"mechanical cleaning chemical systems"

Making an Entrance at London's leading net zero CAT A ProjectWithin London’s Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Holbein Gardens is a remarkable building just off Sloane Square that seeks to lead the way for companies seeking to achieving net-zero goals. Blenheim House Construction (BHC) helped realise Grosvenor’s vision to turn a tired old 1980s building into a net zero exemplar.A bare bones CAT A project, the site boasts quadruple environmental certification, including BREEAM Outstanding and WELL gold accreditation. Naturally, market-leading sustainable Entrance Matting was required to echo the space’s green ethos.INTRAsystems was the obvious choice thanks to our extensive range of sustainable products that help meet WELL and BREEAM standards.A sustainable successAcross the entire scheme, suppliers were challenged to use the industry’s most innovative, sustainable products, aiming at the highest levels of recycled content and recyclability.INTRAform DM Low Profile was chosen in the unique wood effect finish, which ticks all the boxes including validated data on embodied carbon and packing a double punch of sustainability and performance. Cool black Elite fibre inserts are made from 100% post-consumer waste with extremely low whole-life carbon emissions.Specified in 2020 but delayed through COVID, installation was completed in 2023. INTRA liaised with contractors to reschedule site surveys once pre-works were completed sufficiently for the entrance area to be assessed accurately. This was particularly crucial since the Entrance Mat sits in a lower position surrounded by steps and a raised floor level.Beauty and Brawn - Wood-effect Recycled Aluminium for Sustainable Entrance MattingThis smart wood-effect finish was new to the market back in 2020 but the client was confident it would meet their quality demands based on the many successful projects we’ve collaborated with them on across a variety of settings.Today the faux wood variant is a market-leading product that beats similar looking products made of real bamboo in terms of strength, longevity and good looks. Real wood systems don’t handle excessive moisture well, so the wrapped aluminium is ideal and more sustainable too. Read our bamboo vs aluminium blog to learn why.Fir for purposeNext door to London’s Sloane Square tube station, the 25,000 square feet office building is designed to house 2,500 office workers plus service staff and visitors. The entrance is immediately off the street with a small canopy and no draft lobby, so the matting will be exposed to direct and prevailing rain.Technically, INTRAform DM Low Profile was an ideal choice for a Cat A project like this as it can cope with high footfall and provides more flexibility than other systems. This 12mm profile variant can be surface mounted or shallow recessed for easier integration with whatever finishes the future tenants choose. And the interlocking plank system makes installation and onward retrofitting easy, if required.Entrance Matting Triumphs in Durability and Moisture AbsorptionINTRAform DM, with the Elite inserts will cope with rain with ease thanks to being happy in external (zone 1) and internal (zone 2) locations. It is typically found in shopping centres and office complexes as it’s hard-working and hard-wearing with excellent moisture absorption and dirt removal.The closed construction format and extra wide inserts make cleaning and maintaining INTRAform DM a breeze too. This will be essential to protect any materials chosen for the expansive lobby of this high-spec building.

CFA members, Midlands Flooring have used UltraFloor’s expert subfloor preparation materials to install 4,000sqm of flooring at a luxury, brand new, care home in Stratford-upon-Avon.BackgroundMorar Living is setting a new standard in care homes. Their beautiful new premises, Trinity Manor, has been expertly designed to provide the highest standard of safety and comfort for its residents. On this beautiful facility, Morar Living say: “The home is modern and the attention to detail is impressive. The high specification and décor of the home has been carefully considered by an interior designer, creating stylish yet comfortable practical and private spaces.”The ChallengeMorar Living are passionate about providing their guests with luxurious and comfortable homes. As well as providing beautiful surroundings, safety also plays a huge part in their design decisions. It was imperative that Midlands Flooring chose the best subfloor preparation materials to create a super smooth floor, with no lumps or trip hazards, in preparation for the installation of the chosen carpet, vinyl and LVT floor coverings.The SolutionUltraFloor and Midlands Flooring have partnered regularly on several projects with UltraFloor products delivering complete confidence and assurance every time.Familiar with the outstanding performance of UltraFloor materials, Midlands Flooring were confident they would get the job done with ease and deliver the results needed on time.Before any preparation work began, the team carried out thorough moisture testing to check the subfloor relative humidity. Once satisfied, the subfloor was mechanically grinded to remove any contaminants before DPM IT damp proof membrane was applied. DPM IT is a two component, solvent free epoxy resin system for use as a surface damp proof membrane. Designed to provide protection against subfloor moisture, DPM IT has a pot life of 45 – 75 minutes, a cure time of 5 hours and boasts a 98% RH floor moisture tolerance.Once cured, the entire 4,000sqm area was primed with one neat coat of Prime IT Multi-surface Primer before applying UltraFloor Level IT Two at a 3mm depth. Formulated to promote the adhesion to all UltraFloor smoothing underlayments, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer reduces pinholing, minimising the risk of costly failures. With a coverage rate of 200sqm at 3:1 dilution, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer is a must-have product for all flooring installation projects.There are many reasons why Level IT Two has become UltraFloor’s most popular floor leveller. Its exceptional flow characteristics make it a very easy material to apply to a variety of subfloors in both commercial and domestic flooring projects. Its low odour formulation means this fantastic all-rounder leveller is equally suited to confined areas, proving particularly popular in the education, health and hospitality sectors.With a set time of 2.5 hours, Level IT Two can receive bonded floor coverings after just 8 hours, making it an ideal choice for projects with a tight deadline. What’s more, because Level IT Two is available as a two component system, it takes the guesswork out of mixing, reducing site errors and guaranteeing a perfect application every time.ResultsThe project took place between December 2022 and May 2023 and thanks to the fantastic performance of UltraFloor and the talented team at Midlands Flooring, the job was completed on time, with no problems.On using UltraFloor, Midlands Flooring commented: “Level IT Two has a smooth finish which required very little preparation. The drying time was perfect, even in the colder conditions”.For further information on Level IT Two and the other subfloor preparation materials available from UltraFloor, please visit ultra-floor.co.uk or contact their team of flooring experts by calling 01827 254402 or emailing ultrafloor@instarmac.co.uk.  Source: moraruk.co

The conclusion of a far-reaching and detailed refurbishment contract within the country’s oldest purpose-built cultural entertainment venue has included the installation of custom designed stainless steel units and worktop, supplied and installed by G.E.C Anderson for the food preparation area.  The project at the historic Blackheath Halls in Lee Road, South-East London, has been carried out by the equally long established Sykes and Son on behalf of the operating company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. The scope of the work included the redevelopment of the Great Hall, bar and box office/foyer areas. With such construction work as electrical rewiring, plumbing and plastering completed, G.E.C Anderson’s project management team carried out a precise survey of the food preparation area, located to one at the North end of the main bar, in order for the design and fabrication process to commence. While many clients choose to make use of G.E.C Anderson’s standard ranges of sinks and other sanitaryware, the conservation considerations to the work within Blackheath Halls required a bespoke solution. The sector specialist manufacturer’s workshops duly produced a set of three base cabinets in stainless steel, and a single-piece L-shaped stainless steel work-surface with integral sink and splashbacks. Such custom made installations offer a pristine appearance that is ideal for such public facing applications, while helping establishments maintain an efficient cleaning regime essential in achieving the high standards of hygiene essential in commercial premises.   Hannah Benton, Operations Manager for Blackheath Halls whose responsibilities include the servery area, commented: “The refurbishment of the different areas of the venue – including the general building work, updating of plumbing and electrical services and installation of the new servery facilities, was completed to schedule for the reopening in November. All of the equipment matches the scope of the works effectively as well as hygiene requirements.”Since its formation in 1962, G.E.C Anderson has built its reputation for the supply of top end stainless steel sinks and sanitaryware on a combination of innovative design, top quality materials and expert craftsmanship. In addition to the company’s Decimetric system of cabinets, sinks, drainers and other equipment - widely specified for sectors including health and catering – it is able to create custom engineered solutions to exactly fit any space or specification.

Extruded aluminium solar shading and screening systems cover the exterior of the new car park at the redeveloped Broadmarsh Shopping Centre in Nottingham. The solar shading screen by Maple Sunscreening is a stylish way to keep the lines and aesthetics of a building interesting, contemporary and smart, and to add colour and texture. The new Broadmarsh Centre is a key part of Nottingham’s plan to become the UK’s first carbon-neutral city. The site will have natural green spaces at its heart and will provide walkways based on a centuries-old city street plan to reconnect key parts of the city.A shade made to order                              Powder coating is an excellent finish for extruded aluminium, and Powdertech offers guarantees of up to forty years for the powders we apply. The designers wanted an earthy shade for the panels on the exterior of the car park, to blend in with landscaped green spaces. The designers sent us three pieces of terracotta in differerent sahdes and asked if we could match them. We developed the shades - light, medium and dark and the client chose the darkest shade which also reflects the red brick of some of the older buildings nearby. Powdertech coated the hollow rectangular box sections of 200mm by 50mm, making a total of 7,200sq metres of extruded aluminium coated and delivered, over a summer beleaguered by the coronavirus pandemic. The three terracotta shades are now one of our Collections.Sean McGrath, MD, Maple Sunscreening said "Maple Sunscreening Limited have worked with Powdertech (Corby) Ltd on a number of prestigious, high value projects. Broadmarsh required a significant amount of development of the colour to meet the architects vision. From initial submission of samples through to the final bespoke finish, chosen from matches to 3 shades of Terracotta, Powdertech supported Maple in achieving the desired result. The project itself went very well, backing up the initial development with on-time delivery"BenefitsWe can offer bespoke shades through our close relationship with major powder manufacturersFast turnaroundConsistent colour shade between batchesExcellent resistance against corrosionEasy to cleanSections can be drilled or cut without fracturing the coating.Material can be welded without affecting the finish.

Ghent Diamond CHALLENGE The Ghent Diamond is proudly overlooking the Ghent-Sint-Pieters railway station and surrounding neighbourhood. On top of a stonelike base with a pattern inspired by the city of Ghent’s historical architecture, an impressive crystalline edifice rises. The 33m high office building has – as the name indicates – not only the brilliance, but also the shape of a gigantic, polished diamond with numerous facets. The special design makes the building unique, and that is exactly where the difficulty lies: roof surfaces with different inclines, steep and hard-to-reach slopes, kinks in the façade and a serious wind load. On the pitched roof segments connecting the glass facade, an exterior roof finish with Linius RENSON blades is to be installed. Just for aesthetic reasons! Such a finish creates a nice play of light, shadow and reflection. But this can only be achieved if the finish has been executed perfectly! But how to execute the construction so precisely, and at the same time be perfectly watertight? A true challenge for both architect and roofing contractor. SOLUTIONFor the internationally renowned New York-based architects practice Asymptote this monumental Diamond project is just another jewel in the crown. Innovative and visionary, they always pursue extreme and experimental challenges. And yes, this impressive Diamond really was a challenge, especially for the Belgian ROTEAM roof experts. The special shape, the height and the different slopes up to 47° made it a complex, gargantuan waterproofing project. On top of the steel deck structure tongue and groove insulation panels were installed. This guarantees a strong, perfectly fitting and smooth construction. After all this is very important in order to achieve this monumental task. The high wind load and shear forces were decisive for the choice of roofing membrane to be used on this difficult structure. Asymptote architects therefore opted for the mechanically fastened RENOLIT ALKORPLAN F membrane. This PVC-P roofing membrane is specifically suited for such a project, thanks mainly to its flexibility, lightweight and long life.

Twinfix is a family run business. For more than 30 years they have supplied modular polycarbonate panels for use as rooflights in many railway stations and depots. Replacing the old canopy glazing used at rail stations with products from Twinfix’s range of polycarbonate glazing options floods the area with daylight while eliminating the common issues that occur with historic railway roof glazing. Last year, Twinfix assisted with the refurbishment of two of the UK’s historic stations, Gerrards Cross and Headstone Lane.Gerrards Cross StationGerrards Cross Station is a fantastic example of one of the nation’s historic stations. Built in 1906 as part of the Great Western and Great Central Joint Railway it has recently undergone a series of upgrades to improve the station for passengers.As part of a £2.4m Railway Upgrade Plan investment by Network Rail, the following areas were refurbished:Full replacement of the platform’s canopy – ensuring passengers are protected from the weatherInstalling lighting throughout – making the station safer and more secureRe-roofing of the main station’s roofWindows repairs where necessaryApplying fresh coats of paint to steelworkRefurbishment of the canopy roofHeadstone Lane StationTravel eleven miles east of Gerrards Cross and you arrive at Headstone Lane station. Another of the UK’s historic stations, this station opened in February 1913 and consists of a small single storey brick-built station building adjacent to the Headstone Lane road bridge, with two platforms.This station was also part of the Railway Upgrade Plan, with investment in the refurbishment of both platform canopies.An innovative roof glazing systemA team comprising of Network Rail, Principal Contractor J. Murphy & Sons Limited, and specialist Design Consultant Arcadis Consulting (UK) Ltd were assigned to the job to ensure that the correct roof glazing was specified and installed over the platforms.The product chosen for both stations was the innovative Twinfix modular non-fragile Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) system, glazed with 6mm clear solid polycarbonate. Approximately 225 square metres of these panels were required to re-glaze the five canopies across both stations, with panels delivered to site ready for quick installation.Each panel of the innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF system comprises of a powder-coated aluminium frame and fitted with polycarbonate glazing. The panels are built completely off-site in a quality-controlled factory environment, reducing the risk, and cost, of site mistakes, and are delivered on-site fully glazed and ready for rapid installation. The system has a unique linking design feature that results in incredibly quick installation times, making the system very much suited to rail work due to its restricted possession times.The Multi-Link-Panel NF system is an innovative roof glazing product that has been well utilised for many years on station canopy roofs, and it has been thoroughly tried and tested in that time.It was the chosen system for this project for a number of reasons:sustainability – these panels are virtually unbreakable in manufacture, transit and in situ, meaning that, unlike glass, maintenance costs will be eliminated.safety – Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) conforms to the HSE recommended test method ACR[M]001:2019 (as outlined in document HSG33) and achieves a ‘B’ Classification.off-site construction – The panels are pre-assembled in Twinfix’s factory ensuring strict quality guidelines are adhered to, which is not always guaranteed when roofing products are assembled on site.ease of access – The Multi-Link-Panel NF system can be fitted with In-Line Access Hatches, to allow cleaning of gutters and roof. These hatches are hardly visible and allow safe access through the glazing without needing to get on the roof.weight – The Multi-Link-Panel NF is light in weight and due to its modular format, it is very quick to install which allows for short rail possession works.appearance – the clear polycarbonate panels have the appearance of glass and provide just the right level of light transmission onto the platforms below.This project demanded a collaborative approach, requiring Twinfix to liaise closely with Principal Contractor J. Murphy & Sons Limited, installation company Orchard Roofing & Building, and design consultancy Arcadis, where early engagement with the team ensured that all aspects of the project ran smoothly from the onset.Richard Nash, Contracts Manager at J. Murphy & Sons Limited commented: ‘Throughout the design and implementation stages of our refurbishment works at Gerrards Cross and Headstone Lane Railway Stations, Twinfix have been a pleasure to work with. Working alongside both our designers and approved installers, they have provided a professional end to end service resulting in a quality finished product.’Piotr Stencel, Senior Project Manager at Arcadis Consulting (UK) Ltd commented: “All the Twinfix team we have been in contact with have been very helpful to provide information, contact and help resolve issues. We were also invited to their offices in Warrington back in 2019 where we could see/touch Twinfix products and discuss design/constructability aspects which is always better than just seeing on the product data sheet.”The Twinfix team are proud to be part of this journey that will see the UK rail network revolutionised and sees exciting times ahead for the company.

RESTORATION ENSURES SUSTAINABLE FUTUREThe historic Bath Abbey has undergone extensive repair and conservation work along with the addition of new facilities. With its Footprint project, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios sensitively restored the 1300-year-old place of worship and improved the accessibility, flexibility, and sustainability of the building. As part of reworking and improving the Abbey’s back of house facilities, FCBStudios designed the Song School, a new, timber-lined choir practice room where up to 60 singers can rehearse. The oak-panelled room features Junckers solid 20.5mm Oak Harmony plank flooring installed by Moran Floors. The solid oak further enhances the acoustics in the room, an important consideration to the Abbey. Said Huw Williams, Director of Music, Bath Abbey: ‘The floor of the new Song School is a beautiful feature, we are particularly appreciative of the acoustic properties of the floor. It really helps to create a suitable acoustic for rehearsing which has given our choirs a huge boost following a difficult year of lockdowns. The standard and finish of the floor is exceptional, it provides a warmth in contrast to the natural stone features and contributes enormously to the professional and high-quality character of these unique new spaces.’ The importance of high ethical standards was a key objective for materials sourcing on the project, and FCBStudios was able to rely on Junckers’ experience in procuring sustainably sourced and manufactured material in the specification process. Naturally low in carbon, Junckers solid hardwood flooring comes with sustainability credentials including EPDs, FSC®, PEFCTM and Indoor Climate certification as well as an A+ rating in the BRE Green Guide, which played an important part in the architects’ specification. Said Alex Morris, Associate, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios: ‘FCBStudios selected Junckers wooden floors for the Bath Abbey offices and new choir rehearsal spaces because we needed to provide hard wearing and elegant floor finishes that would be sympathetic to the character and historic significance of the Grade 2 listed Georgian buildings.” In addition, Moran Floors fitted Junckers’ 15mm single stave blocks made in solid oak in a single herringbone pattern with a 129x15mm oak plank border in the ground floor reception area. The floor was sanded and finished with Junckers’ Rustic Oil on site. The reception spaces are made up a series of domestic-scale rooms original to the Georgian terrace, which contain many original features. The parquet floor was selected to complement and enhance the elegant grandeur of the building as a whole. A solid hardwood floor from Junckers has a crevice-free surface which cannot harbour dust or mites, easy to keep clean and contributes to a healthy indoor climate, one of the RIBA’s targets in its 2030 Climate Challenge for architects. Junckers floors carry the Danish Indoor Climate label, recognised by BREEAM, and have undergone extensive degassing and odour testing to ensure no harmful gasses are released into the room. Installing timber in an interior helps minimise static from electrical appliances and helps maintain an even temperature. A very old, historic building which forms part of the UK’s architectural heritage has been updated and adapted to secure its sustainable future. Junckers flooring with its proven long lifespan was an integral part of the project - expected to last well over 60 years, the floor forms part of the design to future-proof the Abbey. The Bath Abbey Footprint Project by FCBStudios has been shortlisted for Renewable Energy Project of the Year in the BusinessGreen Leaders Awards 2022. The awards celebrate the best of the UK’s green economy and burgeoning net-zero transition. This category recognises projects that have demonstrated a wide range of environmental and economic benefits associated with clean energy deployment and development. The £19.3 million programme of restoration, building works and interpretation will help to secure the Abbey’s physical future. This included repair and restoration of 2,400 floor stones conserved and re-laid, and a revolutionary underfloor heating system harnessing water from Bath’s hot springs. 

Designed by AHR Architects, the new UK Hydrographic Office in Taunton has won numerous awards including the BCO National Awards Corporate Workplace Award and Best of the Best Award 2020 and a Regional RIBA Award, RIBA Sustainability Award and RIBA Client of the year 2019.The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office is the UK’s agency for providing hydrographic and marine geospatial data to mariners and maritime organisations across the world. The UKHO is a trading fund of the Ministry of Defence and is located in Taunton, Somerset with a workforce of approximately 900 staff.We worked with the Architects, Client and Contractors to select one of our exclusive GeoBrick range for this prestigious project. The clean sleek lines and hardwearing stone finish provide a stunning façade to this landmark building. The warm texture of the brick also gives depth and character and softens the mass of the building.“The design principles of the building called for a linear brick which was modern and unique whilst complimenting the landscape and a variety of existing brick buildings surrounding the new HQ. The EH Smith Geobrick brindle bricks stood out from all the rest and we are delighted with the results. Personally, this is my favourite material used on this project!”- Johanna Funnell New Build Project Manager - UKHO

Calm and non-clinical environment for busy ICUChallengeHospital environments are created to heal; yet supporting both physical and mental health needs in clinical environments can be challenging. The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Harrogate District Hospital required a refurbishment to its walls and wanted a non-clinical design, but with hygienic properties. Approach The unit had different areas with different functions – it needed to have hygienic, clean, wipe down walls which were also robust and could withstand bumps and scuffs. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the refurbishment needed to be completed quickly with minimum downtime to ICU. The team also wanted the unit to have a non-clinical feel. Solution Altro Whiterock White, Altro Whiterock Chameleon, and Altro Whiterock Digiclad (Custom) were selected for the walls in the ICU. The hospital’s paediatric unit had Altro hygienic wall sheets installed previously and knew they were robust and trusted products. The ICU staff and project design team took time to select artwork of cherry blossom branches that would be cheerful yet calming for patients, as well as inspiring and uplifting for hardworking staff. The images were printed to create the Altro Whiterock Digiclad (Custom) wall sheets.

Armourcoat's three dimensional Sculptural Barcode wall finish has been specified at a high profile office fit-out in Eastpoint Business Park, Dublin. The project interior, designed by Meehan Associates, includes a series of ‘huddle rooms’ and meeting spaces with wonderful use of bold accent colour to help orientate staff. The colours also act to highlight the clean, crisp detailing of the linear ‘Barcode’ design used to link the spaces. Armourcoat Sculptural creates seamless wall surfaces with impactful designs and cast relief. Each design is created from cast GRG (Glass-fibre Reinforced Gypsum) panels, CAD generated to enable a continuous pattern or unique decorative effect.Over 600m2 of Armourcoat’s Sculptural Barcode finish was applied to achieve the seamless finish to walls, together with banded polished plaster finishes in various colours throughout the building.The project was delivered by Meehan Associates to meet USGBC LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards.The architects were keen to specify sustainable materials to ensure their positive contribution to the project. In keeping with the eco specification, Armourcoat finishes include 40% pre-consumer recycled marble and no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

Meadow House is a 17 storey, block of flats situated in Coventry. The residential apartment block was built in 1967 and is the second tower block, in Coventry, to be painted using KEIM for its fire-resistant certifications.Similarly to Falkener House, located near Coventry cite centre, this project required a fire-resistant coating and must classify to A2-s1,d0, to meet current building regulations.The applicator, Elhance Limited, who are Leicester based, contacted KEIM to provide a fire-resistant paint. The painted concrete balcony surrounds, and painted brickwork were in relatively good condition. There was general dirt from the urban environment as well as moss and green growth on the surface which required cleaning before any decoration was to take place.KEIM Soldalit-ME was specified due to its A2-s1,d0 fire classification. It is a durable exterior paint that has the added benefit of breaking down organic material and contaminants, which will keep the surfaces cleaners for longer.The facades will not require decoration for another 10-15 years, if not more.A final tower block, also situated in Coventry, has been commissioned to be painted using KEIM Soldalit-ME again due to its fire resistant and durable benefits.

ADRA, the largest social housing provider in North Wales, has collaborated with Marley on a new build project that deploys a solar PV solution on the roofscape. Key to its success was the spirit of teamwork that saw Marley support ADRA throughout the project’s journey. Based in North Wales, ADRA is responsible for 6,800 properties and supports 15,000 local residents. Embarking on its own sustainability journey, the social housing provider needed an effective solar PV solution for the roofscapes of two new semi-detached properties constructed in Bro Pedr Fardd, Gwynedd. A total of 12 Marley SolarTile® panels were specified across the two properties, with the objective behind the product choice, ensuring that the tenants would have access to a clean, sustainable, and cheap energy source to support their daily lives. The need to decarbonise housing stock and create energy efficient, sustainable homes for the future is a vital element of the UK’s progress to net zero by 2050. With regulatory changes to building regulations under Part L now mandatory, those charged with delivering new homes are seeking practical and cost-effective ways to ensure compliance while building high performing homes.

Latvijas Finieris is increasing its production volumes of lignin-based green glue Riga ECOlogical, and the new product is gaining popularity among architects and interior designers. The design bureau br.ook interior architecture, in one of their latest projects – library of Andrejs Upīts Secondary School Skrīveri, Latvia – chose to use Riga Ply and Riga ECOlogical for their interior solutions. Interior architect Baiba Rūķe, br.ook interior architecture, comments: “The initial idea was to create a multifunctional space, yet we wanted the environment to be clean and natural for creative activities. The birch plywood is good material due to its durability and vast application options. It is also our local product. As interior architects, we pay a great deal of attention to materials that we use in our projects and we look for solutions that focus on air quality. It was interesting to use this material, which is natural and has a focus on sustainability.”The library is special, not only because of the high-quality materials used in the renovation process, but also due to its functionality. The idea of the project was to transform the library into a meeting place where one can get familiar with the latest books, do homework in a pleasant and quiet environment, as well as organise other educational activities for children and the youth.

The Canaletto residential tower at 257 City Road in London is located halfway between Old Street and Angel Stations in Islington, alongside the regenerated City Road Basin. It comprises a 31-storey tower with 190 luxury one, two and three bedroom apartments built to the standards of Code 4 Sustainable Homes Level 4.The tower is concrete frame and has a curving facade of metal and glass that breaks the volume into a series of three-to-four storey clusters. In turn, each cluster contains grouped balcony terraces, which are a striking feature of the building. The balconies are of steel construction connected to the concrete frame and as always with cantilever construction elements of this nature, one of the early design considerations had to be the prevention of thermal bridging.For the high specification Canaletto project the Schöck Isokorb® T type SK offers the ideal solution. It is a concrete-to-steel connectivity module that sits between the outer and inner structural connection points and blocks the outflow of heat through the use of high quality polystyrene insulation foam. The Isokorb® T type SK provides a clean and unobtrusive connection detail, minimises on-site assembly time and enables a high level of prefabrication.

Wireworks London approached us looking for a modern industrialised Oak to clad onto a winding staircase in a beautiful London home. Amongst the options we presented was our CH-E780. This a White Oak with a brushed and band sawn surface giving it a clean yet worn texture. The rusticgrade Oak allows for some knotting to appear without it overpowering carefully detailed floorboards.These boards are finished with a commercial grade UV cured oil that makes it hard wearing and easy to maintain. This particular product has also been fitted throughout the busy, modern offices at 3 Shortlands, Hammersmith. It is easily one of our most popular surfaces and finishes.Wireworks didn’t want a separate stair nose component, instead opting for mitring the length of the boards to a 45-degree angle and jointing them together with a biscuit and high quality PVA glue. The effect is a stunning cascade of band sawn Oak which looks like it was purpose built in a specialist workshop or factory. This an excellent example of the ingenuity of the team at Wireworks and the adaptability of wood flooring.Would you like to see this type of cladding in using a herringbone parquet? Then please see our case study: Cladding Stairs in Engineered Herringbone Parquet

As concerns about environmental sustainability continue to escalate, the concept of Passive House (Passivhaus) design has emerged as a game-changer in creating energy-efficient buildings.This innovative approach focuses on maximizing a structure’s energy efficiency while maintaining optimal comfort for its occupants. One key element that can complement and enhance Passive House principles is the incorporation of automatic doors.Understanding Passive House DesignPassive House design revolves around stringent energy efficiency standards. It employs various techniques to minimize energy consumption, such as superior insulation, airtight construction, high-performance windows, and heat recovery ventilation. These elements work harmoniously to create a building that requires minimal energy for heating or cooling, leading to significant reductions in carbon emissions and energy costs.The Role of Automatic Doors in Passive HouseAutomatic doors might not seem like an obvious addition to Passive House design, but their integration can significantly contribute to its efficiency goals. Here’s how:Controlled Air Exchange:Passive House principles emphasise airtightness to prevent energy loss. Automatic doors, equipped with sensors and precise control mechanisms, can efficiently regulate the airflow, allowing for controlled ventilation while minimising the loss of heated or cooled air. This feature ensures that the building maintains its airtightness while providing necessary air circulation.Energy Conservation:By automating the opening and closing of doors, energy loss due to unnecessary drafts or human error is minimised. The doors swiftly close after use, reducing the transfer of heat or cold air between different zones within the building. This helps in maintaining the indoor temperature, contributing to the overall energy efficiency of the structure.Accessibility and Comfort:In addition to energy efficiency, automatic doors significantly enhance accessibility, ensuring ease of entry and exit for all individuals. The seamless operation of these doors adds convenience and comfort to occupants while aligning with the core principles of Passive House design.From revolving doors to sliding doors, we have just he solution for your energy saving needs. We help our clients save energy because we know how important it is to cultivate a sustainable future and reduce environmental impact, while simultaneously promoting cost-effective and efficient solutions for their individual needs. Find our new energy saving FAAC sliding doors here solutions here, and energy saving data here.ConclusionPassive House design has revolutionised the way we approach building construction, emphasising sustainability and energy efficiency. The incorporation of automatic doors complements these principles by enhancing airtightness, energy conservation, and overall occupant comfort.In the pursuit of creating eco-friendly and energy-efficient buildings, integrating automated systems like doors not only aligns with Passive House standards but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable architecture. These technological advancements not only serve functional purposes but also play a pivotal role in reducing environmental impact while prioritising the well-being of the building’s occupants.Check out more of our Energy Solutions.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

Made-to-measure satin-brushed stainless steel worktops and sinks from GEC Anderson have been used to enhance the light and contemporary spaces they are situated in at Brockholes Nature Reserve near Preston, Lancashire.The nature reserve was formed over 10 years out of a former gravel quarry, with a range of habitats added to existing woodlands and water, carefully crafted to attract different species of birds, animals, fish and plant life. The project is the winner of 2 Civic Trust Awards and has achieved the new and highest rating of sustainability, BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ for interim design stage.Owned by the National Wildlife Trust, Brockholes combines a visitor centre with a 67-hectare nature reserve funded by the North West Regional Development Agency. Brockholes is one of the best sites in the UK for many species of birds and different habitats have been created throughout the area to encourage them and other wildlife to visit the siteThe buildings and open spaces form a village-like cluster, floating on a large pontoon and include various facilities such as a café, gift shop and information area. The kitchenette is situated in the conference centre, which is available for hire by companies and individuals for private functions. The small kitchen space is used for general washing up tasks as well as for the storage of crockery and cutlery, includes two GEC Anderson made-to-measure brushed-satin stainless steel sinktops. Designed to fit the compact space available, the stainless steel worktops combine robust functionality with their professional and attractive appearance.The Education Classroom is situated in the Visitor Village and accommodates up to 60 people. It is used for school and adult education activities during term time and family activities during school holidays. A single piece, 3.5 metre, GEC Anderson made-to-measure brushed-satin stainless steel sinktop is located within this area, that includes a special 2.2 metre trough sink to a 180mm depth. This special trough sink is used for general wet activities and for cleaning of art and craft equipment. Kath Knight, Manager at Brockholes said, “Stainless steel provides clean lines and good looks in a modern classroom environment and compliments the surrounding building materials, which are mainly timber.”For the architect, it was also the obvious choice for this busy educational space, as it is hard wearing, hygienic, maintenance free and retains its original appearance over time. GEC Anderson was also chosen for their ability to provide the sinktop configurations to meet the design requirements.Managing Director of GEC Anderson, Martin Tye, comments: “This is a situation where practical requirements must be satisfied but where design and use of natural, balanced, honest materials are, equally, of importance. Stainless steel worktops tend to blend-in so well precisely because of their neutral appearance.”

Dynamic interior spaces created for flagship care homeIssueQuantum Care were launching their flagship care home, Mantles Court, and wanted an interior design that created a warm, welcoming and comfortable space. They asked WHAT IF? Designs to create the interior fit out with a non-clinical feel, making the state of the art, 78-bed care facility feel like a home-from-home for residents.ApproachWHAT IF? Designs looked at the flow of resident living spaces and the needs for each area. Communal spaces including lounges, dining and kitchen areas needed floors that were easy to clean, look fantastic and provide safety from slips. For the ensuite bathrooms, a softer, neutral coloured floor that provided slip resistance for both staff and residents was needed, while bedrooms needed a more homely, domestic feel, with comfort under foot as a priority.SolutionAltro Wood was chosen for the dining room, bedrooms and the hair salon for its natural, homely, good looks. Altro Aquarius and Altro Pisces, with their wide colour palette and lifetime sustained slip resistance, were selected for the ensuite bathrooms, providing safety for shoe and barefoot users. And in the communal areas, Altro Ensemble was chosen for its flexibility and design choices as well as its noise reduction and comfort underfoot.Altro Wood is an attractive wood-effect vinyl flooring helping you create the right look for areas where people live and work. It has sustained slip resistance for the lifetime of the floor.Altro Aquarius was developed for lasting performance in shoes or barefoot, providing lifetime sustained slip resistance in wet and dry environments.Altro Ensemble is a modular flooring system of luxury vinyl tiles that gives complete design freedom to create stunning floors for interior spaces. Altro Ensemble has 15dB sound reduction with added comfort underfoot.Altro Pisces provides superb performance whether wet or dry, in shoes or barefoot in wet environments where the likelihood of a slip is very high."We would recommend Altro to other designers. There is always support when we need it and we will definitely include them in future schemes." Penny Green Co-founder, WHAT IF? Designs"There is a wide range of colour and technical specifications which provided us with the creativity we needed." Penny Green Co-founder, WHAT IF? Designs

ClientManchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) Market SectorHealthcare The Project BriefWythenshawe Hospital is a major acute teaching hospital part of the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT). Its area of specialisms includes cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, heart and lung transplants as well as cancer and breast care services and supports patients from across the North West and beyond.During the upgrade of the Emergency Department (E.D) the team decided on both protection and preventative measures to ensure only the highest of standards were adhered to which were in line with the Hospital’s renowned reputation. The SolutionIntastop Ltd was chosen to supply and fit a range of protective products designed specifically to integrate seamlessly with the hospital aesthetics.They included Bed Head Protection, Hand Rails, Sanparrel® Wall Sheet and Corner Guards from the Inpro product range in addition to Intastop’s innovative I-Gienic Smooth Hygienic Sheet and Rigid Frame Guards. Impact protection sheet along with the other products installed at Wythenshawe Hospital boast a plethora of benefits including high impact resistance, Class ‘O’ Fire Rated; tested to BS476 Parts 6 & 7 and available in a variety of colours. Additional Benefits of Impact Protection SheetEnsures staff and patient safety in the event of a fire by maintaining fire integrity of the surface.Protects against localised damage.Maintains a clean, safe environmentAchieves colour contrast for critical surfaces to assist with visually impaired staff and patientsWhat the client saysMarcus Ashurst, project manager for the emergency department said“With a collaborative approach from the inception of the project through to completion, the Trust was mindful that the new emergency department operating 24 hours a day would require careful thought and consideration with regards to the finishes selected. With leading healthcare architects IBI plans were drafted with full engagement with the clinical teams to develop an extremely well-considered and effective design – fit for purpose.Working with Interserve, the principal supply chain partner appointed to construct the new development, Intastop were nominated to supply and install a fully comprehensive system of door and wall protection that would not only withstand and protect the built environment, but also enhance the aesthetics of the environment. The holistic approach taken and end result was indeed most satisfactory.”

West Lothian Council schools, Deans Community High School and Armadale Academy, are maintained by Bellrock Group under a contractual PPP3 project agreement. Taking on this maintenance management for the two school buildings places the Bellrock management team as the Responsible Person when it comes to compliance to fire safety maintenance which incorporates fire rated doors.With this in mind, Martin Igoe, Senior FM for Bellrock, engaged with Yeoman Shield Fire Door Services when it came to assessing and protecting the condition of the schools’ fire doors with an impact protection system.As a brand name of Harrison Thompson & Co. Ltd. who are a registered FIRAS Warringtonfire (a UKAS accredited scheme for fire door and passive fire resisting products installation) company, Yeoman Shield Fire Door Team were able to undertake a conformity survey of the doors in both schools.This consisted of an assessment of the condition of the fire doors, noting remedial work required to improve the doors functionality, replacement of doors where required as well as noting advisory door protection products that could improve the look, condition and extend the life cycle of the doors by solving impact damage problems.After an itemised quotation for the work had been raised and accepted, Yeoman Shield directly employed fixing operatives carried out the work simultaneously at both school sites simultaneously in accordance to Bellrock’ s programme.Remedial work to both frame and fire doors, replacement doors as well as Yeoman Shield Fire Rated Protection products which were Door Protection Panels, Door Edge Protectors and PVCu clad Glazing Beads were fitted by the accredited teams following best practice guidance.Martin Igoe commented “Having previously used Yeoman Shield on school projects in Aberdeenshire I was more than happy to again collaborate with Yeoman Shield for the Deans Community High School and Armadale Academy.“Their door protection products are great; not only have Yeoman shield re-certified the old fire doors for conformity, they have also extended the life of the doors by fitting a hard-wearing cladding to each. This makes them more durable for the rigours of school life, they look amazing and are so easy to clean.Further phases of the fire door work have been scheduled for later in the year.

The Warwick School is undergoing a major transformation. It has a brand new school building, and as of September 2021, it will have a brand new logo, uniform and name, Carrington School. Kerry, the headteacher, talks about the old buildings in Surrey Live, “they were dilapidated. They were dark, small, in some places the heating didn’t work properly. They had just run out of steam, and over the years of thousands of students going through them, they needed some care and attention.” The new teaching block is made up of 22 classrooms, a dining space, a social area for students to relax in and a sports hall. This makeover and expansion have helped the school to increase its GCSE range.The new name derives from Richard Carrington, an astronomer who built Redhill Observatory in 1852. It was there that he carried out pioneering investigations on solar flares and devised a system for numbering complete rotations of the sun, still in use today. Some of the secondary school students live in Redhill streets which carry his name.Helmsman is extremely happy to have manufactured, supplied and installed laminate school lockers. These are in the new building over two floors. The four-compartment lockers have provided storage for 157 students. These laminate school lockers have sloping tops and end panels to keep the lockers secure from vandalism and to keep them clean. During the install, these lockers were bolted together side by side and to the walls for safety purposes. We used Abet Laminati for the doors. The school chose beautiful colours of aubergine, tones of grey and others colours to make these lockers stand out and to match the modern feel around the building.Installation of standard school lockers of 1775 height by 300 widths and 450 depths with the standard swivel locks decorate the new building. Swivel locks have two functions: Locking with a padlock, and it can also be used as a handle to open/close the locker. Each compartment has an oval laminated number plate. These lockers will provide long-lasting durability for the transformed secondary school.Helmsman is the leading manufacturer of a complete range of lockers and cubicles in the UK and a specialist in providing solutions across different sectors from leisure, healthcare and education through to commercial, retail, construction and industrial. With a dedicated and experienced in-house design team supported by its on-site factory, the company produces high-quality lockers manufactured for each project.

In this case study, we explore a recent resin bound gravel driveway installation project completed using PermaBound materials. Discover how this project aimed to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of a property's driveway, offering durability and low-maintenance benefits.The homeowner desired a modern, attractive, and SuDs-compliant surface to replace their worn-out driveway. After careful consideration, they chose a resin bound gravel driveway using an Ocean Grey blend. The goal was to create a durable solution that would elevate the property's curb appeal.The project commenced with thorough surface preparation, including the removal of the existing driveway. A permeable tarmac surface was laid, providing a clean and level base for the resin bound application. A porous sub-base was established to ensure effective water drainage.Following best practices, the team marked out 37 bays of approximately 3.6m² in which they would lay each of their mixes. Using high-quality PermaBound UVR+ resin binder and a unique Ocean Grey aggregate blend, the installers produced their mixes in a forced action mixer. The resin and aggregate mixture were carefully spread using a spazzle before being hand-troweled onto the prepared surface by seasoned professionals, creating a seamless and smooth finish.The completed Ocean Grey resin bound gravel driveway instantly transformed the property's appearance. The cool grey tones of the aggregate harmonised with the surrounding architecture, delivering a contemporary and inviting entrance. The surface's smooth finish added sophistication, while its permeability enabled efficient drainage, reducing the risk of localised surface flooding.Additionally, the driveway's low-maintenance nature proved beneficial. Debris can be easily swept away, and occasional power washing will restore its pristine appearance. Thanks to the durable resin bound system, the driveway can withstand the weight of vehicles without compromising its integrity, ensuring long-lasting beauty and functionality.This case study highlights the remarkable transformation achieved through the installation of a resin bound gravel driveway. With its durability, aesthetic appeal, and low-maintenance features, this surface offers an excellent solution for enhancing both the look and practicality of driveways.Contact us today to learn more about our range of resin bound gravel products and other surfacing solutions for your upcoming projects.

A single-pipe hot water system based has been installed with 1.2km of RAYCHEM HWAT-R self-regulating heating system supported by 13 RAYCHEM HWAT-ECO controllers. As the system uses half the pipework of a conventional recirculation system, on-site installation time was cut dramatically and this was enhanced further by use of the RayClic connection systems. It also meant that space savings could be made in walls and ceiling voids. The system is low-maintenance, a critical factor due to the sensitive nature of this building and can now be very easily extended during further planned developments.

For many, living in a glorious rural location in a contemporary, minimalist home is the dream. The clean lines, open plan spaces and large expanses of glass to let the outside views and natural light flood in. Danny Reilly, his wife and their children were able to make that dream a reality.Easy on the eye but hard on the earHowever, polished concrete floors, stone kitchen surfaces, floor to ceiling glass and other hard materials, reverberate sound. Add lively children to the mix and the unwanted noise was spoiling the family’s enjoyment of contemporary living.Soft furnishings like cushions, rugs and carpets can help deaden sound to a limited extent but were not what the family wanted. Fortunately, Danny is the Manging Director of market leading Reilly Ceilings and knew exactly what do to get the acoustics in the family home under control.Luckily Danny knew what he had to doDanny Reilly, “As soon as we moved in, we discovered the noise was unbearable – not all of it made by my precious children – and immediately set about retro-fitting Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic.”Mono Acoustic is a discreet, seamless acoustic ceiling which suited the minimalist aesthetic of this family’s home. Its seamless surface looks like plasterboard but has built-in Class A sound absorption to prevent unwanted noise. The installation in this project was a straightforward two stage process: stone wall panels were directly fixed to the existing plasterboard ceiling followed by a smooth acoustic render sprayed onto the panel surface, ready for decoration. Industry recognition and accreditationsRockfon Specification Manager, Deirdre Mulvaney, “Happily for the Reilly family, Danny had the knowledge to solve poor acoustics in this open plan environment. Mono Acoustic is used in high end restaurants, offices and other spaces to provide amazing acoustic control and is a practical solution for the residential sector, too. It has Quiet Mark accreditation which consumers might recognise as attributed to low-noise electrical appliances including some brands of washing machine and kettle. It is also Bronze level Cradle to Cradle Certified® and can contribute to LEED, BREAM and WELL Building Standards.”A versatile seamless acoustic product Mono can be used on ceilings, walls or to create bespoke islands. It can be curved, easily transitioned into plasterboard or integrated into existing mouldings. The system achieves Class A sound absorption and Class A2 fire protection whilst delivering greater than 99% light diffusion.In common with other Rockfon acoustic systems, Mono is made with a core of naturally occurring, non-hygroscopic stone wool, which is virtually non-combustible and provides no sustenance to harmful micro-organisms. It also embodies high humidity resistance and is impervious to most environmental pressures. Danny again, “Using Rockfon Mono, we were able to keep the minimalist features of the house and the results in terms of sound reverberation are unbelievable. We have another two children now and I honestly think that might not be the case if we hadn't sorted out the unwanted noise!”    

Client: Rothschild FoundationLocation: Waddesdon, UKYear: 2023Project size: 100 m²Vebro systems: vebroflex Comfort UV PlusA resin floor was required to ensure a seamless visual transition between the floors and walls at a unique, 12 metre high, wedding-cake-shaped venue, colour matching perfectly to the vibrant pastel pallet of the tiles and sculptures adorning the exterior façade.Set in the beautiful English countryside in Buckinghamshire, Waddesdon Manor was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his collection of arts and to entertain his friends.According to Rothschild Foundation, who manage the house, “The contemporary ethos of the estate looks to ensure all of its assets are cared for holistically and the past, present and future combine and are presented to the highest standard and level of inspection at all times”.Standing within a grove of trees on the estate of Waddesdon Manor, this ceramic sculptural pavilion – in the form of a three-tiered wedding cake – is the latest Rothschild Foundation commission from celebrated Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos.Aptly named Wedding Cake, over 25,000 gleaming, icing-like ceramic tiles decorate the cake – all made in a traditional Portuguese manufactory – glazed in pale pinks, greens, and blues.100 square metres of Vebro Polymers’ vebroflex Comfort UV Plus system was installed in two colours – RAL 6019 Pastel Green in the central area atrium with RAL 9010 Pure White around the perimeter.vebroflex Comfort UV Plus is a solid-coloured, UV-stable, elasticised, polyurethane liquid-vinyl resin that achieves up to 200% elongation at break. Once cured, the material delivers a smooth, matt-finish surface that deadens sound transfer between floors by up to 4Db. Additional sound absorption can be achieved with a liquid membrane or rubber matting.The cementitious screed was reinforced using vebroscreed R&S (Repair & Strengthen) to improve the compressive strength of the sand / cement screed.vebroscreed R&S is a transparent, solvent free, epoxy material used to penetrate fine crack and fissures in cement-based semi-dry cementitious levelling screeds – injecting additional strength and reinforcement prior to the installation of floor coverings.One of the most interesting aspects of the install involved an intricate mandala formed in brass, which was positioned in the centre of the lower atrium floor, creating a stunning central focal point underfoot for visitors.The pigmented aliphatic comfort resin was used to infill each of the brass trim petals using a large syringe. Each petal was meticulously injected one by one, taking a whole day to complete.Resin Flooring Specialists (RFS) are one of the UK’s leading resin flooring installers, based in Kent, and working throughout England.RFS works alongside the UK’s largest construction companies, as well as working direct for clients across a wide range of industry sectors.Mindful of slip resistance, cleaning, performance and aesthetics, RFS pride themselves on being able to deliver the right solution for all resin flooring needs no matter what the environment.RFS are members of the Resin Flooring Association – FeRFA – and Construction Line as well as being an Alcumus Safe Contractor and CHAS Accredited contractor.

THE PROJECT: Recticel supplied the high-performance thermal solution to transform a 100-year-old property in Moseley, Birmingham. Divided into nine apartments, in which two were refurbished to create one, two-storey home, the project caught the attention of the producers of Channel Four's Old House to New Home. Connecting a ground floor property to a flat above led to the creation of a modern and stylish home trimmed with decorative reminders of its structural origins.THE SOLUTION: Eurothane® GP, a high-performance rigid PIR foam board, was selected for the new home's pitched roof, framed wall and floor. Eurothane PL, Recticel's insulation and plasterboard solution was fitted to the property's existing, cavity-less, nine-inch exterior brick walls. The well-sized board ensures minimal thermal bridging during construction.Coupled with Eurothane® GP's 0.022W/mK low thermal conductivity, these products were crucial to attaining a good U-value rating. In total, 130m2 of Eurothane® GP and Eurothane® PL panels were installed.The homeowner, Paul explained:"As we were carrying-out most of the building work ourselves we wanted the best possible insulation for the project. Research revealed Recticel's solutions fitted the bill. Excellent thermal performance and simple to-fit, they were a far superior alternative to other insulants we considered. The panels have done so much to create a welcoming and comfortable interior environment."Used products:Eurothane® GP:Eurothane® GP is a high performance PIR insulation board that is light weight, easy to cut, handle and install. Whether it’s a pitched roof, framed wall or floor, Eurothane® GP is the ideal solution amongst contractors and installers.Eurothane® PL:Suitable for mechanical fixing or dot and dab fixing, this insulated board is consistently sized with extremely tight tolerances, ensuring thermal bridging is minimised. Factory bonded, the plasterboard provides optimum board dimensions and optimum adhesion between layers.

Twin Rundum Original ‘round the corner’ side sliding doors have been manufactured and installed by bespoke garage door specialist Rundum Meir UK as part of the North Quay development in Hayle, Cornwall.Their vision for North Quay is to transform a former industrial area into an exciting new coastal quarter for people to live, work, shop, eat, stay and enjoy the stunning waterside location. Key to this is high quality design by which has already been independently recognised through the project winning in the 2020 Housing Design Awards.Within the first phase of the transformational project, which includes around 140 dwellings and public realm development by FCBStudios, as well as office space and waterside commercial buildings, are two residential units with garages. Rundum Meir was approached to explore the potential for twin bespoke doors with radiused corners at their adjacent edge which would make a statement feature of the garage doors. This design was perfectly suited to the Rundum Original, which slides along a track as it opens sideways before turning a corner to run along an inner side wall of the garage. Equally important, however, was the ability to manufacture the garage door in materials that would enable aesthetic goals to be achieved whilst being suitable for the harsh coastal conditions, dominated by an aggressive saline atmosphere.Rundum Meir was able to use Accoya for the timber slats that make up each of the doors. Accoya is ideal for conditions of this kind, and for meeting the project’s sustainability aims, given its superior durability and FSC accreditation.Marine grade stainless steel was used to create the U-channels which guide the Rundum Original as it slides, along with the PPC tracks and binding. This will ensure the key mechanical elements of the two doors have maximum resistance to corrosion for a long design life.In line with the high specification of all the dwellings under construction, the Rundum Meir garage doors are also automated. A door-mounted motor is activated via a remote control device and it is HomeLink compatible for safe and secure operation from inside a vehicle.

The MFU1200 door hardware was used for a walk-in closet door in the entrance area of a private residence. The goal of the product was to create a hidden door.In this article, the benefits and objectives of this product will be explored. Specifically, the purpose of this project which was to fulfil the client’s request to “have the closet door look like a wall when it is closed.”PROBLEMKey IssuesThe design goal was to create a closet door that could blend in and look like a wall when it was closed.SOLUTIONThe SolutionThe push-to-open door functionality eliminates the need for a handle to be installed on the front of the door.*The door's handle-less design enables it to flawlessly integrate into the wall and give the impression of being practically invisible.Seamless blending into walls*The MFU1200 is a push-to-open type door hardware that does not require a handle to be installed into or on the front of the door. The handle-less design allows for the door to seamlessly blend into the wall and appear to be almost invisible.*Requires handle on back side of door.Click here to see how it works. This “secret” door is only noticeable when you push it, making it a fun and functional design choice.Maximising space in closetsThe benefits of this product are not limited to its appearance.With conventional swing doors, you have to make room in the opening direction of the door to accommodate its opening radius. However, the MFU1200 allows the door to slide open laterally, maximising the space available in the closet.Maximum 70kg for heavy doorsThe door used in this project has a door height of 2700 mm, a door width of 1200 mm, a load capacity of up to 70 kg and has passed 100,000 open-close tests*, making it suitable for marble doors such as those used in this mansion.In addition, the sliding mechanism is equipped with dual dampers. As a result, the door opens and closes softly and gently, the door an upscale feel.The client commented that the heavy marble doors used with the MFU1200 “closed flat against the wall and moved smoothly.”*Internal testing.This product can be used to create wall-like doors, save space and is compatible with heavy doors making it a versatile product for a variety of home interiors.Click here for product videoClick here for installation video

Rockfon brings the Wow and the Ssh to Sheffield Hallam Adsetts Library Rockfon welcomed the challenge of collaborating to conceive a ground-breaking acoustic ceiling installation that not only looks great but controls sound beautifully, helping create the perfect environment for students to read and study in. Sheffield Hallam University appointed an alliance team to undertake their larger scale construction works over for the next six years, in partnership with BDP Architects, BAM Construction and CBRE Facilities Management. Adsetts Library – a vital resource and haven The library provides an impressive, balconied, multi-storey focal point for students and staff, to educate, learn, read and study in a variety of open plan and more formal spaces. Traditionally the library also provides a haven where a certain hush can be relied on by its thousands of users – something Rockfon understands the mechanics and science of more than most. BAM invited installation specialists Brebur to find a solution to the university’s needs at the library. In turn, they, approached Rockfon in order to explore options and generate plans to design and install a replacement, taking in to consideration site access and the library’s vast height, inclines and span, alongside the need to retain services for students and staff. Brainstorming a bespoke solution Brebur Commecial Director, Tommy Burke, talked about the project, “Working with the Hallam alliance team, BAM construction and our supply chain partners, Rockfon, we looked for the structural and aesthetic solution that would best fulfil the acoustic requirements. Brainstorming sessions resulted in a unique specification that would ‘tick all the boxes’ whist also improving the efficiency and performance of the building.” Rockfon Technical Manager, Tim Spencer, recalls the development and specification process, “Initially we looked at options for traditional wire-suspended ceiling islands, but these were quickly discounted due to the available space for fixing and the varying pitch of the structure. Fortunately, Rockfon had developed an innovative new direct fixing system for its Rockfon Eclipse® Islands, for use in situations of restricted height. Even so, installing islands at pitches of 45 and 60 degrees was new territory. Thoughts then turned to designing a system of grid steelwork to successfully fix the islands, which would handle the loads over a 3m span, whilst also subsequently accommodating lighting specified by the client. The answer proved to be our Chicago MetallicTM 55mm structural ‘I’ profiles positioned at 600mm centres, fixed with a unique combination of U-bolts and bracketry.” Due to the library ordinarily being open 24/7, the first national lockdown in early 2020, offered an opportunity to carry out the necessary works while the space was being less utilised. Following complete removal of the existing panels and substrate, work began to install the Rockfon scheme. The perfect fit for a unique space Around 400 1170mm x 1160mm Eclipse islands were installed throughout the library’s vast, multi-faceted space, which is four storeys high at its apex. Clear glazed roof sections to one side allow natural light to flood in and reflect against the smooth, deep-matt, super white surface of the Eclipse islands which provide high light reflection and light diffusion. Eclipse islands can be specified in a variety of shaped formats with bespoke colour matching options. They provide superior sound absorption and reduce reverberation – allowing design freedom without compromising on performance. All Rockfon ranges are made from non-hygroscopic, non-combustible, stone wool, which is impervious to most environmental pressures, embodying very high humidity resistance, up to 100% RH. Their anti-static surfaces repel dirt while providing no sustenance to harmful micro-organisms such as mould and fungi, playing an important role in limiting the spread of bacteria. Brebur’s Tommy Burke, “The project was a challenge – you can say that again – but, as ever, with the assistance of the project team and of course, Rockfon, it was successfully delivered to the highest standard, on time, within budget and to the satisfaction of the whole team.”

Tucked away in a marvellous natural landscape, the Parc Hotel Du Lac that looks out onto Lake Levico, offers guests a breath-taking view and a tremendous breadth of services.The structure is an intimate and welcoming oasis, created using a variety of different wood look porcelain tiles and stone look porcelain tiles by Atlas Concorde. The naturalness of the surfaces chosen for floors and walls merges with the clean harmony of the surrounding environment, for a unique effect of immense visual impact. The large restaurant area and the veranda are covered with Axi, wood look porcelain tiles with age-old effect, with an intense and natural character as well as excellent planning potential. The warm and bright Golden Oak colour, rich in veining, bestows the space a touch of refined, extremely natural luxury. Atlas Concorde collections have been used for the bathroom floors and the bathroom walls: for instance, the View collection, which creates a vibrant and engulfing atmosphere combining functionality and design. Some corridors and a lounge area are characterised by a dynamic multi-size installation created using the Copper colour of Trust, stone look porcelain tiles recalling natural quartzite and Luserna stone. A perfect synthesis of aesthetics and technology, the collection also finds perfect application in the outdoor floors of the hotel structure.

Architect/Designer: MCM ArchitectureLocation: Cannon Place, LondonProject Overview: New office fit-out for Top-10 global law firm CMS, open plan environment with shared cellular support. Scope included a complete ironmongery package for all new full height timber and glazed doors.ServiceFull hardware scheduling & Bespoke Design.Project DetailsTo help create an outstanding quality to CMS' new innovative law office 3v worked closely with MCM architecture to develop a full hardware specification that worked with their simple, clean design.Across the 3 large floors there are a mixture of door types, full height timber doors provided by Dealerward alongside Optima double and single glazed doors. Our experienced team co-ordinated all requirements for each door working closely with MCM and both door manufacturers throughout the design and construction process. With client experience being central to this design, ironmongery was chosen from the high end of our Vieler range including tailor made pull handles to suite the full height glazed doors.We are delighted that this project has been awarded the British Council for offices (BCO) Award for Fit-Out of Workplace 2016 for the london and South-East region.

Calm and non-clinical environment for busy Intensive Care UnitChallengeHospital environments are created to heal; yet supporting both physical and mental health needs in clinical environments can be challenging. The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Harrogate District Hospital required a refurbishment to its walls and wanted a non-clinical design, but with hygienic properties.ApproachThe unit had different areas with different functions – it needed to have hygienic, clean, wipe down walls which were also robust and could withstand bumps and scuffs. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the refurbishment needed to be completed quickly with minimum downtime to ICU. The team also wanted the unit to have a non-clinical feel.SolutionAltro Whiterock White, Altro Whiterock Chameleon, and Altro Whiterock Digiclad (Custom) were selected for the walls in the ICU. The hospital’s paediatric unit had Altro hygienic wall sheets installed previously and knew they were robust and trusted products. The ICU staff and project design team took time to select artwork of cherry blossom branches that would be cheerful yet calming for patients, as well as inspiring and uplifting for hardworking staff. The images were printed to create the Altro Whiterock Digiclad (Custom) wall sheets.

Dynamic interior spaces created for flagship care homeIssue Quantum Care were launching their flagship care home, Mantles Court, and wanted an interior design that created a warm, welcoming and comfortable space. Quantum Care asked WHAT IF? Designs to create the interior spaces with a non-clinical feel, making the state of the art, 78-bed care facility feel like a home-from-home for residents. Approach WHAT IF? Designs looked at the flow of resident living spaces and the needs for each area. Communal spaces including lounges, dining and kitchen areas required floors that were easy to clean, looked fantastic and provided safety from slips. For the ensuite bathrooms, a softer, neutral coloured floor with slip resistance for both staff and residents was needed, while bedrooms called for a more homely, domestic feel, with comfort under foot as a priority. Solution Altro Wood was chosen for the dining room, bedrooms and the hair salon for its natural, homely, good looks. Altro Aquarius and Altro Pisces, with their wide colour palette and lifetime sustained slip resistance, were selected for the ensuite bathrooms, providing safety for shoe and barefoot users. And in the communal areas, Altro Ensemble was chosen for its flexibility and design choices as well as its noise reduction and comfort underfoot.

The owner of this house wanted to build a purpose-built home to meet the needs of his growing up family.  He wanted to live in the village he grew up in but at the same time it was important that the design embraced new concepts and ideas. The end result is a stunning contemporary luxury home that incorporates large glazing areas throughout. There has been a careful use of traditional stone, wood and also unique metal cladding detail with the external design. Internally the feeling throughout is minimalistic clean lines, with the furniture being a perfect complement to the end result. With the exception of the switchable privacy glass for the window adjacent to the front door, the inclusion of completely concealed fully automated blinds to all other windows are the ’Grand Finale’ to this beautiful home.  When not required the blinds are completely concealed but at the press of a button or using their mobile devices, blinds appear as required – providing shading, sun protection, privacy or blackout blinds as required.A feature of interest is the large gable window in the master bedroom.  Here Honeycell Duette® blinds have also been concealed within the sloping ceiling and again appear from their hiding places when required showing that irregular shaped areas can benefit from the Blindspace headboxes which can be made to conceal almost any blind available on the market.

The owner of this house wanted to build a purpose-built home to meet the needs of his growing up family. He wanted to live in the village he grew up in but at the same time it was important that the design embraced new concepts and ideas. The end result is a stunning contemporary luxury home that incorporates large glazing areas throughout. There has been a careful use of traditional stone, wood and also unique metal cladding detail with the external design. Internally the feeling throughout is minimalistic clean lines, with the furniture being a perfect complement to the end result.  With the exception of the switchable privacy glass for the window adjacent to the front door, the inclusion of completely concealed fully automated blinds to all other windows are the ’Grand Finale’ to this beautiful home. When not required the blinds are completely concealed but at the press of a button or using their mobile devices, blinds appear as required – providing shading, sun protection, privacy or blackout blinds as required.  A feature of interest is the large gable window in the master bedroom. Here Honeycell Duette® blinds have also been concealed within the sloping ceiling and again appear from their hiding places when required showing that irregular shaped areas can benefit from the Blindspace headboxes which can be made to conceal almost any blind available on the market.

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.