"building frames"

The Challenge Commissioned in north London in 2010, this new-build project within a conservation area needed to be discrete and respectful to fit in with the surrounding environment.The SolutionForterra’s Dark Moroccan Smooth Butterley Brick was used to adhere to the necessary requirements along with a pitched roof and flush and square bay windows.The BenefitsThe post-modernist build respects the immediate environment with regard to both material and form.This build was shortlisted for the 2017 BDA Brick Awards in the Individual Housing Development category.

A catastrophic fire meant the original property at this site was uninhabitable and beyond repair. Planning permission was granted for a new house to be built, of a similar size, but different proportions. The new home has been exquisitely designed to be in keeping with the natural surrounding landscape and the traditional building that was there previously.Clement was delighted to be chosen to manufacture bespoke steel windows and doors for all elevations of the property. The EB20 range with multi point locking was specified. Offering elegant slim frames, a high level of thermal efficiency and when combined with multi point locking, it meets the enhanced security standard - PAS24.Attention to detail was crucial on this project, not least because of all the different leaded light designs on the steel doors and windows. In total 38 windows and 14 sets of steel doors were manufactured, all power coated RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey (matt). Beautiful Eaton and Kensington handles were chosen to complement the fenestration which were all painted to match the frames. Jon James, Contracts Manager at Vale Southern said:“The new steel windows and doors are a major feature of this stunning property; in line with the rest of the building they are of a very high standard. Clement have stuck to the various time scales and have helped us with any issues that have arisen after. We have worked together on a few projects now and have been pleased with their service.”

Project:Unity Campus Client:Howard Group Architect:Nicholas Hare Architects Value: £12m Location: Sawston, Cambridge Completion Date: June 2023 Innovare duration onsite 15 Weeks GIFA: 88,000 sq. ft Air Tightness: 1 via passive purple U-Value 0.13 (259mm i-FAST with additional insulation by others on inside face of panel) System: i-FAST/Wrap SolutionPhase 2 of a new £100 million technology and R&D campus in Sawston, south Cambridge is now complete, providing an additional 90,000 sq. ft of science laboratory space across three buildings. Built on Cambridge’s reputation within life sciences, this phase enhances Unity Campus and elevates the region’s role within the industry. Designed by Nicolas Hare architects, the building envelope is purposely designed to provide occupants with a healthy and attractive environment. Collaborative design development incorporating a concrete frame and advanced structural timber technology meant an innovative approach to the construction method could be adopted, bringing key advantages of sustainability and performance efficiency. The Innovare Offsite i-FAST Panels were selected for construction because they minimize embodied carbon compared to steel framing systems, achieving the sustainability objectives set by the client Howard Group. Effective collaboration with the architects ensured that the client’s performance specifications were agreed well in advance of the start date.

SIKA SUPPLIES PROVEN TOP TO BOTTOM SOLUTION FOR HISTORIC BUILDING REFURBISHMENT Sika showcased the scope of its construction sector specialisms during the refurbishment and conversion of an historic, Grade II-listed building – with its industry-leading products selected for both roof and basement works.

The proposed developments followed traditional timber kit design, consisting of an outer brick skin 50mm cavity, with an internal 140mm stud frame, and using mineral wool insulation minimum 20mm service void, finished with a plasterboard lining. The brief was to achieve air permeability less than 6m3/h/m².

Ahmarra Door Solutions manufactured over 200 fire doors for the Pears Building, which is situated next to the Royal Free Hospital in London.The FD30 and FD60 doorsets incorporated Halspan Optima door blanks.The Pears Building will accommodate the UCL Institute of Immunity and Transplantation. This is a state-of-the-art medical research centre which will advance the understanding of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, HIV, and tuberculosis, and for traditional and tissue-developed transplants.Designed by Hopkins Architects and constructed under main contractor, Willmott Dixon, the building’s seven-storey structure includes laboratory space, research facilities, offices and two levels of patient accommodation, which will enable people undergoing clinical trials to rest and recover there.Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent, sustainability was at the heart of the building’s creation. As such, Ahmarra Door Solutions used Halspan as all Halspan fire door blanks are made from FSC® certified timber.Photography courtesy of Cannon Photos Ltd.

Alison Park Hotel is a conversion of a former hotel to a complete renovation of the building creating ten new apartments and a townhouse. The project also included a new building extension to a further townhouse, as well as a revamping of the garages into 3 cottages. Situated in the centre of the picturesque and well-known spa town of Buxton, Alison Park Hotel benefits from features such as mock timber framing, and oriel windows and doors.Cellecta ScreedBoard 28 was specified for this project due to its unrivalled performance. The unique interlocking edges on our ScreedBoard 28 mean that no screws are required, making it easy to install, a convenience on site saving installation time.Amos Group was awarded this 1,500m² contract to develop this refurbishment and extension.

SMARTPLY MAX FR B has been specified and installed to provide enhanced fire protection at a new residential development at School Road, Hove in East Sussex. Built by PMC Construction, the affordable 104-home development is on the site of a former Westerman Industrial Works complex originating from the 1950’s.   The extensive project included the building of 21 town houses, and seven residential blocks. Block A features nine flats in a four to five storey structure, while blocks B, C and D feature 47 flats across four storeys. Blocks E, F and G consists of 17 flats and retail units spanning across three and four storeys. Such a feat required specialist, structural panels with reliable reaction to fire properties.  “The project was to supply and erect timber frames as part of the design and construction of 104 residential dwellings and three commercial units,” said Emma Barry, Project Co Ordinator at Gibbs Timber Frame. “We had worked with SMARTPLY products before, but on smaller projects that required enhanced fire protection.” Around 3,500 sheets of SMARTPLY MAX FR B were used in the project, covering over 8,900m2. “We chose SMARTPLY MAX FR B panels for the Cat B and Cat C buildings and decking because of its flame retardant properties. Crucially, the product is also suitable for EC5 Design and Cat 1 racking, which is just what we needed.” SMARTPLY MAX FR B is a structural, moisture resistant OSB/3 panel, which as well as having outstanding and reliable reaction to fire properties, is ideal for use in a range of applications where strength, moisture resistance and improved flame retardance are paramount. Unlike standard, structural OSB/3 panels, SMARTPLY MAX FR B is treated with a water-based, non-toxic flame retardant solution during the manufacturing process, which provides enhanced fire protection throughout the thickness of the panel. This means that even if it’s cut, the level of protection remains, unlike some post-treated panels.  SMARTPLY MAX FR B is CE certified according to EN 13986 and meets the requirements for load-bearing panels for use in humid conditions (Type OSB/3) as defined in EN 300 and Eurocode 5. The project began in January 2020 and is due to be completed in October 2021. Gibbs Timber Frame are manufacturers of high-quality timber frame structures with over twenty years’ experience in the construction industry. Their expertise ranges from luxury detached homes, specialised structures, bungalows, chalets, terrace housing, apartment blocks, commercial buildings and home extensions.  Find out more and keep up with them here: www.gibbstimberframe.co.uk  Discover more about the benefits of SMARTPLY MAX FR B here:

Originally home to Pathé films and situated in the heart of London’s famous Soho district, The Pathé Building at109 Wardour Street is a newly refurbished developmentconsisting of 15 apartments. With exquisite interiors drawingon a classic British palette of textures, the apartments offer2-3 bedrooms with communal area and kitchen. With flatsretailing at the higher end of the market, it was imperativethat Allgood’s specification complemented the luxuryaesthetic of the apartments.Initial discussions revealed that the architect wanted tospecify the same finish throughout the entire building.This presented a challenge for Allgood as there wereseveral different types of doors and door colours:orange, white and grey. Allgood felt stainless steel,while a finish that would suit the décor, would not beappropriate for this type of residential building so abronze finish was agreed upon. The grey apartmentfront doors were supplied with bronze door closers,thumb turns, lever handles, hinges and flushbolts,whilst the bathroom doors were fitted with bronze pullhandles and thumbturns.The building also required signage to direct residentsand guests to various areas of the facility. However,the architect wanted to continue the bronze themeinto this so Allgood manufactured bespoke individualnumerals, letters and various symbols including abicycle in a bronze finish.Like with any central London residential building, spaceis an extremely valuable commodity. In order to maximisespace in the apartments, Allgood supplied bronze pocketdoor locking kits for all the bathrooms.

Timber frame specialist Seven Oaks Modular Ltd was awarded the contract to construct wall panels in their factory for this development, followed by delivery and installation on-site with the need to ensure the client met the target U-value of 0.19W/m²K for the wall.

“Bosco Verticale” by Stefan Boeri.The vertical forest - that's what the 119 and 87 meter high apartment towers in Milan's new city are called and have been an example of ecological building since their completion. The reason: The two buildings are surrounded by overhanging balconies that provide a home for 730 trees and 20,000 other plants. A “stacked park landscape” above the roofs of the city, green and emitting CO2 . Built with RETANOL® screed.

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

Skerries Road Southway Campus in Plymouth comprises of 67 timber frame units supplied by local manufacturer and STA member Cornwall Timber Build. Originally a traditional block exterior, the architects changed the design to accommodate the innovative RendaClad façade. The programme was delivered 3 months ahead of schedule on the overall contract when utilising a form of modern methods of construction with the use of SPSenvirowall’s RendaClad. Whilst not satisfied with the BBA for a minimum 30-year service life, SPSenvirowall went into contract with BOPAS BLP and Lloyds Register to achieve a stand-alone assurance.

The addition of three extra stories to a traditionally built structure required a lightweight SIPS frame with FastClad brick slip system external skin, utilising the same bricks as the lower structure, to enable this to be achieved.This award winning project was created to meet the huge demand in London for high-quality, purpose-built Build to Rent apartments. Designed by Newground Architects, Rehearsal Rooms was one of London’s first institutionally backed BTR schemes. FastClad was chosen for it’s weight, ease of installation, fire properties, as well being indistinguishable from the areas of traditionally laid masonry.

AluK’s 58BW ST aluminium windows replicate the look of steel frames so successfully that they were approved to replace the original Crittall windows in a landmark redevelopment project which has just been completed in central Birmingham. Herbert House, a 115-year old 52,000 sq ft commercial building in the Colmore business district, has been converted into one of the city’s newest and most prestigious apartment blocks. It features 316 windows in the 58BW ST system and 3 suited doors in the GT55 system, all in a standard AluK Anthracite grey finish.

Island Rest, in the Isle of Wight, is designed to be a contemporary family escape offering unique views across the Solent – a 20-mile stretch of water, while equipping occupants with everyday functionality. There are many layers to Island Rest which enable the building to blend into and celebrate its beautiful environment. Glazing is a key part of this - Hi-Finity is utilised to create a variety of features, from full-height windows which frame the spectacular views, through to large sliding doors which open up living spaces onto a courtyard and landscaped gardens.

We built the world first Passivhaus CPD training facility / pub, this is the worlds most airtight pub at 0.07ach at 50 pa. This is a twin wall timber frame, it’s 450mm wide insulation Huntsman which is made of thousands of recycled plastic bottles. Huntsman also recycled 1 billion plastic bottles from the sea last year. We have a 7.2 KW system solar panels system that powers the building, it’s got MVHR Nilan. On the external façade we applied Passive Purple External which is airtight up to 0.03ach.

The innovative £26 million building at Edge Hill University, contains the University’s Library, Careers and Student Services, within its contemporary 8,000 square metre space. The original design included a roof terrace, which increased the outdoor space, with carefully thought out landscaping and additional seating for the Library. The FGP range, by Artform, was selected due to the co-ordinated design, including seating & litter bins. A key feature was the use of anodised aluminium frames, which offers a tough and durable finish, due to it being through coloured and not painted.

Park Community Primary School provides infant and primary education for over 250 children from the age of 3 to 11 years. Whilst in the process of building a new annexe at the school's site in Wrexham, the school identified a need for a number of canopies at various areas around the exterior of the building to provide shade and shelter for the pupils and staff.These new canopies would provide a covered outside area that could be enjoyed all year round, whatever the weather. However, in order to provide effective cover when moving from inside the building to under the canopy. Furthermore, the school was not keen on the aesthetics of a metal framed structure and so required an alternative material to be used for the framework.As the school did not want a metal structure installed, Able Canopies recommended their new range of Tarnhow Canopies which are constructed from Glulam timber.

The East Slope Student Village is a development of 32 buildings of three to six storey flats and three to four storey town houses accommodating 2,113 beds for students at the University of Sussex. Demolition of existing buildings commenced for the redevelopment of a lightweight steel frame mixed-use facility which includes a kitchen, student hub and retail space. Due to the steep slope of the site, a 30,000m³ of bulk excavation was required and buildings were arranged in linear blocks. The BREEAM Excellent rated development was designed to blend with the existing Sir Basil Spence campus and includes grassland as an environmental impact measure.Cellecta’s ScreedBoard 28 was specified by Pascall+Watson due to its excellent impact and airborne acoustic performance. ScreedBoard was recognised in the housebuilder awards and took home the winner’s award for ‘best internal/interior product’.Balfour Beatty was awarded this 30,000m² contract for this student accommodation in Sussex.

Project: Tobacco DockDate: 2021 Background:·        The existing cladding had been identified as being combustible ACM·        APL had previously designed and supplied a bespoke StrongBak™ structural-framing solution to the project due to its unique historical structural design·        APL were engaged to supply and design additional areas of StrongBak™ along with a complete A1-rated face-fixed flat-panel façade to replace non-compliant cladding (not supplied by APL)·        APL Armacoil™PLUS-HT material was selected due to its exceptional performance in a marine environment ·        APL’s fabrication capability meant that all panels were factory-drilled leading to significantly quicker installation time on site Systems:·        4,000m² of APL Slimwall™-FF face-fixed flat panel in 2mm aluminium with an Armacoil™PLUS-HT coating in RAL 1003·        APL Tritherm™ sub-framing for StrongBak™ area·        APL aluminium AluE™ Tritherm™ helping hand brackets and extrusions to support panel system onto StrongBak™·        All flashings, fixings and accessories  Building Location:·        Liverpool

Overlooking the River Mersey, the iconic Royal Liver Building is the most prominent structure in Liverpool’s famous skyline. Classic on the outside yet modern, light and chic on the inside, the recent programme of investment aimed to reposition the building offering, with a new reception area, large open plan grade A office suites, gym and café. A first-class offering is key to attracting and retaining tenants – and Intraform Low Profile entrance barrier matting protects the flooring to maintain the interior aesthetic and create the right first impression. Read the full case study to learn more...

Product:1no. Bespoke Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy: 74.26m x 3m – 3.5m2no. Standard Coniston Wall Mounted Canopies: 8m x 2.1m and 8.9m x 2.1mCanopy Frame Colour: Light Blue RAL 5012, matt finishInstallation Date: August - September 2019Contractor: Morgan SindallArchitect: Miller Bourne ArchitectsThe BriefIn September 2018, an invitation to tender was received by Able Canopies from Morgan Sindall Construction Ltd for a number of canopies at the brand new two-storey, primary and nursery school for which they had been awarded the contract to build to form part of the Hailsham Community College Academy Trust.After reviewing the tender documents we put our recommended products forward, which was a large Kensington wall mounted canopy and two Coniston wall mounted canopies.The architect then contacted us directly to detail that the main building frame was made up of large timber SIPS panels and the large steel posts were required to support the roof. However, they were also decorative in essence and played a significant part in the building aesthetic appeal, and they required Able Canopies to supply and install them as part of the package as they would run through the larger canopy.The original design and price we submitted did not require the inclusion of the steel posts, however we were then asked to include in our canpy costs. We therefore went back to the drawing board to come up with a canopy design which would fit the aesthetic and structural features required.The SolutionWhilst in talks with the architect, they explained that they favoured our Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy system and also requested the NBS spec for the product which wasn’t a problem as our products are all listed on the NBS National BIM Library.We therefore looked at the Coniston system and worked with the structural engineer to ensure the steel beams could be incorporated into the canopy. This enabled us to supply the contractor and architect with an estimate so we could secure the works as an early package enabling them to cast the foundations required within the main slab.Because the bespoke Coniston would have the required large steel beams through the roof, we designed a solution to ensure the canopy would still be a fully waterproof system. This was easily achieved with the Coniston because we were able to comfortably flash/dress around the roof support columns, to create a seamless walkway with a watertight roof.However, the large steel beams and underside required a lot of design work, we diligently designed bespoke connections for the posts to the beams, bespoke connections for the roof bar to the steel beams and bespoke guttering & gutter connections. This replaced the Coniston’s standard integral guttering system with an external gutter system that worked with the design perfectly.Click the link to continue reading..... https://www.ablecanopies.co.uk/c/wall-mounted-canopy-case-studies/hailsham-community-college-primary-academy-case-study.html

In the construction industry, contractors move at lightning speed to source the best products at the right price for their projects, all with the goal of ensuring client satisfaction and meeting tight deadlines. Renowned for our leading sealing, bonding, and insulation solutions, a selection of illbruck products were chosen through our extensive distribution network for the New Avenue project in Oakwood, London.The ProjectErected in an affluent neighbourhood within the London Borough of Enfield, New Avenue is an idyllic development boasting the peace and tranquillity of suburban life, whilst being only a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Central London.Due to consist of over 400 mixed-type homes, ranging from apartments, maisonettes, as well as houses, this eight-year development will also include a community and energy centre, in addition to a new nursery. The SolutionDuring phase two of the new housing scheme, illbruck’s expertise were called upon to provide a vapour control layer for the Reinforced Concrete (RC) frame element of the project. This was to restrict warm, moist air from the interior of the finished structure from entering the fabric of the building. For the 11-storey block of flats, Central Essex Interiors required a solution at a competitive rate from a manufacturer with a good supply chain, due to the extensive size of the project.As a brand of CPG UK, illbruck has been recognised for over 70 years across the UK, Europe, and around the globe for supplying high performing solutions that meet the stringent requirements of the construction industry. Catering to a wide range of installation environments for both interiors and exteriors, from major building schemes to home improvements, our solutions can be tailormade to you or your client’s specification.The ApplicationProcured through one of our distribution partners, AC Fixings Ltd, illbruck ME003 Vapour Barrier was stapled into the party walls of the construction to achieve adequate vapour control. 500 rolls of this innovative 3-ply solution were required to protect the fabric of the building and its insulation, by providing a vapour and airtight seal. This in effect will help to improve the overall energy efficiency of the New Avenue apartment block, due to the product’s high-grade granules, which means that the SD value (resistance to vapour diffusion) is not lowered. The flexible and tear-resistant nature of this product boasts ease of application due to its lightweight properties, and is compatible with a number of illbruck’s intelligent window membranes and adhesives.Following the installation of ME003, illbruck’s ME315 Total Protection Tape was used to provide a high performance air and weather tight seal. This special tape is suitable for a wide variety of applications, and achieves a permanent bond to all illbruck indoor and outdoor building protection membranes. This fully compatible solution is highly UV and moisture resistant, quick and easy to install, and can be used within partially open facades. ME315 is also certified to EMICODE EC1 due to its low emission production, contributing to the energy efficient properties of ME003 to provide a total green solution for New Avenue.Scott Hurry, Area Sales Manager for illbruck, commented: “It has been a pleasure to work with our valued customer, AC Fixings, who in turn have supplied Central Essex Interiors with two of our leading products from our sealing and vapour control range.“illbruck was chosen due to being a highly recognised name within the marketplace, and we have been able to work with the Client to supply the products at a competitive rate and turn the project around quickly. The installation is due to span over a course of seven months with completion scheduled for late 2023.“When working with illbruck, however, you will receive more than just products. Behind our brand is a team of experts beholding a wealth of knowledge and industry experience, all of whom are well versed in applying the technique of illbruck’s innovative, high-quality products into the complexities of today’s construction environments. “As a customer of illbruck, you will receive technical support as and when is required, in addition to our suite of training, which encompasses everything from CPD seminars for architects, application tutorials for contractors and installers, as well as trade mornings for distributors.”

This building was once home to the Henderson Garage door production facility, with the client in the process of renovating the entire premises to be split into several new warehousing and office units. To be able to secure new tenants, however, there was an urgency to stop a mass amount of water ingress into the building, due to the roof's years of neglect.Systems in useHyranger®Starcoat® RChallengesThe state of the existing waterproofing was poor, meaning it needed to be stripped back to the metal deck below. Given the years of water ingress it was clear some areas of the substrate were deteriorating and would need replacing.There was also an issue with the adjacent metal cladding to the perimeter of the roof space, one of which was coated in an asbestos paint and the potential for asbestos rope within the old rooflights. All of this needed addressing prior to the roofing works commencing.SolutionsAxter were called to initially survey the roof area, highlighting the main areas of concern and interface issues. Following a roof condition survey report, proposals were put forward as to how best to detail waterproof these areas and achieve the brief set out by the client.To the metal cladding, Starcoat R cold applied liquid bitumen PU resin was used to create a waterproofed upstand without the need for the complete removal of the cladding. Upon discussions with the building owner, it was also discovered that the existing rooflights were no longer needed, so these were boarded over and waterproofed in line with the rest of the main field area.The Hyranger system, comprising polyester reinforced SBS polymer modified bitumen membranes, was ideal for the job due to its guarantee strength, stability, performance and cost efficiency.The completed roof gained a 20 year guarantee and extended the life of the building.

The Plimsoll Building is a high-end residential building located in the heart of Kings Cross, London. The mailboxes are located in the reception lobby area of the building where residents walk through to access their apartments. Horizontal type ‘COM 2 – 180 Steel Door’ mailboxes have been recessed into the wall which ensured that there was enough space for residents to retrieve their mail whilst allowing other building users to pass in the corridor with ease.

RSA AcademyLocation: Tipton, West MidlandsProduct: Bespoke Double Grange Free Standing CanopySize: 24.7m x 12mFrame Colour: Basalt Grey (RAL 7012)Estimated Value: £80,000Installation Date: August 2014The BriefRSA Academy had a large outside dining area in the grounds of their secondary school in Tipton, West Midlands, yet it had no cover from the weather and could not be used on rainy or very hot sunny days. In order to gain as much use from this area as possible, they contacted Able Canopies and invited us to design a product that would provide the cover required, whilst also integrating well with the school’s exterior aesthetics.The Solution After completing a full site survey, it was established that a number of options were possible to fulfil the school’s needs that would also create a stunning structure with the wow factor.We put forward two designs. The first was a bespoke Double Grange Free Standing Canopy with a gullwing roof that would we could neatly install in the alcove of their existing building. The other was for a number of single and double Ulverston umbrellas with waterproof tensile roofs.The school chose the first option of the Double Grange Free Standing Canopy as it would provide uninterrupted cover from the weather to a large expanse, and would match the style of the building, keeping a sharp, well-defined modern appearance. We designed and installed a bespoke central post with central guttering in order to achieve the gullwing roof as desired. The 35mm structured polycarbonate roof panels also provide in excess of 98% protection from harmful UV rays which was an important feature of the shade and shelter structure as requested. The canopy frame was to be powder coated in Basalt Grey (RAL 7012) to match the window frames of the building that the canopy would be installed adjacent to.We were able to provide the school with superimposed images of the canopy, so they could pass them to the school governors for final approval. The Installation The canopy installation was booked for the summer holidays as requested by the school in August 2014 and a pre-site commencement meeting was carried out in July to finalise the installation details and address any health and safety issues. This ensures a smooth installation and enables us to address any potential issues before arriving on-site.The installation went ahead with no problems along the way and all involved were pleased with the end result.

The Joseph Black Building, found in the King’s Buildings Campus at the University of Edinburgh, houses the School of Chemistry and is one of the oldest buildings on the campus. But its existing copper roof covering had come to the end of its natural life. Sika Sarnafil’s flagship Sarnafil Plus refurbishment offer was the perfect solution for this project. Sika Sarnafil Membrane S327-15EL in Patina Green was chosen to replace the old roof covering, as the local authority planning department advised that this product was an acceptable replacement for the original copper roofs on the listed building.

In the substantial restoration of a large Georgian estate built for and inhabited by the aristocracy, high performance timber sash windows, French doorsets and entrance doors by Mumford & Wood have been used throughout the grand house and numerous outbuildings which span different periods. Conservation™ box sash windows with traditional cords, weights and pulleys, many with complex arched or curved top frames made by Mumford & Wood, are factory finished and double glazed. Of totally traditional design they benefit from modern manufacturing techniques, are highly energy efficient and fully compliant with Part L Building Regulations.

Dame Judith Hackitt’s assertion that the building industry routinely puts cost before quality will come as no surprise to architects and contractors who often see their specifications being challenged, and changed, just to save a few pounds. ‘Value engineering’ has become synonymous with an industry obsessed seeking to do everything at the lowest possible cost. Fire rated glass, framing materials and other components must be evaluated and scrutinised at the product specification stage. Once specified, passive fire protection products must stay specified, as the slightest change to the specification can compromise the expected level of fire resistance.

Jesus Church had Selectaglaze secondary glazing installed by partner Fenestral, to raise the thermal efficiency of its thirteen lancet shaped stained glass windows in the north and south walls. The heating of the church is run on an antiquated oil-fired system which takes time to warm up the building. Once heated, a great deal of the energy was lost through the original windows. Special timber grounds were produced with enlarged gothic curved heads. By fitting the units nearer to the reveal, the primary windows are beautifully framed and the 13, Series 41 side hung casements have clearance to open.

A modern, high-end apartment building in Newcastle, the Forge combines apartment living with vibrant communal areas for the like-minded residents to enjoy. Style was contracted to create a flexible meeting area in the spacious club lounge, where tenants can gather to socialise or for work. The DORMA Varitrans HSW glass-partitioning wall offered the perfect solution, allowing a meeting room to be formed with ease, whilst retaining the open-plan feel of the room. Creating a stunning feature wall, Style sourced and manufactured a bespoke metal frame that was bolted onto the glass panels, creating a uniquely original crittall-effect.

Howe Green’s Visedge Series Flexible Floor Access Covers were specified for a refurbishment project in the refectory at the University of Surrey by main contractor, Roberts Building Services Ltd and installed by Progressive Floor Surfaces . The Visedge covers replaced frames which were so heavy and cumbersome that they had previously taken four people to remove whenever maintenance of the services concealed beneath the flooring was required. The new covers offer a tough, lightweight, non-rusting access solution. In the event of any maintenance to underfloor services, the covers can be removed safely and easily with the lifting keys

The Grade II listed building where 19th century novelist Jane Austen spent her last days, was restored to its former glory. The SC4 decorators used a host of Johnstone’s products to restore the property. In keeping to the original colour, the robust Johnstone’s Stormshield Smooth Masonry paint in County Cream was used for rendering. Stormshield Flexible Primer Undercoat, together with Flexible Gloss in French Lime achieved an impressive finish for the door of the house. Additionally, Johnstone’s Primer was used to freshen up window frames and sills. Lastly, Stormshield Flexible Gloss was applied for a premium finish.

Britannia Wharf is a structure consisting of 52 stunning canal-side apartments. This development consisted of the demolition of a 5 storey office building and the construction of an all-wooden private high-end luxury apartments constructed on a large expanse of greenery. With the inclusion of four penthouse apartments on the fourth floor, the entire structure of the building was designed with timber frame overlooking the remarkable wildlife corridor of the reclaimed historic Basingstoke Canal.Cellecta’s DECKfon Batten 70 was specified by ADN Planning 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.Consero London was awarded this 6,000m² contract to construct this development in the centre of Woking, London.

Durability, sustainability and innovation underpin the design of the Aspen Art Museum, located in the state of Colorado, USA. The building’s most striking feature is its exterior facade made of NATURCLAD-W panels, which provides it with protection against Aspen’s cold weather. PARKLEX PRODEMA worked closely with the architectural team to produce a mock-up of the facade prior to construction.The woven NATURCLAD-W exterior and timber support frame for the roof diffuse the light that enters through the glass walls and skylight. This innovative concept maximises the natural light of the interior whilst minimising its exposure to direct sunlight.The design concept of the building mimics the ‘thermos’ principle, whereby interior rooms are kept at a constant temperature by protective exterior spaces. These so-called ‘wrapper’ spaces support air circulation and serve as a visual connection to the outdoors.