"timber cladding"

Project: Manufacture and installation of external GAP cladding panels using hidden fixings and chemical anchoring. Client: Stuart Forbes Associates Materials used: Bespoke size external GRC cladding panels in Rough Mist finish, treated with hydrophobic agent and clear sealant. This exciting new refurbishment project of a private house in Wimbledon, London brought with it plenty of manufacturing and installation challenges! The designers’ vision called for 2m x 1.2m large format GAP panels with mitred edges to be seamlessly wrapped around the building. The panels had to be millimetre perfect to avoid any cutting on site.

CREATING DEFINED ZONES IN OPEN PLAN OFFICE WITH MAXIBEAM AND SUPASLAT >> An office project in an outstanding building in a prime location overlooking London’s Oxford Street deserves a premium interior! This was achieved by the cleverly designed open-plan layout. The design includes a mix of social, collaborative, private and meeting spaces, each with its own distinct feel. Our Timber Slatted Ceilings System were chosen as the ideal solutions for the boardroom and large general meeting space.

Architect: WCP ArchitectsMain Contractor: AcreoInstaller: MetalTech Roofing and Cladding LimitedThe 42,000 (3,900 m2) six-storey Rusacks Hotel extension has created 44 more bedrooms to the west of the existing hotel including a roof-top bar and restaurant, all overlooking the 18th green at The Old Course in St Andrews.The £7m extension was built with some 1200 sqm of Aztec Rainscreen façade finished in Peakmoor Natural Stone. The 128-year-old MacDonald hotel in the home of golf was designed by Scottish firm WCP Architects and raises the bar for luxury in St Andrews. Installation was by MetalTech Roofing and Cladding Limited.

Architect: Waugh Thistleton Architects. Maximising the location and view in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was key to this redevelopment and new-build on the North Norfolk coast. The site contained a 1950s houses and outbuildings that were out of keeping with the area, and so in its place the owners were granted permission to build a sustainable, low-energy new-build family home, clad in locally sourced timber and stone, and including IDSystems' theEDGE2.0 ultra-slim sliding doors to make the most of the stunning view over the salt marshes and estuary.

Conservation Timber windows and doors - Spring Sash

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.”

This self-build project was looking to improve the quality of the 1st floor construction, eliminate any danger of floor creaking that is common to timber floors and include an efficient underfloor heating solution.Underfloor heating work at its most efficient when it is installed within a screed, this is the way ground floor system are installed and being able to replicate this pipes in screed arrangement upstairs makes sense for the performance of the complete system.Also, by including some stiffened mass to the upper floors, the feel of the floor is replicated from the ground floor and also provides some very useful solar thermal buffering to keep summer temperatures under control in a building technique that otherwise has very little mass to to achieve this, especially on the upper levels.A timber frame structure requires the floor to provide racking to prevent the building from twisting. Meaning the floor needs to be secured to the joists below so the floor can stop twisting. There are 2 ways of installing Lewis Deck in timber frame structures. Firstly is to fix the Lewis Deck down or, alternatively, fix a timber deck on top of the timber joists and the Lewis is then laid loose on top of the timber with the resilient acoustic strips in between , thus, further enhancing the acoustic performance of the floor.

High performance, timber sash windows from the Kensington & Chelsea range by Lomax + Wood have been designed, manufactured and installed in an historic commercial building in the City of London. Timber double glazed, period-style sash windows.Over 60 made-to-order wooden windows.Historic location in a conservation area steeped in history with many listed buildings. Designed, manufactured and installed by Lomax + Wood

Timber Sash windows, casements and doors were supplied for these prestigious properties in The Bishops Avenue, considered to be one of the wealthiest streets in London and the world. High performance timber sash windows and doors from Lomax + Wood Kensington & Chelsea Range 60 traditional timber double glazed box sash windows with cords and weights. 55 flush wooden-high performance casements windows 50 French doors, single doors and entrance doors all made-to-order in premium engineered timber Sustainable Timber from Certified Sources Supply and install service so there is only one point of contact PAS 24 Security Standard

Vtec's SupaSlat and Supaline panels were key design elements in this high specification, luxury residential development in London. The foyer area showcases BESPOKE TIMBER BATTEN WALLS and a unique FEATURE STAIRCASE, whilst the post room is crowned with an impressive SUPASLAT RAFT. Vtec were specified due to the intricate detailing, integrations, complex interfaces and technical nature of this residential project. We supported the designer, an industry-leading international architect and contractor, throughout the design stage and development process through to installation, overcoming some particularly challenging programme requirements.

The initial phase of a large-scale regeneration project featuring community sports facilities, office accommodation and an Enterprise Hub in Irvine, North Ayrshire, has been constructed with the use of 50,000 Carsington Cream bricks produced by Forterra in Measham exclusively for Taylor Maxwell. The construction on Quarry Road, Irvine, houses the office headquarters of a local leisure company and work spaces for Business Gateway, who aim to support local entrepreneurs and business start-ups, encouraging local employment. It provides a gateway into the development that will include local indoor and outdoor sports facilities and multi-use community spaces. The building was designed to mark the development entrance, draw people into the site and set the construction standard for the phases to follow. Andrew Martin, Sales Executive at Taylor Maxwell, said: “We were tasked with finding a suitable facing brick for Irvine Community Hub. With a budget to adhere to and a remit to provide a buff/cream coloured brick with a traditional appearance, the Carsington Cream Facing Brick was ideal. “This brick type is part of a commitment to certain product lines manufactured in the UK and mainland Europe that Taylor Maxwell makes to provide a ‘Select’ range of brick types. This provided Clark Contracts with a commitment on price and availability for a soft mud manufactured brick with the technical qualities needed for the Scottish climate.” Steven Nicolson, Forterra’s Area Sales Manager for Scotland, said: “The Carsington Cream brick is a handmade, low water absorbency brick that was used here to combine with the modern aspect of the building and to complement the surrounding buildings.” Nick Shepherd, Architectural Assistant at Anderson Bell + Christie, said: “Forterra and Taylor Maxwell’s Carsington Cream brick was used to contrast with the residential context and establish the building as a landmark. The tone of the brick was selected to harmonise with the timber cladding, as well as the timber louvres within the window openings which accentuate the texture of the brick.” Forterra nominated the project for the 2018 Brick Awards, in the Public category. 

Architect: EMAStone: Bela SandstoneThis impressive new residential development consisting of 34 apartments is clad in Aztec Rainscreen façade finished in Bela Sandstone. This buff/blonde sandstone is a perfect match for the historical City of Glasgow and the surrounding Victorian tenements It follows on from the earlier use of this durable stone in North Street. Completed in 2018 and designed by KFK Design, Atrium Gardens is a new-build property with the rainscreen installed by Roof & Façade Systems and boasting its own refined, sleek and contemporary finish.

Accoya was selected as the ideal material to clad the new Performing Arts Centre for Pipers Corner School, High Wycombe. Over 1200 m2 of Accoya cladding, soffits and trims were used throughout the project for phase 1 of the build. Designed by Nichols Brown Webber Architects and Landscape Planners, Accoya was chosen due to its Class 1 durability and low maintenance upkeep. Accoya was also used due to its sustainability credentials as the building has been targeted to achieve a BREEAM ‘very good’ rating.

A fast paced commercial project for Welcome Break motorway services at Newark. A2-s1,d0 fire rating was mandatory here, yet the design intent was to use wooden cladding to make the building pop from far away. Contemporary design with traditional materials are trending now, but often the strict fire regulations rule out materials that would be preferred. Technowood UK was able to supply a real wood veneered aluminium cladding that is compliant with all the regulations, and PSBK Limited was able to complete this installation in just 3 weeks.

Rubio Monocoat was specified on the interior and exterior timber surfaces, such as the furniture, kitchen counter top, built-in cupboards, stair casing, as well as outdoor furniture. The interior has a minimalistic and uncluttered feel, rather placing a greater emphasis on the sea, and to the mountains on the Northern side. A dark charcoal colour was chosen for the exterior, and this is in contrast with the light walls inside the house. The kitchen has a clean contemporary feel. There is a spine-wall running through the house, which is cladded with dark ribbon stoning, and copper colours. The furniture is uncluttered as well as being practical for a house that is right on the beach/

A newly built student accommodation block in Liverpool features an attractive, colourful external finish, thanks to Cembrit’s Cembonit cladding boards.Plato House is a purpose built student development comprising 86 spacious student rooms complete with a kitchen, en-suite bathrooms and high speed Wi-Fi throughout. Supplied via Vivalda of Manchester, Pemberton-based cladding contractor, Bak Cladding Solutions installed approximately 1000m2 of Cembonit cladding in a combination of Tufa, Pearl and Sand colours.

With beautiful views of the Belvoir Valley, the client wanted a contemporary architectural piece that would integrate comfortably with its surrounding landscape whilst maintaining a natural yet modern 21st century aesthetic.Sustainability was at the forefront of the client’s brief, who wanted a recycled material for the external cladding that would accommodate the robust, maintenance-free and high quality requirements of the build. With the sensitive and vast wildlife of its surrounding landscape in mind, the property needed to be natural, both in terms of its aesthetic and its components, embodying an effective fusion of sustainability and simplicity.The SolutionBuilt to embrace the panoramic views, this two-floored structure is fuelled by the natural light of its landscape with its beautiful vast windows and balconies. Our stone Pioneer cladding was chosen to accompany this natural appeal, enhancing the contemporary simplicity that the client desired. Installed alongside our edging, fascia and fasteners, we supplied the complete system for the cladded sections of this striking exterior, suiting the sustainable prerequisites of the project as well as the contemporary visual requirements.Using clean lines and sophisticated lighting, this building is both articulate and elegant, conveying an elevated piece of architecture that both stands out and blends in. Having won 2019 RIBA House of the Year, we are proud to have contributed to this stunning project.Customer Feedback“We decided to use EnviroBuild on the Belvoir Vue project because we liked the product in aesthetic terms but were also looking for a product that would perform with stability and durability. From the outset, the project was intended to be sustainable and, once again, the product was a perfect choice.”Project DetailsSize: 116 m²Product: Stone Hyperion Composite Cladding (The same finish can be achieved using our Sentinel Class B fire rated composite cladding)Client:  From Residential Architect: CBP Architects Location: Vale of Belvoir, Granby

A successful refurbishment of a disused building translated into 42 beautiful one and two bedroom apartments. The building ‘Cambridge House’ was enhanced externally by applying cladding and updated glazing. RCM supplied Vitrabond ACM cladding to the project. An additional, unforeseen opportunity also presented itself to RCM whilst working on the project.

After extensive consultation with all involved, the design they created to achieve this involved an eye-catching arrangement of Russwood’s factory-coated Accoya cladding. Edd Rushton, the architect in charge of the project said, “Painted Accoya profiles provided a durable and cost-effective way of bringing new life to a tired 1970’s façade and creating a vibrant new public face for the school. Russwood supplied pre-coated Accoya cladding panels, as well as thicker profiles used in the louvred sun-screen, and offered specification and detailing advice throughout the project.”

The new building and the renovation project impress with generous outdoor spaces and appealing architecture. The Lindner Group played a major role in the interior fit-out.For a modern look, a combination of glass and wood was chosen – the Lindner Life Stereo 125 Glass Partitiontherefore meets wooden doors and wooden partitions.These were complemented by wall claddings and partitions made of metal: Thanks to their magnetic properties, these can be easily used to organise documents and design elements, what makes them highly functional.Furthermore, Lindner installed a custom-made counter cladding as a special solution for the sliding window as well as a raised floor for the technical rooms in the basement.Completed WorksPartitionsPartition Systems GlassLindner Life Stereo 125Partition Systems Full PanelLindner Logic 100 TimberLindner Logic 100 MetalWall and ceiling panelsLindner Free MetalFloorsChipboard panels LIGNA

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.

When the largest timber-frame structure in Scotland needed to meet the challenge of balancing high thermal performance within a specified building footprint, an innovative solution was called for… Project: Ellerslie Road, Sustainable Residential Development Location: Yoker, Glasgow Client: CCG Construction and Manufacturing Group Product: Chi-Gasket Application: Cross Laminated Timber Project Value: £5.5 million

Chestnut Way in Repton, Derbyshire, underwent a remarkable architectural restyle, which included the installation of a complete external joinery package featuring floating corner bifold doors. These doors, crafted from Accoya wood, create a captivating and seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces without the need for a supporting post.Gowercroft Products used from the Classic Range:Tutbury Bifolding Door - MoreMelbourne Timber Door - moreHardwick Timber Flush Casement Window - moreThe Concept of Floating Corner Bifold Doors:Floating corner bifold doors are a stunning architectural feature that adds a touch of awe-inspiring elegance to any home. The absence of a corner support beam creates an illusion of a wide open corner, offering uninterrupted views and a unique living experience. Lesley Shaw-Wall, the homeowner, recognized the transformative potential of a floating corner patio room in completing the overall renovation of her property in Repton.Unmatched Design and Functionality:Typically, open corners require additional support, but with a floating corner, integral steel beams hidden within the structure provide the necessary stability. The result is an expansive corner opening, perfect for alfresco dining and creating an airy living space. The floating corner at Chestnut Way showcases the ingenuity of architectural design, enhancing the perceived spaciousness of a relatively small sitting room even when the doors are closed.Craftsmanship and Testimonial:Gowercroft's floating bifold doors at Chestnut Way were meticulously handcrafted from Accoya wood, finished in pristine white paint. Lesley Shaw-Wall expresses her satisfaction with the windows and doors, noting the impressive standard of joinery and recommending Gowercroft without hesitation.Additional Enhancements:The external joinery package at Chestnut Way included a walnut-stained Accoya front door from the Melbourne range. Flanked by winglights, this stylish entrance creates a grand impression and allows more light into the entrance hall. Furthermore, the property was fitted with wooden flush casement windows, taken from the classic Hardwick range. These tall, understated windows complement the unique architectural elements of the house, providing ample natural light without detracting from its distinctive charm.Invest in Accoya Windows and Doors:Gowercroft's commitment to quality is evident in their use of Accoya wood, a durable and weather-resistant timber. Accoya is guaranteed for 50 years in normal applications and can be maintained through Gowercroft's TimbaCare program for a lifetime of maintenance-free service. The Chestnut Way package, finished in white paint with sleek chrome ironmongery, harmoniously blends with the modern, uncluttered style of the interior.Elevate your architectural designs with Gowercroft's floating corner bifold doors and premium joinery solutions. Experience the seamless fusion of indoor and outdoor spaces, exceptional craftsmanship, and timeless elegance.

Project OverviewBuildtec Acoustics is proud to have partnered with EHA Group on Mimosa Court, a contemporary apartment complex in Derry, Northern Ireland. Completed in September 2021, the project provided much-needed housing with a focus on sustainability and resident comfort.Project DetailsMimosa Court comprises 27 modern apartments, featuring a mix of 9 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom units. The project involved the demolition of existing structures and construction of new sustainable timber frame buildings, along with comprehensive landscaping. The site team's dedication to quality is reflected in the Pride in the Job Quality Award received by Construction Manager Noel Logue, a testament to the project's exceptional standards.Acoustic Challenge & SolutionBuildtec Acoustics was tasked with value engineering an acoustic solution for the floors within the timber frame construction. Considering the project's focus on sustainability, a solution that minimized environmental impact was crucial.The Solution:Buildtec Acoustics proposed and implemented a design utilizing Isolgomma UPROLL a sustainable and effective acoustic underlay specifically designed for timber frame structures. This solution offered numerous benefits:Superior Soundproofing: Post-completion testing by ATBEC LTD confirmed exceptional results, exceeding current regulations with an average of 49 L'nTw (compared to the required ≤62 L'nTw). This achievement ensures optimal noise control within the apartments, promoting a peaceful living environment for residents.Sustainable Choice: Isolgomma aligns with the project's commitment to sustainability, contributing to Mimosa Court's eco-friendly construction.Value Engineered: Buildtec Acoustics' value engineering approach ensured cost-effectiveness while delivering superior acoustic performance.ConclusionMimosa Court serves as a prime example of Buildtec Acoustics' expertise in delivering sustainable and cost-effective acoustic solutions. By utilizing Isolgomma, the project achieved exceptional soundproofing within a sustainable timber frame construction, contributing to the overall success of Mimosa Court.Buildtec Acoustics: Sustainable Solutions for Optimal AcousticsWe are committed to providing innovative and sustainable acoustic solutions for your project. Contact Buildtec Acoustics today to discuss how we can optimize both soundproofing and environmental impact for your next development.

Lightweight but very strong mounting profileCHALLENGEStraight lines, maximum light and a unique, remarkable design. This is how independent architect Lieze Vandael saw her own home. Due to the numerous voids and imposing windows up to 9 meters high, a traditional construction method was certainly not an option. A suitable alternative had to be found. Moreover, Lieze Vandael wanted to see the elegant, minimalist architectural style with straight lines envelop the building: a roof and façade finish in the same material - preferably timber - and moreover, seamlessly blending into each other. To have the building completely wrapped in wood. Definitely a real challenge! A neat and watertight connection between roof and façade is not an easy job at all. Besides, timber is never completely waterproof. So, the challenge for Lieze Vandael was to combine the roof and the façade into one uniform surface, ensuring a perfectly watertight roof.SOLUTIONArchitect Vandael wanted to step away from the traditional lightframe wood structure, and opted for an alternative mass timber construction: a load-bearing construction formed from tongue and groove stacked solid wood beams. After all, this type of construction creates a lot of possibilities and is, besides, a more durable and ecological solution. For the exterior finish of the building the architect chose thermowood Ayous, a knot-free, clear-grade exotic hardwood providing excellent durability. The façade was finished with thermowood in a traditional way. Finishing the roof, however, was a more complex task. Cladding a roof with timber, particularly a highly sloped roof poses a substantial risk. How to achieve a watertight roof?

BH2 is a £30m development creating a newly-constructed leisure complex in Bournemouth  •  Originally a two acre NCP car park and bus station, main contractors Vinci has built a new 10 screen Odeon Multiplex cinema, café, casino, restaurant and retail complex.  •  Structura was appointed to design and supply Kalwall translucent facades to enclose the external fire escape routes around the perimeter of the building.  •  Structura installed multiple Kalwall translucent elevations, totalling over 1000m2, providing natural daylight to internal areas by day and a soft ethereal glow which brings the area to life at night.The SolutionPanter Hudspith Architects replaced the original curtain wall and specified Kalwall® for the front elevation. Unusually, this unique translucent cladding is fitted with a tight 150mm wide grid, known as Verti-Kal™, which not only serves to emphasise height but is the first of its type in the UK. On this scheme the Kalwall panels also insulate to 0.78 w/m2 making the building eye-catching and sustainable.Unlike conventional glazing, Kalwall eliminates shadows and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade. The system also enhances simplicity by eliminating the need for blinds, curtains or solar control. Even on cloudy days, the interior is bathed with natural daylight, which means less artificial lighting and, because Kalwall is highly insulating, energy costs are reduced.Kalwall is increasingly being used in the UK for new buildings and also for the refurbishment of cladding or rooflights on aged buildings. One of the main attractions of specifying Kalwall is its unique effect on both the interior and exterior. Although translucent, it offers the big advantage of privacy while the elevations appear crisp and simple. When illuminated at night they emit an inviting ethereal glow.The CommentsArchitect James Jeremiah comments, “This is the first time we’ve specified Kalwall and it fulfils our vision of retaining the modernist characteristics of the building. One of our original concepts for the building was of a zoetrope (one of the earliest forms of moving image) and there’s a strong history of using transparency in films with people moving behind the shadows. We felt the Kalwall system was a very good fit for what we wanted to achieve”.Amanda Birch, Technical Editor Building Design writes, “To appreciate fully the building’s transformation, it is best viewed from the street. The concrete structure has been retained along with its striking line of concrete columns, which are now a strong feature of the front elevation. The original coloured insulated glass panelled system has been replaced at first and second floor levels with Kalwall’s 75mm thick insulated cladding system creating a dynamic façade that is particularly effective at night.

The National Assembly Building for Wales is one of the most recognisable buildings in the UK and a landmark project in the use of timber ceiling systems by BCL. The building has gained worldwide recognition, culminating in the project being shortlisted for The Stirling Prize in 2006. BCL’s team designed a panel layout that allowed the complete ceiling, totalling over 3,000 sqm, to be created using only 35 different panel shapes, 99% of which could be flat packed and curved on site, helping to keep logistical costs to a minimum and maximise the speed of installation.

The finish to the asbestos roof and asbestos cladding on this property was faded and the roof leaked in several places, along with the gutter. Liquasil's silicone roof coating, Asbestoseal, was chosen to seal the roof and dramatically improve the aesthetic appearance using specially made RAL colours to the match the original finishes. The asbestos cement gutter was also lined with the Liquasil liquid gutter liner to form a permanent, bonded solution.

A custom-built detached home situated on a peninsula in a secluded lagoon, and featuring Western Red Cedar Shingles from Marley has scooped a number of leading industry awards. Located in the Norfolk broads, Britain’s largest protected wetland, Backwater, which was created by, Platform 5 Architects, is made up of three self-contained modules. Each individual module is further complemented by the cedar-clad pitched roofs found at the front of the property. This project won multiple awards; RIBA East Award 2017 and Custom and Self Build Project of the Year at the 2017 Structural Timber Awards.

Accoya selected for the renovation of the GeoSouthern Energy’s corporate headquarters. Distributed by Mason’s Mill & lumber, the Accoya cladding was milled into a Vanish Rain Screen profile with a walnut stain for the exterior of the building. Various sizes of Accoya were used ranging widths between 5”-8”. In total 80 m3 of Accoya was used for the project. Accoya was chosen due to its stability & durability making it the perfect fit for designers Kirksey.

The new Faculty of Arts building at University of Warwick designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios brings the departments of the Arts and Humanities faculties under a single roof for the first time. The light-filled, timber-lined space is formed around and imposing internal staircase clad in Junckers’ solid ash flooring.The stair rises from a base of amphitheatre seating andrises through the building connecting teaching, social learning, public exhibition, and departmental spaces throughout which all branch off the central staircase. Entirely clad in Junckers’ solid ash, the central stair forms the main route through the building’s open, inviting, and flexible spaces. “The stair provides a space for daily informal meeting as well as a place for events and occasions such as documentary filming, graduation photographs and whole faculty celebrations. The use of natural timber, combined with natural light brings a warmth and a sense of timelessness to the space.”David Harris, Associate, Feilden Clegg Bradley StudiosJunckers’ solid ash has excellent strength properties and makes a hard-wearing, long-lasting floor. Often used in contemporary interiors, ash flooring adds natural warmth and character which can provide a good balance to clean lines and hard surfaces. The unique grain structure of ash makes it a characterful floor, similar in pattern to oak but with its own distinct colour tones. With its capacity to reflect an abundance of natural light, it is an ideal flooring choice for the project.The flooring contractor was Capital Floors Ltd. 

Our client had an ambitious vision - to construct a property that would be a true testament to innovative architecture. After collaborating extensively with the architect, they conceived the idea of a residential property that would seamlessly blend into its surroundings, almost appearing invisible to the eye.The challenge was to securely attach these extensive reflective panels to a timber frame structure using our NVELOPE® system as the framing material.For this project, we incorporated our NVELOPE® NV1, a thermally broken, isolated bracket system, in collaboration with a specific SFS fixing suitable for the timber substructure and the SDA5 fixing for the T-rail frame. Additionally, we utilized the L-Rail extruded aluminium 6005 which can be cut-to-length on site or pre-cut using the SFS Optimised Cutting Service.One significant advantage of our solution was the aesthetics of the cladding, which remained level without any bulges, ensuring a flawless reflection. This was achieved using our cost-effective and adjustable NVELOPE® NV1 system, along with an appropriate adhesive. 

Providing the solution for EWI retrofit on non-traditional build housingHaving successfully completing the previous 2 phases, K Systems were approached to provide a specification for EWI installation onto two non-traditional build housing types: 5M and Caspon. Both archetypes are of timber frame construction with single skin brick infills at ground level and a mixture of hanging tiles or cladding on upper floors. Typical of non-traditional build housing, the technical team at K Systems had to pay particular attention to bespoke detailing to derive a suitable EWI solution to meet the client’s requirements.The hanging tiles and cladding were removed from the upper floor(s) and replaced with timber sheathing boards to allow for a uniform aesthetic and a striking contemporary finish.Delivering a robust, safe and aesthetic system solution to meet the project requirementsHull City Council wanted to improve the thermal efficiency of their housing stock whilst provide a durable and more contemporary aesthetic look for the project. A combination of K Systems M Silicone and K Systems M VBriQ was used to achieve a u-value of 0.28 using varying thicknesses of A1 non-combustible mineral wool (80mm to 150mm) to adapt to the variety of substrates typical of non-traditional build housing. The combination of acrylic brick slips and polymer enhanced silicone topcoats achieved an appearance that is durable and elevated the dated look of the estate to a more modern feel. Our team worked extensively with the appointed architect preparing bespoke detailed drawings for the various archetypes, particularly transitions between the brick and timber substrates, cills, verges, rooflines, gas boxes and below DPC. Weekly demand planning meetings ensured timely delivery of materials to the appointed contractor.We ensured the correct fixings were specifiedK Systems commissioned pull-out tests to determine the optimum fixings and washers to be used to anchor the EWI system to the different substrates. A combination of hammer fixings and screw fixings were specified.

Lomax + Wood supplied and fitted their UK designed and tested windows for a large development in leafy Essex. These made-to-order timber casement windows and doors were supplied to seven plots of luxury executive five-bedroom detached houses.

Georgina and Matt were undertaking a refurbishment to their family home in Surrey, including a new annexe, when they approached us about our range of timber windows and doors.The age of the original building dated back to the 16th century, with both Regency and Edwardian additions, and so finding timber windows that helped to retain and enhance the original character of the property was a priority.Spring Sash windows from the Conservation Range were recommended for most of the home, featuring concealed pre-tensioned balances. This offered Georgina classic period styling but also ensured the house benefitted from the high performance offered by a modern double-glazed window.Conservation Range Casement windows were used for the rest of the property, alongside Spring Sash products offering traditional sightlines - ideal for period properties.Georgina also wanted to ensure that the new outbuildings retained a traditional look, so we created a bespoke ‘sunrise’ feature window to give it interest and kept the styling in line with the rest of the renovation.Antique brass ironmongery and a ‘Wimbourne White’ paint finish, complements the classic look throughout.Georgina explains;“When I approached Mumford & Wood, I told them I felt a ‘Jane Austen’ period feel would fit well with the main era of the house. After witnessing the quality and elegant style of the Conservation Range at their London showroom, I felt confident that my Regency vision with a mixture of Spring Sash and Casement windows could be fulfilled, and I was thrilled with the end result. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mumford and Wood to anyone.”

Timber Window Project: Restoring Charm to a Matlock CottageDiscover how Gowercroft successfully transformed Robert Jones's quaint stone cottage in Matlock with high-quality timber windows and doors.A Challenging Derbyshire CottageWhen Robert Jones approached Gowercroft for his cottage renovation in Matlock, they faced an intriguing challenge. His 200-square-meter, 5-bedroom cottage nestled into a Derbyshire hillside, offering stunning countryside views. The property had three stories at the front but only one at the rear, with the ground floor patio situated atop an integral garage.Robert aimed to breathe new life into the neglected property by undertaking a comprehensive refit, including new electrics, bathrooms, stairs, carpets, roofing, garage, and replacement doors and windows. He sought a renovation that honoured the local aesthetics, using durable traditional materials like English slate for the roof and energy-efficient timber windows and patio doors to maximise the scenic vistas.Meeting the ChallengeAccess to the property posed a considerable challenge due to its location on a sharp bend with a steep incline at the end of a winding country road. The installation of oversized windows and doors seemed daunting, but Gowercroft embraced the challenges with creative solutions.Gowercroft crafted and installed eleven Hardwick flush casement windows, a Peveril lift and slide patio door, two floor-to-ceiling fixed light windows, an Accoya® front door, and a timber Melbourne stable door at the side. The lift and slide patio doors and glazed screens had to feature 6mm-thick glass to ensure structural integrity, making each unit weigh approximately 200 kilograms.Given the size and weight of the units, manual handling was impractical. Gowercroft enlisted a specialist contractor with a telehandler to navigate the steep drive and hoist the units into place. Additional personnel joined the effort."The job demanded teamwork, meticulous planning, and coordination with the ongoing building work as we removed the old windows and adjusted the existing openings," Robert explained.Exceeding ExpectationsThroughout the installation, unforeseen challenges arose, including the need to cut away patio paving slabs blocking the original patio doors and repositioning the door frame to accommodate the new Accoya® front door. Gowercroft even provided window boards for the new openings.Robert praised the Gowercroft team for their exceptional dedication and problem-solving attitude, stating, "I can't speak highly enough of the Gowercroft team. They tackled every obstacle and challenge with a 'can-do' spirit."Gowercroft's commitment to quality craftsmanship and their ability to navigate complex installations allowed Robert Jones to transform his Matlock cottage into a charming and energy-efficient retreat that perfectly complements its picturesque surroundings.