"circulation fittings signs etc"

The 65-year old Altro safety flooring that is still performing todayWhen West Bridgford Baptist Church refitted its kitchen, they wanted high quality flooring that was safe, durable and easy to maintain. They chose what was then a new product – Altro safety flooring – and hoped it would deliver. That was in 1950, and over 65 years later, after innumerable coffee mornings, christenings and other events, Altro revisited the site with the most modern testing equipment and found the original safety flooring still meets the latest HSE standards. A pendulum test achieved PTV 40, representing a one in a million risk of slipping in both wet and dry conditions.Church Secretary Carol Hodgkinson said: “Our kitchen has had much use over the years and is important to the people who attend the Church and use its facilities. We’ve run a lunch club, cooked up amazing Christmas dinners and plenty of simple lunches too. Today it’s mainly used to prepare refreshments for our own church activities and for other groups that use our building, which includes toddler groups, keep fit groups, uniformed organisations and U3A groups, amongst others.“We were amazed when we were told how old the flooring is, we had no idea! We just know that it’s easy to clean. It’s reassuring to know that it’s still helping to prevent people from slipping after all this time.”The flooring that was laid at West Bridgford Baptist Church was called ASF Classic X25 and was the first Altro safety flooring solution. Roll-on to today and Altro Classic 25 is still here, albeit with a few tweaks! It remains a popular choice, although these days you’re more likely to find it in craft, design and technology rooms plus circulation areas.

The Clockwork Building was a complete refurb of a 1960/70’s office building, project managed by Thirdway and landscaping done by Belsize Gardens. We became involved in the early stages when Belsize Gardens and the client wanted 4 large Corten planters at the front of the building to give the entrance a more vibrant natural look.All 20 planters were made in total from 3 mm Corten steel with a folded base and a double folded top to give extra strength. In the large planters we also added 4 mm stainless steel bracing wire due to the very large amounts of soil being added to each planter. This stops possible panel movement when the soil is being tipped inside.There were four larger planters all at 60 cm high, two at 11.2 x 3.8 M and two others at 4.5 x 3.2 M. Lighting was designed into all four planters, a bench incorporated into one of the 4.5 M planters as well as a 6 bicycle stand on the most southern planter. The material had to be Corten steel and needed to be pre-rusted which was done in our EverEdge yard in Staffordshire. The supports were our standard buttress design, all at 500 mm centres. Because the back wall of the planters adjacent to the building followed the contours of the building (windows etc) there were no continuous straight lines, but a series of 90°corners. All these fitted neatly on site and resulted on minimum construction time.In addition to the main entrance planters, there were 12 more planters in the car park area, infilled between the building windows all 250 x 55 cm and 88 cm high. These planters, being smaller, were incorporated with our steel brace system.Lastly 4 large planters for the roof garden were also constructed, 150 x 110 cms and 880 cm high as well as one “trough” planter, 250 X 40 cm.

Lazenby’s Henley Buff Polished Concrete floor was laid in a new side and rear extension to this stunning property in Cheshire.A key consideration by the clients was that the polished concrete floor be a very close match to the concrete walls which had been cast by the main contractor. Lazenby provided numerous samples for sign off before the client confirmed Henley Buff as the selected colour.The architects wanted to use industrial materials such as concrete and timber throughout the project but still wanted to achieve a warm and homely environment. This was successfully achieved by a clever use of lighting and subtle tones within the materials.To create an ultra modern, flexible space, the polished concrete floor also extends out to the patio area where it connects seamlessly with the internal flooring

The design brief Our brief was to design, supply & install a gridshell rooflight that was like a ‘slice of the side of a rugby ball’. The perimeter structure would be provided, but we were to work with the project structural engineer in terms of providing thrust forces etc. The ChallengeTo create a visually impressive source of natural light in the new office extension for this global, research-driven pharmaceutical company embracing many cultures and diverse societies.The SolutionThis beautiful 12m x 6m fully self-supporting fixed glazing. Modelled using the glazing company’s 3D design software. The supporting members are a combination of 80mm x 120mm and 80mm x 80mm steel sections. The rooflight was fully fabricated off site and lifted into place as a single unit.Whether you’re at planning or construction stage why not see how we could help you add natural light and space to your commercial office space; you can call us on 01223 792244 or pop us an email via info@nextgenrooflights.co.uk outlining what help you need.

Linea23 is an architectural residential project designed by Studio Sigurtà in Desenzano del Garda, for which various Atlas Concorde porcelain tiles were chosen for the creation of ventilated walls, outdoor floors and walls.The Trust and Studio ceramic collections are the protagonists of the project and outer facades were covered using ventilated walls in which ceramic tiles create a gap that facilitates the circulation of air. The use of ventilated walls also leads to other advantages: the building is protected from moisture while indoor spaces are healthier and do not suffer from thermal shock.The Trust collection by Atlas Concorde, used for the outdoor floors and swimming-pool edges, evokes natural stone and allows for alluring residential venues both indoors and outdoors.The Linea23 project saw the use of various Atlas Concorde products for outdoor floors and walls. Particularly resistant to thermal shock, Atlas Concorde porcelain tiles are the perfect solution also as terrace flooring.

Better Bankside is a Business Improvement District located in Southwark, London. They invest in the area on behalf of local businesses to help make Bankside a thriving place to work, live and visit. Like many districts, Bankside experienced a significant rise in people arriving to work by bicycle.Cyclists are known to increase the vibrancy of a place, yet the risk of bicycle theft around the UK had risen to an all-time high.Having long advocated the benefits of cycling, Better Bankside saw an increased need to provide further safe and accessible parking for their business members. Their solution? Transform a vacant railway arch into a secure cycle parking space, with CCTV, smartphone access and eye-catching ‘Better Bankside pink’ cycle racks.Cyclehoop provided the six custom powder coated toast racks, creating 60 new spaces for people to park their cycles in Bankside. The custom colour stands out against the character of the brick to create an attractive and recognisable space.The facility immediately proved popular, within two weeks of the launch more than 80 users signed up for access.Cyclehoop is delighted to have helped Banksiders reduce the risk of cycle theft and keep their bikes safe and dry. The park is located on Ewer Street and is available to local employees in the Bankside area. If you work in Bankside, you can find more information here.“More Banksiders are choosing to cycle than ever before. The new secure cycle park was immediately popular: within two weeks of the launch more than 20 businesses and 80 users signed up for access. Cyclehoop were helpful and friendly throughout, offering advice when needed. The new secure facility is one of several initiatives offered by Better Bankside to encourage local employees to adopt cycling as an active form of transport”.Nicole GordonCEO of Better Bankside

Installed alongside some interesting brass architectural detailing, TECHNAL aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling has been specified and installed at Heathervale House, transforming the outdated office development. Situated in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, Heathervale House is a commercial property that has been used as an office space for decades. Originally clad in brick, slate and hung tile, the building had shown signs of disrepair, looking tired and dilapidated. To bring it back to life, the building owner developed plans to undertake a wide scale refurbishment and extension of the property. Following a feasibility study, the building was handed across to design-led architectural practice MortonScarr. From the outset, MortonScarr recognised how important updated glazing systems would be in improving the aesthetics and performance of the building, both internally and externally. Previously, Heathervale House had featured small, brown-framed windows, which limited how much sunlight those inside the offices received throughout the day. The entire facade of the three-storey building was re-clad with concrete tiles, with interesting projecting brass window boxes also incorporated. The window boxes, which feature TECHNAL systems, added visual relief to the building externally, whilst maximising internal vistas for the occupants. TECHNAL also assisted on a large rear extension, a new glazed lift to the front and two additional fully glazed storeys on top of the existing roof. Flooding the new office spaces with daylight, the large glazed expanses are shaded by two-storey bronze louvres. As a result the newly fitted office now brings in much more natural light than before.

THE CLIENTThe Novotel Leicester is a modern hotel in the heart of the city, convenient for business or leisure guests. The hotel boasts easy access to many of Leicester most exciting attractions, close to the Leicester Tigers Stadium and King Power Stadium, the National Space Centre and The Curve Theatre. THE CHALLENGETo provide shading to expand their outdoor dining area for the NINEB Restaurant, as well as added brand visibility with the addition of sign writing on the awning and side blindsTHE SOLUTIONThe Markilux Pergola was chosen for the frame and roof, with the addition of Markilux 790 side blinds to offer additional wind protection, partitioning and brand awareness.Markilux PergolaThe Markilux Pergola awning shelters large areas from the sun. Two slender support posts at the front provide excellent stability, even during showers, and unobtrusive lateral guide tracks. The pitch of Markilux Pergola is easily adjustedMade to measure and manufactured in GermanyRated for wind speeds up to 30mph (Beaufort 6)Water resistant, dirt proof, non fading acrylic fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection4 frame colours and hundreds of fabrics choices as standardChoice of electric or remote control operationExtended product and workmanship guarantee availableMarkilux 790The Markilux 790 is simple to operate and has a compact cassette which fits to the wall vertically. It extends manually and fixes to a freestanding post or bracket fixture on a fence railing.Made to measure and manufactured in GermanyWater resistant, dirt proof, non fading acrylic fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection4 frame colours and hundreds of fabrics choices as standardExtended product and workmanship guarantee available

SubFloor flooring was used to help renovate, raise and ventilate a 700 m² floor into a Nursery near Gothenburg, Sweden.The Subfloor ventilation system was ideal for this nursery, as it allowed for multiple floor height adjustments and for ventilation installations under the floor. Associated floor ventilation material such as ducts, air distribution strips, fans, etc. was also provided. The negative pressure the ventilation generates under the floor creates a fresh and healthy indoor environment.This simple and elegant solution raised and levelled the floor to allow for installations and insulation. The joist and screw system allows for quick and easy assembly so that the floor can reach the desired height.Products:Steel Joist 45x30x3800 mmSubFloor Screw 100 mmInsulation Bearer 45 mmHeight Variation: 46 - 100 mmJoist separation: c/c 600 mmSystem Weight - c/c 600 mm: 2.06 kg/m²Materials:Steel, Z100 GalvFibre-reinforced polypropylenePoint Load Limit (50 x 50 mm): Between screws over joist - 7.08 kNOver screws over joist - 8.78 kN

Several disciplines are going to be joining forces under one roof in the future university centre for dentistry (UZB) in Basel. A centre of dentistry competence ranging from basic care to research and teaching is being built. Every year, dentists, dental and preventive care assistants and dental hygienists will be administering more than 80,000 treatments in the 5-storey building.The staircases were a key area of focus on this project, both for architectural reasons and in light of the strict sound insulation requirements. All staircases and landings have a bare architectural concrete finish. Compliance with the requirement of an impact sound level delta ΔLn,w* of 28 dB was mandatory in order to protect the quiet areas (e.g. treatment rooms, lecture halls, library, etc.) from distracting noise.Products from the Schöck Tronsole® range have been implemented for acoustic insulation. These impact sound insulation products enable a structural connection of the staircases and landings with no acoustic bridges whatsoever. Correct planning and installation of Schöck Tronsole® in a system results in a blue line visible at the treated areas. It is the mark of quality for reliable impact sound insulation and acoustic bridge-free installation.

After securing funding via the CIF application, Knighton Fields Primary Academy was able to address some of the long-term issues they had in relation their roof, which was beginning to show signs of wear.ChallengesThe existing waterproofing had been suffering with significant amounts of standing water, water ingress, structural deck failure (localised), poor thermal insulation, and several tired old and dilapidated lantern roof lights. All roof areas needed to be inspected and level surveyed and, in one localized area, the existing waterproofing and deck had to be entirely stripped and removed owing to significant deflection and fear of collapse. The works needed to progress swiftly so as to provide minimal disruption to the school environment.SolutionsAfter inspection, proposals were put forward for a tapered insulation overlay where deemed necessary, to help improve falls to existing outlets and rid the problem of standing water. In most instances, the existing roof covering was simply overlaid and formed part of the new Air and Vapour Control Layer (AVCL) before a new Hytherm ADH flat/tapered insulation board and two-layer fully adhered Excel RBM system was installed over this. On the area where the existing waterproofing had been stripped, the deck was replaced (to falls), a new AVCL installed and the same Excel warm roof system was carried through to complete these areas.Works progressed throughout the summer holidays to avoid any disruption to the school or pupils. NFRC Safe2Torch principles were observed, prescribed and employed as part of the scope of works. An Insurance backed Guarantee covering design, materials and workmanship was issued upon practical completion of the works and following successful sign off from the Axter in-house QA team (who monitored the procession of works from start to finish) to the client, indemnifying their risk and protecting the building and its occupants for a period of 25 years.Systems in useExcel®

The Wharf consists of 200 one, two, or three bedroom social housing apartments, with some featuring balconies and Juliet balconies. Alongside this development, a shop and a coffee shop are located on the ground floor, along with parking and bike racks. The site was formally known as The Wharf pub, which was demolished in 2016. Permission was granted for signs reading ‘The Wharf’ to be installed on some of the blocks of flats, which have been split into different blocks around the site, varying between three and seven storeys.Cellecta’s ScreedBoard 28 was specified by Morgan2Morgan Architects due to it being suitable for all floor types and is frequently viewed as the solution of choice for new build and refurbishment developments. Its interlocking edges for installation convenience, high density, and unique resilient layer provides unrivalled acoustic performance.Willis Construction was awarded this 5,000m² contract for this development in Cardiff Bay.

Kingsway Gardens, located in a leafy suburb of Hampshire, is made up of 5 residential blocks of flats that had been experiencing a large number of leaks across their balconies on multiple levels.The existing asphalt was showing signs of wear and tear with age degradation, where the lack of a full cavity tray, had meant the perimeter upstand had not been sufficiently protected for many years. With many attempts being made to patch the repairs, eventually, the insulation beneath the asphalt had become saturated, severely reducing its effectiveness as an insulator and having a detrimental effect on the U-Value of the buildings.Garland Technical Manager, Paul Boole and Technical Assistant, James Hiscock was instructed by property and construction consultants, The Welling Partnership, to provide their technical expertise and support to survey Kingsway Gardens and propose a tailored waterproofing specification for the residents.

Proteus Facades has supplied striking aluminium cladding to Lords Cricket Ground’s new Compton and Edrich stands.The existing stands on the ground's Nursery (eastern) End had become inadequate due to the needs of modern spectators, with restricted sightlines in the lower tiers and upper tiers entirely exposed to the elements. A decision was therefore taken to replace them with two new build stands, named after the famous cricketers Dennis Compton and John Edrich.WilkinsonEyre architects were commissioned by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) for the £53m redevelopment of the new stands, which flanks either side of the Stirling Prize-winning Media Centre.The curved, elliptical form of WilkinsonEyre’s design makes the stands appear like ‘objects landed from outer space’, while providing a range of additional seating and hospitality areas (increasing the previous capacity from 9000 to 11,600 seats), new concourses and circulation areas which overlooking the Nursery Ground, public realm and landscaping allow the spectators to enjoy the facilities and hopefully a good game of Cricket.

Cambridge Biomedical Campus. (CBC) created a vibrant and groundbreaking health care community at the forefront of science and medicine.Dortek’s brief was to supply and installation of doors to a very specific programme, across primarily 3 floors.Our Dortek doors were installed within the BRF rooms, laboratories, holding room, procedure rooms, CL3 labs, equipment store, changing rooms, and circulation routes. The type of doors we installed were GRP hinged and sliding in stainless steel frames, many with integrated privacy panels.SolutionThe particular project requirements that made our doors suitable was the durability, acoustic performance, non organic door quality of our SS frame which ensures suitability to this environment. The SS frame had previously been used at Francis Crick Institute also. We fulfilled the clients expectations by meeting the specification and programme, and working closely with planners to interface with other trades. There was some complexity about the project as most doors are very large for equipment access and some have acoustic requirements, also to include is there are a lot of doors in a concentrated area.

TfL News: Preformed Thermoplastic Is Now The Line Marking Of Choice On London’s Dedicated Cycleways The latest addition of the London Cycling Design Standards (September 2016, minor amendments) has confirmed that preformed thermoplastic markings are now the preferred method of marking London’s Cycle Superhighways.Before this amend to specification requirements back in late 2016, the standard used by contractors throughout the transportation network was a mix of water based paint, Methyl Methacrylate (MMA), chlorinated rubber and single pack epoxy. The standardising of the product type defines the requirements for health and safety including reflectivity – BS EN 1790 Preformed Markings. It also ensures the use of the best quality of product is throughout the system within economic constraints.Thermoplastic cycle and road line marking has a huge number of beneficial factors when it comes to an alternative to other products available.Thermoplastic Line Marking is:Less costly due to less labour requiredYou can lay it with one personFast return to servicePre-formed so no requirements for awkward maskingLow odour compared to products such as MMAEasy to apply using a flame lanceLess messy than other products in its classIncludes glass reflective beads as standard (though you can add extra glass beads)Inherently slip resistantAvailable in a wide range of colours & custom designs etc. available from PromainLondon Cycling Design Standards When it comes to construction including surfacing of cycle tracks in London, TfL has an in-depth requirements document titled London Cycling Design Standards. It is a requirement all contractors meet the criteria during the line marking process. This includes on cycle lanes including the new cycle super highways throughout the city.The publish date of version one was 2014. As of September 2016, you can find minor amendments following the publication of TSRGD.Chapter 7.2.7 states:“A consistent standard of road markings is required, as described in TSRGD and the Traffic Signs Manual, chapter 5. For cycle symbols to diagram 1057, pre-formed markings are preferred.”Preformed thermoplastic markings offer a consistent quality and dimensionally accurate product in accordance with Transport for London and TSRGD requirements.Promain’s Thermoplastic Line Marking ProductsPromain pride ourselves on our extensive range of thermoplastic products. These are provided by the top manufacturers on the market including Centrecoat, Kestrel and Ennis Flint Prismo.Whether it is preformed speed roundels, directional traffic arrows, parking symbols, hazard teeth, crossing warnings or simply letters & numbers, Promain have every base covered. If there is anything specific or a bespoke design you require, contact our office to discuss your requirements.Our technical team have extensive knowledge from specification to application of thermoplastic line marking products. We have been on the approved supplier list of TfL and LUL for some considerable time. We have proudly supplied product for a lengthy list of platforms, underground stations, cycle tracks and roads throughout the Transport for London network.To see further how Promain can advise and supply line marking and performed thermoplastic logos to you and your clientele, view our Industrial Line Marking Solutions page here:https://www.promain.co.uk/industrial/solutions/line-marking

ASF were working with Elite Landscapes on a number of elements of the extensive renovation of the White City area of London. As part of this ASF were approached to manufacture and supply illuminated handrail to a number of stepped and ramped areas along the site. Lighting was specified to achieve lux levels of 15-20 at all points.ASF used site drawings to create our own layouts that were signed off by the manufacturer. These layout drawings included not only the handrails, but luminaire positioning, lighting diagrams and enclosure / cabling details that the site would need to have in order to install.ASF supplied the handrails as modular elements to meet 0.74kN loading, pre built up in our factory to sections as large as we could affordably deliver to reduce the need for site building as much as possible.Lighting was sent, bespoke manufactured for each handrail, as a plug and play set up, with all necessary drivers, in a kit form

Sustainable sophistication takes prefab to new heightsOver the last few years and in many countries around the world, so-called ‘tiny houses’ have become increasingly popular. At first sight, this evolution might feel counterintuitive: for decades, larger had been better. Spacious homes and apartments were widely seen as highly desirable, as the prerequisite of well-being, and as an indisputable sign of personal success.Then, several lifestyle and social trends started to converge, transforming a former certitude into a debatable choice. Could it be that when fully considered - the constraints of a conventional lifestyle outweighed its benefits? Was a 30-year mortgage really the asking price for happiness? Didn’t possessions, all too often, end up in clutter? How sustainable were large homes when private housing accounts for about 25 % of global energy consump­tion? Wasn’t the combination of flexibility and freedom the real ultimate luxury?

Times Square in New York is frequented by more than 460,000 people every day. It is the world’s most popular tourist destination, attracting 42 million visitors a year.Times Square is a small area of Manhattan in New York. Its centre, where Broadway intersects with 42nd to 45th Streets, is a bustling cultural and commercial hub. Many of New York’s most famous theatres are located there, as well as TV stations (including MTV), banks, tourist attractions and other media companies, like Reuters and Viacom.Times Square is the only area of the city that requires tenants to install neon signs on the outside of their premises, turning it into a spectacular icon for New York City. Times Square is named after The New York Times, which moved its headquarters there in 1904. In 2010, Norwegian architects Snøhetta were awarded the contract to redesign the square.Developer: Times Square AllianceArchitect: Snøhetta

BackgroundThe Injured Jockey Fund (IJF) Oaksey House rehabilitation centre in Lambourn, Berkshire, was opened in 2009 by the IJF Patron, HRH The Princess Royal. Oaksey House provides specialist rehabilitation treatment for physical and neurological injuries, it has a fully equipped gym which includes a state-of-the-art anti-gravity treadmill. The centre has respite accommodation available for those receiving extended treatment and their carers. Educational courses on fitness and nutrition for the general well-being of young and aspiring jockeys are also on offer.Oaksey House is not only a rehabilitation centre for jockeys, but anyone with physical or neurological injuries. Although the centre was only opened in 2009, it was decided that a refit was required to make improvements to further support the people that pass through its doors. The refit included moving the gym to the first floor and building a hydro pool on the ground floor.The ChallengeRelocating the gym to the first floor was no easy task, primarily because the building structure was composed of a steel tray and concrete base. To accommodate gym activity, the floor build-up would need to be enhanced to prevent noise and vibrations travelling through the building.As a charity, the IJF had limited funds to work with, so flooring specialists, Sport & Fitness Flooring, worked with the architect and an independent consultancy to identify an effective solution within the specified budget. Moreover, the floor had to be designed to meet the needs of four distinct areas: a cardiovascular zone, a running track, main gym area and an entrance lobby.The project was unique because various performance requirements had to be met across the four areas but the floor level needed to be consistent throughout to make it accessible for wheelchair users. Sport & Fitness Flooring consulted CMS Danskin Acoustics – Gym Flooring Division to advise on potential solutions to address this challenge while remaining cost effective.The SolutionCMS Danskin Acoustics worked with Sport & Fitness Flooring to undertake on-site subjective testing to determine the level of sound reduction and vibration control that would be required. The primary objectives were to prevent vibration travelling into the structure of the building thus resulting in potential structural damage or unwanted noise levels on the ground floor below. Samples of different build ups were provided by CMS Danskin Acoustics on site for testing within a day of the initial request.“Throughout the planning stages CMS Danskin Acoustics acted as a ‘springboard’ for our ideas. They were extremely helpful in offering their expertise to find solutions to meeting the performance requirements of the floor,” said Darren Wood, Director of Sport & Fitness Flooring.Sport & Fitness Flooring worked with CMS Danskin Acoustics to identify a way of raising the floor in different areas to meet a consistent 84mm thickness throughout, without having an adverse effect on the acoustic performance of the flooring. CMS Danskin Acoustics developed a bespoke specification for the four key areas, with solutions subsequently presented to the architect and approved for use on the project.The ResultCMS Danskin Acoustics was able to meet the performance, volume, and diversity of product needed to effectively treat the floor at a competitive price and on budget.In the main gym area, a high-performance combination of everroll® Multitile (everroll Multitile 27mm) was bonded to Regupol® 40/80 Acoustic Foam and fitted to Regupol® Vibration 300. In the cardiovascular zone, Multitile (everoll Multitile 27mm) was bonded to Regufoam® 270 acoustic PU foam and fitted to ply which was adhered to Regupol® Vibration 300. The track was treated with BOK Sprint track bonded to a everroll® Impact Pad elastic layer, ply build up and Regupol® Vibration 300. Finally, concrete effect Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) were used to create a purpose-built ramp up to the 84mm floor level from the entrance lobby.On day one of the build schedule, there was a timed delivery of the material. The bespoke order was exactly as specified and allowed installation to begin immediately with no delays. CMS Danskin Acoustics attended Oaksey House to provide expert on-site support and technical guidance on the installation. The project finished a week ahead of schedule, on budget and the flooring met all the performance requirements that were specified. Crucially, a consistent floor level was successfully achieved throughout the gym.“It’s quite common for suppliers to just sell a material and move on, but CMS Danskin Acoustics deliver a first-class expert and professional service from initial technical involvement, to tracking, delivery, installation and sign off. We regularly work with CMS Danskin Acoustics on various bespoke projects and are always confident in the solutions and expertise provided,” concluded Darren.

Avoiding gas reliance when building a new house.Traditional self-build projects have always had heating systems such as gas central heating and solar panels installed. However, with the increasing costs of gas, and the uncertainty of future supplies, a secondary heating source is required.There are options such as ground heating pumps, etc. but a real heating system independent of the grid, plus a stunning focal point has to be a wood burning stove.In fact, wood logs are now the cheapest domestic heating fuel. According to the Stove Industry Alliance, wood now is “costing households 74% less per kWh than electric heating and 21% less than gas heating”. The benefits don’t end there. “Using a modern wood burning stove also costs 29% less to run than an air source heat pump. Wood logs are 87% less carbon intensive than gas, 88% less than electricity and 74% less than an air source heat pump.”Building a traditional steel pipe flue system is always an option, but steel systems are more suitable in retrofit projects where minimum disruption is required. When you are building a house from the ground up, then a more permanent and ultimately lifetime option is the better one.

Orbis OS200 Vertical Bar Infill Side FixOrbis OS211 Glass Infill Top FixProviding more than 120,000 sq ft, of innovation space for high growth enterprises, this project is situated within Imperial College London’s White City campus. Built by a market leader with specialist expertise in modular buildings, this project demanded a high level of innovation, and a balustrade supplier that delivered on cost, quality, and timescales. The main reception area is dominated by a large feature stair providing access to all floors, and the Orbis balustrades with glass infill achieve a stunning first impression and allow maximum light through the space from the vast glazed roof lights above. Throughout the three core stairs, which are used for general circulation and escape routes, the vertical bar infill panels within the Orbis balustrade was used. This robust modular panel solution is pre-manufactured to speed up installation on site, which was extremely important to the main contractor. Individual stair cores were not closed for extended periods of time, which means greater productivity, less management time, and reduced risk for the main contractor.

Escapade Silverstone is a unique new commercial development sat right on the edge of the iconic Silverstone circuit.This prestigious project is comprised of 60 residences, a club house and car storage.The development is due to be completed in 2024, ready for next year’s Grand Prix.It will operate as short-stay accommodation for both the major calendar events and for the rest of the year when people are out on the track testing cars, etc. Escapade guests will be able to enjoy all that Silverstone has to offer.Axter were involved right from the outset. There were lots of complexities with the project, due to the nature of the design and the architect’s intentions, so we were able to recommend different solutions for different sections of the roof.Our video case study shows the progress so far. It's such an exciting project to be a part of and it was great to see the finishing touches being made to the waterproofing works by Embassy Site Services.Wilotekt®-Plus has been used on the new clubhouse and our Ecoflex® system has been specifically chosen for the residencies.It’s been a pleasure to work with Escapade, HG Construction and Embassy Site Services on this project and we can’t wait to revisit the site next year to check out the finished development. Stay tuned for our next video.Systems in useWilotekt®-PlusEcoflex®

Excellent ventilation combined with excellent acoustics are an absolute must in student accommodations. They have understood this well when optimizing the interior spaces and indoor climate in student house Catherine House the Portsmouth.That is why it was decided to call upon DUCO.Health and concentrationStudents spend a lot of their time at universities and in student residences. It is therefore extremely important that the indoor air in these accommodations is in order. Because if this is not the case, it will have inexorable negative consequences for health and concentration.Excellent ventilation with optimal acoustic performanceThey understood this well when designing student house Catherine House in Portsmouth. The plans were drawn up with excellent ventilation facilities. DUCO was called upon to realize excellent ventilation of the student house, whilst at the same time guaranteeing optimal acoustics.For this purpose, DucoMax SR window vents were installed in the building. DucoMax SR a self regulating, acoustic vent (sound attenuating ventilator), specifically engineered for situations exposed to high levels of noise disturbance. Discover the benefits of acoustic ventilationAttractive design and ideal for high-rise applicationsMoreover, DucoMax SR window vents are the ideal vents to be used in high-rise applications, are attractively designed and offer excellent acoustic performance.In this way, students can fully enjoy a healthy indoor climate without being disturbed by powerful noises from outside, such as traffic, road works, ambulances, honking cars, etc.More about student housing solutions

Background & BuildingA brand new headquarters for the Aston Martin Racing Formula 1 team, based at Silverstone Race Track. A state of the art building solely designed to build, run and service Aston Martin’s Formula 1 racing vehicles. Built by the side of the historic Silverstone Grand Prix racing track in Northamptonshire.The Brief in BriefThe project requirements demanded good DB ratings, full height doors, privacy for Mission Control with Smart Glass and privacy to Exec area with blinds. An Atrium to flood light into the ‘street’ below. Plus offices, meeting rooms, a Mission Control racing hub, a large Atrium screen over indoor areas, open plan design offices, breakout and communal areas.Komfort’s SolutionPrior to the start of the project we had numerous pre-start meetings with the design team and H&S visits with our external advisors to ensure the project would run smoothly from the start.To achieve a system and design the client desired, Komfort built mock-up sample office onsite during the design stage to highlight the design elements such as acoustic double glazed glass in Polar 100 and our deflection head system. We also supplied samples of our blinds, with the system in situ to demonstrate the operating fixtures and fittings. All samples were supplied in the clients choice of colour including matt black blinds to match the trackwork.The double glazed full length Atrium required teams working on both sides of the glass, installation from the office side and safety (fall arrest) from the street side. The atrium glazing over the machine shop area required glass lifting equipment, to ensure the fire rated glass could be sealed properly from both sides.The client made numerous changes to the design during installation, which had to be accommodated. The final project involved 800 sqm of glass and 50+ Sonik doors throughout the building site. It was a challenge and one that Komfort rose to admirably.The end resultModern open plan offices with a selection of meeting rooms. Large executive offices with blinds/locks for privacy. A large full length atrium from the offices above to the workshops and indoor street below. All areas of the racing team on 1 floor (design office, HR, Exec offices, Mission Control, finance etc).

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. 

Manchester’s iconic Midland Hotel sits in the heart of the city centre and has been a well-loved retreat for visitors since opening its doors in 1903. Following decades of service to the city, the hotel had started to show signs of its age, with multiple areas of water ingress across the site that needed to be addressed, to preserve the building for years to come. It was essential for the hotel to remain fully operational during the roofing refurbishment, with minimal disruption to its customers.The original single-ply system had failed across the courtyard and atrium roofs, leading to the insulation becoming fully saturated with water. The metal deck’s structural integrity had also been compromised and a structural engineer was appointed to review the extent of the damage, to confirm the area as condemned and in need of immediate replacement.A bespoke Garland UK specification was designed to upgrade the insulation and U-Value of the hotel to comply with current regulations, remove ponding water on the roof systems with a new tapered insulation design and provide peace of mind to the building owners with a 25-year Garland Single-Point Guarantee.

'The Portal' is a new £16 million public services hub in Ellesmere Port, delivered by Vinci Construction UK for Cheshire West and Chester Council. The new facility will be home to more than 500 council and public sector staff, a Job Centre Plus and a Citizen’s Advice Bureau.The building has been constructed with many environmentally friendly elements including solar panels, air source heat pump and electric vehicle charging points. The Portal’s envelope is wrapped at the top and bottom with an attractive, copper coloured metal cladding and a newly formed public realm area will surround the exterior, with bench seating and green landscaped sections.Internally, 'The Portal' consists of large open plan working areas with smaller subsection meeting rooms, break out and kitchen spaces which are present on each level and a main central staircase for circulation.Metal Technology Ltd supplied its 10-35Hi+ commercial entrance doors and System 17 capped curtain walling for the large, glazed sections of the build to approved fabricator and installer RED Systems Limited.Due to open its doors in Spring, it’s fantastic to have been involved in this state-of-the-art, commercial project, which is a catalyst for the wider Ellesmere Port Town Centre regeneration master plan.

Architects Dixon Jones specified 600m2 Junckers solid oak flooring for Marlborough Primary School, a multi award-winning building on a densely populated urban site in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. The brief to create a primary school much larger than the original Victorian building on the existing site challenged Dixon Jones to design a school where teaching accommodation is arranged vertically around a series of cascading roof terraces. With nursery and reception classes on the ground, children progress upwards through the building the older they get, with the junior years arranged on the upper floors. The interior forms an equally dynamic environment for students and staff with teaching spaces arranged around communal halls and generous circulation areas. A large main hall and multi-use space, flooded with natural light from two central roof lights, features Junckers wide board oak flooring throughout, providing a natural, unifying backdrop. Junckers’ FSC and PEFC certified floors are a durable, long-lasting choice with low lifecycle costs. Made in solid wood, the floor can be sanded and refinished multiple times without losing its good looks or performance, ideal for a thriving community school. Main contractor: Mace; Joinery contractor: Swift Crafted; Photography: Paul Riddle. 

The German company Knauf Integral was able to prevail against competitors with its GIFAfloor DB green raised floor system. A maximum flexible and individual floor due to the interchangeability of the individual panels, a non-combustible building material with A1 classification and the unproblematic recycling due to the lack of plastic edging, as is used in conventional raised floor elements, were decisive for the selection.Flexibility, health in the workplace and sustainability in construction - the 'Tour Alto' in Paris La DéfenseIn the Paris suburb of Courbevoie, in the office district of La Défense, the foundation stone was laid for the 'Tour Alto' - a 160 m high skyscraper which, after its planned completion in 2020, will have a usable area of 51,200 m2 next to countless offices, numerous restaurants, bars and fitness studios etc. will accommodate. For the floor structure, the property developer decided on the double floor 'GIFAfloor DB green' from Knauf Integral, paying particular attention to the aspects of flexibility, health, environmental protection and sustainability in buildings.The 'Tour Alto' office tower in the west of Paris extends over 38 floors and is part of the high-rise backdrop of the La Défense office district. Nevertheless, Bouygues, one of the largest property developers in the world, is setting new standards in construction: installed products not only have to be as flexible as possible in their design and use, they also have to meet high standards of sustainability and environmental compatibility as well as the highest health standards for people, who will do their jobs there every day.A maximum flexible and individual floor due to the interchangeability of the individual panels, a non-flammable building material with A1 classification and the unproblematic recycling due to the lack of plastic edging, as is used in conventional raised floor elements, were decisive for the selection.In addition, health and environmentally friendly aspects were the absolute focus of the project for the property developer: The selected product must contribute to excellent indoor air quality and all materials that come into contact with the indoor air should have A + according to French in terms of VOC and formaldehyde emissions Emission class to be rated. GIFAfloor DB green elements have exactly this A + certification - the decisive advantage compared to the commonly used raised floors with chipboard supports that contain formaldehyde. Independent (building) biological analysis laboratories also prove the excellent quality through their tests: Eurofins certifies the product as suitable for indoor use, and the Institute for Building Biology in Rosenheim gives the verdict " recommended ''. This ensures a healthy working environment for employees.With GIFAfloor DB green, Knauf Integral offers a sustainable and health-friendly double floor solution for flexible, high-quality commercial interior design. The elements consist of the homogeneous gypsum fiber material GIFAtec and are available in different thicknesses depending on the requirements.

Pure Design – Bolidtop 525Colour – S 7500-N with textureless anti-slip1300m²Installation dates - July 2021 (10 days) Museums and performing arts venues are subject to intensive use by millions of shuffling feet, day in day out as well as heavy loads from equipment and installations. Stratum were chosen to prepare and resurface 1300m2 of the existing floor to the iconic main space of the Roundhouse, in Camden, which had endured 15 years of heavy use. The building is a heritage site, originally built as a steam engine shed, therefore our flooring needed to meet the functional requirements for the users but also sensitively fit in with the history of the space and its aesthetics. The surface needed to be hardwearing allowing for large scale builds for various productions, involving plant use, installation of temporary structures, staging etc. We sanded back the entire floor, repaired the damage and installed Bolidtop 525 over the top with textureless anti-slip coating. Challenge-      Working within an extremely busy venue with a tight time scale and no room for error.-      Being a heritage site we would need to be mindful of the original structure of the building-      Large footprint spanning across the main space of the venue.-      No dust creation allowed due to sensitive electrical equipment. Solution-      We agreed a slot and timescale to carry out all of the works in 10 days. We programmed out the works for the customer and provided them with daily updates.-      We used the highest grade dust extraction equipment. We ensured that labour and materials were all available in a timely manner.Benefits/Installation-      The customer was able to select the same smooth, matt appearance they had before but with a different colour choice and the addition of our new tried and tested textureless anti-slip coating.Result-      After 15 years of heavy use this magnificent heritage site has a seamless, durable and safe floor reinstated to provide the functional qualities required for many years of intense footfall and wear the performing arts industry creates. The floor sympathetically compliments the building with a simple, matt finish. "We used Stratum to floor the corridors and they did a great job. We chose them for the main space after James’ thorough prep before we committed to the job. The onsite team were a pleasure and worked tirelessly to resurface the floor in the allocated time. We’re over the moon with the result. It’s never looked better”. Ruth Butler| Head of Technical and Production| The Roundhouse, Camden

Long standing and rich in history, Rhyl Railway station was opened on 1st May 1848 and was part of the Chester and Holyhead Railway Company’s line. The Station itself is located close to the centre of Rhyl, a lively seaside town on the North Wales coastline and a popular destination for many tourists across the country.As part of a Railway Upgrade Plan, Network Rail have invested £50 million into the restoration of stations across the North Wales Coast. Rhyl was one of the first stations to receive this upgrade and when it was shown that various roofs of the station were in need of restoration.The ChallengeRhyl was one of the first stations to receive this upgrade, and when it was shown that various roofs of the station were in need of restoration, Polyroof was chosen to help restore them to their former glory, and a survey was organised.The specified areas that were in need of refurbishment included the roof over Platform 2 and the bridge walkway roof which connected the two platforms. The existing waterproofing on these areas consisted of built-up felt with a mineral cap sheet, which was in an aged condition and beginning to show signs of failure such as splits and blisters. Leaks were now beginning to occur which were in danger of affecting the condition of the roof structure itself.The SolutionBased on the findings of the survey conducted by Polyroof Technical Services, a bespoke specification was designed that would eliminate the current issues through the installation of the BBA-approved Protec system. Due to the roof being situated above unheated areas, there was no requirement for new insulation within the build up. Firstly the existing built-up felt was stripped and removed from site to expose the original close-boarded timber which was inspected for defects, made good where required and retained where possible. Defective areas where replaced with new timberwork as required. In order to provide a sound, solid substrate a new OSB3 TG4 deck was mechanically fixed across the whole area within a phased approach, ensuring the roof was kept watertight as works progressed.The Protec system was then applied directly to the timber; with its RapidcureTM technology large areas where able to be made fully waterproof within short periods of time. Polyroof Technical Services visited site regularly to ensure works were being completed to the high standards required and regular reports were fed back to the client. Upon completion a final inspection by Polyroof led to the roof being signed off and guaranteed, giving the client complete peace of mind that their roof will be fully watertight for at least the 20 years. Polyroof were proud to be part of this project to restore Rhyl and its Railway station to its former glory.

TRC Windows have been appointed by Bournville Village Trust for the first phase of a six year planned works program to supply and install bespoke sash and casement windows to 46 properties in the Bournville Village estate.The rented dwellings in Bournville Village consist of bungalows, maisonettes, flats and family accommodation.The estate also features a variety of special needs housing particularly for the elderly and people with learning disabilities.Two areas of the estate have been declared conservation areas and there are a number of buildings of architectural interest and historical importance.Window profile & thermal performanceTo meet conservation requirements, window profiles will match the style, configuration and visual appearance of the existing windows (including glazing bars, horn detail, beading, etc).For each building, they will be be supplied and manufactured in preservative-treated softwood.The thermal performance of all windows and doors will meet the requirements of the Building Regulation Part L1B and have a minimum Window Energy rating of 1.4u-value.Measurement and surveyThe process will involve the removal of existing windows and doors where necessary and installation of the new timber frames and glazing.All equipment, scaffolding and materials employed to fix and seal the windows and doors inside and outside the dwelling will be in accordance with the BS 8213-4 specification for surveying and installation.In instances where the structural box frame is to remain, allowances will be made for minor repairs and redecoration.Narrow cavity glazing (A rated)Narrow cavity insulated glazing units (IGU) will be installed so as not to compromise energy-efficiency and authenticity.These units will meet the requirements of BS EN 1279 and be manufactured by a Kitemark or similar accredited manufacturer.

For us, creativity and sustainability in design and architecture are of great importance. We believe more and more people should be aware of the opportunities that new technologies can provide them, so we asked our partners to share more on the role of innovation in the pursuit of sustainable development, and guess what? Our carbon-neutral functional paints make it to the list. A smart home can also help reduce our carbon footprint. This can be done technologically - by integrating a variety of sensors (for indoor air quality, carbon monoxide and dioxide, proper lighting, temperature, etc.), as well as by integrating more innovative interior solutions - the use of carbon-neutral writable whiteboard paints, such with magnetic properties or interior paints that purify the air. One of the last such examples are our carbon neutral functional paints. ESCREO whiteboard paint gives people the chance to optimise unusable surfaces - which are otherwise so attractive, especially for the little ones! The creation of writable whiteboard surfaces frees us from the need to invest in other tools for organisation, planning and drawing, so we reduce our consumption of hard-to-renew resources and those that often cannot even be recycled. Soon we will be taking it to a new level by launching an air purifying paint - ESCREO Clean Air - a non-toxic environmentally friendly interior paint that purifies the air in any room. The ingredient in the paint is an enriched natural mineral that attracts and neutralises harmful air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odours, airborne chemicals and CO2.

The owner of this converted church in Leven, Fife consulted an architect who specialises in the restoration of churches, Des Cairns, about the ongoing maintenance and decoration of her property. Des Cairns recommended Tony Carter, Senior Sales Executive of KEIM Mineral Paints to visit site to assess the existing wall paint, and suggest a plan for future painting.Des discussed with the owner that with old stone buildings, churches, palaces etc, KEIM is the paint of choice for restoration as it allows the building to breathe.During Tony’s visit, he explained how KEIM Paints are still made using a 140 year old recipe that consists of natural mineral pigments. It allows the walls to breathe, preventing flaking paint in the future. The colour is guaranteed not to fade or change over time, even up to 100 years.KEIM have their own Exclusiv colour range along with other standard colours and offer a colour match facility.KEIM Optil was chosen as it can be applied to previously painted surfaces such as painted plaster, plasterboard and sandstone window mullions without the need for primer.The owner said, “The painter was impressed with how well the paint covered”.“I am delighted with the result and finish of KEIM Paint. It is reassuring to have the architect’s recommendation and the knowledge that the paint will work with the building in the long term and last. It was a very big job to paint the inside of the church, in part it is 33 feet high and the whole job took several weeks. It is something I hope not to have to do again in my lifetime, so I wanted the best. I can strongly recommend KEIM Paint.”

The first thoughts about safety at work are always about physical injury prevention as well as inhaling fumes, hazardous substances, etc. However, Occupational Noise, which is the amount of acoustic energy received by an employee of a company, can cause permanent damage if it is continuous.In the UK, The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, came into effect for all industries from April 2008, which is quite late when you consider that the harm hearing loss can cause. Harm such as Tinnitus, which is the perception of noise in the ear or head, caused by a problem with the inner ear.The sustaining of high noise levels can also mask warning signals, prevent concentration and vital communication.Most authorities around the world have agreed that noise becomes dangerous when it’s higher than 85 decibels during a typical 8-hour work shift. However, noises under 85 decibels can also cause issues with the general public who are in and around the working environment.An example below shows the different examples of noise levels in decibels – the definition of noise is sound that is unpleasant or causes disturbance.ReductionIf a noise can’t be reduced by engineering the equipment, then acoustic quieting is required. This is the process of dampening vibrations from machinery and systems such as flue systems.With the increasing demand for noise attenuation, the demand for noise reduction from flues and chimneys in marine and industrial situations mean that many companies have developed their own silencer programmes. These tend to be combined with flue systems to have a product range which is reducing sound at the design stage