first use in the UK of its premium bolted glass canopy. In fact, two of its new “spider-bolt” contemporary canopies have been used at the new Trumpington Park Primary School which supports the new Great Kneighton housing development near Cambridge, along with an existing secondary school and existing library building.

Plygene Gutterline – the first choice for First Bus Depot. Continuous leaks in the roof of First Bus’s depot in Boyle Street, Manchester defied all remediation attempts. First operates a fleet of over 600 buses with around 2,200 staff and a network of over 300 routes serving Greater Manchester including Bury, Bolton, Rochdale, Oldham and Tameside. It is one of the biggest bus operators in the region.

As evidenced by previous case studies, Metrotile Lightweight Roofing has developed into a premier choice for specifiers that need to refurbish non-traditional (or ‘pre-fab’) properties across the United Kingdom to bring them up to Government Decent Homes standards. In Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, Cannock Chase Council and Keepmoat Housing oversee housing stock that includes Cornish Units and Reema properties [cont. at the link]

The Craddockstown Housing Development, Naas, Co. Kildare, is one of six sites being developed by John Sisk and Sons using AG facing brick.Woodward Ashbrooke Antique was chosen for the Craddockstown development due to its rumbled finish and subtle tonal range.The detailed product knowledge offered to John Sisks team and backed up by support from our technical and production team made a real difference to the customer.AG’s 60 year guarantee was vital to Sisks and the willingness to develop bespoke colour blends for the project.John Donnellan, AG Regional Sales Manager, said:“We work very closely with Sisks and have supplied a number of their housing developments which are finished to a very high standard. The inclusion of AG Woodward Brick provided Sisks with the textured finish they were looking for, along with the technical performance that Woodward delivers.”John Sisk’s are very pleased with the outcome and are now looking at future projects using Woodward brick.