"natural floor coverings"

Following an extensive overhaul of the emergency lighting system at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), the LuxIntelligent emergency lighting panel is ensuring ongoing compliance with the BS 5266-1 code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises.A large teaching hospital in the centre of Leeds, the LGI is a Major Trauma Centre and a leading centre for hand transplants. Following significant improvements to its emergency lighting system, 24 LuxIntelligent panels now ensure compliance across many of the hospital’s key departments, with over 2,000 standalone light fittings covering general acute services like A&E, intensive care and high dependency units, maternity and operating theatres.The system upgrade involved the recommissioning of panels and rewiring of loops to deliver a more robust and reliable system, with significantly reduced device failure rates. Advanced’s range of low voltage LED lighting was used, making the maintenance of fittings and sourcing spares simpler. With equipment also installed across Chapel Allerton, Seacroft and St James University Hospitals, Advanced is now integral to the Standard Operating Procedure for the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Project DescriptionThe new £6M Savoy Cinema Multiplex is the latest phase in the transformation of the former Tresham College site, which has seen Corby Borough Council and the Homes and Communications Agency (HCA) merge their land to provide large-scale commercial development opportunities. Savoy Cinemas complex is capable of seating more than 900 people across six wall-to-wall screens in spacious, stadium seated auditoria.Specific Project ChallengesConsiderable budget restraints for envelope materialsExpedited 9-month build programmeBespoke, complex curved roof and façade designSolutions OfferedSite rolled top sheets were supplied to provide a continuous seamless finish to the standing seam roof, whilst also offering time savings against programme.2mm thick, anodised aluminium plank, supported by a bespoke helping hand support system, to provide a cost effective, yet flexible and accurate façade solutionA single point 25-year warranty covering roof and façade products, including interface detailing between systems.

FOAMGLAS® READY BOARD T4+Design Architects: Kohn, Pedersen, Fox Associates – KPF London, Marcus BlanesMain contractor: SkansaConstruction: 2011Application: Compact Roof - FOAMGLAS® Ready Board T4+Finish: Umicore VM ZincThe roof level 41 of the Heron Tower (with a height of 120m) is designed to the most exacting standards for sustainability and efficiency.The building received the BREEAM rating of 'Excellent', with FOAMGLAS® thermal insulation being part of a green and energy efficient building. The roof is composed with FOAMGLAS® READY BOARD insulation and Umicore VM Zinc roofing as a durable finish.FOAMGLAS® insulation has the ability to withstand high structural loads and has developed a special fixing system for metal roofing.Square metal fixing plates are inserted into the upper surface of the insulation and covered with a waterproofing and a separation sheet.This is the perfect system to fully support metal standing seam roofing which is screwed to the metal plates without thermal bridging between the metal roof sheet and the building structure.

Our coatings look after the world’s most iconic and acclaimed buildings. Among them is the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Since its redevelopment in 2011, the principal public gallery in Auckland, New Zealand has won 23 awards and counting, including the prestigious World Architecture Festival's 2013 World Building of the Year. The redevelopment plan aimed at restoring and preserving heritage elements and sensitively combining them with 21st-century design. This included earthquake-proofing and heritage restoration of the 1887 and 1916 components of the main building and the addition of new, contemporary elements that increased display space by 50 per cent. One of the most distinctive features of the new building is its roof design, which forms a series of fine ‘tree-like’ canopies that define and cover the forecourt, atrium and gallery areas.Our coatings complemented this architectural challenge of blending old with new. A coatings system comprising of Interzinc 42, Intergard 251 and Interthane 990 was used to protect structural steel, while Interchar 963 was used to provide essential protection from the effects of fire.

Dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy, whose great-grandfather, Patrick, was born in the nearby village of Dunganstown, this arboretum near New Ross, County Wexford, contains a plant collection of presidential proportions. The Arboretum was established in 1968, following a visit by Kennedy whilst President to the area in 1963, and it covers 252 hectares and contains over 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all temperate regions of the world. A visitor centre houses engaging exhibitions on JFK and on the Arboretum itself. The original structure at the heart of the Arboretum is a masterclass in timber post and beam construction, although the exposure to weather in the south of Ireland provoked some deterioration in the building fabric and to the original roof. PAC DESIGN STUDIO, Dublin, were appointed by the Office of Public Works to survey and establish a contract for fabric replacement and repairs to this beautiful structure, which were completed in 2021. The original roof was replaced and the new roof now features PREFA PREFALZ P.10 Dark Grey Standing Seam. A & A Quinn Roofing Solutions Ltd, Wexford, carried out the installation of the PREFA PREFALZ to the new roof.

Designed by Shawn Hausman Design this hotel features a retro interior style which some may call kitschy or ‘hippie’ style. But there’s no doubt that this hotel is unlike any other, bursting at the seams with bright, vibrant colours and minimalist furniture and décor reflecting a somewhat 70’s glam style. While the interior might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the exterior is quite a sight to behold. With its brutalist-style architecture, it draws on the curved windows that cover the building as the main focus of the design. Originally built in 1974 as an office block and public library Orms were responsible for retaining this stark exterior. The hotel was heightened by a glass extension across the top of the building that holds a restaurant and club.Perhaps the coolest feature of the hotel, the red pill lift. A single external red pod, contrasting vividly with the plain white concrete frame, that transports its guests to all the 266 rooms and the rooftop bars.Selo provided simple, sleek riser doors that fit in perfectly with this modern look, and allow the eye to be drawn to the more important design features of the interior.

Altro delivers a speedy upgrade to luxury care homeIssueAmana Living is a premium care service provider based in in Australia, who pride themselves on making the welfare of their residents a priority. When the community lounge at Amana Living’s Moline Village needed an upgrade, they knew they needed a speedy solution that would cause minimal disturbance to their residents and offer a superior quality finish.ApproachThe existing vinyl floor was in need of an update, and Amana Living needed a flooring product which would allow them to complete the renovation quickly, with minimal noise, dust, and unpleasant odours but would also look great, and perform even better.SolutionAmana Living chose Altro Wood adhesive-free for their refurbishment. The adhesive-free installation meant that not only were there no adhesive smells, but that the new flooring could be laid directly over the top of the old. This saved valuable time and significantly reduced the amount of dust involved in the project. The time savings that Amana Living made by using adhesive-free flooring meant that they were able to open up the lounge to their residents more quickly than originally planned. The benefits don’t end at the installation either: in their new community lounge, both staff and residents enjoy a relaxing environment with comfort underfoot and 14dB sound reduction. And with the inclusion of Altro Easyclean Technology, the lounge is also much easier to maintain.Altro Wood adhesive-free creates maximum impact with minimum downtime. With 12 colour choices, 14dB sound reduction, a 10-year guarantee and our Altro one in a million slip-resistance reassurance, Altro Wood adhesive-free offers high levels of comfort underfoot providing a safe, durable and decorative solution for busy spaces."The installation was completed in a very timely manner with no take-up of existing flooring, and no dust or adhesive odours causing discomfort to anyone in the facility, all being completed with minimal disruptions." Amana Living"Everyone is delighted with the completed flooring which now delivers great safety underfoot, ease of cleaning and a fantastic looking renovation completed in record time." Amana Living

Hamburg architect Jan Störmer's design of The Fontenay luxury hotel is an homage to the Hanseatic city. The sculptural and organic circle-shaped architecture successfully achieves a balance between the urban character of the city and its natural surroundings. Situated directly on the Alster, it is an island of tranquillity in the middle of Hamburg. The exquisite structure makes it possible to experience the Hanseatic slogan "modern classic" first hand: an open-minded outlook together with a cosmopolitan lifestyle, but with a marked penchant for the classical.  Because of the way the bright, curvy and light-flooded architecture is designed, all 130 rooms and suits face outward, and many offer a view of the Alster. The interior design of the guest rooms by Christian Meinert of the architectural firm Aukett + Heese in Berlin employs perfectly coordinated colours that harmonise wonderfully with the surrounding waterside park landscape. Light beige tones, green onyx walls, warm white nuances, and turquoise and royal blue accents faithfully mirror the natural surroundings. In the hotel bathrooms, light natural stone is used. Here, too, the products and materials chosen with special care ensure an overall impression of refinement and complete harmony. The furnishings, which include KEUCO cosmetic mirrors, stools and accessories with brushed nickel finish, are ideal – a perfect synthesis of the classical and the modern – simply a "modern classic". The refined and matt shine of nickel, its extreme durability, and its solid value are what makes this finish so special and attractive, and the first choice in The Fontenay hotel. Particularly in a hotel, the bathroom furnishings must always meet the high expectations of guests and management. Lasting brilliance is guaranteed by the first rate "made in Germany" workmanship and the strict controls on quality.  Because of the careful attention given to the choice of products, time spent in the bathroom is a special experience for every hotel guest. For beauty care, the illuminated cosmetic mirror is a coveted utensil, and the bathroom stool with wooden seat invites you to stay a bit longer. With their pronounced design the accessories round off the bathroom setting perfectly. The Fontenay hotel in Hamburg is an architectural masterpiece par excellence. The meticulously thought-through concept and the stylish attention to detail resonate consistently throughout the entire premises. With their brushed nickel finish, KEUCO's accessories are the perfect complement and emphasize the exclusive and modern character of the bathrooms even more.  

Of all our refurbishment projects, this one was one of the smoothest in its deployment, and amongst the most exciting & rewarding in its outcome.Lee Valley is a 10,000-acre (40 km2) Regional Park that offers sporting & outdoor activities, as well as the unique opportunity to get close to nature, learning & exploring its natural surroundings, gardens, and nature reserves.The Lee Valley White-Water Centre, officially opened on 9 December 2010 by Anne, Princess Royal, was constructed to host the slalom events during the London 2012 Olympic Games, and still hosts international events, attracting visitors from across the globe. Since 2012, Lee Valley has hosted the World Championships and two World Cups.In 2023, the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships will attract over 300 of the world's top athletes to the Lee Valley White Water Centre.A local contractor who knew RYNO was impressed by our composite decking, our service & reputation, and introduced us to the project manager of Lee Valley Park Authority.The project was a full refurb of The Terrace which had an ageing & poorly installed wooden decking and a damaged waterproofing membrane that was leaking through to areas underneath. Some of the boards had already been removed to inspect the damage and reveal the extent of the work that needed to be undertaken. Such was the state of the decking that the area had been cordoned off and the café was unable to make use of this space!What was required was a like-for-like replacement aesthetically, which is why we selected & installed our TerraSmart™ Composite system, featuring our Classic Decking Boards, supported by high-load bearing aluminium substructure & RDA-C ‘Clip-on’ Self-levelling Adjustable Decking Pedestal, ideal for terraces subject to high foot traffic.We recommended Valley Provincial as installers who stated: "The TerraSmart decking system was the perfect choice for this project. The system’s ease of installation enabled our site teams to make excellent progress. From pricing through to delivery, Ryno where very supportive and we look forward to installing their decking system on future projects."The entire project was delivered on budget, on time, and, of course, by the deadline for the next event!

Waterproof, hard-wearing, low-maintenance, seamless micro finish for walls and floors in 1 - 2 mm.

Amtico’s bright, bold and Bespoke Signature flooring adds to the exciting atmosphere at Hamleys first store in China.

420 stair nosings measured and supplied to a job for N&S Flooring on behalf of Bristol City Council.

Reflex Multisport was supplied and installed at the prestigious Eton College.758m2 Multisport Ash floor with underfloor heating.

There has always been a relationship between design and the marrying up of form, function and aesthetics. While popularity of materials and styles comes and go over the years, how products look, feel and perform is constant. This interesting interplay is explored in the latest online theme from Troldtekt A/S, the Danish manufacturer of acoustic panels. Comprising expert articles, white papers and interviews, the ‘Architectural Beauty’ theme looks at the concept of architectural beauty and the importance of aesthetics in leading certification schemes for sustainable building. It acknowledges that it is not always possible to harmonise the aesthetic with the practical but that there are some ways in which they can be combined to provide value to a building while enhancing its beauty. Australian artist and designer Jay Dee Dearness sums it up well - “Beauty is the melding of functionality and aesthetics in just the right proportions to achieve the desired result.’ Acoustic product manufacturers, such as Troldtekt, embrace this relationship and are at the forefront of practical, aesthetic and high performance products and design. Troldtekt’s wood wool panelling is a perfect canvas allowing architects and designers to realise their most creative schemes, safe in the knowledge that acoustical performance will not be compromised.Since 1903, Copenhagen has presented annual awards for beautiful buildings, landscaping and urban spaces within the city. The Copenhagen Building Award comprises four categories - new buildings, restoration, refurbishment and urban environments. “We present the awards to honour the architects, engineers and developers behind the projects. Also, we’re keen to support projects and urban spaces that are of particular benefit to the city and its citizens”, comments Camilla van Deurs, City Architect of the City of Copenhagen and chair of the building award jury.Copenhagen’s Grøndalsvængets School (pictured), is one of the winning projects chosen by the Copenhagen Building Awards 2020. The school has undergone thorough renovation and expansion, all designed by JJW Arkitekter. It now has a fully modern learning environment where the original qualities have been preserved – and where the indoor climate is exemplary. Like most schools, it used to be noisy by nature from the exuberance of children. Now, this stunning example of architectural beauty shows how large bright spaces, natural daylight and interesting design works well with aesthetic high performance products. It also shows how wood wool acoustic panels make such designs possible while dampening ambient and reverberated noise which would otherwise be unbearable for users.  Many buildings have unique challenges relating to acoustic issues but all can benefit from acoustic panelling to help contribute towards improving the interior environment. Specified throughout the UK and Europe, the benefits of 100% Troldtekt natural wood wool panels include high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. Samples, case studies and technical information are easily sourced from www.troldtekt.co.uk (tel 01978 664255). In addition, information on Troldtekt’s Architectural Beauty theme can be found at https://www.troldtekt.com/news/themes/architectural-beauty or https://bit.ly/3jvFmV2

Pembroke House is an assisted living home located in Camberley. The home had a conversion of the second and third floors and construction of a 2 story roof extension to provide 116 affordable apartments, as well as 20 in a dedicated dementia suite. Facilities include a private dining room, lounge areas, restaurant, cinema, library, café, spa bathroom, bistro, library, beauty salon and activities room. Located in the city centre, the building has underground parking, garden terraces on the 4th Floor, and a porte cochere providing outdoor space for residents to enjoy.Cellecta’s DECKfon Batten 70 was specified by PRP Architects as they have been rigorously tested and are robust detail complaint for steel, concrete and timber separating floor applications. The battens consist of a layer of recycled, low resonance, open cell, flexible polyurethane foam bonded to an FSC/PEFC certified timber batten.Wates Construction was awarded this 2,880m² contract to construct this development in Surrey.

The clients wanted a floor that could run continuously throughout. From the kitchen to the garden and pool areas…. even up the stairs. Polished concrete is one of the few materials that can be used to great effect in all of these environments.The effectiveness of the underfloor heating was of great importance to the clients. The use of polished concrete throughout the entire ground floor allowed for maximum efficiency of the underfloor heating by allowing the whole area to have fantastic thermal retention properties. All without having to compromise on style and practicality.One of our most popular shades, Off White is the perfect neutral tone to bring warmth to softer spaces – like the living room and bedrooms – and classic elegance to more functional rooms like the kitchen.The metal stair treads were installed on site ready to be infilled with concrete. We poured approximately 50mm of concrete into the pre-formed tray and then coloured and polished the surface to ensure they were a great match to the adjacent floor.

A stunning 19th century hotel transformed into a contemporary highland home with mixed widths European Oak flooring in Dusk.

Skyfold rises vertically within the ceilng offering valuable floor space saving and operation by simply turning a key.

Architect: Selencky///Parsons. Transforming this tired old 1930s semi-detached house in South London whilst living in it with a young family was the challenge for this homeowner. The end result is a stunning light filled home with more than fifty percent more floor space and panoramic views over London. The design, by Selencky///Parsons architects called for a complete modernisation of the home and the addition of a ground floor extension featuring a three-panel theEDGE2.0 ultra-slim sliding door system and loft conversion to increase usable space for the family.

The Coopers FireMaster®, closed rectangular Concertina fire curtain is a perfect solution when requiring fire compartmentation around a staircase as it offers a virtual firewall creating a lobby once the curtain has been deployed with more than 2 hours integrity. The innovative Concertina fire curtain installed at Aldgate Tower fully encapsulates the staircase from the 11th to the 12th floor in the event of a fire. The curtain is triggered by either the fire alarm system or a local heat or smoke sensor and is automatically deployed from the ceiling to the floor.

Inside Point A Hotel Shoreditch lies a contemporary interior which offers sophistication and modernity, echoed by the use of Amtico LVT flooring throughout.To maintain a refined and cultured feel, Amtico LVT flooring has been installed in all bedrooms, as well as the hotel’s social spaces, which comprise a variety of lounges and a breakfast area. Offering sophistication and modernity, the social spaces incorporate an angled staggered laying pattern with four products from the Signature collection while the bedrooms feature the Amtico First collection in a Stripwood laying pattern.

The Research and Translation Hub at Imperial College, London forms the centrepiece for the innovation district in White City. The completed design for the central atrium wholly pushed the boundaries of performance glazing. Planet AG worked with PLP Architecture to ensure the project stayed commercially viable whilst maintaining the desired impressive design. Curved glass, which reached up to 3.4 metres tall on floors 2-6 and a staggering 5 metres tall on the ground floor had to be heat soaked toughened and was up to 25.5mm thick to support the weight.

The design concept of this project focuses on the demolition of an existing building and replacing it with a new build mixed use development of 6 storeys (plus basement) 9 self-contained units on floors 1-5 and 377sq m of commercial space on the basement and ground floors. During the Phase 1 Primary Risk Assessment, borehole and trial pits revealed Dibenzo (a,h)anthracene, CO², TPH and Asbestos contamination. The proposed remedial strategy to be adopted at the site was one of managing the pathway between the source of contamination and the critical receptors on-site.

As part of a drive to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty, Camden Council specified Q-Bot Underfloor Insulation which uses a robotic system to spray foam onto the underside of the floor. The 48 properties included various housing types, differing in age and size. The energy savings achieved by the upgrades were modelled in SAP using elemental U-values for the individual floors and the airtightness test results of each property. This enabled the energy improvements to be calculated against a range of scenarios with alternative retrofit measures.

Functional, sustainable and adapted to regional conditions: the residence of the German Embassy in Tajikistan, designed by architect André Janka. The sliding shutters are exposed to extreme weather conditions: cold winters and hot summers with violent sandstorms. Following a year-long test phase with sample hardware, a total of 4 sliding systems with 2 or 3 leaves and equipped with HAWA Frontslide 60 matic hardware were installed on the ground floor and top floor. They are operated by push-button controls inside the building and can be moved into any position.

Large scale Fluid Concrete installation to all floors, window sills and stairs in Cement Grey colour. Oxicrete finish application to bathroom walls in Brown and Terracotta Red finish.Manufacture and installation of bespoke Gap panels in Rough Mist finish to shower walls.Materials used: Large format Gap GRC wall panels in Rough Mist finish, sealed with hydrophobic agent and clear sealant. Cement Grey Fluid Concrete floor coating and Oxicrete wall coating in Brown and Terracotta Red finish.

Level 75, Top floor of landmark Pinnacle, Canary wharf. A great place to dine and watch the sun retreat behind the iconic London skyline. Products include the Raaft support structure, Floor structure panels, planters finished in a anthracite grey RAL 7016 and cantilever benches using Iroko timber. Real grass was incorporated amongst the Raaft system. Project construction completed by Valley landscapes for Chalgrove properties. Building design by foster and partners, landscape and terrace design by Farrer Huxley Associates.

Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet) is a leading provider of further and higher education courses in the UK Midlands. The project architects required a balustrade and staircase railing that reflected the dynamic, high-tech environment of the college. Q-railing’s Easy Glass Slim and Easy Glass 3kN systems were ideal for use on the staircases, and as balustrades on the upper floors, as they create a safety barrier without blocking views or compromising on design in any way. The installation included a bespoke cladding, which makes the railings appear to rise directly out of the floor or stairs.

Client: University of Brighton Consultant: Stripe Main Contractor: Keir Construction Specialist Contractor Thelwell Flooring Main Products Used: Emseal DSM SystemThis new multi-storey car park for the University of Brighton is part of a major redevelopment of the former Preston Barracks site in the City. There are 550 parking spaces on 7 floors, including 55 EV charging bays, plus there is a PV array on the roof with the power stored in batteries on the ground floor, which also includes 330 cycle parking spaces. The car park design uses a Vertical Circulation Module (VCM) that provides a more efficient solution for confined sites, as this contains no external ramps and traffic circulation is via slopes within the floors themselves. This creates more parking spaces in the steel framed structure in the centre, with two lift and stair cores positioned at each end. This design also made it possible to locate the necessary structural expansion joints transversely between these 3 parts of the structure and away from major traffic impact areas. The engineers specified these joints to be a nominal 40mm wide to accommodate a high movement capability of up to +/- 50% (i.e. total 100%), as they knew these could be quickly, securely, and durably sealed using the Emseal DSM System. This also saves time on site as it is installed from above, allowing other trades to continue working below, plus as it is bonded into position, there is no potentially damaging drilling for mechanical fixings.

Four Glazing Vision Three Wall Box Rooflights were specified on four modern new build homes in the heart of Los Angeles which have provided the clients with access to the terrace which would have otherwise not been possible. The Three Wall Box Rooflights fit perfectly with the modern aesthetic and were chosen to not only give access to the roof deck, but to also increase the amount of natural daylight entering each home.“We think the finished rooflights look great as crowns to each of our buildings. They will be a nice addition to these homes and hopefully inspire developers and homeowners to spread the word throughout Southern California regarding the benefits of the rooflights too!” – Michael Wilson-Katsibas, Partner, KAP Studios.Following the demolition of the existing 1200 sq. ft bungalow, the remaining site was still relatively cramped considering the bungalow was being replaced by four new dwellings. In order to provide enough living space and retain the beautiful views of the Los Angeles skyline, KAP Studios had to come up with a creative solution to achieve their brief.To make the most of the small, 8,400 sq. ft plot, KAP Studios incorporated a basement and terrace area into each home which transformed the buildings from two-stories to four-stories, which helped unlock the full potential of these beautiful homes in Culver City.Starting from the ground up, the basement is partially sunk beneath the pavement and accommodates two parking spaces, meaning more space has been granted to the garden area at ground level. This gives each home its own private back garden, as opposed to a less visually impressive driveway. It also includes a pantry and wine store to round off the basement area. The second floors are occupied by an en-suite bedroom which includes a balcony area overlooking a collection of beautiful LA properties.The east side of the bedroom houses an equally impressive bathroom, making it the second Master Bedroom in the homes. The terraces of each building are by far the most unique feature of the homes. With over 20 years of experience in roof access rooflights, Glazing Vision were engaged to help with this important part of the project. Operated by the touch of a button, our Three Wall Box Rooflights were fixed to the existing building structures at the back and either end. The rooflights take up only 170 square feet on top of the roof, leaving the client with a vast amount of additional living space which can be utilised all year round. Our rooflights are installed by our very own expert installation team.“We wanted to both feature the stairs as light shafts to illuminate the interior spaces throughout the day with the California sunlight as well as allow for seamless roof deck access for the future residents.” – Michael Wilson-Katsibas, Director, KAP Studios.Our Three Wall Box Rooflights are a perfect example of how Glazing Vision can help you utilise your roof space whilst providing your home with added natural daylight.

Featuring 20 restaurants, bars and cafes, the three-storey, canal-side destination is located within a 36-acre nature-filled landscape that has been commercially-reimagined, with designers using the site’s Victorian train station and warehouse buildings as inspiration. The nearby historic Lace Market, the epicentre of the world’s lace industry during the 19th century and now a protected heritage area, was also an influence on the Island Quarter’s architectural form.With the creation of 1,600 new homes and 6,000 office jobs included as part of the masterplan architects claim, that as a verdant archipelago, The Island Quarter is ‘setting the scene for something really different’ for city centre mixed-used developments. For this high-profile, complex project, IG Masonry Support was selected to design and manufacture 19 Brick Slip Arches that met the structural and aesthetic requirements for The Canal Turn building within the development.ChallengeIG Masonry Support was selected for The Island Quarter programme following its successful completion of similarly complex projects in conjunction with brickwork contractor, Lee Marley. Our brief was to design and manufacture 19 Brick Slip Arches, 17 at ground level, and two at fourth-floor level, of the site’s main building. The greatest challenge in this respect was coordinating the brickwork configuration of two deep-soffit arches, which were to meet at a 90-degree angle at the structure’s ground level corner.In addition, the siting and size of two large arches at the building’s uppermost level provided a potential issue.SolutionThe experience and expertise of IG Masonry Support’s technical team was essential to ensuring the 90-degree corner arches’ unique formation complemented the surrounding building work. Following extensive research and detailed assessments, a complex system involving a large volume of steel and brickwork was designed and embedded within the structure’s corner section, thus providing a suitable base for the deep-soffit arches to meet at the correct angle. For the finish, our half-arch solution combined with our innovative B.O.S.S. deep-soffit system, proved ideal.In terms of the logistical operation to install the two large arches on the building’s fourth level, we required engagement with Nottingham City Council to implement appropriate road closures during their delivery. Due to their size, the arches were delivered separately and once on site, were carefully craned towards the top of the building. This process was particularly challenging, as there was little space (half-metre) for the contractor to install the heavy structures into the correct position.Thanks to the design skills of our technical team in supplying a solution that was bespoke and precision-made for this application, the corner arches were an identical fit. They provided the impressive building with a unique feature and an aesthetically-pleasing finish. The prefabricated nature of the arches not only guaranteed their controlled and high-quality manufacture, it led to a more rapid and cost-effective installation, with the units being delivered straight to site for immediate implementation. This outcome would not have been possible with traditional brickwork and might have delayed The Island Quarter’s scheduled and much-anticipated opening in late 2022.

Project DetailsSytem: INTRAflex XTSpecification: INTRAflex XT with Waterlogic drainage systemClient: Brighton 3TsArchitect: Building Design Partnership (BDP)Installer: SDS MattingLocation: Royal Sussex County Hospital, BrightonHigh-Performance Entrance Matting for State-of-the-art HospitalThis pioneering project is a radical upgrade of Brighton Hospital's 200-year-old site. Named the 3Ts as it includes trauma, tertiary and teaching care. Visionary architects and long-term client, BDP specified our INTRAflex XT systems with integrated Waterlogic drainage for the first stage - the main entrance building, The Louisa Martindale Building. Approximately eight by ten metres, the Entrance Mat extends from a covered external area, through a large revolving door, side doors and into the internal lobby. Performance was the main objective as the building welcomes over 100,000 patients a year, plus staff and visitors for seven theatres, 15 isolation suites, 28 wards and service departments.Focusing on FunctionalityAs a premier healthcare setting, functionality was paramount. The Entrance Mat efficiently removes water and dirt to prevent slips and keeps visitors safe. The zone 1, external section of the Entrance Mat uses INTRAflex XT with an open construction over the INTRAmatting Waterlogic drainage system to remove rainwater and dirt efficiently (it holds 75 litres per m2 which is then channelled into a waste water drainage system). Combined with hard-wearing and weatherproof rubber inserts, it scrubs and scrapes off large dirt particles before traffic meets the zone 2. From the large revolving door into the lobby, INTRAflex XT is used in its closed construction format, with fibre inserts, for greater comfort and further moisture absorption. A Higher StandardAnother key consideration was strength. The building's multiple-floor-height entrance is fully glazed with services installed at height. Specific access equipment and Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) help maintain the building, so we checked their details to ensure the Entrance Mat could efficiently handle the load stress. The Waterlogic system is extremely strong, and we construct it with reinforced supports so that the chosen matting can easily cope with extreme loads. Manufactured to perfectly fit the matwell, the Waterlogic base curves around the 5m wide revolving door. Considering AccessibilityServing such a variety of people with specific needs, accessibility was another important part of the specification. BDP chose materials and finishes for DDA compliance. We have Light Reflecting Values (LRV) for each of our products, so BDP could easily choose which materials were best for contrasting with other flooring and building substrates.We test all our Entrance Matting products for slip ratings, and to ensure that they are wheel and heel proof. The zone 2, internal performance Entrance Matting is a closed construction with fibre inserts to scrape and remove finer debris. The dirt retained in the matting is easy to remove with regular vacuuming as part of the hospital’s stringent cleaning regime.A Proven Healthcare PartnerHealthcare settings have their own specific challenges and demand high standards for Entrance Matting. BDP has worked with us for years across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, so trust our products and service to deliver their exacting standards. We’re now finalising the Entrance Matting for the second stage of the 3Ts redevelopment at Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Zoo Animal Enclosure Heating SolutionIn partnership with HEVAC Services Ltd of Kings Langley, Powrmatic was approached to develop a heating solution for the White Rhino’s House at Whipsnade Zoo, which saw the installation of an overhead gas-fired (LPG) continuous radiant heating system, as the previous electric heating system inside their indoor habitat was not efficient enough and heat was escaping through the timber structureProject BackgroundThe White Rhino house at Whipsnade Zoo is the home to a herd (also known as a “crash”) of seven southern white rhinos, Sizzle being the only male – the six females are; Mikumi, Bertha, Tuli, Jaseera, Fahari, and Nandi. Sizzle and Tuli are the parents of the latest baby rhino Nandi born in August 2021.The heating inside their indoor habitat at Whipsnade was not efficient enough. Localised electric heaters were spread around the large space to create coverage, but the heat was escaping through the timber structure. It was decided to upgrade the structure by foam insulation to the internals of the asbestos roof and to provide a new continuous gas-fired overhead radiant heating system providing blanket heat coverage to the complete floor area of the house.  Project SolutionHEVAC Services Ltd of Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, who undertake servicing of HVAC equipment at Whipsnade Zoo on behalf of Pareto FM for the end client ZSL (Zoological Society of London), approached Powrmatic to develop a heating solution for the rhino’s house. The brief was to provide an overhead gas-fired (LPG) radiant heating system to blanket cover the complete floor area of the rhino house, but also design it so that it could be zone controlled, should one of the herd have a need to be in an area of a higher or lower temperature.The LPG propane tanks for the heating system needed to be sunk into the earth at the edge of the rhino house to avoid having to remove any trees, thus maintaining the conservation ethos of ZSL. For a structure such as the rhino house, being the size of a large sports hall, a Powrmatic SRP-PCV+ continuous gas-fired radiant tube system comprising; 4 x 73kW burners was the proposed solution, arranged in 4 temperature zones, with the new MC400/C controller and just the one flue discharge to atmosphere.Project ResultThe installation of the new PCV+ continuous overhead radiant heating system was skilfully undertaken by HEVAC Services Ltd, with the contract programme being driven by the daily habits of the rhino herd! Whether they wanted to be in their house or out on the field. Thus, the logistics of undertaking the heating installation were unique compared to working in a standard commercial/industrial environment.The White Rhinos now have a refurbished home and a heating system that delivers radiant heat in exactly the same way that we (and the rhinos) receive energy in the form of heat from the sun. Radiant heating systems efficiently radiate infrared radiation, which is the transfer of energy in waveform from a hot surface to a relatively cooler surface without heating the medium between. Thus, the rhinos can bask under the radiant heat, whether indoors or outside under the sun.The ZSL Whipsnade Zoo White Rhino Enclosure now benefits from a highly energy-efficient Powrmatic SRP-PCV+ system, listed on the Carbon Trust Energy Technology List (ETL), endorsing the Seasonal Space Heating Energy Efficiency of; 92.1%, and thus delivering low; energy usage, fuel bills and carbon emissions minimising their impact on the environment.

Project OverviewBuildtec Acoustics is proud to have been a part of the Stage mixed-use development in London. This prestigious project comprises four buildings offering over 400,000 sq. ft. of modern residential, commercial, and retail space. The development boasts 412 private residential apartments, some reaching an impressive 37 storeys high.ChallengeEnsuring optimal soundproofing within a large-scale mixed-use development is crucial for resident comfort and overall livability. Buildtec Acoustics needed to provide an effective acoustic underlay solution that met the specific requirements of the Stage development.SolutionBuildtec Acoustics supplied Isolgomma Basewood, a high-performance loose-laid underlay specifically designed for superior acoustic insulation over screed floors. A total of 23,000 square meters of Basewood was installed throughout the development.BenefitsEnhanced Soundproofing: Basewood's unique composition effectively reduces impact sound transmission and airborne noise, creating a quieter and more peaceful living environment for residents.Improved Floor Performance: Basewood provides a stable and level subfloor, improving the overall performance and longevity of the finished flooring.Efficient Installation: The loose-laid format of Basewood allows for a quick and efficient installation process, minimizing disruption to the project timeline.Project TeamArchitect: Perkins & WillMain Contractor: C.J. O’SheaFlooring Contractor: TCSConclusionThe Stage mixed-use development is a testament to Buildtec Acoustics' commitment to delivering exceptional acoustic solutions for large-scale projects. By utilizing Isolgomma Basewood, the project achieved superior soundproofing, improved floor performance, and efficient installation, contributing to the overall success of the development.We are confident that our expertise and proven solutions can benefit your next project. Contact Buildtec Acoustics today to discuss your specific acoustic requirements.

ChallengeThe Building Centre, a central information point for all sectors of the construction industry, recently refurbished its London based headquarters. The second stage has seen Knauf Insulation Acoustic Roll supplied to the Construction Products Association, the UK Green Building Council and Design for Homes offices located on the first floor.In order to maximise all potential space available to the offices, it was essential to select a product that would take up as little space as possible, while satisfying the environmental and acoustic criteria required to achieve the BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating.SolutionTo accomplish this, 50mm Acoustic Roll was specified as it is lightweight, flexible, non-combustible and provides a high level of sound absorption, furthermore, it has been specifically designed for friction fitting between members at 400mm and 600mm centres. Acoustic Roll significantly improves the sound insulation performance of partitions whilst at the same time delivering improved thermal and fire performance. Plus, thanks to ECOSE® Technology, offers outstanding environmental credentials.Knauf Insulation products with ECOSE® Technology are made with a formaldehyde free binder technology derived from rapidly renewable, bio-based materials, which reduces embodied energy and delivers superior environmental sustainability. The insulation doesn’t look or feel like any other insulation. It is naturally brown in colour as there are no artificial colours or dyes added and it produces a ‘super softer’, odourless and easier to handle insulation.Colin Henderson, CEO of the Building Centre comments on how specifying Knauf Insulation was an easy decision to make: "After looking at the requirements and from our existing knowledge of Knauf Insulation, we knew the company would be able to meet all our needs quickly and efficiently."Maria Morgan, Market Manager – Building, Non Residential at Knauf Insulation explains: “Our unique position in having a broad product range, coupled with our expertise within the industry, enabled us to fully advise and install the appropriate insulation solution for the Building Centre.”

The world’s premier destination for design and decoration excellence. Home to 120 showrooms and over 600 of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, it is the largest of its kind in Europe.Willmott Dixon is a privately-owned construction and interior fit-out specialist with the ambition to create a huge and lasting positive impact on society, the main contractor who hired us to meet their client’s project specifications. The product selected for the project was the Soundis Absorb-R GypLine αw (also commonly known as a Seamless Monolithic Acoustic Spray Plaster System) which is an extremely flexible seamless sound absorption system. It is a non-perforated, monolithic system consisting of a mineral fibre panel with a layer of micro-porous plaster. Excellent Sound Absorption was required at this project and therefore our task was to ensure class A sound absorption within the large atrium. The Absorb-R GypLine αw was used as a seamless high performing sound-absorbing system, a system with excellent eco-credentials. The GypLine αw insulation board also benefits the energy performance of any building by enhancing the insulation of the building envelope.We were challenged with working almost 20 meters above the floor which adds difficulties to any installation but nothing we haven’t overcome before in previous projects. Absorb-R GypLine αw was selected as the finish offers unrivalled levels of sound absorption but also ensures walls and ceilings are clear of panels and visible acoustic solutions, providing a virtually seamless monolithic surface for walls and ceilings in a choice of RAL colours. This seamless and complete solution can be adapted to a wide range of rooms, from home use, office space to conference halls, auditoria, theatres, recreational sports and educational areas. The Absorb-R GypLine αw acoustic system is environment-friendly, fully recyclable and has natural components that offer optimal sound absorption with extensive resistance to fire.