"walls"

THE PROJECTThe Safety Letterbox Company are excited to be involved in the re-development of the historic Television Centre project. Previously home to the BBC since it’s launch in 1960, the Television Centre has been re-developed to provide private residential apartments, offices, television studios, restaurants and a range of other health & wellness amenities.The Safety Letterbox Company worked directly with the Stirling prize award-winning architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris and bespoke joinery and carpentry specialists, Atlantic Contracts on the project.THE PRODUCTAllford Hall Monaghan Morris architects had a specific design requirement for the integration of the mailboxes in the development. The product had to feature a minimalistic design finish, ensuring the mailbox blended into the project location, whilst enhancing the overall design of the area of installation.The development required multiple banks of mailboxes, with each bank located in lobby areas throughout the project, allowing residents to quickly collect their mail when passing through the space. The installation wall features a convex curve that gives a unique layout to the bank of mailboxes.As is popular with prestigious projects, the sub-contractor required a site survey which The Safety Letterbox Company completed to ensure an understanding of the site profile was used, also enabling any outstanding issues to be resolved before progressing.All of the mailboxes have been recessed within the wall, optimising the space in the lobby area and ensuring that all health and safety requirements are achieved in the project walkways.The mailbox models used were the NW2 and COM 2 – 180 mailboxes. Both of these mailbox models are extremely popular having been used on notable projects including Fitzroy Place and King’s Cross Tapestry (NW2), Barratt Homes – Nine Elms and Reflections (COM 2).The bank of COM 2 mailboxes are finished in a high-quality non-standard Bronze colour finish (code: D2525 YW283F), and the bank of NW2 mailboxes use a designer colour finish (Tiger Hochwetterfest | 068/15069). Both of these finishes conform the specific project branding guidelines and match other project hardware. Mailboxes are engraved in a contrasting silver numbering etched on to the face of the mailbox, corresponding to the resident’s apartment number.USE AS A TV STUDIOThe Television Centre development is now home to a variety of daytime TV programmes including This Morning, Lorraine, Good Morning Britain, Loose Women and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.The Centre was initially used as a short-term location for filming ITV television programmes whilst their home in ‘The London Studios’, located in Waterloo, London, was redeveloped. In October 2018 it was announced that this would be the permanent home for filming going forward.Take a look at the video below featuring Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby talking about their new home in the Television Centre development and a little about the history of the location.

The Moores Orthopaedic Clinic, located in the picturesque village of Upton Grey, Basingstoke, has completed a major new build project to deliver a specialist veterinary orthopaedic clinic, featuring a 21st century interior using bespoke fitted furniture from David Bailey Furniture Systems Ltd.This successful project called for the design of a veterinary facility that could seamlessly blend innovation, hygiene, and efficiency. The practice also needed to have spaces that catered to various needs, from patient care areas to preparation rooms and theatres.Additionally, as this was a new build contract, it was essential to ensure that every piece of fitted furniture matched the architect's vision and the practice's functional requirements.To deliver the project, The Moores Orthopaedic Clinic partnered with architects, ACD Projects and ACG Contractors Limited. David Bailey Furniture, known for its expertise in crafting bespoke fitted furniture solutions, was chosen as the supplier and manufacturer.The areas within the facility where David Bailey Furniture products were installed included the dog ward, corridors, preparation room, sterilisation room, sterile stores, operating theatres, and a tearoom.A wide range of fitted furniture products were supplied including double base units, double sink base units and open tall, wall and double drawer base units. The selected finish for the furniture was a classic S040 White Frontage, featuring white MFC carcasses with MDF doors featuring chrome D handles.David Bailey Furniture also supplied several bespoke elements such as bullnose fully moulded worktops with ABS lipping in S040 white; worktops, which were also mitred in specific areas for a clean and seamless finish, together with sloping tops, which were added to all wall units to ensure infection control compliance.The collaboration between ACD Projects, ACG Contractors Limited, and David Bailey Furniture led to meticulous planning, numerous revisions, and strict attention to detail during the design and verification phases. The outcome was a veterinary facility that not only met but exceeded the client's expectations. “We are delighted with our new fitted furniture from David Bailey. The quality is excellent and the overall impact is stunning. David Bailey proved to be easy to work with as our plans developed.” commented Richard Hoile, Managing Director, The Moores Orthopaedic Clinic.The Moores Orthopaedic Clinic now boasts a contemporary and functional space that aligns with their commitment to delivering exceptional veterinary care. The bespoke fitted furniture solutions from David Bailey Furniture have played a vital role in creating an environment that promotes the well-being of both patients and staff.The successful completion of this project is another example of the capability of David Bailey Furniture to provide tailored fitted solutions that cater to the unique needs of veterinary healthcare facilities, ensuring that they can deliver the highest standards of care while maintaining operational efficiency and aesthetics.

Job:Wilton House BelfastSmet Supported Partner:Kelly Bros Contracting for Poplar Investments LtdProducts:bauprocalc KG – Hydraulic Lime-Based Skim Coatbauprocalc 830 – Hydraulic Lime-Based Render/PlasterRelated DownloadsTDS CASEA bauprocalc KG – Hydraulic Lime-Based Skim CoatTDS CASEA bauprocalc 830 – Hydraulic Lime Based Render/PlasterEPD – CASEA bauprocalc 830SMET and Haldane Fisher NHL BrochureCLEAN WALL® BrochureDescriptionbauprocalc KG – Hydraulic Lime-Based Skim Coat and bauprocalc 830 – Hydraulic Lime-Based Render/Plaster was selected for the internal plastering and external render in the renovation of this important historical building in Belfast. Principal building contractor, Kelly Bros. on behalf of Poplar Investments Ltd was tasked with this mammoth renovation project which comprised 15 Luxury Apartments, in-situ concrete frame, brick and render & Zinc standing seam Facade, completed with a flat roof.WHY USE LIME-BASED RENDER AND PLASTER?SMET’s bauprocalc products are CE-marked, factory-produced hydraulic hardening skim coat plasters and render based on lime, specially designed for hand and machine application produced to DIN EN 998-1. bauprocalc KG and bauprocalc 830 contribute to a healthy internal atmosphere. They are an excellent alternative to plaster and renders containing gypsum or patent cement that have less vapour permeable qualities.They are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and rooms where high humidity levels are expected. bauprocalc KG produces a mortar that is softer than cement mortar. After the initial set, stability and strength gradually build up over time, allowing enough flexibility to cope with minor settlement or movement in the building during this period, thereby reducing the risk of cracking.bauprocalc 830 has unique properties, making it suitable for application on low, medium and high-density substrates, especially suited for the renovation of old /listed buildings and ecological new builds. Good vapour permeability performance allows an unhindered transference of excess internal moisture through the building to the outside, thereby contributing significantly to a balanced and healthy internal atmosphere.SMET is delighted to have supplied its bauprocalc plaster and render for the lime rendering and plastering of Wilton House, helping Poplar Investments Ltd & Kelly Bros transform the 19th-century Belfast city centre building into unique, hotel-like, serviced apartments. Michael Brannigan from Poplar Investments said, “Historical features are preserved not only in the appearance of the building but also in the actual buildup, which was exemplified by the use of lime plaster as it was done 200 years ago to ensure wall breathability” (Source: NB 32-4).Check out SMET’s range of lime and lime-based products available from Smet Building Products Ltd.

Central M40, a 70 acre industrial estate situated off J11 of the M40 in Banbury, comprises six warehouses totalling over 1 million sq ft of accommodation – equivalent to roughly 17 football pitches. The estate was developed speculatively by db Symmetry*, who specified CA Group’s robust Twin-Therm® Built-up Roof and Wall systems.A key component of the Twin-Therm® building envelope system is Therma-Quilt, a bespoke high-performance Glass Mineral Wool insulation. It is manufactured by Knauf Insulation specifically for CA Group and is the result of a long standing partnership between the two companies.Therma-Quilt is ideally suited for non-residential cladding applications. It offers outstanding performance and functionality available in different thicknesses to support the Twin-Therm® system, delivering enhanced thermal U-values as low as 0.09W/m2K. It is non-combustible with a Euroclass A1 Reaction to Fire Classification, meaning it will not contribute to the development or the spread of a fire.Therma-Quilt is also a high-performing acoustic insulation. In Twin-Therm® roof applications, it helps reduce the drumming effect of rainwater, while in Twin-Therm® wall applications, it aids with sound reduction and can minimise the reverberation of internal sound when used in conjunction with perforated metal liner sheets. Therma-Quilt has been developed with water resistance in mind and uses materials that help prevent water ingress.The Twin-Therm® system has been designed with sustainability in mind and Therma-Quilt is no exception. Knauf Insulation’s Glass Mineral Wool products contain up to 80% recycled materials. This saves on virgin raw materials and energy demands, cuts carbon emissions, and reduces waste going to landfill.It is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binder, so it is more environmentally-friendly.Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort.In total, more than 70 tonnes of Therma-Quilt insulation were used on the six megasheds on the Central M40 development. While the industrial estate was built speculatively, its strategic location has previously attracted premium occupiers including Hellofresh, Prodrive Motorsport, TVS Supply Chain Solutions and Rinkit.Thanks to the Twin-Therm® system with its Therma-Quilt insulation, the warehouses have achieved BREEAM ‘Very Good’ ratings, while the businesses using them will enjoy more comfortable, warmer and safer working environments – and lower energy costs. *db Symmetry has rebranded as Tritax Symmetry

Today’s students demand a high standard of living, and with 348 beds, separate study and social spaces, a dining room and gym, The Malthouse, new luxury apartments in Wilder Street, Bristol have been designed to provide it.Spread over five stories, the external envelope features a combination of different coloured brickwork and rainscreen cladding. AWW Architects had specified non-combustible insulation to meet the requirements of building regulations in England and Wales, which ban the use of combustible materials on the external walls of certain types of buildings over 18m.With this in mind, main contractors Watkin Jones contacted Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team to determine which insulation solution would be most suitable to achieve the required U-value of 0.19 W/m²K. They also wanted to determine whether the wall build-up would prevent cold bridging and act as a vapour barrier.The Technical Support Team undertook complex 3D U-value calculations and condensation analysis. 3D U-value calculations completed in line with BS EN 10211 are used for rainscreen projects because they are the most accurate way to ensure a building’s thermal performance matches the initial design. The Technical Support Team provided a fast turnaround on the enquiry and recommended 100mm Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab as the best solution for the project.Manufactured from Rock Mineral Wool, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is non-combustible with the best possible Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification. This means it will not contribute to the development or spread of fire should it occur. As well as having a British Board of Agrément (BBA) certificate for high rise residential applications, it also has a BBA certificate for use behind masonry façades – making it suitable for the different applications on The Malthouse.In addition to fire safety and thermal performance, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab offers excellent sound reduction characteristics.More than 8,000m2 of Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab insulation was supplied to the development by builders’ merchants M Markovitz Ltd.Like all Knauf Insulation products, Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab has been designed for ease of installation. Improved robustness means it is easy to manoeuvre into place and it can be installed either way round without compromising performance.Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab is manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation's unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. Products made with ECOSE® Technology are soft to touch and easy to handle. They generate low levels of dust and VOCs and have been awarded the Eurofins Gold Certificate for Indoor Air Comfort. ECOSE® Technology is also made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally friendly.Thanks to the technical support from Knauf Insulation, The Malthouse will deliver the students a comfortable, warm, quiet and safe environment where they can enjoy their university years.

ChallengeThe much acclaimed architect Zaha Hadid created the design for the Riverside Museum, which has already been dubbed ‘Glasgow’s Guggenheim’.The new riverside Museum provides an exciting new home for Glasgow’s transport collection. The development has a riverside location on a site where the River Clyde meets Glasgow’s other main river the Kelvin, and is adjacent to Glasgow Harbour.The dynamic new Riverside Museum displays Glasgow’s rich industrial heritage, which stems from the River Clyde. The Tall Ship is berthed alongside the Museum, creating a fantastic experience in this stunning setting.The brief for design and build roofing specialist Varla (UK) Limited was to find a flexible insulation that could meet the demanding U - value of 0.20 W/m2K that was continuous over both the walls and the complex 18,000 square metre roof. The Glasgow Museum of Transport is a complex, heavily engineered design and was the first major UK project for the renowned architect Zaha Hadid.Specialist Roofing contractor, Varla (UK) Limited started the search for a suitable material by contacting many insulation suppliers and holding supplier seminars at Varla’s Chester offices, challenging suppliers to propose a solution to meet the demanding specification for this unique project.SolutionVarla (UK) Limited chose to use Knauf Insulation’s FactoryClad Roll 32, a flexible insulation that meets the demanding U-value of 0.20 W/m2K across both the roof and walls.Rigid foam boards were ruled out early on, as they could not be fitted to the building’s complex curves. There was also a limited cladding zone that could not be altered. Many types of insulation were considered, but glass mineral wool roll provided the best thermal efficiency. The key to Knauf Insulation’s products being specified on this project was its ability to provide in-depth technical support, including complex three-dimensional heat flow modelling calculations. This allowed Knauf Insulation to produce a solution that met all of Varla’s insulation requirements by using a double layer of 100mm Knauf Insulation FactoryClad Roll 32. This is a flexible, lightweight roll of resilient Glass Mineral Wool with exceptionally high tear strength and a thermal conductivity of just 0.032 W/mK.In addition, Knauf Insulation FactoryClad Roll 32 is ideal for limiting the spread of fire since it holds a Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification for non-combustibility and will not burn. Nor will it give off toxic smoke or suddenly ignite in a fire due to ‘flashover’. For public buildings such as this, superior fire performance is crucial.Once Varla (UK) Limited had decided on Knauf Insulation, it leaned on them heavily for technical support, utilising the unique 3D heat loss calculation support service, which ensured the correct product thickness was specified to meet the demanding project requirements.

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.

Over time bricks can discolour and lose their lustre because of the impact of wet weather, air pollution or efflorescence. The result can have a detrimental effect on a building’s visual aesthetic, compromising the architect’s design vision and reducing the value of the property for the owner. Brick manufacturer, Vandersanden is the first company to develop a viable, large scale coating solution to provide superior protection against efflorescence as well as secondary protection against the effects of pollution.Vandersanden’s automated coating formulation makes facing bricks water-repellent and resistant to the effects of air pollution and efflorescence, ensuring façades remain beautiful and untarnished throughout their lifetime. This innovative and environmentally sustainable process which also makes it easier to clean the brick, if dirt or damage does occur, has now been fully rolled out across the entire Vandersanden hand-formed brick range available to UK specifiers.Vandersanden worked with Belgian University, KU Leuven, to develop the solution which treats bricks with a special coating after the firing process. The process penetrates to a depth from 5mm to 15mm whilst retaining the original colour of the brick.The liquids contain no harmful substances or chemicals that can damage the brick or the environment and is automatically applied at Vandersanden’s manufacturing facilities in Belgium and The Netherlands.A coated brick has exactly the same pore structure as a non-coated brick and the number of pores and their size remain the same. However, as the walls of the pores are covered with a water-repellent layer, the water droplets are no longer attracted to the walls and will not be absorbed. As the pores remain open, the bricks also retain their resistance to frost.Applying the coating during the production process, eliminates the need to coat the bricks with an applicator once they have been installed, which is a highly specialised and expensive process. It also reduces the often laborious and costly task of prepping the facade for a coating and the regular maintenance required.“Creating beautiful facades that will stand the test of time remains crucial for Vandersanden,” says Jean-Pierre Wuytack, CEO at Vandersanden. "Thanks to our commitment to innovation in product design and manufacturing, we can ensure a lifetime of colour-safe brick performance for architects and their clients. We are proud of our coated solution which demonstrates how Vandersanden is the natural partner for architects who care passionately about creating the very best, most long-lasting aesthetic for their buildings.”Vandersanden coated bricks come with a 25-year guarantee and the company has worked hard to ensure these bricks can be delivered at the same cost as non-coated bricks.Vandersanden produces a vast array of high-quality bricks in different finishes and colours, ranging from reds and browns, to greys, creams and buffs that will inspire and enable the design and construction of beautiful buildings.To find out more, register for our RIBA approved CPD #2 "How to avoid brick stains and efflorescence" here CPD – Continuing Professional Development | Vandersanden

An imposing boutique scheme of nine luxury apartments in Hackney, London, Bastion House is a modern take on a castle-like structure with its multi-faceted walls, tiered form and variously sized openings. The choice of Vandersandan’s Lima facing brick enhances this robust look while the brick’s light colour contrasts with the black mortar joints and recessed jet-black window frames and balcony soffits. Bastion House is built on the site of a two-storey, post-war house on Farleigh Road in a predominantly residential area that includes a variety of architectural styles and a range of building heights. The new building is five storeys in total but its scale and massing are carefully considered, stepping back at both third and fourth floor levels in response to the surrounding built form, while also ensuring that the crown of a street tree, immediately to the west of the site, remains unaffected. Creative brickworkGoldrose Sharpe, the developers of Bastion House, embraced the challenge of carefully detailing the brickwork which, along with the building’s unconventional form, helps it stand out. Specially cut bricks were employed to achieve the different angled corners - most corners of the building are not at a right angle. Brick soffit panels were designed to surround the balcony openings along with brick-faced lintels to create depth to the set-back windows. Relief panels employing a different brickwork pattern were also introduced at various points across the facades. When selecting the bricks for the project, the team at Goldrose Sharpe ordered samples from various brick suppliers. “We were exploring our options with light coloured bricks,” explains Maria Patton, project lead at Goldrose Sharpe. “The Lima bricks have this artisanal, handmade texture which is quite unique; they stood out compared to other brick samples.” The Lima is a stock brick consisting of a mix of different clays with a white base colour, grey accents and a sanded-coated and grained structure.Goldrose Sharpe purchased the bricks directly from Vandersanden.“Vandersanden was always very helpful with its customer service and the team there was good at explaining the technicalities of the brick,” says Maria Patton. “We had to send the bricks to be specially cut and made for the special angles and brick-faced soffits and lintels. They worked well to these variations.”An impactful facadeThe Lima bricks and the impressive detailing ensure Bastion House makes a bold statement. “We often notice people who walk past the building touch the walls out of curiosity,” notes Maria Patton. “We’re very happy with the final result and the overall look of the brickwork. The use of the Lima bricks made a real difference to the building’s appearance.”To find out more about the bricks used in this project or to see the wide range of high-quality bricks available from Vandersanden, click on the 'View more' link

A major US oil company was experiencing corrosion in its sour crude oil tanks. Chemicals and water in the oil were creating severe pitting and corrosion issues at the bottom of the storage tanks. They contacted Hempel looking for a long-term protective lining solution.A poor lining system can result in substantial losses. Tanks and vessels left out of service for repair, cost owners valuable time and lost revenues. Hempaline vinyl esters have been designed to resist against acids, caustics, strong solvents, oil and water, protecting assets and maintain the purity of the content of the tank.To combat corrosion in the customer’s sour crude oil tanks we recommended our Hempaline Defend 500 vinyl ester mat reinforced to line the tank bottom and also the bottom 4 feet of the wall surfaces.The high-performance scheme was applied following grit blasting and consisted of a single coat of Hempaline Prepare 120 primer. A first coat of Hempaline Defend 500 was then applied and whilst wet, a 450 gm/m2 (1.5 oz/ft2) chopped strand mat was incorporated into the coating. Following a light sanding to remove any upstanding fibres, a second coat of chemically resistant Hempaline Defend 500 was applied.

A careful combination of A2 fire rated soffit panels, rainscreen cladding and mesh screens from Proteus Facades has helped band together the impressive new £42m Sciences Centre at Durham University. Based within the grounds of the Upper Mountjoy Campus, the new Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science building has been developed to create synergy between the two departments, which have been earmarked for significant growth within the Durham University Strategy – 2017-2027. The building features state-of-the-art teaching facilities and office space, including a specialist IT Lab with a designated server room, a 120-seat tiered lecture theatre and tutorial rooms. While a café and breakout spaces, as well as four enclosed courtyards make up the communal areas. Creating a bright space for students, staff and visitors to meet and relax, Proteus Facades manufactured striking 2.0mm Aluminium Proteus IP interlocking planks with a PPC Traffic White Matte (RAL 9016) finish for use on the façades of the four internal courtyards. GSS Architecture chose the Proteus IP aluminium PPC in Traffic White because it accentuates and reflects natural light creating an enhanced ambience in the teaching spaces that face onto the courtyards, whilst complementing the glass curtain walling system.

The dynamics of the home and workplace have changed in the wake of the pandemic. Over the past couple of years, interior design trends have evolved to accommodate the so-called ‘new normal’. The rise of the home office and necessity of social distancing have highlighted the need for an environment that is both comfortable and functional.These are trends that will continue into 2022, with a few new flavours coming into play. In the continued strive towards equilibrium between form and function, writable whiteboard paint is a fantastic tool. No matter what your interior design choices are, having writable surfaces can transform any room while still keeping the overall approach and aesthetic. You can use white functional whiteboard paint in working areas or your kitchen to make lists and keep yourself organised, or clear whiteboard paint on your colourful walls for that extra touch. Options are infinite but here's one more - if you want to pin up pictures, notes and decorations, magnetic whiteboard paint is there to do the job. You can read more about our magnetic paint and magnetic whiteboard paint, and check out our other articles on home decoration and creativity, including how to turn your home into a writable wonderland, how to have a creative home office space, and what colour trends to use in 2022.

La Villa has more than 18 double and 12 single rooms. The interior design of each is unique and was furnished with every amenity. Stylish settings and painstakingly selected interiors establish a very intimate atmosphere. 22 bathrooms were completely renovated and furnished with fittings and accessories from KEUCO. Ease of use for the guest was a top criteria in the selection of the products.The IXMO shower fittings are more than merely a visual treat: multiple functions are combined in the smallest of spaces. Two-way stop and diverter valve, hose connection and hand shower bracket are all integrated in only one module. So the number of items on the wall can be reduced to a bare minimum. With a diameter or edge length of only 90 mm and a depth of only 80 mm, the visible parts are impressively inconspicuous. And the special thing is that all modules have the same dimensions.With their flawless chrome-plated finishes, the MOLL COLLECTION fittings add timeless elegance to the washbasin area. Embodying perfect design and quality, the purity of their exteriors and ease of use leave nothing to be desired. Cosmetic mirror and tissue box stand ready for daily care needs. The low-key KEUCO accessories in the shower and toilet areas present a picture of perfection. Opulent reflections sparkle in the deep lustre of the special chrome finishes 

Harmer Building Drainage, part of Alumasc Water Management Systems (AWMS), has recently supplied its leading SML below ground drainage system to a major London development. The project, sited at The Minories, Aldgate, sees the introduction of the first Canopy by Hilton hotel in the UK which is scheduled to open in 2018. Working with contractors PCW Drainage Ltd and A J Morrisroe, Harmer supplied below ground drainage for the hotel’s new double storey basement box.The Minories Hilton hotel is a prestigious development, close to London’s historic Roman and medieval city walls and a short walk from the East End. Wayne Wilmot, National Sales Manager for Harmer Drainage comments: “It’s an unusual site. The contractor, A J Morrisroe, constructed a double storey basement box and podium slab to support a 16 storey residential block and a 14 storey hotel extension. It covers a footprint of around 3,500 metres across a narrow site. There were multiple levels of earlier construction to work through, including foundations and piles that date back to the 19th century. And because it’s close to the East End, The Museum of London and 1st Line Defence got involved to establish if there were any WW2 unexploded bombs buried on the site! Definitely not a run-of-the-mill project!

An intelligent Advanced Go panel has been installed in The Steading, the home of sculptor and furniture maker, Tim Stead MBE.The Steading is an A-Listed building, located in Blainslie near Lauder in the Scottish Borders, and was both the creative centre and home to the Stead family across several decades. It was purchased by the Tim Stead Trust in 2021 and a programme of restoration work has included the addition of an Advanced Go new-generation, single-loop fire alarm control panel to protect this historic home.The Steading is considered Tim’s masterpiece with an interior that was transformed over many years. The interior is completely clad in sculpted wood: floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, cupboards, beds, a grandfather clock, sink, conservatory, hanging sculptures, desks and so on – all made by Stead himself. This exceptional building now aims to become a hub for practical expertise in everything to do with wood and the environment, hosting a variety of day and residential courses in the unique environment of The Steading.Fire and security service providers, Safe Services, installed the Advanced Go fire alarm panel in The Steading and were involved from the design stage though to installation and commissioning. The Advanced Go panel is integrated with EMS Firecell radio equipment for a complete cable-free fire system – which was an essential requirement to preserve and protect the unique interior of the building.

The ChallengePark View is a residential development of 175 units, including one and two-bedroomed apartments and three, four and five-bedroomed homes. The site sits alongside Saltwell Park, one of Britain’s finest Victorian parks. A conservation area, the design of the site sought to blend tradition with a modern urban feel.The local council required a premium finish for which the choice of brick would play an important part in achieving.The SolutionAfter reviewing several options, Forterra’s Southdown Multi from its Butterley brand range was chosen. It is a high-quality facing brick with a tumbled texture.For some plots on the site, the bricks were laid in an English Garden Wall bond, closely reflecting the brickwork of some of Saltwell Park’s buildings.Alongside modern features, such as rainscreen cladding projections and timber finishes, the development also includes a number of bespoke elements appropriate to the conservation area: reduced window reveals, timber doors and windows coloured in a modern dark grey, natural slate roof tiles, exaggerated roof pitches to accentuate prominent plots and full height feature windows.The BenefitsThe use of Southdown Multi brick has proven to be an effective choice in the successful blending of traditional and modern, ensuring the new development quickly settled within its surrounding environment.

Automatic sliding doors provide patient comfort at outstanding healthcare facilityThomas Audley Ward at Homerton Hospital, London - The trust operates acute services from a single site: Homerton University Hospital, which opened in 1986. Based on an aggregation of ratings across all of the core services provided from the hospital, the hospital has been rated by Care Quality Commission as ‘Outstanding’.Architect – Hunters ArchitectsProduct – SL500 bi-parting doors in slim-eco profiles with fixed side screens of up to 8 panels covering 6.7m on 4 separate bays.The works encompass a full ward refurbishment comprising of layout changes, floor, wall and ceiling finishes, sanitary appliances, mechanical and electrical installations, fixtures and fittings renewal and internal doors.Working alongside the project lead architect, we assisted with the design to create 4 new ward entrance screens, to assist with reducing noise and air pollution, creating a more welcoming and comfortable patient environment. Our slim-eco door profiles were chosen and also provided with our unique TightSeal system, minimising any gaps around the doors. In addition to the door profiles, directional activation units were installed, contributing even further to eliminate unnecessary opening cycles. 

One of the largest logistics units to have been built in Ireland within recent years, the Smyth Toys warehouse in Dundalk is a milestone in the company's story of growth and expansion. A family-run business started in County Mayo, Smyth Toys is a fast growing toy retailer with over 100 stores across the UK and Ireland.Situated within Dundalk Business Park, the site for the new warehouse was purchased for €8.9 million, and developed by TSL Projects, utilising multiple local contractors for the entire construction process.ChallengeWith 38,000m2 of roofing to clad, and 16,000m2 of cladding to install, Ireland's go-to roofing and cladding specialists Select Roofing were contracted to construct the building envelope on the mammoth warehouse.SolutionOpting to use Kingspan's KS1000RW composite panels for the roof, KS AWP panels for the walls, and DLTR rooflights; Select Roofing turned to Fixfast to use their MatchFast stainless steel A2/304 grade fasteners, moulded to the colours required to blend the fastener heads into the building, including fasteners for both light and heavy steel - where required across the various applications.Roofing and cladding completed within a speedy 11 week programme, Select Roofing achieved zero lost hours on-site, demonstrating their commitment to safety within the working environment.

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

Elevating aesthetics and safety at The Sienna Building, Basingstoke.Nestled in the heart of Basingstoke’s vibrant urban business park, The Sienna Building stands as a testament to modern design and urban regeneration. As part of the major mixed-use development orchestrated by Muse, a division of the Morgan Sindall Group, this striking Grade A office building includes a 288-space multi-storey car park, both designed to redefine Basingstoke’s town center.Our involvement in The Sienna Building project centered on providing bespoke riser doors, a crucial element in the overall safety and aesthetic considerations of the development. The project aimed to seamlessly integrate modern design with functional safety features, and we were proud to contribute to this vision.Beyond their functional significance, these doors were crafted with a bespoke touch to align seamlessly with the modern aesthetic of The Sienna Building. The incorporation of metal riser doors ensured compliance with safety standards while maintaining a sleek and contemporary appearance.In a commitment to design cohesion, our contribution extended to supplying tiled riser doors. These bespoke doors were specifically tailored to continue the flow of the wall, ensuring a harmonious and uninterrupted visual experience. The tiled riser doors not only served a functional purpose but also contributed to the overall aesthetic appeal, creating a polished and sophisticated look.

Sto’s specialist façade solutions have ensured a new affordable housing development seamlessly integrates with its surroundings. Located in West Kensington on the Springvale Estate, ‘Tavener Court’ comprises eight one and two-bedroom flats as well as two three-bedroom houses, spread across three floors.Externally, the scheme features the StoTherm Mineral external wall insulation system, which has been finished with StoSilco silicone render in a pale shade of yellow, and a variety of StoDeco three-dimensional profiles to add architectural detailing across the building. With 1,000 colours to choose from in the StoColor system, the Sto render offered extensive design flexibility for architecture and design company, NORR. It has also provided a high level of water repellence and water vapour permeability, making the façade resistant to the build-up of dirt and reducing the growth of algae and fungus. The StoDeco profiles were specified to create window surrounds in pure white, corner detailing around the roof area, and a decorative band course across the façade. Manufactured from Verolith, which comprises 90 per cent perlite, the StoDeco profiles are highly resistant to weather and other environmental factors. Light in weight and easy to work with on site, the products are quick to install and form a durable bond with the render. 

Improvements to the energy efficiency of buildings were published in 2021 with guidance on compliance provided by the following Approved Documents: Approved Document L – Volume 1: Dwellings Approved Document L – Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellingsThis Design Guide provides a commentary on the new changes and includes compliant wall and floor solutions using products from Lignacite Limited.These changes to the Building Regulations are intended to help the UK deliver net zero. This includes a requirement for new homes to produce around 30% less CO2 than current standards and a 27% reduction in emissions from other new buildings. To deliver the improvements, new homes will be assessed against the following four performance metrics.Primary energyCarbon dioxide emissionsThe fabric energy efficiency standard (FEES)Minimum standards for fabric and fixed buildingservicesWith increasing amounts of renewable energy generation, fuel factors are no longer required to offset ‘dirty’ electricity generation. This will adversely impact any property using oil, LPG or solid mineral fuel. This will prove to be a challenge to homes that are off-grid. More widely, it will help to drive the uptake of heat pumps which is a crucial part of the government’s long-term strategy.The new changes take effect from the 15th June 2022.

Project: Teeside University, The CurveProduct: Gustafs Linear Rib in OakArchitect: Austin-Smith:Lord, LiverpoolInstaller: BAM ConstructionArchitect: Austin-Smith:LordTeeside University, The Curve Teaching and Conference Centre.Photo by Martine Hamilton KnightSpecification: Gustafs Linear Rib Oak30 & 38mm Deep 22mm GapsQuantity: 6,535 linear metres 941m2LSA Projects Ltd are proud to share with you one of our favourite Gustaf Linear Rib projects; The Curve Building at Teeside University in Middlesborough. The new £20 million, 4 storey campus features classrooms, conference facilities, and space for exhibitions and events as well as a large lecture theatre.The new building, part of a £30m regeneration designed by Austin-Smith:Lord Architects of Liverpool, is raising the profile of Teeside University as a leading institution for higher education in the UK.The Curve precedes upgrading and refurbishment of the science and engineering facilities at the University as well as an extension of the health and fitness centre.Gustafs Linear Ribs are predominantly found in the main atrium and break-out space in The Curve, the natural Oak veneer and 22mm gaps (36% open area) provide the space with acoustic dampening as well as colour, warmth, and texture. The ribs make for a stunning contrast with the clean white walls and stairways and the glass facade fills the space with natural light.

Gracefield Parish Church is located in Ballymaguigan, a small rural community in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. This historical building dates back from its origins as a Moravian Church which was established in 1767. Now, it is Gracefield Church of the Parish of Woodschapel in the diocese of Armagh of the Church of Ireland.The category B2 listed church was suffering from internal fissures and cracks within the previously distempered lime plastered surfaces. KEIM Mineral Paints were chosen for this project due to their unique features and benefits as well as suitability for historical and listed buildings. Leighton Johnston Associates decision to choose KEIM was based on its breathability and durability. KEIM Mineral Paints are highly breathable, allowing moisture to escape from the walls, which is crucial for the preservations of historic buildings. Tony Carter, Senior Sales Executive of KEIM Mineral Paints, visited the church and recommended removing all loose and flaking materials to pare back the surface to a sound edge. KEIM Fixativ was then applied to consolidate the dusty substrate, followed by KEIM Optil Grob to fill hairline cracks and equalise the textural differences on the surface. KEIM Optil was the chosen paint system, it is the premium interior paint for modern and historic architectural design, combining mineral quality with an attractive, consistent finish that will not crack.