"ventilation"

Metal pipe boxing from the Pendock Profiles range is concealing heating pipework, electrical cabling and ventilation ducting at Phoenix Point in Thamesmead as part of a refurbishment and upgrade programme of homes at the striking, cylindrical high rise building.Originally built in 2008 on the site of a boiler house used for a community heating scheme, the 8 storey, circular building provides a mix of one and 2 bedroom flats. The Pendock aluminium boxing is used extensively in the refurbishment and is located below the walkway on each tier, following the form of the structure to conceal building services, as well as acting as a mounting point for lighting.

The aim of £12M refurbishment and remodelling of the 1960s Octagon theatre in Bolton was to make the building fully accessible, improve acoustics and provide new facilities for community use, upgraded performance areas and new front of house and back stage amenities. The design from JM Architects includes a 5-storey rear extension and an impressive modern new façade created using Senior’s thermally efficient SF52 curtain walling. This has been seamlessly integrated with SPW501 aluminium commercial doors for the new high traffic entrance and foyer, together with SPW600e aluminium windows for added daylight and ventilation.

Surespan supplied a number of circular dome rooflights with triple layers to The Key, situated in the new Science Central development at Newcastle University. These large 1500 (49”) and 2000 (79”) diameter polycarbonate domes feature triple layers providing a U-value of 1.8 W/m²K. The rooflights were supplied with electric opening actuators to allow ventilation to control the temperature of the fabric structure. Surespan Dome skylights were specified due to their high sustainability and small impact on the environment. The triple layers ensure compliance with energy-saving requirements and offer excellent air tightness.

Ninety UDF-50 REM Bilco Natural Smoke and Heat Ventilators (NSHEVs) were installed in a large scale accommodation development at the University of Hertfordshire. The development at the College Lane Campus comprises a mixture of individual bedrooms, twin rooms and studios. All of Bilco’s NSHEV products are manufactured to the highest possible standards, are CE Marked and meet Construction Products Regulation 305/2011. At 1500mm x 1620mm Bilco’s double leaf UDF-50 REM Smoke Vents offer a 1.5m2 clear vent area – making them ideal for dwellings of multiple occupancy such as halls of residence.

Over 60 of Howe Green’s 7500 Series floor access covers were chosen for the development of a sizable extension of King’s Cross tube station. An access solution was required to provide access to essential under floor services including ventilation ducting, electrics, communication cables and rail services. The specification required a solution that would prevent the passage of fire through service channels. Howe Green’s 7500 Series access covers met requirements with a three hour fire rating. In addition to single covers, Howe Green’s innovative multi-part covers were also used.

The indoor and outdoor spaces of the Vechiul Cazinou in Arad are dressed elegantly by the refined beauty of porcelain tiles for public spaces from Atlas Concorde. Learn more.Built as a promenade and event venue for the aristocracy of the time, the splendid Vechiul Cazinou in Arad represents the history of a building that to this day is a centre for social and cultural events. Following renovations that transformed the structure into a luxury event venue, the Vechiul Cazinou is for all intents and purposes a mix of ancient and modern where the exterior grandeur is matched by a refined interior beauty in sync with today's interior design trends. In this context, Atlas Concorde ceramic surfaces with their various looks were selected to decorate some of the interior and exterior spaces of the prestigious building, bringing a breath of modernity blended with timeless elegance. Floor tiles, wall tiles and furnishing accessories made with marble-effect porcelain create sensations of luxury, hospitality and enjoyment within the building. Featuring a combination of elegant Italian marble in neutral tones and bold colours, marble-effect tiles have created a universe of style with unlimited potential and a wide variety of uses. The beauty and aesthetic refinement of the indoor spaces is also extended to the outdoor spaces where stone-effect and concrete-effect  porcelain tiles adorn the outdoor ventilated facade, the parking area, and the evocative terrace. The exterior ventilated facade, made using stone-look porcelain tiles, replicates and reworks the authentic appeal of the most popular and sought-after limestones, recounting the stories of ancient times and places. The choice of porcelain tiles for the ventilated facade was an ideal solution in terms of appearance and performance because it is a material capable of aesthetically enhancing the structure, ensuring harmony with the external environment, and at the same time maintaining the high level of technical performance necessary for design purposes. Together with the stone-effect surfaces, concrete-effect porcelain tiles complete the decoration of the outdoors, giving them the warmth of a lived-in space, the authenticity of places that are born to a new life, and the understated elegance of industrial recovery. The result is a minimalist ambiance but one with a strong aesthetic personality capable of conveying a sense of feeling at home even in a public space. The mix of textures used on the floors and walls of the prestigious event venue in Arad once again confirm that Atlas Concorde porcelain tiles are the right choice for spaces intended for public use. In fact, porcelain surfaces are the ideal choice for high-traffic spaces because they combine technical functionality and beauty, ensuring a durable, safe material.

Take the next generation shopping experience… add 800 metres of WallPlanter… watch as a bland, grey car park view transforms with its new green lease of life…all expertly installed by Hedera Screens … and what do you get? A true central focal point within the next generation of shopping and leisure experiences in Bracknell town centre, our Mobilane WallPlanter has created a stunning tapestry along the car park and walkways. The majesty of the WallPlanter green expanse offers both beauty and function, shielding an otherwise bland car park façade whilst also allowing unhindered ventilation.

To provide optimum weather and thermal performance and to maximise the building’s energy efficiency, ADP Architecture specified a range of aluminium products from Kawneer, installed by approved specialist subcontractor Norman & Underwood. The building’s façade features Kawneer’s AA®100 curtain wall system while AA®190 TB severe-duty doors were specified to handle the high volume of people entering and leaving the building. These were complemented by Kawneer’s AA®720 casement windows with louvreshields which provide both ventilation and fall protection. As the construction is a gateway to the city’s commercial area, the aesthetics were also paramount.

At Mayfield Place in Winkfield, Bloor had planned and designed seven five-bedroomed luxury houses. Whitesales were asked to provide sleek, minimalist rooflights which would complement the homes’ design. em.glaze modular ridgelights are modular rooflights available in standard sizes from stock, with a choice of glazing and ventilation options. They exceed all regulations for impact-resistance, durability, environmental and thermal performance. Two rooflights were supplied and installed for each home; one in the deep open-plan dining areas and the other above the first-floor landing and stairwell, casting natural light through both floors.

A beautiful Yorkshire family home has found a new lease of life with the addition of aluminium doors and windows replacing the existing timber frames. Achieved using Reynaers bi-folding and sliding doors; CF 68 and CP 130, as well as door and window systems; CS 68 and ES 50. Alongside striking visuals, the unique design of the frames makes for excellent performance characteristics, meeting the highest requirements when it comes to insulation, stability and safety, while perfectly framing the garden views. Elsewhere, aluminium windows have improved day-to-day usability, with sliding opening options reducing draughts and improving ventilation.

We adapted our aluminium window specification to meet the narrower than normal vent dimensions at the best-in-class £52 million student village in Coventry, balancing requirements for daylighting, ventilation, student safety and aesthetics. A total of 3,500 sqm of aluminium windows together with aluminium curtain walling and aluminium high-traffic doors were fitted at the 893 home development. The installation not only contributed to the creation of an uninterrupted, zero combustible facade, but also provided maintenance solution for the building owner. Paradise Street has been architecturally inspired by the originally medieval city of Coventry. The scheme's homes are arranged in a wall, and three towers to address the busy ring road, with a gatehouse opening into a 2,000 sqm piazza. Balancing the ventilation and necessary daylighting requirements led to the introduction of a fixed and opening vent to each room. This presented a whole new design challenge when it came to the window detailing, hailing a true example of design and technical collaboration between the architect, contractor, fabricator and TECHNAL. Complementing the subtle textures used for the facade's anodised aluminium panelling as well as the interior colour scheme, the TECHNAL systems are dual colour. Externally they are finished in pearl beige and white, internally. Other TECHNAL systems used for this project include the visible grid curtain walling. This is installed into an angled brickwork detail, creating an interesting wedge shape design to the common room space. To the main entrance, TECHNAL high traffic aluminium doors have been installed and tested to Secured by Design standards. These feature maglocks and automatic gearing that are tied into the building management system, ensuring all doors open in the event of an evacuation.

More than 3,500 square metres of façade panels protect travellers from wind and rain in a new car park at Milton Keynes Central Station. Round, laser-cut perforations let in light and ventilation to car park decks, while solid and mesh panels complete a design that is both practical and visually striking.“The façade definitely met the design (brief); maybe even more. The client was impressed and so were we,” said Goldbeck project manager Stanislav Stanchev. “But apart from the finished product, I was most impressed with the Maple teams onsite. Communication was good too; everything I needed was answered very quickly.”

Cambridge Central Mosque is Europe's first eco-friendly mosque and the first purpose-built mosque within the city of Cambridge. The mosque is well insulated and naturally ventilated, using efficient heat lights in the roof and solar panels on the top to help generate renewable energy.Cellecta XFLO Micro was specified by Marks Barfield Architects as its underfloor heating insulation boards were used to help create an efficient and environmentally friendly heating system. Cellecta ScreedBoard 20 was also specified for the overlay floorboard. It is suitable for all types of steel, concrete and timber floors.Warmafloor were awarded this 250m² contract to develop this eco-friendly structure.

A key design feature of the new station was a perforated pattern in its rainscreen cladding. Contractors engaged Spanwall to create this complex design brief of perforated rainscreen cladding. The perforations within the cladding were intended to provide passive security and ventilation to glazed areas around the concourse as well as views across the site. Spanwall worked closely with the contractor to engineer its RF50-FR rainscreen system. Spanwall manufactured the perforated aluminium cladding system in a polyester powder coated metallic silver. This was installed in two sections and lifted into position during a short window throughout the night. This was a complex project with exacting design requirements and is a true example of the manufacturing ingenuity at Spanwall.

In cooperation with local partner L-Group, Lindner was responsible for the production and installation of the flooring systems: a total of almost 22,000 m² of the FLOOR and more® G30 and FLOOR and more® G40 hollow floor systems were installed. Despite its low weight, the dry hollow floor impresses with excellent properties in terms of load-bearing capacity, acoustics, fire protection and sustainability. For the server rooms of the administration building, particularly high demands were placed on the floor: Lindner NORTEC G38 ST and VENTEC S38 R38 raised floors were used here ‒ the extremely stable raised floor panels provide the necessary ventilation via the cavity.

Ayrshire College Main HallArchitect: Keppie DesignInstaller: DV McCollProduct: Shiluvit by Oranit250m2 of Shiluvit panels in 7-501A formation and Western Red Cedar were installed to the impressive wrap over wall and ceiling space at Ayrshire College in Scotland.Shiluvit panels were chosen in part for their ability to easily incorporate lighting and ventilation into the ceiling whilst also giving ease of access with the tip-and-tilt demountable design.In addition the Western Red Cedar chosen has significant natural colour and texture variation which gives the vast ceiling and wall space extra depth as well as a creative and bespoke feel.

Architect: BDP GlasgowInstaller: Linear ProjectsProduct: Shiluvit by Oranit375m2 of Shiluvit panels in 7-501A format and in PEFC Certified Yellow Pine with an Oak effect stain were installed to the ceilings of the mezzanine corridors in the central atrium at Marr College in Troon.Shiluvit panels were chosen in part for their ability to easily incorporate lighting and ventilation into the ceiling whilst also giving ease of access with the tip-and-tilt demountable design.The ceilings were installed to the new £37m wing which was added to the 1935 building, the new wing includes 8 state-of-the-art laboratory spaces and full professional kitchen suites as well as a library, refectory, and break-out social spaces.

OverviewA well-known holiday park in Skegness’ existing swimming pool air handling unit had been on site for less than 20 years and they were being faced with numerous repair bills, excessive noise and high running costs.  Residential neighbours were complaining about excessive noise and, as providing a peaceful environment is a top priority, they sought to upgrade their existing pool heating and ventilation system.A competitor’s air handling unit had been specified by a third party, however after conducting thorough research themselves, the client prioritised finding the best product on the market to provide service, reliability and lower running costs and chose Recotherm to provide a solution that met their requirements. ChallengesAccess was only available through standard double doors and the sizable unit was sited high in the building structure on a mezzanine floor. We proposed our CVME 1000 unit, the CVME range of units are known for their efficiency, reliability and providing the best atmosphere for pool hall users. Despite the tight deadline, Recotherm delivered the unit to site within the park’s specified timescale and as our units are built from flat packed components we were able to build the unit in the desired location despite restricted access.SolutionInstallation of the CVME 1000 provided the holiday park with a reliable, cost-effective, and efficient heating and ventilation solution. Neighbours immediately reported on the noise reduction which has improved the overall experience for them, the park visitors and employees.Our track record for engineering air handling units that last 30+ years mean the park can expect reliable performance for years to come, enhancing their operational efficiency and customer satisfaction and instilling confidence in the holiday park. Recotherm delivered:Engineering expertiseBespoke designEasy installation with flat pack componentsCertified installersEnergy efficiency

Avantage MP AOVAvantage MP is a 1 and 2 hour fire resistant AOV smoke control damper suitable for multi compartment applications of smoke control such as lobby to smoke shaft ventilators.The product is based on a damper door design and has been tested and certified to BS EN12101-8 achieving 1 and 2 hour fire rating. This is particularly important so to maintain the fire integrity of any shaft.The Avantage AOV smoke control damper is noted for its superior airtight properties. The damper is available as a motorised version providing a practical solution for large buildings where fire safety equipment is regularly testedThe unit is completed with a decorative silver anodised aluminium grille on the front. It fixes into a fire compartment shaft wall and is direct fixed within the opening through the sides of the damper. Once the damper has been securely fixed to the structure any shaft side perimeter gaps must be caulked with intumescent sealing material.Recommended fixing details are available on request to suit an array of fire compartment walls together with safety, installation and maintenance instructions.The front face grille is fixed to the damper unit flange and has the option of being coloured black behind the grille for improved visual appearance. The grilles are attached with concealed fixings.Key featuresSuperior air tightness (tested at -1500 Pa)Minimal pressure dropImproved energy efficiency and acoustic insulationRemovable grille for easy maintenanceAuxiliary switches for remote damper position indicationEfficient robust decorative finishing grille with concealed fixingsThe wiring connection and the drive motor mechanism is accessed lobby side of the ventilator behind the decorative grilleEasy access for service and maintenanceWide range of sizes for optimal selection considering pressure drop and space available

Chosen in a riven textured finish and in Iceberg, Bordeaux and Basalt colours to create symmetry in the building’s decorative facade, the high quality of each Carea cladding panel creates a stylish finish which met the architect’s vision. In addition special vent tiles were specified which were used above the windows and for kitchen extracts to create an invisible way of creating ventilation for the building.Each of the riven panels were installed by OCL Facades using innovative grooves at the top and bottom edges to create a seamless finish. As well as an efficient secret fix installation process, Carea cladding panels provide several performance benefits. Offering a high degree of insulation, they will play a pivotal role in the development’s thermal efficiency, thereby lowering its heating needs and aiding sustainability. 

Location: Solihull, West Midlands Project Type: Hotel, Leisure Product: Spalding-Micropanel Material: Solid Sheet Aluminium 1050 AlloyFinish: Syntha Pulvin Architectural Polyester Powder Coating System in RAL 8002 Matt, RAL 8004 Matt, RAL 8012 Matt and RAL 8016 Matt Other products: System Flashings, Weatherstruck Coping, Window Surround System (inc. Jamb, Head flashing & Cill flashing inc. ventilation) in Syntha Pulvin RAL 7016 Matt, Column-Casings Syntha Pulvin RAL 7001 Matt Support system: Helping Hand Bracket & Rails Architects: Nixon Development Consultants Contractor: T. N. V. Construction Ltd Sub Contractor: G. F. S. Supplies Ltd

This mixed-use development is located on the former site of the Elizabeth Arden factory in North Acton, hence the fragrant name! In fact some elements of the Art Deco factory still remain.There are a number of new buildings on the site, however Renson were brought in by Ardmore to provide the ventilation louvres on the tower blocks, which were actually designed to mimic perfume bottles.Our 414 (50% Free Area) louvres were supplied with backing panels only, insulation to be installed on site. We can usually adapt and supply our louvres exactly how you want them, this is what the customer wanted, so that is what they got!Finally, our close relationships with glazing system suppliers means we can coordinate on projects such as this to ensure smooth installation and matching finish. 

This1970s dwelling in South Dublin’s suburbs was transformed and renovated to a modern detached, energy-efficient home and office. The ultimate aim of this project was to design a taller building, radically reduce the building’s energy consumption, maintain the structural integrity of the building fabric, increase thermal comfort for the occupants, and reduce carbon emissions.A suite of passive strategies was implemented to meet the requirements of the EnerPHit standard. The project incorporated superior airtightness, green thermal bridging solutions, blockwork insulation on the external structure, triple-glazed windows, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to attain an A3 energy efficiency rating.Creating an airtight and insulated building envelope is the cornerstone of a Deep Energy Retrofit. Partel’s IZOPERM PLUS phA certified airtight product system delivered maximum airtightness in The Willows project

St James Quarter is one of the UK’s most significant regeneration projects creating a new retail-led, lifestyle district in Edinburgh which incorporates leisure venues, hotel accommodation, private apartments, public spaces and shops.The £1 billion scheme included 1,600 of underground parking spaces. Grating panels were used within the car park to separate the zones for public access from commercial vehicles. In addition the grating provided secure openings for ventilation and the enclosure of storage areas. The panels were fabricated to exact dimensions to fit the structural openings.The panels were manufactured from Lang+Fulton’s Stereo-4, which is an extremely robust grating made with a heavy 30×4mm flat bearing bar, and supplied in a hot-dip galvanized finish.

Urban development within St. Helier, the capital of Jersey is gathering momentum with URSA seeing its specialist insulation products specified at one of the capital’s newest and most ambitious developments. The largest of the Channel Islands, St. Helier is a lively harbour town and has become one of the UK's most popular tourist attractions, creating a high demand for ongoing residential and commercial development. Both its commercial port and marina, as well as the centre and the main neighborhoods, are undergoing an in-depth study for the renovation of its building stock and the transformation of the urban landscape it offers. The ultimate objective is a profound urban regeneration carried out through the creation of a commercial heart open to the sea, in the city centre, and modern, sustainable and healthy residential developments on the outskirts to ensure the demands of future growth. It also aims to reduce traffic and create a walkable city for pedestrians and cyclists with green spaces and open spaces. In the north of the city is Ann Court, a large development located next to a large municipal park built on the site of a former car park that has been demolished. Being developed by Andium Homes, construction is nearing completion on the development of 165 new homes of different sizes and orientations (with internal and external courtyards), but with a common standard: the energy efficiency and sustainability of the whole complex. To support the sustainable objectives, architects have specified a ventilated façade that guarantees thermal and acoustic comfort, whilst preventing moisture penetration and condensation. A correctly designed ventilated façade system also guarantees a fire safe structure, prolongs the life of the building and enhances its energy efficiency. As part of the specification, 2,400 square meters of 220mm URSA Walltec Black 32 were specified. The choice of material was the direct decision of the architect Stephen Marshall of Axis Mason Architects, who decided on the glass wool slabs after learning about their performance and the knowledge provided by URSA's technical office. URSA Walltec Black 32 is a semi-rigid glass wool slab treated with a water repellent additive. The slabs have a black glass fibre tissue to one side only that helps to hide the insulation in ventilated façades with open joints. It is a non-combustible product that does not contribute to the spread of fire, is water repellent and has high performance to ensure the thermal and acoustic comfort of the entire residential complex. Once the insulating material has been fixed, the façade is completed with the installation of the cladding to create cavity that ensures the properties of the system. This imposing façade enveloping the courtyards of Ann Court facilitates a new building in the north of St. Helier where social interaction, tranquility, quality, comfort and healthiness are guaranteed.  Ian Claydon, URSA UK Technical Manager, said: “We first became involved in this scheme in June 2020. We were approached by the architect for recommendations on correct choice of product and the thermal assessment for the external walls.  “During the early stages of the project, we were in regular contact providing advice on the target U-value in the wall(a commendably low 0.18 W/m2K), as well as the impact on Jersey SAP energy assessment and the technicalities of rainscreen cladding. The team were particularly impressed with the speed of response and our wider technical knowledge, helping to support the perfect specification.” 

The ETB building is dedicated to research, development and demonstration (RD&D) in sustainable energy technologies. It incorporates energy efficient materials and is designed to minimise its demands for heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation. It actually produces more energy than it requires, heating the neighbouring Institute of Mental Health Building.Approximately 1000m2 of Ash & Lacy Façade was specified on the building’s two main elevations in the VariAL CF1 configuration. VariAL CF1 is a concealed-fix, baffle-jointed cassette rainscreen with a fully adjustable support system, primarily used for horizontal application on walls and for soffits. Designed to fit in with the high-tech building design and to appear to exude their own energy, the panels were manufactured in Alucobond Spectra Sacura ACM finish. This provides a quite stunning two-tone iridescent effect that shows ever changing hues of pink and silver that constantly vary as the angle of view or illumination changes.

“Our primary design goal was to create a building that relates to and respects the surrounding historic city structure while providing a modern addition to the neighbourhood,” said SOM Director Kim Van Holsbeke.This has been achieved through a finely structured façade with large windows – a reference to the neighbouring old warehouse buildings and lofts with brick and natural stone façades. Regularly placed double windows are framed by a grid structure of rectangular ceramic baguettes from the KeraShape® system.The areas between this grid structure and the recessed window openings consist of facade tiles of the ventilated terracotta facade system KeraTwin® K20.This creates a detailed and contrast-rich picture. The elegant, matt black glaze of the terracotta creates a respectful interaction with neighbouring buildings – a contemporary interpretation of the typical Tribeca materials cast iron and stone.

Architect: Austin-Smith:LordInstaller: Lacunar LtdProduct: Gustafs Panel SystemOver 400m2 of Gustafs Panel System was installed to the walls of the Birmingham Royal Ballet during their £2.7m refurbishment in 2015. Acoustic panels were installed to two ballet rehearsal studios as well as the new informal performance space.In addition to the visual refurbishment of the space; the regeneration project aimed to improve the facility by upgrading the lighting, heating and ventilation, and accessibility, as well as improving administration and welfare areas.A mix of of SM5 and SM8 mini slotted acoustic perforations as well as nano acoustic perforations were used on the Birch, Oak, and White laminate faced panels. Slotted perforation styles give an elegant and dramatic finish to the panels whilst Nano perforations are almost invisible on the face of the panel, all three options provide up to Class B acoustic performance.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, the iconic Bell’s Sports Centre in Perth, one of Scotland’s largest sports facilities, needed a new roof to protect the important building. With the previous roof membrane nearing 30 years old and in a state of disrepair due to the challenging Scottish weather, the centre needed a long-term and robust roofing solution.Planned by Perth and Kinross Council’s arms-length body Live Active Leisure, the £700,000 project also aimed to improve insulation and ventilation in order to enhance the venue’s environmental performance and efficiency. With the building needing to stay fully operational during the works and the added difficulties presented by weather and the domed shape of the roof, the project provided a real challenge for the contractors.Roofing:Mechanically fixed Sika Sarnafil S327-15 EL light grey over Sika Sarnatherm insulation S327-15 EL.

Royal Winchester HouseComer Homes is renowned for the high quality of its residential and commercial developments, which span London, Hertfordshire, Dorset and throughout the South East. Its latest project is Royal Winchester House, a landmark building of one and two bedroom apartments at the heart of Bracknell's new town centre. As a planning requirement of Bracknell Forest Council, Comer Homes was required to provide a sustainable, low energy form of heating that would offer a reduced carbon footprint, as well as being affordable to run.The SolutionComer Homes specified F730 Exhaust Air Heat Pump systems from NIBE for all 337 apartments on the development to ensure they could meet their renewable targets. The new homes builder employed MKP Consultants Limited to undertake the building services design as they had previous experience of NIBE systems on other apartment developments in the area.The NIBE F730 Exhaust Air Heat Pump system was an ideal solution, as it offers mechanical extract ventilation, alongside heating and hot water in a compact design. The heat pump units were installed in a service cupboard in each apartment, as they have a small footprint of only 0.6m2.NIBE F730 operates by recovering energy from the ventilation air and, if desired, extracted from outdoor air, the heat energy is absorbed by the heat pump using a vapour compression process and subsequently transferred to the water-borne heating system, in this case an underfloor heating system. The integrated 180L domestic hot water cylinder also ensures a plentiful supply for the one- and two-bedroom properties.A sustainable solution, NIBE F730 keeps energy consumption to a minimum. The efficient control system automatically adjusts the indoor climate for maximum comfort for the occupant, using a combination of weather compensated control and the low energy inverter driven compressor.Each apartment is also fitted with a NIBE RMU 40 room controller, to allow greater flexibility of control for users and if required can be easily connected to NIBE’s internet remotely monitoring and control platform UPLINK™.Thanks to this innovative heat pump system, residents at Royal Winchester House are set to benefit from lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.The ResultsThe NIBE F730 system complies with Parts L, F and G of the building regulations, and helps to meet planning requirements designed to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints within residential housing developments. External noise is kept to a minimum and building aesthetics are unaffected by the need for external plant.TestimonialHead of Projects at Comer Homes, Jack O’Brien explains: “We were looking for a heating and ventilation system that would be both sustainable and affordable to run. We have been impressed with the performance of NIBE’s heat pumps, with their high efficiency, low noise and low running costs further enhancing the sustainability of the whole development.”About Royal Winchester HouseRoyal Winchester House is a landmark building of high specification 1 and 2 bedroom apartments available to rent. The unique design and architecture of Royal Winchester House creates a striking and impressive presence from the ground floor retail spaces up to the luxury penthouse levels.Royal Winchester House has been built for the private rental market and the development is being managed by Chancellors estate agency. The apartments benefit from high standards of insulation and air tightness. In addition to the NIBE heat pumps, the whole development has been fitted with a biodigester for the repurposing of food waste, as part of reducing waste sent to landfill and to add to its sustainability.

Ceramics reinterpret traditional architectural styleInnovative living concept for the future: A multi-generational house in Madrid combines traditional architectural style with a modern VHF ceramic façade.In the middle of Madrid's lively backdrop stands a small architectural jewel that is much more than just a residential building. The project "Beyond the Family Kin Housing" stands for the values and visions of a modern, multigenerational society. This multi-generational house embodies a concept for lifelong living in all the details of its design principles characterized by durability and flexibility. The choice of ceramic façade and tile design was not a random decision.Developed by Ignacio G Galán and OF Architects, this house was created with the aim of meeting the needs of different generations and enabling lifelong living. The open room design, characterized by seamless transitions, invites a variety of alternative forms of living and at the same time promotes a sense of community.Striking façade designThe bold exterior of the house is justified by its screed roof and the blue ceramic façade of the KeraTwin system by Agrob Buchtal, contrasted by the striking appearance of corrugated steel plates. The façade is not only for aesthetics. It combines several tectonic and technological strategies to bring energy efficiency and environmental quality to the project. In order to ensure the longevity of the house, the builders opt for a rear-ventilated ceramic façade on the recommendation of the architects. It is robust and durable, but at the same time can also be flexibly dismantled and converted. Construction and ceramic slabs offer the resilient basic concept of architecture by Ignacio G Galán and OF Architects the best suitable basis for sustainably connecting the present and the future. The movable windows in the roof are coupled with automatic blinds that control heat and lighting to create a well-ventilated and comfortable interior. Solar panels, supported by the distinctive green steel structure on the roof, support the operation of underfloor heating throughout the house.Energy-efficient tile designWith its focus on energy efficiency, barrier-free design and aesthetic design, the builders are largely relying on the combination of underfloor heating with thermally conductive tiles in the interior. This contributes 100% to the energy efficiency of the house, because compared to parquet or other floors, tiles allow heat to be transferred to the room faster and more efficiently. The duo is easy to install, sustainable in use and unbeatably efficient in terms of service life. In summer, the tiles are nice and cool and welcome and often used, especially in warm countries like Spain. With the natural modern material tile, the architects make a comfortable and healthy room atmosphere possible for residents of all ages in their showcase project.Inclusive room conceptModern design is a central theme that is considered in both the interior and exterior of the house to promote the inclusion and participation of all residents. While new buildings in the area tend to shift most of social life to their rear terraces, they promote the formation of communities and social connections with a courtyard, among other things. The open design of the ground floor, with a direct connection to the street, also stimulates the neighbourhood community. A short ramp leads from street level to the entrance. Inside the house follows a seamless sequence of spaces that can meet all needs, from toddlers to seniors, from scooters to "wheelchairs", can be explored and inhabited comfortably and safely: on each of the three floors in varying degrees of autonomy and community.In this innovative project, the architects saw ceramics not only as façade, wall or floor coverings, but as an integral part of inclusive healthy architecture. Last but not least, it will be thanks to the curtain wall and rear-ventilated ceramic façade that the house will be able to adapt flexibly to the different lifestyles of its residents and changing needs in the future, if necessary.

ChallengesSinclair Watt were provided with a detailed brief to provide accommodation for a new main entrance and reception area, product display hall, meeting room suite, additional office space and customer service telephone hall and ancillary accommodation. By necessity these were required to be large spaces to accommodate large numbers of employees and visitors.The building had to achieve seven basic goals – to allow VELUX to be a good neighbour, to be simple and beautiful, to make arrival a good experience, to be a model of balanced daylight, natural ventilation, good indoor comfort and healthy materials, to apply a well-defined, high-quality structural concept, to obtain good sustainable standards with a minimum use of energy, to be visible and logical, and to create value and express the VELUX values.The ceiling systems had to meet the Class 1, aesthetic, fire and acoustic performance required for the 37,673 ft² two-storey building which features an engineered timber and steel structural frame. The project was the first time Zentia’s Ultima+ Finesse mineral tiles had been installed in Scotland.SolutionsSinclair Watt met the brief by incorporating a regular and prominent engineered timber and steel structural frame that provided a design with a clear distinction between the supporting structure of the building and the facades and roof. This was both to create clarity and logic in the design and to make it possible to replace or update the not-so-permanent parts of the building.The internal design incorporates a central street and atrium that acts as a meeting place as well as a general circulation area and allows the best use of natural sunlight and natural ventilation throughout the building. The building provides good indoor comfort and utilises healthy materials.The three key areas – energy efficiency, healthy indoor environment and renewable energy – constitute the basis of the new building. A fabric-first approach for the building was adopted with high insulation levels and low air permeability rates to reduce overall heat loss from the building. This combined with a natural ventilation and daylighting strategy, and the use of LED lighting and air source heat pumps as the main heating source, resulted in a highly energy efficient and sustainable building.Some 1,1,00 m² of the Zentia Prestige hA+ Tegular15 tiles were used in the ground floor offices and storerooms, while 100m² of the Finesse tiles were used in the restaurant, kitchen and toilets. The Ultima+ range features class-leading light reflectance of 87% and Euroclass A2-s1, d0 fire classification, the Tegular15 variant with Class A sound absorption and Finesse a fully concealed, fully painted edge detail.Architect Iain Mitchell said: “We specified the Zentia systems as they have a good product range, good suspension systems, with good product information and good technical backup. They met all the aesthetic, fire and acoustic performances.“Zentia shadow and transition trims were used so the Zentia ceilings tie in well with adjacent plasterboard walls and ceilings. The client is very happy with the ceiling installation and building as a whole.”Colin Burns, commercial director of specialist sub-contractor PFP, said: “We had some meetings with Zentia to talk through the detailing of the Finesse element and put it to the guys on site but apart from that, and some coordinating with services, it was very straightforward. It looks good as it always does and gives a nice bright finish. It was interesting to be the first installer of Finesse in Scotland.”

Accoya cladding supplied by International TimberArmadilla create luxury experiential garden buildings. They currently focus on two core markets, hospitality and education, providing a self-contained environment for the users. Armadilla offer a smaller ‘Pod’ or the larger ‘Wave’ design but both options are ‘eco smart’, meeting the sustainability ethos of Armadilla.The garden buildings meet industry-leading insulation standards, have low energy air source heat pump technology and mechanical ventilation heat recovery. The smaller design, The Pod, can run off a one 13 amp electricity source.By endorsing the concept of the ‘Circular Economy’, all elements of Armadilla products can be recycled, repaired or reused. This is why Accoya is the perfect material choice for the external cladding, with a 50 year warranty. Accoya is a new introduction for Armadilla, justifying their product as world-leading for its sustainability and durability.Armadilla were awarded the 2020 Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation.

SFS have partnered with a leading building envelope contractor,  on the construction of two iconic towers in the heart of Birmingham, one clad in brass, the other silver. The buildings will transform the city's skyline and deliver a mix of luxury apartments and retail space. The striking Left Bank development, in Birmingham's popular West End, will create the tallest exclusively residential building in Britain's second largest city.Alucoil larson® ACM FR - Brass Brushed panel, with a fire-rated mineral core, was chosen for the façade. This drained and back-ventilated rainscreen cladding system for Tower 1 is being fitted with an NVELOPE® bracket and rail system and powder-coated SLA3 frame fasteners, SLA5 fasteners, as well as SX3 and SX5 A4 (grade 316) stainless steel fasteners from SFS. The choice of surface finishes for the envelope demanded high quality fastening solutions that would stand the test of time, and perfectly complement the crucial aesthetic goals.

The Rock is a 1.6million sq/ft mixed use development aimed at regenerating the town centre of Bury. The £350million project includes shops, restaurants, cinema, bowling alley, parking space and residential units. Lang+Fulton supplied 300 sq/m of custom-sized panels and 20 sets of doors to secure and ventilate the street-front elevations of the electricity sub-stations. These were made to fit the structural openings with concealed ancillary steelwork. Italia-100 steel louvred material was chosen for its vandal-resistant properties and was also impenetrable to any abuse from a foreign object.2.8m high Italia-80 was also used in the car park as an internal visual screen separating vehicle access from a service road. In addition 160m of 2.8m high Stereo grating panels were installed on the upper levels of the car park around plant areas and emergency exits.

The Quadrangle building in the historic heart of Cheltenham, once a 1970s landmark, has been completely transformed into a contemporary mixed-use commercial development featuring exclusively AluK window, door and curtain walling systems.Designed by AWW Architects from their Bristol studio and completed by Beard Construction, it now features an inner courtyard, ground floor retail space, four storeys of open plan workspace and the town’s first rooftop restaurant.The fenestration package was absolutely key to retaining the design language of the original building within a more contemporary aesthetic, whilst also meeting the requirement for improved thermal efficiency, more natural light and better natural ventilation.Having been impressed with the design and quality of AluK products on previous projects, AWW specified a comprehensive mix of AluK systems at the Quadrangle – the SG52 capless curtain walling system to give a frameless appearance to the retail façade, the more conventional SL52 capped curtain walling system for the courtyard area and rooftop restaurant, the GT55 system for the entrance doors, and the tried and trusted 58BW window system for the 400+ windows fitted into the existing openings around the façade.The entire fenestration programme was carried out by AluK fabricator Aluminium Sashes, which used its extensive experience in the repair and replace sector to overcome the challenges inherent in surveying, fabricating and fitting windows into openings which, in many cases, were irregular in shape and form and not aligned with the concrete slab finish.Aluminium Sashes worked closely with AluK at planning and detailed design stage to achieve the contemporary look for the façade that the client and architect wanted. For example, where the original windows had a transom and modesty spandrel panel below, the slimmer sightline replacements replicated the line of the transom but with fritted glass below to provide a similar level of privacy with more natural light. They also designed a solution for fixing the anthracite grey windows to the metallic bronze louvre sections specified to break up the uniformity of the façade, give users the option of manual ventilation and to provide fresh air and exhaust points for the AHUs. The reinforcing bar in the windows has effectively become the carrier bar for the louvres and gives the impression that there are two colours in one window panel.