"mechanical cleaning chemical systems"

The development of a new emergency care centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead was an investment of £32m. The project provided state-of- the-art healthcare services to people across the region. The centre now provides a smoother service to its patients and a more efficient way of treating people.Artform Urban Furniture were asked to provide seating and litter bins to the main entrance of the hospital's drop in centre, as well as the car park and the taxi drop off / pick up point. The products had to complement the soft landscaping whilst also being durable enough to cope with the extensive usage. The Artform team proposed items from the Multiplicity range, with their cast anodised aluminium frames, offering superb longevity and minimal maintenance requirements.The overall project was constructed within a tight budget and the street furniture supplied by Artform needed to be of a very high standard, ergonomically designed for comfort and all delivered within the economic constraints.The products also had to be on site and installed within a short time frame, due to the fast track nature of the project. The Artform team provided full technical drawings and specification information to ensure that the client’s facilities team were supported fully and the installation process was seamless.OutcomeThe completed emergency care centre is now a busy hub for all types of emergency healthcare services and the entrance provides a clean and welcoming first impression to all those using the centre. The landscaped outdoor areas including the entrance, the car park and the busy taxi point, offer an engaging space, for use by staff, patients and visitors alike, with the thoughtful distribution of attractive seating and clean, modern litter bins.Ian Renwick, chief executive of QE Gateshead commented: "This is a unique hospital building and the environment for patients and visitors is really something special."

The ClientWates Smart Space provides Facilities Management services to Gatwick Airport, London. Gatwick is the second-busiest airport in the UK by passenger traffic by volume of annual passengers of around 45m, making London Gatwick the biggest single runway Airport in the World. The airport owners, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) have a desire to meet their sustainability targets, to reduce the energy consumption of their estate and introduce operational efficiencies throughout the estate.Their ProblemThe estates washrooms use a mixed range of high speed hand dryers, with power ratings ranging between 1600 and 2300 watts. These dryers are energy hungry costing the estate £0.0044 to £0.00192 per dry, and the units have a high motor failure rate. Further, the estate manager has no way of remotely monitoring washroom hand dryer usage for responsive cleaning against sudden and peak usage surges.Our SolutionSAVORTEX deployed its EcoCurve 550D Smart hand dryer on a trial basis in the male washrooms in the South Terminal where there is high footfall. The EcoCurve Smart uses an advanced digital brush-less motor technology, which consumes power of just 550W and offers 10x more operational life than traditional dryers. The EcoCurve smart dryer uses its patented in-built sensors wirelessly reporting energy usage per dry to the SAVORTEX web portal, allowing estates managers remote access to manage washroom facilities. Over the trial period the estates manager was able to monitor hand dryer usage and washroom footfall of 14,100 pairs of hands being dried, resulting in a consumption of 14.90 KG of C02, and run responsive cleaning schedules based on footfall, introducing new operational efficiencies throughout the estate.

Langton Homes is a well-established family-owned company specialising in developing properties throughout the Midlands for more than thirty years.One of their recent projects was four high-end luxury detached six-bedroom houses featuring extensive outbuildings, each set within large private grounds. The main property on the development – Langton House, was being specifically built for the owner of Langton Homes.Having used Mustang® Seamless gutters on projects in the past, they had no issues specifying it again for this development. Existing garages on the development, which had previously been fitted with uPVC as a cheaper option, were now failing and leaking, so they were replaced at the same time as the rest of the development was installed with Mustang® Seamless Aluminium Gutters.Mustang® was ideal for this build due to the sleek, clean lines of the gutter, with no external brackets on view. Mustang seamless gutters are strong and durable but lightweight and easy to install, with most of the preparation work being done at ground level before the gutter is raised to height for the final fixing into place, meaning that it is often safer and quicker than fitting traditional guttering.As the aluminium is roll-formed on-site to the exact dimensions of the building in continuous lengths of up to 30 metres, there is no waste.Once installed Mustang® Seamless Aluminium Guttering requires minimal maintenance. It is the only quality-assured seamless gutter system certified by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) to last over 30 years. A certification ARP has held for over 25 years.Colonnade aluminium downpipes completed the installation and were polyester powder coated (PPC) in Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016) to match the colour of the gutter in our in-house purpose-built PPC facility.Aluminium is a natural, non-corrosive material and needs little maintenance, but it is also fully recyclable. Aluminium will not crack, creek or fade, resulting in a truly ‘fit and forget’ system.Andy Craven, Site Manager of Langton Homes, said:“We have continuously used Mustang® Seamless Guttering as a superior alternative to PVC, we have absolute confidence in the installation and the low maintenance of the product.”

Forming an important part of a £200m redevelopment, the flagship three building Llys Cadwyn (Chain Court) mixed-use riverside development encompasses office and retail units alongside a state-of-the-art library, café, leisure fitness and community facilities in the heart of Pontypridd. Owner client, Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council, awarded the design of this eye-catching project to Darnton B3 Architects, who have worked with Willmott Dixon since 2018, to bring the innovative, ambitious £38m scheme to fruition. Around 9500m2 of Rockfon acoustic ceiling and wall systems are installed throughout the three building scheme to add a wow factor and help create healthy interiors where people can work, visit, study, socialise and relax. Architecture that looks and feels good The facades of two of the buildings are glazed, with those facing the riverside designed with sun-deflecting vertical fins in a mix of warm primary colours from yellow through to orange and red – adding a positive, contemporary accent. The third building sits in contrast to the others with its organic, aardvark curved outer shell clad completely in shimmering zinc tiles, reminiscent of the futuristic Bullring in Birmingham and the Guggenheim in Bilbao. The twin buildings required high levels of sound absorption due to the predominantly open-plan office interiors on their upper floors. Independent research shows that stress levels are reduced by 27% and focus is increased by 48% by improved acoustics in these environments. The high light reflectance offered by our ceiling systems optimises natural light, aiding wellbeing and helping provide the best working conditions whilst minimising energy usage and costs. Ensuring the desired Shhh In the Library, sound control was an obvious specification requirement. Happily, Rockfon ranges - including Rockfon® Universal™ Baffles - offer acoustic performance which deliver the desired Shh. Elsewhere in the café, gym and community spaces, our products are tough enough to deal with the impact of heavy use. Darnton B3 Project Architect, Martin Hurley, “I met with our client to discuss the acoustics in a large atria which sits between the children’s, and general reference libraries. We agreed to create a feature art wall using a selection of colours influenced by the council’s own corporate identity. The completed design works really well, delivering the visual impact and sound control we desired. Rockfon Eclipse® wall panels were used to create the stylish art wall, featuring dark greys, purples, turquoise, teal, lime and orange which were NCS-matched. Eclipse can be specified in a variety of shaped formats with a clean minimalistic A-edge and unlimited custom colour matching. Quick and easy to install, the fixing kit allows panels to be set at varying distances from the wall to enhance creative possibilities. Delivering the dream Tonypandy-based M&P Group, were responsible for the installation. The firm’s Andrew Pearce commented, “Co-ordinating the process of installation across three buildings within a tight, riverside, city-centre site presented particular challenges. It was vital the supply line remained on schedule, with deliveries on-time and in good order – something the Rockfon team helped ensure. In fact, the project came together well and everyone is very pleased with the completed job.” Nevill Long Area Sales Manager, Mike Parkin, “This was a technically and aesthetically interesting project to be involved with. It was a pleasure to work with Rockfon to ensure the correct materials were delivered on time and in full.” Great performance and fabulous looks Rockfon Specification Manager Rowan Green, “It was really beneficial to be part of the design specification process for this landmark build from an early stage. A guiding requirement was to achieve the least visible grid, using a selection of Rockfon ranges to create aesthetically pleasing results with high levels of sound absorption. In addition to the Eclipse feature wall, versatile, technologically advanced Rockfon Blanka® was installed throughout the three buildings, with specialised Blanka Bas utilised in meeting rooms to promote speech intelligibility. Rockfon® Koral™ was used exclusively within washrooms and lobbies.” The Rockfon Blanka range offers a wide choice of alternatives for installation and usage. All embody Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection and >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation >26dB. Blanka’s easy clean, anti-static surface prolongs product life and is non-directional, which speeds up installation, saving time and money. Within the futuristic building, an arrangement of elegant, circular, Rockfon Eclipse islands, in white, are hung from ceiling wires, creating the illusion they are floating in mid-air. In common with other Rockfon ranges, Rockfon Koral offers excellent sound absorption and the highest fire safety characteristics. It is easy to clean with a vacuum or a damp cloth and is available in semi-concealed and visible grid options.

Permanent pothole repair solutions for all car parks, roads and highwaysDegafill™ is an ultra-fast curing, permanent pothole repair solution for driveways, car parks, roads and highways provided in kit form.Based on high-performance methyl methacrylate (MMA) resin, Degafill bonds chemically to the existing asphalt or tarmac in just 20 minutes – delivering unrivalled strength and durability. Suitable for all roads and footpaths, Degafill offers outstanding durability, excellent skid resistance and the flexibility required for harsh weather conditions and temperature changes throughout the year.It’s manufactured from technologically advanced methyl methacrylate (MMA) resin, this cold applied solution offers an ultra-fast cure time and is suitable for repairs within asphalt substrates without the need to prime or cut back.There’s no need for any heavy petrol-driven equipment or machinery and will eliminate the need to refill potholes year after year as the permanent pothole repair solution is designed to last. Each kit comes even comes with a 5 year warranty. The Degafill™ Permanent Pothole repair Kit is BBA HAPAS approved, S164865Weather-proof solutionThe Degafill permanent pothole repair solution withstands the inevitable thermal movement of road surfaces throughout the year without compromising the strength and integrity of the bond to the surrounding area.Permanent pothole repair – the processWhatever the weather, whatever the size of pothole – it will be fixed in 4 simple steps and fully trafficable within 20 minutes after completion:Remove all loose materials by brush or compressed air (area doesn’t need to be 100% dry to work)Mix the Degafill pothole repair kit components together in the bucket providedPour the mixture in and smooth outSprinkle additional aggregates on top if requiredTake a look at our Degafill™ Video.Buy Degafill™ in our online shop

Junckers solid wood flooring has been installed at the UK’s first extra care scheme to be built to Passivhaus standards. The specialised housing and facilities at Edward’s Court in Exeter houses 53 Extra Care self-contained flats providing Exeter Council with the ability to offer its older community a way of preserving their independence and at the same time have access to flexible care and support if needed. The development has been designed and built to deliver low energy use and a healthy indoor climate using high quality materials. Junckers solid wood flooring forms an important part of the interior of the apartments and common areas, providing a natural and homely feel. The floor was specified by architects Architype for its proven ability to provide and maintain healthy indoor air quality, a key consideration for the scheme. Junckers floors carry the Danish Indoor Climate Label, recognised by BREEAM, and have undergone extensive degassing and odour tests to ensure there are no chemical substances in the flooring. With Edward’s Court, Architype has created an environment that prioritises the needs of the older generation while also offering optimal comfort, accessibility, and affordability. As Edward’s Court is built to Passivhaus standard, the occupants can remain warm in the winter and cool in the summer without using a great deal of energy and without experiencing severe fluctuations in utility bills. From the first stages of the development the architects were guided by the intertwined principles of ‘building biology’ and Passivhaus. Building biology prioritises human-based design, fostering community within the building and beyond its walls, sustainable environmental performance, indoor air quality, and thermal and acoustic comfort among its 25 principles. Said Lee Fordham, Associate Director, Architype: “Junckers flooring provided a natural feel to the space but also with its environmental accreditation gave us confidence as designers and specifiers that the material would be a healthy alternative to other standard floor finishes.” 

We are delighted to have recently worked in partnership with Ashby Facilities in Pelsall to deliver a range of high quality aesthetically pleasing and robust bathroom products for eight purpose built mental health bungalows at St Peter's Gardens, Stafford.Ashby Facilities approached TYDE in order to help provide them with a washroom solution for a newbuild development consisting of eight bungalows. The brief we received detailed the extensive requirements which was for a number of high quality, damage resistant anti-ligature sanitaryware products that were to be installed for their resident's safety. It was imperative that the solution we suggested was aesthetically pleasing and not look too overly 'clinical'.Our suggested solution was the installation of a number of products from our Dudley Resan® range. These products are tested and manufactured to the highest standards and offer a perfect alternative to stainless steel. Resan® products are uniquely engineered from an advanced polymer resin material which is shatterproof, exceptionally hard wearing and chemical resistant, making it the perfect solution for mental health institutes.  The TYDE team looked at the entire range and presented all suitable options. The Resan® standard height pan with blue rim was chosen along with the Resan® infra-red basin, Resan® shelf and matching Resan® mirror to complete the look.   Jamie Cooper, Operations Director of Ashby commented, "Our main aim was to provide a safe environment for the residents, so the anti-ligature features were essential. We also wanted the bathrooms to suit the style of the bungalows and many of the alternatives we looked at were dated and not suitable. When we saw the Resan® products from TYDE we knew we had the right products to meet our requirements. We are very satisfied with the products TYDE recommended; so much so that we are already looking at working with them again on other projects as they always deliver top quality products that are not only good to look at and use but more importantly are fit for purpose". 

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

Client: Globe TheatreLocation: Stockton-on-Tees, EnglandYear: 2022Project size: 915 m²Vebro systems: vebrospeed Quartz SRA high performance, slip-resistant floor coating system was required for Stockton Globe’s auditorium, bar and box office as well as its neighbouring café and 200-capacity music venue, The LINK.Originally built in 1913 to show silent movies, the Art Deco cinema was demolished in 1925 before being rebuilt the following year when it was the first facility in the region to show talking pictures. The Grade II-listed building’s restoration was announced in 2010, and with funding from Stockton Borough Council and Heritage Lottery Fund, was completed in September 2021.The illustrious Stockton Globe and its neighbouring box office, café, bar and 200-capacity music venue, The LINK, have been transformed as part of a £30m renovation project that has seen the theatre brought back to life after a 21 year closure.The multi-million pound project has seen the 3000-capacity establishment restored to its former glory, as well the creation of The LINK which houses the theatre’s box office, as well as a café, bar and performance area that hosts up-and-coming regional and national acts.vebrospeed Quartz SR was chosen for the lower auditorium, which operates removable seating to accommodate both seated and standing events, as well as in the stalls bar area and throughout The LINK, vebrospeed Quartz SR is a highly durable and slip resistant, UV-stable quartz flooring system based on fast-cure MMA (methyl methacrylate) technology.Incorporating decorative DKI quartz beads in a clear resin binder, the positively textured finish of vebrospeed Quartz SR helps to reduce the risk of slips, an important feature of flooring in a busy gig venue where spilled drinks could otherwise cause a hazard.The system’s durable, scratch resistant finish provides a hardy surface that not only protects the floor against heavy footfall — even during more rowdy concerts with plenty of jumping or dancing, but also against the installation and pack down of the temporary seating used in the stalls for fully seated events.MJF Group is an established support services company providing specialist solutions to businesses nationwide.Since 2006 the company has built an enviable reputation in the commercial cleaning market, fuelling a later expansion into site services and specialist flooring alongside growth from local to national level.MJFs dedicated team of flooring experts are a group of highly skilled professionals who deliver a first-class service, ensuring all of their flooring solutions achieve outstanding results within an efficient and timely manner.MJF pride themselves on offering their clients extremely competitive prices, without ever compromising results.

GEC Anderson were chosen to supply stainless steel classroom worktops, drinking fountains as well as fabrications for the main school kitchen.Classroom worktops have integrated sink bowls and are mounted on wall hung stainless steel base cabinets, also by GEC Anderson. The cantilever arrangement allows for uninterrupted floor cleaning and easier working and access to the sink units. It also facilitates the ability to mount the worktops at the height appropriate for pupils. GB4000 wall hung drinking fountains were specified in the corridor areas. The units can be mounted at any height to ensure access for the children. Within the main kitchen, sinks and and worktops include leg frames with solid undershelves in order to maximise the limited space available.Brushed satin stainless steel (EN 1.4301 grade) was used throughout.

The City of Culture of Galicia is one of the most ambitious projects of contemporary architecture in Galicia . Architects Peter Eisenman and Antonio Marono work as a team on this project inspired by the historic center of Santiago de Compostela and the five pilgrimage routes of the famous Camino de Santiago . The complex brings together several buildings that will host museums, exhibition halls, libraries, government offices, co -creation spaces, and meeting rooms . The project has a common element : the large glazed surfaces on the façade, where Bandalux vertical and roller blinds act as a light blockers, providing greater privacy for users . Our products also protect efficiently from intense sunlight, filtering and regulating light according to the needs at any moment of the day . Polyscreen ® fabric is used for its antibacterial properties and easy cleaning . 

Sonixx Resilient 250 was installed as an acoustic underlayment. It was bonded to the subfloor and a heterogenous vinyl and carpet tiles were installed on top. The installation was completed as part of a refurbishment to a bar and restaurant area within the hotel. Resilient 250 is a 2.5mm thick, high performing acoustic underlay manufactured using sponge rubber. It significantly reduces impact sound at the source, while also providing superb underfloor comfort. It is a versatile underlay and can be used below various floor coverings including carpet, carpet tiles, wood, laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, vinyl and ceramic / porcelain / natural stone tiles. At only 24kg (43 Ib) per roll, it is easy to distribute around site. Resilient 250 therefore facilitated a simple, quick, clean and cost-effective installation.

The £26m Dover District Leisure Centre features the first swimming pool in Kent to be purpose-built to Sport England specifications for a county standard competition swimming pool. Other facilities at the centre include a learner pool with a moveable floor, sports hall, interactive climbing arena, fitness studios, gym, squash courts, outdoor five-a-side 3G pitches, sauna and steam room, café, and 250 parking spaces.SolutionDortek doors are specially designed for wet applications and meet the Sport England design guidance requirements. Dortek access solutions are built to withstand severe temperature variations and damp conditions, they are also bacteria and corrosion-resistant. Their timber free construction means they will not rot, rust or warp even after years of exposure to water and cleaning agents.

Park Farm Barns are barn conversions set in the Shropshire countryside. The simple, elegant interiors have been curated by Charters Property, with sustainability at the forefront. Beautiful designs and detailing has been evident, from the original roof boards, gravity arches and beams to the soft lime plastered walls. KEIM Mineral Paints were chosen on these barn conversions due to its breathability and sustainability credentials. The mix of lime plastered walls and gypsum walls were decorated using KEIM Optil in a warm neutral palette. It is a modern mineral paint, ideal for application onto historic and contemporary buildings. KEIM Innostar, which is a one coat paint, was applied onto the gypsum ceilings for a clean healthy living environment. It allowed rooms to be occupied the same day.

THE PROJECTShard place is the latest phase of the redevelopment at Shard quarter, home to Western Europe’s tallest building – the Shard. Designed by world-renowned master architect Renzo Piano, the new Shard place is the residential development. The 26 story building houses 176 apartments and their mail is serviced via an amazing bespoke arrangement of mailboxes manufactured by SLB.THE PRODUCTFusion Wood mailboxes are arranged in vertical stacks, fixed and suspended within Vertical wood enclosures including solid brass polished blocks, laser-etched and treated with Cotech* finish to extend and protect the surface.*Cotech is an optional extra finish provided by SLB in collaboration with Cotech surface finishes, to enable the cleaning of fingerprints and marks to be simply removed whilst protecting the finish of materials that may mark or scratch with use.

NOMA is a new breed of mixed-use development in the centre of Manchester, a multi-phase scheme to create a 20-acre neighbourhood with a strong sense of community, built to world-class sustainability standards. For the public and accessible toilets in this building on the NOMA commons, architects Simpson Haugh implemented a Superloo layout interspersed with DDA-compliant cubicles. The Splash Lab was privileged to work with Simpson Haugh closely over many years to bring this vision to life with taps and accessories from our Radius Collection in a bronze PVD finish, as well as a Monolith DDA basin. Our comprehensive support for superloo designs helped achieve an efficient installation that doesn’t sacrifice clean, minimalist design. The contemporary bronze finish of the fittings provides a rich contrast with the white panelling and basin to create a washroom that looks both luxurious and streamlined.

The Sonixx Soundsure 400 high performance acoustic underlay was selected for use below a 1/2" engineered wood floor, as part of a flooring refurbishment project in an office building.The installers had nothing but positive feedback on how quick and easy the underlay was to work with. The underlay facilitated a simple, clean and cost-effective installation.Comments in praise of the installation include: 'With the SS400 under, it feels way nicer than most wood floors I walk on' and the owner of the building said, 'We are loving the floor.... everyone comments on the floor when they walk in.'In addition, the underlay provides high quality comfort, stability and performance.The SS400 was loose laid to the subfloor with the 1/2" engineered wood flooring floated above. The tongue and groove joints were bonded using a PVA adhesive.Features of Soundsure 400:Environmentally Friendly - manufactured using recycled rubber crumb.Durable - provides long-lasting performance and will not deteriorate or collapse over time.High Performing - ideally suited for use with wood flooring and laminates, providing excellent impact performance in excess of the UK building regulations.Hygenic - naturally anti-microbial, anti-allergy and resistant to decay with low VOCs.Benefits of Soundsure 400:Exceeds the performance standards required in the Building Regulations for sound insulation.Suitable for use with underfloor heating systems.Manufactured using recycled rubber materials and fully recyclable.Recycled rubber crumb ensure long-lasting acoustic performance.Cushioned underlay to provide underfoot comfort.Will not deteriorate or collapse over time.Reduces subfloor preparation times as screed and smoothing compounds are not required.Green Label Plus accredited for indoor air quality and low VOC emissions.

Normandy Bin Bays manufactured from recycled plastic; encouraging recycling and keeping communal bin bay areas tidy. A win-win for Stoke City Housing.GOplastic Ltd were contacted by Ruth Smith the former Landscape Architect for the Landscape Team at City of Stoke-on-Trent Council to look into a solution for their communal bin bay areas.Ruth was considering specifying our Normandy Bin Bay system for the Mier Estate neighbourhood project which is located to the south east of the North Staffordshire conurbation.There are many solutions for bin bay storage using brickwork, timber and recycled plastic. Recycled plastic bin bays have many advantages. They are supplied fully assembled and ready to install. No labour intensive brick work, no holes excavated for posts, and no maintenance plans are required after installation. The panels won’t rot or splinter and are very easily cleaned. At site meetings anchorage options were discussed to ensure that the bin bays could be fitted onto hard standing or into the ground with extended posts if required. The bin bays at 1.5 metres high allow for 240 litre household wheelie bins to be used, and the 1.8m high panels for larger 1100 litre bins if required.For communal storage adjacent to apartment buildings, this recycled plastic bin bay solution provided open storage for a number of bins. The open top design with louvred slats allow for dissipation of odours and are aesthetically pleasing.Contractor: Stoke-on-Trent City CouncilJob type: Supply onlyProject Value: Approximately £50KWaste plastic prevented from potential landfill: 18 tonnes.

Some of Europe's most sophisticated buildings incorporate thermal break technology from Schöck, but the new Mercury City Tower in Moscow is to date possibly the most iconic, and certainly the tallest, to utilise the Isokorb®.Rising 327 metres above the Moscow skyline, the Mercury City Tower, is currently the highest building in Europe, beating London's Shard into second place by some 17 metres. This remarkable building is the centrepiece of a £7 billion International Business Centre development known as Moscow City, located about two and a half miles to the west of Red Square.It is bult on a 150 acre site that used to be an old stone quarry area consisting of derelict factories and industrial complexes and will shortly become the first zone in Russia to combine business activity, living space and entertainment in one single development. Claimed to be the first truly environmentally-friendly building in Russia, it will house the offices of some of the world's leading companies; along with five-star hotels, luxury apartments, prestigious clubs, fitness centres, fashion boutiques – and even Moscow's largest concert hall will be relocated there – making it effectively a city within a city.A key design feature of the building is the use of inclined planes at various levels of the structure, which support vertical posts on which the facade cleaning system is installed. To prevent any of the risks associated with thermal bridging, it is necessary to separate the vertical posts from the thermal contour of the building. The unusual shape, size and characteristics of Mercury City required careful planning and the design of a unique Isokorb® T insulation element; which in addition to its exceptional thermal performance requirements, also has to bear loads on two of the inclined planes.

Challenge Modern paving flags required for city centre roof terrace at flexible workspace Urban HQ situated in Eagle Star House offers state-of-the-art facilities including meeting rooms, event space, a member’s lounge and bar.  One of its most notable spaces is the rooftop terrace. The roof garden provides co-workers with a valuable communal area to foster company culture or escape from their desk. The terrace offers a flexible space to relax, socialise or entertain while taking in the views of Belfast city and beyond. The central design aspiration was to bring a New York or London feel to Belfast city. It was essential that the roof terrace hard landscaping aligned with the design ethos. SolutionContemporary Mayfair Flags installed on pedestals were the perfect choice  Tobermore’s Mayfair Flags with their granite aggregate contemporary finish were the perfect choice for Eagle Star House. A contrasting finish was created on the terrace in the colours Silver and Graphite. A simple yet effective stacked laying pattern was deployed which adds to the clean look of the contemporary roof terrace. The commercial space has more of a boutique hotel feel than a city centre office. The Mayfair paving flags were installed onto adjustable pedestals, creating a level surface throughout the terrace. The use of this installation system enables the laying of paving flags without the need for grout, sand or adhesive. It also creates a void beneath the paved surface allowing an easy and convenient route for exterior cables or other services. View our Roof Terrace Support for installation on pedestals for roof terraces, balconies and roof gardens.

About My Prime DentalMy Prime Dental is a cosmetic and general dental practice based in Hampstead Garden Suburb in north London. It has a team of 17 dentists, hygienists and dental nurses with a range of specialisms. The goal of the practice is to offer each and every patient an experience that exceeds his or her expectations – combining excellent clinical skills and outstanding customer service in an atmosphere that is warm, friendly and relaxed. The atmosphere, look and quality of the treatment rooms is therefore paramount. With that in mind, My Prime Dental has installed miscea taps in three of the treatment rooms in its London dental practice. The taps offer both staff and patients the most convenient and hygienic way of cleaning their hands, both pre and post treatment.Why did My Prime Dental install miscea taps?Maintaining strict standards of hygiene is of upmost importance for all dental practices. The miscea Classic’s touch-free functionality makes this easy. The miscea CLASSIC is not just an award-winning hand hygiene system, but also an effective solution for professionals who require the highest possible standards in hygiene.The miscea CLASSIC wall model was installed by Anglian Dental, the leading dental equipment specialist who have more than two decades experience of designing, developing and installing exceptional dental surgeries. Anglian Dental worked in partnership with My Prime Dental. My Prime Dental had researched the equipment market extensively and found that the miscea CLASSIC tap fitted his vision for the development of a specialist referral practice."We installed the miscea taps to provide an ergonomic and efficient clinic dispensing system for soap and alcohol. We have been very pleased with their performance and with Ecoprod’s after sales support."Principal Dental SurgeonTouch-free dispensing of both water and soapThe miscea CLASSIC is ideal for dentists and other medical professionals because it is much more than just a tap – it’s an advanced hand hygiene system, using advanced sensor technology to enable touch-free dispensing of water and a combination of two other liquid products. Its attractive award-winning design means the miscea CLASSIC is also a stylish addition to any surgery or practice.An additional benefit is that miscea taps can reduce water use by up to 60%. This is because miscea taps ensure that water flows only when you really need it and automatically shut off the flow when you don’t. Special aerators integrated into miscea taps also help to reduce water consumption by enriching the water with air, resulting in a luxurious stream of bubbly water that is soft to the touch and splash-free whilst using even less water.

Noise problems eradicated by Secondary GlazingKey features: Domestic, Sash Windows, Renovation, Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS), Double Glazing, Secondary Glazing, Georgian.Ventrolla have helped instil further tranquillity at a period property, Manor House, for its spiritualist home-owner with the addition of slim secondary glazing.Mrs Robertshaw, who trains in the spiritual practice of Reiki, required Ventrolla’s expertise to tackle seven draughty timber sash windows at the Grade II listed building. She was also unable to open the windows after they were painted shut many years ago.The timber sash window experts began the renovation by getting the windows fully operational, which included servicing the pulleys and re-hanging the sashes using new cords. This was followed by installing the unique Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) to eliminate draughts and rattles and to also upgrade the windows’ energy efficiency.Slim Secondary Glazing was also installed where possible throughout the home.While the work was being carried out, Mrs Robertshaw learnt about Ventrolla’s double glazing product and subsequently asked them back to fit the same seven windows with slim double glazed timber sashes to further improve the thermal efficiency of her windows.Mrs Robertshaw said:“I came across Ventrolla at a listed heritage exhibition and arranged a survey soon after. The sealing system was just what my windows needed and I was thrilled with the end result, especially as I didn’t realise it would also help reduce external noise.”“Finding out that Ventrolla also offered a slim double glazing solution was another bonus. As a period homeowner it’s great to have an option that delivers all the benefits of typical double glazing but doesn’t compromise the historic aesthetics of the property.”“I would highly recommend Ventrolla as they not only offer essential services for listed buildings but are reliable and clean installers, which makes all the difference when you’re having people work in your home.”Manor House was built in Wolverhampton in 1730 and is rumoured to have once been home to an Earl of Shrewsbury. In the 19th century the property was part of a girls school but was used as a domestic home from 1914.Ventrolla has completed works on many listed properties and those within conservation areas and work very closely with Conservation and Planning officers in councils as well as English Heritage, Historic Scotland and CADW.Ventrolla offers a bespoke renovation service for timber sliding sash and casement windows as well as timber doors. The central office is in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with additional offices located throughout the UK and Ireland.

CUPA 9 slates have been specified as part of a modern luxury housing development in Yorkshire. The company’s natural Spanish slates were chosen on account of their aesthetic value, long-term durability and competitive pricing.  Set amongst the foothills of the Yorkshire Wolds and with panoramic views of the Humber Estuary, ‘The View’ in Swanland is a luxury 14 house development, which has been led by main developer, Church Gate Homes. The high-end collection of properties has been delivered using premium building solutions, including CUPA PIZARRAS H9, with each property featuring around 10,000 individual slates. Excelling in terms of aesthetics and long-lasting performance, natural roofing slates are capable of enduring extreme temperatures, are fire-resistant and unaffected by UV light. Incredibly durable, solutions manufactured from slate can offer a lifecycle of over 100 years. Additionally, the natural make up of the material ensures that it is also the most sustainable roofing option on the market. Specifically, CUPA 9 is a grey slate with a very smooth surface and is taken from one of CUPA PIZARRAS’ own quarries in Riofrío de Aliste in Northern Spain. With its traditional beauty, the natural slate is ideal for use across heritage projects. However, the stylish aesthetic of the material also lends itself equally well to modern developments, such as ‘The View’ where it can be used to create sleek roof designs. Speaking on the project, Calum Cowham, Marketing Manager at Burton Roofing Merchants Ltd commented: “The project team needed a roofing solution that both looked and performed perfectly. With the CUPA 9 slates that’s exactly what they got. What’s more, the company’s natural slate product range is available at a highly competitive price point, which owes a lot to CUPA PIZARRAS’ efficient and effective production methods.” Martin Sutton, Operations Manager at Church Gate Homes commented: “When working on high-value properties, it is important to offer customers products, which combine durability and aesthetic value. This is exactly what CUPA PIZARRAS slates allowed us to do at ‘The View’. The company’s natural products perfectly suited the prestigious nature of the site.” As well as offering quality slate solutions, the CUPA PIZARRAS specialists were also on hand to assist the installation team at Church Gate Homes with specific advice on how to fit the slates in line with all relevant standards and requirements. Similarly, the installation team benefitted from the onsite support of leading roofing merchant, Burton Roofing Merchants Ltd. Burton Roofing’s team helped to ensure products were safely delivered to site when required and provided further technical assistance where necessary. “The roofing installation at ‘The View’ was very straightforward and the finished results look great,” commented Martin. “The CUPA PIZARRAS slates have provided a clean and tidy appearance, which fits well across all of the properties. What’s more, we were able to carry out the installation with very little waste, which further bolstered the product’s cost-effective and environmental credentials.” To this end, natural slate solutions also have the added benefit of requiring no chemical or heat treatments that need gas during their production. To ensure even greater environmental performance, CUPA PIZARRAS also endeavours to recycle all of its processing water via a closed circuit, and works to restore exhausted quarries by hydroseeding native plants and ensuring the natural recovery of the local flora and fauna. CUPA PIZARRAS has also been recognised and certified by the Carbon Trust as a carbon neutral company. This recognition highlights the company’s comprehensive effort in sustainability and makes it the first slate production company to achieve carbon neutrality within its operations. All properties at ‘The View’ were sold prior to the commencement of the development. Work at the site continues to progress with the project team working to complete the bespoke designs of its individual customers.  

The Access Panel Company's Hinged Tile Door is a discreet storage solution designed to meet the specific needs of a client's bathroom. The client required a storage unit that could also provide access to the plumbing pipes behind the toilet. The Hinged Tile Door is a perfect solution for this need as it allows for easy access to the pipes while maintaining a sleek and stylish look.The Hinged Tile Door is designed to blend seamlessly into the wall, with the gap of the door matching the gap of the grout between the tiles. This design ensures that the door is virtually invisible and does not detract from the overall aesthetic of the bathroom. To further reduce the visibility of the door, a push-to-open touch catch mechanism was included, eliminating the need for a keyhole or escutcheon on the face of the door.The Hinged Tile Door is made from carbon steel and powder coated RAL 9010 as standard, ensuring that it will last for years to come. It is easy to install and provides a secure and reliable storage solution that meets the specific requirements of the client.The Hinged Tile Door is a great example of how The Access Panel Company can provide bespoke solutions to meet the unique needs of our clients. By working closely with the client, The Access Panel Company was able to design and manufacture a product that met all our requirements while maintaining a sleek and modern look. The Hinged Tile Door is an excellent case study of how The Access Panel Company can provide tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of our clients.

In August 2020, we initiated a meeting with the designated mechanical sub-contractor for this prestigious project, the Copr Bay – Swansea Arena. Shortly thereafter, we were provided with the initial product schedule. The schedule outlined the specific requirements for MHS Monoplan Standard Type EK and Secureguard Style B LST radiators, enabling us to conduct a comprehensive quotation pricing exercise.We arranged a meeting and facilitated the presentation of Flat Fronted Panel and LST Ultra radiator samples. The objective was to determine the suitability of our products for the project.Following the submission of samples, we received confirmation that they were approved by both the client, City & County of Swansea Council, and the main contractor. In response to subsequent site alterations and resulting radiator sizing amendments we made the necessary accommodations to ensure accurate quotations and a seamless collaboration.In December 2020, after resolving the sizing amendments, we received a purchase order for the supply of radiators for the Copr Bay – Swansea Arena project.From May to November 2021, the installation of our Flat Fronted Panel and LST Ultra radiators at the Copr Bay – Swansea Arena was successfully completed. This period involved meticulous planning and execution to ensure a successful integration of our products. Throughout the project timeline, Towelrads and CMB Engineering Services (West) demonstrated effective collaboration and adaptability, resulting in the successful completion of the installation phase at the prestigious Copr Bay – Swansea Arena from May to November 2021.

Rockfon is very happy to have played its part in ensuring the team at premium British lifestyle brand Joules’ new Market Harborough HQ can work in an interior environment where beauty and acoustic control create the perfect space for collaboration.Founded by Tom Joule over 30 years ago, the Group had ambitious aspirations to create a new home that would support its continued growth over the coming years.  Edge vision melds contemporary with heritageEdge Architecture + Design were appointed to lead the project and chose to specify Rockfon acoustic systems. The result is a contemporary, eye-catching 60,000 sq. ft. new HQ, which brings the brand’s UK-based office teams under one roof for the first time. Amplifying the brand’s heritage and reflecting the site’s semi-rural setting, the campus resembles a series of interconnecting barn structures that appear to have evolved over time. The complex is surrounded by landscaping including wildflower meadows and a kitchen garden which enhances the natural feel of the space. Michael Fern, Principle at Edge, said, “This new space will enable a workplace strategy of nimbleness, agile working and wellness… We also wanted to create a strong sense of place that respects the natural surroundings of the site and have designed the scheme as a human scale experience with the building and the landscape interacting in a symbiotic way. We took the local farmstead vernacular as a starting point for the visual aesthetic and used sustainable materials.”Tom Joule, Chief Brand Officer and founder of Joules, said, “This has been a hugely exciting project for our company and our future. We are delighted with the new HQ which will support agile working and new efficiencies in an environment that will enable our growing business to continue to attract and retain world-class talent. Edge’s design embodies our brand and will help us preserve and support our heritage and culture as we expand.”Agricultural cues inform an 21st Century aestheticThe exterior of the campus looks sharp against the skyline whilst taking visual cues and inspiration from agricultural architecture. The interiors are a mix of single and two storey spaces encapsulating open plan and more defined rooms with levels reached by broad stairways. Structural steel and timber add visual heft to the predominantly white pallete which sees certain elements picked out in oxide red, deep teal and warm grey. It certainly delivers the wow factor and promises to nurture creative thought.Bailey Construction were the main contractor for the project, with Elmsmere Interior Systems responsible for the installation of the Rockfon acoustic systems. Gary Sturgess of Elmsmere spoke about the project, “This was an interesting project with Rockfon Mono® Acoustic used in a variety of roles and settings to help control sound while fitting in with the clean, pared down style of the interiors. Everyone concerned is very happy with the completed work which showcases Mono’s versatility.”Pandemic pause affects design choicesAppointed in 2019, Joules’ CEO Nick Jones joined the Group during the design and construction of the new HQ. However, when the pandemic struck and people shifted to working from home, construction was halted which allowed the company to revise its plans to best suit new methods of working and office culture. In response the company has expanded the central atrium and created more space between desks to promote spontaneous interaction. Meeting rooms are equipped with tech enabling remote workers to easily participate, while floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor features, including a bug hotel, help to connect the space to the company’s countryside heritage.Nick Jones commented, “With the opening of our new office, we have introduced a new fully flexible approach to how and where our colleagues work, and the space that we have is critical to that. Not only does our new office allow teams to better connect with one and other—whether in the office or working from home—but also brings the countryside in, to help inspire colleagues from across the business.”Rockfon Mono Acoustic – versatility and styleRockfon’s Matt Barratt, “The completed Joules HQ looks fabulous. Throughout its open plan offices Rockfon Mono Acoustic has been installed to great effect, bringing together the seamless, clean lines associated with traditional plastered surfaces and acoustic performance thought only possible with modular systems. Large windows, structural steel and other hard architectural elements can generate unwanted sound within a space. Mono provides Class A sound absorption (0.95αw) which significantly decreases echo and reverberation levels.”The current utility aesthetic is in evidence at ‘the Barn’. Air conditioning, heating, ventilation and other services are on show in several areas, with Mono installed directly above. It offers Class A2 fire protection and remains dimensionally stable at up to 100% relative humidity. It offers 87% light reflection and greater than 99% light diffusion. In common with other Rockfon acoustic systems, Mono is made with a core of naturally occurring inert volcanic rock stonewall, is non-combustible and will not harbour harmful microorganisms and bacteria. It can be installed using a suspended grid system or be directly mounted on to the ceiling soffit or and wall.   

Client: BOC Car CentreLocation: Bolton, EnglandYear: 2022Project size: 1720 m²Vebro systems: vebroscreed Industrial , vebrores EP HBC, vebrores EP SCSubstrate repair and a level, durable, safe floor finish was required to replace the previously installed tiles at BOC Car Centre, a car showroom in Bolton, England.Long established in the Bolton area having opened in 1973, BOC Car Centre aims to provide a pleasant, welcoming environment for its customers and has built a positive, trusted reputation in its 50 years of trading.Jawed Patel of BOC Car Centre said of the project: “I am really pleased with Vebro Polymers… The coatings have really set our showroom floor off and look amazing!”The showroom, which is situated alongside a number of other dealerships, has approximately 200 used cars for sale at any one time, arranged over a ground floor and raised mezzanine level.With daily wheeled traffic from the movement of its fleet of vehicles, as well as sustained foot traffic from its large customer base, the ground floor and mezzanine at BOC Car Centre required a safe, hard wearing solution.vebroscreed Industrial, vebrores EP SC and vebrores EP HBC have been chosen to transform the floor at BOC Car Centre, Bolton, delivering a level, safe and durable surface underfoot.Prior to the installation of Vebro Polymers flooring materials, the concrete substrate on the showroom’s ground floor had been levelled using a calcium sulphate screed, which are known for their extended drying times and higher moisture content.In order to allow the screed to breathe, vebroscreed EP SC was chosen to overcoat this area.The mezzanine area was transformed as part of the second phase, beginning with mechanical preparation of the substrate, followed by Vebro Polymers’ vebroscreed Industrial and vebrores EP HBC.Bitumen residue was removed from the substrate, before epoxy primer and sand scatter was applied to act as a scratch coat. vebroscreed Industrial was then installed at 7.0 mm across the ground floor of the facility, to level the surface prior to the installation of Vebro Polymers resin coating materials.vebroscreed Industrial is a deep-fill, rapid-setting and hardening, high strength cementitious smoothing underlayment screed that can be overcoated with resin in as little as 24 hours between 5.0 and 15.0 mm.After a coat of vebro EP Sealer (Matt), acting as a primer, vebrores EP HBC was applied across the lower floor in a combination of RAL 7035 Light Grey and RAL 7037 Dusty Grey, with the darker shade applied as car bays to provide a simple, yet effective backdrop for the vehicles for sale.The two-coat, high build epoxy system provides a durable and resistant finish underfoot, ideal for a car showroom where there is consistent wheeled traffic.

IntroductionThe Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray has been installed as part of a new-build project, Addiscombe Oaks in South London, helping to safeguard the development from fire and future building regulation changes.OverviewAddiscombe Oaks is a residential housing development designed by Gardner Stewart Architects (GSA) and developed by L&Q. This new-build development offers a selection of contemporary studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments. Conveniently located in East Croydon, residents of Addiscombe Oaks will benefit from quick transport links into London Bridge, Brighton and Gatwick airport, in addition to nearby shopping centres and parks.Working alongside brickwork contractor Lee Marley Brickwork, Keyfix supplied 2,200 metres of its Non-Combustible Cavity Tray (NCCT), 434 preformed Corner Units, 1,362 preformed Reveal Returns, 8,700 weep vents, as well as Non-combustible Cavity Tray Lintels (NCCTL) over 264 openings.The primary objective for the client was to ensure that the building was constructed in line with updated building regulations, and to ensure that the building would be future-proofed against potential regulation changes. Keyfix was able to meet this objective, as its NCCT is designed to last for the life of the building. The Keyfix NCCT is a fully compliant, A1 fire-rated system, manufactured using Class A1 Non-combustible Grade 304 austenitic stainless steel, resulting in a lifespan of 125+ years for the entire system. Therefore, its use ensures that the building is protected, should building regulations become stricter in the future.ChallengeFurthermore, the main challenge the client faced on the project was keeping to the tight project timeframes. The project ran from October 2021 to August 2022, and the main contractor required an accredited solution which could be delivered in line with the tight-build programme. Keyfix resolved this challenge by supplying products which improved buildability. In particular, the provision of preformed corner units helped to significantly save time on installation.SolutionThe Keyfix NCCT was specified due to its ‘self-supporting one-piece system’ which allows for an easy and efficient installation. The NCCT’s unique design incorporates a stainless steel tray to provide rigid self-support across the clear cavity and requires no reinforcement from the internal structure using mastics or tapes. This design saves precious time for the bricklayer and eliminates clashes with other components.Likewise, the Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray Lintel was specified due to its A1 Fire Rating, high performance stainless steel, and ease of installation. As the NCCTL requires no tape or mastics, it is a system that allows the contractor to ‘fix and forget’. The design of the NCCTL also incorporates mechanically fixed Stop Ends to capture and channel water outwards via the Keyfix NCW (Non-combustible Weep). The NCCTL is the maintenance-free solution that can accommodate openings up to 2822.5mm, with lintel lengths based on brickwork opening sizes with the range based on 215mm stretcher bond as standard.Moreover, Keyfix supports its clients with the provision of a technical review of architects drawings and a comprehensive schedule and location layout plan on every project. On Addiscombe Oaks, Keyfix engaged with L&Q and Lee Marley Brickwork early on so that any challenges could be resolved before construction took place, ensuring that the project ran smoothly. Keyfix’s team attended design meetings, followed up with calls to site, and provided a Tool Box Talk and CPD webinar presentations to provide technical support and educational resources alongside its products.Martyna Kielbasa, Senior Design and Technical Manager at L&Q commented: “The non-combustible cavity tray was specified as it aligned with the non-combustible scheme throughout the whole development. Keyfix’s representatives supported our subcontractor throughout the construction process by assisting with technical reviews, itemised schedules and sign-offs on specs.”Commenting on the NCCT, Kieran Coyle of Keyfix stated, “The Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray is an A1 fire-rated system, ensuring our customers peace of mind as their buildings are future-proofed and safeguarded against fire, in addition to onsite efficiency.”Addiscombe Oaks is now complete, with the Keyfix Non-Combustible Cavity Tray system having played an essential role in the construction of a safe residential development that is future-proof against possible regulation changes.

Building an outdoor garden and entertaining space with a fab kitchen area that’s the envy of all your friends and neighbours is something many of us only dream about. The new series of Love Your GardenIn the new series of Love Your Garden with Alan Titchmarsh, landscaping experts Cotswold Garden Renovation Services LTD built a beautiful stone columned kitchen with a porcelain slab countertop using Power Grab ‘n’ Bond to secure everything in position for a long-lasting finish, guaranteed to last for a lifetime. Harry & Jamie only use the best materialsHarry Barnes & Jamie Johnstone of Cotswold Garden Renovation are leading the great garden revolution. They’ve shown that with passion and skills anything is possible and provide landscaping expertise for ITV’s Love Your Garden alongside garden designers Alan Titchmarch, Francis Tophill, David Domoney, Katie Rushworth and Danny Clarke.They believe in always using the best quality tools, materials and trusted brands. Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is developed by leading British manufacturers CT1, the No1 sealant and adhesive in the UK. CT1 is always leading and providing the industry with the very latest technology. Now thanks to its unique ‘Tribrid®’ technology Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is a revolutionary product in the field of heavy-duty versatile bonding. Building a outdoor kitchen using Power Grab ‘n’ BondIn their latest project Harry and Jamie hand built a series of vertical stone columns that were then braced together with wide metal strips. Usually these would have to be fitted using mechanical fixings, requiring holes to be drilled through the stone and heavy bolts fitted with their thick heads protruding above the metal braces. As 20mm porcelain slabs were being fitted on top, these protruding bolts were going to be a major issue. Power Grab ‘n’ Bond provided the perfect solution as it’s the ultimate grab adhesive, eliminating the use of mechanical fixings completely and coupled with the rapid curing will, in most projects, save 50% labour time and cost.Using a heavy-duty caulking gun, Harry and Jamie applied Power Grab ‘n’ Bond straight from the cartridge, onto the metal braces and after 4-5minutes fixed directly them into place. Why use Power Grab ‘n’ Bond?With phenomenal initial grab, this fast curing, non-shrinking and almost odourless adhesive secured the braces firmly with immediate effect.Three times stronger than regular hybrid polymers, the ‘Tribrid®’ technology in Power Grab n Bond ensures longer colour retention, incredible durability and flexibility, even when applied outdoors.Yet Power Grab ‘n’ Bond will remain flexible and resist vibrations caused by cooking equipment, barbecuing and constant use. It won’t dry out, nor become brittle and works perfectly in temperatures ranging from 90°C right down to the mind numbing cold -40°C. Power Grab ‘n’ Bond will successfully stick to any material in most applications Not only does it successfully stick all metals (including alloys), but Power Grab also ‘n’ Bond has a capacity to adhere to a wide range of materials such as stone, granite, ytong, marble, concrete, wood, MDF, fiberglass, glass, polystyrene, mirrors and most plastics (except PP, PE and PTFE). Furthermore, its ability to bond combined materials such as wood to concrete or stainless steel to stone is incredible. Power Grab ‘n’ Bond removes the need for mechanical fixings!Originally created for facades and heavy stonework such as the installation of quoins, the versatility, strength and reliability of Power Grab ‘n’ Bond means it now used more widely by professional shop and kitchen fitters as well as specialist trades, landscapers and bathroom installers. It is tested by a UKAS Accredited lab to BS EN 12003 (Determination of shear adhesion strength of reaction resin adhesives) and BS EN1308 (Determination of slip resistance).After fitting the braces Harry and Jamie applied Power Grab ‘n’ Bond to the top side of the metal strips and laid 900x900x20mm thick heavy duty porcelain slabs in place to form the countertop of the external kitchen. How strong is Power Grab ‘n’ Bond?Power Grab ‘n’ Bond is a single part solvent free solution, with a far greater density, allowing phenomenal initial grab, even on vertical installations, and offers a final tensile strength of 22kg per cm2 when fully cured. These metal braces and porcelain slabs aren’t going anywhere soon and will provide a lifetime of outdoor dining for the homeowners. Where can I get Power Grab ‘n’ Bond?Grab also ‘n’ Bond is made in Britain with British technology and British design. Its available now in all good builders merchants nationwide and online from www.ct1.com

Museum of London - Visionary RoofSynopsisThe Museum of London opened in 1976 on the historic London Wall and is a few minutes’ walk from St Paul’s Cathedral. A visionary approach to roofing had been adopted on a building that, will not only green as much of the exposed roofs as possible, but also provide a strong research aspect for future green roof projects. As with many buildings, the original roofs needed to be upgraded or replaced, at the same time as being brought up to date using environmental and sustainable solutions.Through the recommendation of waterproofing and green roof manufacturer Bauder Ltd, the Museum invited Dusty Gedge, one of the UK’s leading independent green roof consultants, to work directly with them to design 3500m² of varying habitats that encompassed the museum’s sustainable vision. and help in the provision of environments that would attract a range of wildlife, as well as being able to help the city adapt to climate change.Bauder Building BoardProject:Visionary roof, Muesum of LondonLocation:LondonProject type:RefurbishmentRoof size:9512m²Specifier:Museum of LondonRoofing contractor:Russell Trew LtdThe specificationAn independent consultant had previously carried out an energy model on the Museum of London buildings. When the museum inputted the green roof specification, it showed a potential energy saving of 10% per year, as well as a reduction on the future replacement costs of the heating and cooling plant. Some of the green roofs were funded through Drain London, a partnership project led by the Greater London Authority and funded by Defra. The project aims to better understand surface water flood risk across London, with a view to promote interventions (such as green roofs) to reduce surface water flooding. The museum has used the Bauder green roof system and worked closely with Dan Costen of Bauder and the roofing contractor Russell Trew Ltd, to deliver the various green roof spaces.These include:The refurbishment of the lower garden in the central courtyard with hard landscapingThe installation of Bauder’s new wildflower blanket to the upper garden in the central courtyard (funded through Drain London)Plug planting the roofs of the recently completed garden and terrace rooms that provide high quality corporate hire (matching the colour scheme chosen for the rotunda garden refurbishment and integrated with the new rainwater harvesting system funded by Renaissance London)An integrated sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS)Plug planting in other individual small roof areas including outside the boardroom and committee roomsTwo different planting schemes on an area of the main museum roof where the Drain London Project aims to carry out water attenuation researchThe resultRetrofitting green roofs will help to realise the Mayor of London’s ambition, to increase green cover in central London by 5% by 2030. The Museum of London is one of the largest retrofit green roof projects in the City and is certainly to be commended for allowing its roofs to be used for research purposes. Not only will it provide a benchmark for best practice, but it also demonstrates that retrofitting green roofs onto existing buildings is both environmentally and economically viable and is the way forward in helping London adapt to climate change.System installedBauderflex Green 1 BauderPLANT E 42A torch applied SBS elastomeric bitumen capping sheet. This product features chemically treated bitumen to deliver superior root resistance which has been tested and approved by the FLL2 BauderTEC Sprint DUOA self-adhesive elastomeric bitumen underlayer with DUO lap technology. This product has a glass fleece reinforcement feature for stability and strength.3 BauderPIR FA-TEFlatboard insulation boards containing rigid polyisocyanurate (PIR).4 BauderTEC KSD FBSA self-adhesive SBS elastomeric bitumen air & vapour control layer, with a mica finish.XF 301 Sedum System1 BauderGREEN XF 301Sedum vegetation blanket instantly providing at least 90% coverage on an extensive green roof. Integrated water retention and filter layer.2 BauderGREEN AL 4040mm high perforated edge/drainage trim frames and retains the Bauder XF 301 sedum system.3 BauderGREEN SDFMulti-functional drainage and filtration layer which prevents the roots of sedum plants from becoming waterlogged.4 BauderPLANT ETorch-on root-resistant capping sheet green.AdvocacyGavin McCourt MRICS, Project Manager for The Museum of London said:“In producing the business case for installing green roofs, reference was made to the extensive published documents on the benefits of green roofs. In this case as the museum building had already been energy modelled by outside consultants, it was decided to input the green roof specification into the model. The results showed a potential energy saving of 10% per year, as well as a reduction in future replacement costs for heating and cooling plant. These factors, combined with the longer life cycle replacement of green roofs compared with normal felt roofing systems, enabled me to produce a robust business case for green roofs. With increasing energy prices the economic benefits of installing green roofs can only become more viable”Dusty Gedge added:“One of the major issues that London faces is flash floods during the summer, when sudden rainfall levels overwhelm the current drainage network. With the support of Drain London we will be researching the rainwater run-off for different green roofs. This will help us validate the kind of roofs and depth of substrates that will negate the costly effects that the sudden rainfall has on the infrastructure of the City.”

Burton Green Primary School is located in the historic city of York, an outstanding school at the heart of a local community this primary school strives for excellence. The challenging and nurturing learning environment allows children to learn and grow, while achieving the highest potential possible in all areas of the 21st century curriculum.When the roof began showing signs of ageing, it was clear that a long-term solution was required. Working with Project Managers Charles Garth and Principal Contractor Castle Special Projects, Polyroof would work towards providing the best solution to refurbish the ageing roof.The work required and condition of the roof needed to be established first, to do this a survey was scheduled to take place. The survey was conducted on roofing area and it was determined that there were 6 flat roofs that required refurbishment. Areas 1 to 2 were constructed of a built up felt with mineral cap sheet, 50mm PUR insulation, bituminous vapour control, asphalt, 12mm fibreboard and a 50mm woodwood slab deck with timber joists. Areas 3 to 5 were constructed of a built up felt with mineral cap sheet, 50mm Jablite insulation, bituminous vapour control, asphalt, 12mm fibreboard and a 50mm wood wool slab deck with timber joists. Roof area 6 was made up of built-up felt with mineral cap, plywood and timber joist. The original build-up of roofs 1 to 5 needed to be stripped back to the asphalt due to the aged condition of the built-up felt, numerous leak reports were reported. Roof 6 and its original waterproofing was to be retained and made good, later this surface would act as the substrate for the new waterproofing system.Once the survey was completed, a bespoke specification was written and it was recommended that the roofing areas would all benefit from a high-performance waterproofing system. In addition to this it was specified that the roof would be thermally upgraded to reduce the risk of condensation and provide lower fuel bills and energy consumption for Primary School further adding benefits to making improvements to the roof.Liquid Roofing Limited an experienced roofing contractor and Polyroof Approved Contractor was chosen to undertake the work to this project. The proposed system for this project would be Polyroof Protec Warm Roof System. Protec’s liquid roof membrane has a unique flexible hybrid polymer formulation and can be applied to virtually all common roof surfaces.The areas that were required for installation firstly needed to be stripped and removed back to the asphalt, areas 1 to 5 required this. Area 6 was then repaired of any defects and made good where necessary. All roofs required a deep clean, removing any dirt or debris that remained from the first stage. Once this preparation was completed an Air & Vapour Control Layer (AVCL) was then installed to roof areas 1 to 5 making sure that all surfaces are smooth and without voids.Using a Polyroof Twin Pack Insulation Adhesive the Polyroof RES insulation (T&G) boards were bonded and laid to each of the 6 roof areas completing the second stage of the warm roof upgrade. Before the last stage of the installation could begin all joints in the insulation were sealed using taping matt and Polyroof Protec Resin. Polyroof’s extra-tough GRP trims were then installed to create neat and robust edge detailing for exposed perimeters before the main Protec system application commenced.During the project there were some challenging aspects that required care and attention. The project featured a large array of different details ranging from installation of new substrates and trims for parapet walls to the removal of and preservation of tiles/cladding so that the Protec system could be applied correctly. These features required delicate work so that the original tiles/cladding could be reinstated after the application of the system was completed. During the project the rooflight that was originally in place was removed and replaced with a new, before this could happen the Protec system was taken up the upstands and then sealed under flange.Once the project was completed within the relevant time frame of the client and within the budget specified, the Polyroof Technical Services team conducted a detailed inspection showing a high level of workmanship which lead to the client gaining the trusted Polyroof Accredited System Guarantee.

Altro solution brings life to design-led Hull birth centreA complete floors and walls solution from Altro has been used to create a relaxing, stylish home from home environment for mums-to-be in a new birth centre at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital.The new midwife-led Fatima Allam Birth Centre meets the needs of women who want a more natural childbirth experience.Andrew Ledger, contracts manager for Apleona, which provides facilities management for the building, oversaw the new construction and was part of the team that devised the overall concept.“We specified Altro floors and walls from the start because we are using these products elsewhere in the hospital with a great deal of success. They meet all our clinical hygiene and infection control needs, while also offering a superb range of colours and textures, which makes them ideal for creating a modern and stylish environment.“The quality and durability of Altro is a major factor too because, as a PFI project, the long-term cost is under close scrutiny.Adele Howitt, from Studio Eleven Gallery & Workshop in Hull, won a commission from the hospital to design the interior concept.“Once we had decided on colours, we worked closely with Altro to look at the specific products. They completely understood our practical and aesthetic needs.”“I used Altro Whiterock Digiclad to create statement walls from floor to ceiling. This is a fantastic product for design-led projects because you can print any image or photograph onto it, and the quality is superb.”Adele chose Altro Whiterock Satins for the shower rooms. She says “It has some wonderful shades, and the subtle, sheer texture is very stylish.”Flooring for the birth centre was key to creating the homely, nonclinical feel. Andrew Ledger and the project team wanted natural, warm, wood-effect flooring and chose Altro Wood.Andrew says: “Wet areas in clinical environments need to be very safe underfoot, so we chose Altro Pisces safety flooring for both the shower rooms and around the birthing pool. This flooring performs superbly in both wet or dry conditions, and with bare feet or shoes, so it’s perfect for keeping both patients and staff safe. Altro Pisces also looks good enough to work within our design themes and there are some great colours.”The flooring was installed by Floorcovers UK. Partner Phil Morris said: “For quality and reliability Altro is the best, and they are a pleasure to work with."The Altro wall sheet was fitted by Richardson Claddings. Owner Joe Richardson comments:“The beauty of the Altro walls system is that it is so quiet, easy and clean to install. Altro sends the sheets to us ready-cut, which means minimal cutting or shaping on site.”Andrew Ledger says: “We get a lot of medical professionals visiting from around the world and they say the centre is the best of its kind they have seen anywhere.“Most importantly, the mothers who have given birth here are thrilled with it too.“After each birth, the rooms are completely disinfected and cleaned, and the Altro floors and walls are proving very easy to maintain.“We are delighted with this amazing facility.”

Rockfon was given the opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of its specialist ranges to meet the specific needs of a wide range of spaces while contributing to the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ environmental status of this stunning project.This new five storey medical school enables students to experience real life situations encountered by those in the medical profession. It includes lecture theatres, laboratories, a clinical skills suite with mock consultation rooms to simulate hospital wards or a GP surgery, a pro-section anatomy suite and bio-medical and health sciences library. Professor Mary Stuart was University of Lincoln Vice Chancellor at the time, “It represents more than just a building – it is a commitment to current and future communities in Lincolnshire to develop sustainable healthcare for the region.” HLM were the client architects, ‘The scheme has been modelled to create the optimal sustainable environment through informed decisions on site layout, massing, orientation, building fabric, elevational treatment and Integrated renewable energy systems. To further enhance student mental health and wellbeing, the scheme uses biophilic design principles including natural lighting and ventilation, visual links to natural landscape features and natural materials.’Meeting and exceeding client aspirationsShradha Mishra was Project Manager for the Estates Department at University of Lincoln. At its completion she said, “The Lincoln Medical School… has had a strong focus on sustainability throughout the design and construction process. With this in mind, the strategy for the building required exposed ceilings and therefore it was important to review and manage the acoustic requirements of the spaces to ensure a suitable working and teaching environment. Following extensive design and consultation with acoustic engineers, Rockfon were recommended for installation across the project which included a variety of both suspended ceiling grid tiles and acoustic baffles in open plan areas to support the absorption of sound.”BAM were main contractors for the project with BAM Design leading architectural design. Brebur Limited were responsible for the installation of ceiling and wall systems at Lincoln. Operations Director Vinny Lilley had this to say, “We have an excellent relationship with Rockfon. Their wide range of specialist products always ensures the architectural vision is achieved. They are always on-hand to offer technical advice and commercial acumen, with around 2,500sqm of tile and grid components being supplied by regional distributors.Acoustics reducing stress and enhancing healthAcoustic Rockfon Eclipse® islands are utilised within open plan areas where they are suspended on wires from the soffit, giving the illusion that they float. They can be specified in a variety of shapes with unlimited custom colour matching. Eclipse islands are perfect for thermal mass installations and where a traditional suspended ceiling cannot be installed. At Lincoln they are also present as wall panels to further control sound.Improved acoustics can increase focus by 48% and reduce stress levels by 27%, which aids learning and wellbeing (independent research). The high light reflectance characteristics of Rockfon ceiling and wall systems also help reduce the need for artificial light, saving energy and enhancing health.Elsewhere within the school, Rockfon Blanka® is installed. Available in a wide range of sound control and durability performance characteristics, its non-directional, anti-static surface prolongs product life. The range embodies Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection, >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation >26dB. Rockfon’s Chris Carr-Elliman, “All Rockfon ranges are made from inert volcanic rock (stone wool) which offers no sustenance to microorganisms and demonstrates outstanding reaction to fire. Most are available in a full range of formats including concealed, semi-concealed and visible grid options from our extensive Chicago Metallic grid systems.” Specialist ranges for every spaceHTM 60 compliant Rockfon Medicare was the perfect fit at Lincoln where it offers outstanding performance in terms of infection control. Simple cleaning and low particle emission (ISO Class 4) also mark it out as a first choice for healthcare specification, along with its Class A sound absorption and highest fire safety (Class A1). Also within the building, the superior moisture resistant properties and wipe clean surface of Rockfon® Koral™ were important considerations for its use. Affordable, Rockfon® Artic™ was also put to good use in several areas at the school. In common with other Rockfon ranges, both Koral and Artic offer excellent sound absorption and fire safety characteristics.Shradha Mishra continued, “Since completion of the building, we have had positive feedback from building users about both the aesthetic appearance of the Rockfon products along with the acoustic performance of them.” 

THE PROJECTThe One City Park development, designed by architect Sheppard Robson, is being built on a former police HQ site, is the first Grade A office scheme delivered in Bradford city centre for 20 years to address the need for high-quality offices. As a five-storey high rise building, the basement required an effective below-ground waterproofing solution to the main building core that would be fully compliant with the client's requirements and the relevant codes of practice and stand the test of time. The main contractor for the project, Caddick Construction engaged specialist concrete contractor Howard Civil Engineering for the basement build who then contacted Fosroc for assistance in producing a tailored waterproofing specification solution that would address the requirements of the project. As a trusted supplier of building materials and technical specification advice, Howard Civil Engineering has utilised Fosroc’s products for many other projects previously.THE SOLUTIONFosroc specified a full product solution for installation in accordance with BS8102 supported by a fully detailed waterproofing design provided by Waterproofing Design Services Limited. This included one of Fosroc’s innovative self-healing Supercast CWA product – crystalline waterproofing additive for concrete, Supercast SW20 and Supercast SWX waterstops in conjunction with Proofex Engage waterproofing and Proofex Total damp proof membranes. Materials were available to order ready to commence installation when required.THE BENEFITSThe main core works and basement project element is now complete, allowing the next construction phase to continue. Fosroc’s Supercast CWA will allow any small cracks to ‘heal’ with free lime crystal before they create damp problems, and the tough damp and water proof membranes will protect against ground gas, chemicals and corrosion. As the Fosroc products are designed to work together, a truly reliable and robust solution is delivered that keeps long-term costs of repair and maintenance to a minimum. Additionally, the contractor was able to access high quality technical advice from specification through to application, allowing them to mitigate potential problems and delays before they happened.

Project OverviewClient: Mather & SmithFinish: Powdertech Anomatch™A prestigious residential block in London’s Knightsbridge was designed to feature stripes, or ‘fins’, of beautiful anodised aluminium running vertically up the building. The metallic sheen of these vertical fins would form a continual line giving a stylish and contrasting definition to the pale red brick of the exterior. The window sills would also be anodised aluminium.The ProblemThe aluminium fins are 4m in length and intended to be seamlessly joined after anodising to provide the effect of one continuous metallic stripe. It quickly became apparent that the anodising process was not able to provide a consistent shade on the metal. Every strip was a slightly different colour and once erected on the building the patchwork effect was untidy and unsatisfactory. The smallest inconsistencies in shade, within an area intended to be homogenous, will mar an intended visual effect.The SolutionPowdertech Anomatch™ achieves a similar appearance as anodising, enhancing the metal with a soft sheen. Furthermore, it provides excellent colour stability and consistency between batches, regardless of the origin of the metal, and negates any differences in base material grain. Powdertech Corby became involved in the project when the developer had aluminium fins and window sills in different stages of preparation, many already anodised, some part-finished and others unprepared. Powdertech Corby collected all of the aluminium in its various states and chemically stripped the anodised fins back to base metal, before processing and coating 500 square metres of aluminium in Anomatch™ 547.Despite the varying states of the aluminium on arrival at Powdertech, Anomatch™ gave a consistent colour to every piece, thus meeting the design brief for the vertical fins, window cills and copings uniformly throughout the development.Benefits of using AnomatchConsistent colour shade between batchesExcellent resistance against corrosion.Cost savings as lower grade aluminium can be used, rather than the high grade needed for anodising.Faster turnaround than anodising.Sections can be drilled or cut without fracturing the coating.Steel can be coated with Anomatch™

Woldgate School secured £1.3 million for improvements to its buildings from the Department for Education. The funds were to cover work including the removal and replacement of external walls not of brick construction, as well as windows and doors, many of which were the originals from when the school was first built. Profile 22 Approved Window Contractor Kingfisher Windows was appointed principal contractor for the works. The company undertook the design, manufacture and installation of the window element of the project and worked closely with trusted sub-contractors to deliver other aspects to the high standards the project demanded.