"bathroom"

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

"Expanding boundaries, horizons, capturing space and transforming it into new, modern, and welcoming lines": it is with this leitmotiv that the Pietra Perla reception hall in Sannicandro di Bari welcomes its guests, accompanying them in an experience where exclusivity and elegance reign supreme.In this evocative and dreamlike setting, a pearl of the small town in the Apulia region, Atlas Concorde has contributed to furnishing some of the indoor and outdoor spaces of the facility with a contemporary style.The romantic entrance comes to life thanks to the combination of different formats and contrasting colours, where the earthy essence of stone and its rich details bring together the refined look of natural materials with the excellent technical performance of porcelain tiles.The beauty and practicality of the stone effect is repeated in the floors of the interior spaces, like halls and restaurants, where warm shades make the rooms welcoming and give them a clean, avant-garde design.Decorations inspired by simple geometries with metallic-effect inserts further enrich the furnishing project, covering the walls of the bathrooms in perfect harmony with the dark nuance of the concrete-effect floor for a unique compositional balance.

A Gloucestershire based independent care provider has recently completed a 46 bed extension on their care home for clients with dementia and nursing care requirements. Having worked with the contractor on a similar project, Astor Bannerman were recommended to the company to supply ceiling track hoists in an effort to future proof the needs of the home. With floor space at a premium, the company wanted to move away from the traditional style mobile hoists, which need to be stored away when not in use. Also, as using a ceiling hoist system normally only requires one carer to operate, this enables the company to adapt to the possible implications of Brexit on staffing levels.During the installation, we successfully added an XY (H-frame) hoist system into 3 assisted bathrooms and added 3m straight track OT200 hoists in 6 bedrooms allowing simple transfer in an out of bed.Fixings were also installed during the main build in the remaining 40 bedrooms, enabling the care provider to retrofit track and hoists as and when they require them at any point in the future.

The ChallengeA former industrial area along the south bank of the Union Canal in Merchiston, Edinburgh required transformation with the expected outcome of becoming one of the places to live in the city centre. A housing development was to provide a stylish addition to the already thriving growing community.The development consists of 11 stylish, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The apartments feature high quality engineered flooring, bespoke kitchens, designer bathrooms and fitted wardrobes, and each has a terrace or balcony enjoying open views over the canal.It was important that the building materials used were sympathetic to the local sandstone buildings.The SolutionThe original intention had been to use extruded bricks for the project, however, it was decided instead to use Forterra’s buff, stock thrown, Belgravia Gault Blend from its Ecostock range. A total of 55,000 bricks were used in the construction of Horne Terrace.The BenefitsBelgravia Gault Blend complemented beautifully the sandstone aesthetic of the buildings in the locality, while at the same time delivering great technical specification of low water absorption and low embodied carbon.

In a picture-perfect setting, Atlas Concorde's concrete-effect porcelain tiles give the Hotel Garden Park in the Vinschgau Valley an elegant, contemporary look. Learn moreIn a modern space with a refined flavor, Atlas Concorde's concrete-effect porcelain tiles help to bring out the elegance and relaxing ambiance of Hotel Garden Park.In a perfect blend of minimalist esthetics and the elegance of sophisticated contemporary apartments, the Hotel Garden Park in the heart of the Vinschgau Valley presents itself to guests with a simple style and a great attention to detail.A key focus when designing the rooms was the choice of surfaces, colors, and furnishings that best represent the atmosphere of comfort and rest typical of the facility. Atlas Concorde's concrete-effect porcelain tiles were therefore the ideal solution for furnishing various areas of the hotel, giving them a refined look and bold visual impact.Floor and wall tiles with a troweled concrete effect and soft touch enliven the bathrooms of the rooms through a neutral nuance capable of conveying a style with a strong identity and creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and relaxing. Combined with the dark wood of the furniture, the concrete effect makes the bathroom a corner that evokes the beauty of craftsmanship, an expression of value and attention to detail.The hotel's dining room also speaks a modern and elegant language thanks to concrete-effect ceramic surfaces that give free expression to a setting where it’s easy to feel at ease. Floors that recall the strength of concrete feature a smooth, continuous look for bright interiors and relaxing atmospheres where even the minimalism of the furnishings helps to give the flooring a simple, refined look.The decisive character of the concrete-effect porcelain tiles and the neutral tones of their palette combine in the wellness area of the hotel, where the technical performance of the material and the esthetic research coexist without compromise in ceramic solutions that achieve new levels of excellence. Using different formats, the concrete-effect porcelain tiles have made the space dedicated to relaxation an environment able to satisfy modernity and classicism, minimalism and comfort, design and functionality, all characteristics of a contemporary style but that also represent essential elements for the construction of a spa.Thanks also to the anti-slip 120x120 cm format and to the 20 mm thickness specific for exteriors, the concrete-look porcelain tile solutions of Atlas Concorde have contributed to the creation of a total look with a powerful visual impact both in the flooring of the hotel’s terraces and in its outdoor spaces.The versatility of the concrete effect speaks a modern language in any kind of environment, opening up multiple avenues for design.

With its direct Rhine location, the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cologne's Deutz district is a popular area for tourists and trade fair visitors alike. From their vantage point in the hotel, guests also have a view of the most famous landmark of the city: Cologne Cathedral. Setting out from the designer hotel, it is only a few minutes' walk over the Hohenzollern bridge, with all its affixed padlocks, to the city centre.Together with the German magazine Wohnidee and other highly trained specialists, the interior architects from the agency JOI-Design, prop. Peter Joehnk and Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk, designed exclusive suites for the hotel. Design highlights and special materials were brought together to create a modern atmosphere for the guests. Carefully selected products from KEUCO give the premium bathroom furnishings in the “Urban Retro” suite a very special touch.The interplay between the soft forms and straight contours of EDITION 400 integrates harmoniously into the surroundings of the premium furnishings of the room. A soft oval characterises the face of the washbasin fitting and the bathroom accessories, whose brilliant chrome finishes highlight them effectively. Decoration together with the finest in functionality can be seen in the free-standing porcelain accessories of EDITION 11. And for perfect illumination of the face, there is the light mirror from EDITION 400. The secret: A special light-conducting material transmits the light of the LED to the surface. The lights can be dimmed with the sensor controls, allowing the luminous colour to be adjusted to any setting. The mirror also has an integrated heater, so fogged mirrors are a thing of the past. The illuminated cosmetic mirror is perfect for taking a closer look. The adjustable luminous colour and flexible height settings allow guests to adapt the mirror exactly to meet their needs.In the shower the hotel guest is free to choose between three outlets. The innovative IXMO fitting from KEUCO combines several functions in the smallest of spaces.Three-way diverter valve, wall outlet and hand shower bracket are all integrated into one module. With the help of the thermostat each guest can adjust the optimum temperature for the head shower, waterfall shower or hand shower. One of the great advantages of IXMO is that the placement of the modules can be chosen individually, meaning that, due to the optimum positioning, the stopcock valve can be operated before even stepping into the shower.A versatile shower system with a minimalistic appearance. What’s special about IXMO is that all modules have the same dimensions. Their excellent design can't fail to impress, regardless whether round or rectangular. With a diameter or edge length of only 90 mm and a depth of only 80 mm they present themselves to the guest with a uniform appearance, and offer the best freedom of movement in the shower.

One Crown Place is a development that sets a new standard of architecture with two prismatic towers hosting 246 private apartments, rising 28 and 33 storeys into the sky. At lower levels, it is home to 109,675sq ft of high-quality office space and a variety of retail units.A Georgian terrace, a retained warehouse facade on Earl Street and 54 Wilson Street, and a 1970s block make up the remaining parts of this 24/7 destination delivering a boutique hotel, restaurant, collection of club lounges, bars, and affordable office space.ECLISSE UK Ltd supplied 158 bespoke Classic Pocket Door Systems for the project in various sizes, plus accessories. The pocket doors were used to provide convenient access to the ensuite bathrooms.Start on site: April 2018Completion date: May 2021Address: One Crown Place, 54 Wilson Street London EC2A 2ERGross internal floor area: 49,500m2 (new build)Construction cost: £518 millionArchitect: Kohn Pedersen Fox AssociatesClient: MTD GroupDevelopment manager: CBREProject manager: CBRE

Derek Coffey, a college lecturer, renovated a traditional 1800s-built Dutch barn in Llansilin, near Oswestry, Shropshire. The exterior of the barn is clad in burnt larch which looks fantastic and the interior of the home is equally impressive. When the renovation work reached an end in autumn 2023 the finished result was nothing short of stunning. The converted barn will now be a family home for Derek, his wife and their ten year old daughter.Coffey installed ECLISSE pocket door systems throughout the home in order to provide more usable space and better options for interior layouts. A total of ten pocket doors were installed, which were especially beneficial on both of the upstairs bedrooms leading onto ensuite bathrooms. “Installing pocket doors throughout the barn allowed us to save space and to use the space that we do have to better effect,” says Coffey. “We have another ensuite bedroom downstairs with a pocket door and the pocket doors on the downstairs toilet and utility room are especially beneficial as these doors would otherwise have clashed with one another when open – this problem is eliminated with sliding doors.”

In 2021, Wirquin assisted in the refurbishment of Holiday Inn Corby. Holiday Inn Corby is located close to both the business and logistic areas of the midlands and Northamptonshire. With Midland Logistics Park, Eurohub close by and Wicksteed Park not too far away they have a lot of footfall. The hotel has 110 refurbished rooms, 6 conference rooms suitable for meetings & functions for between 2 and 500, Open lobby and diner, Woodland outside seating, 3D Health & Fitness and Pampered & Polished Beauty Salon!We provided just under half new Initio frames for the refurbished room. The Initio was the obvious option for this refurbishment offering the perfect solution for compact spaces and bathrooms, freeing up more of the area. Holiday Inn Corby opted for our matching hoops flush plate in white which matched and complimented the of the decor in their rooms perfectly. The large front panel means there is easy access for maintenance, perfect for hospitality should there be any issues repairs can be done easily and quickly, causing minimal disruption. The Initio also boasts a durable metallic structure which is coated in a anti corrosion solution and tested up to 400kg. 

Based in the heart of London’s financial district, LibertySyndicates has taken up new office space at 20Fenchurch Street, more commonly known as the WalkieTalkie.Famed for it’s unique design, the building wascompleted in 2014 by world renowned architect, RafaelVinoly. Unlike most skyscrapers, the walkie talkie adoptsa top-heavy shape which allows it to maximise space onthe higher floors, the most expensive to rent.It also offers a free to use sky garden for the public,situated on the top three levels, which was one of thekey factors in the building receiving planning permission.Liberty Syndicates opted to make six floors of 20Fenchurch Street their new London home, with a view todeveloping a modern and vibrant working space.In a high usage, commercial environment, Allgood’skey brief was to provide a high performing ironmongerypackage. Grade 316 stainless steel Modric pull handleswere supplied on all of the meeting room doorsalongside matching accessories and overhead doorclosers.In the bathroom areas, Allgood supplied a co-ordinatedModric range of signage, WC turns, coat hooks andescutcheons.

Chelwood House by Napier Clarke is a clean, modern building in Chesham Bois, Amersham. It was built to replace an existing suburban house and is located within an area of special character meaning it was vital to seamlessly blend into the local area.Napier Clarke elected to use local brick and charred timber to ensure the house’s materials were able to sit visually well within the immediate area. Chelwood’s impressive size (5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, living space, snug, kitchen/ dining, play area, garage, utility room and an attic yoga room) and modern visual leanings were expected to be a challenge for local planning authorities. However, the building’s sympathetic materials and centrepiece vaulted roofs were inspired by the local area and the proposals were accepted.Chelwood introduces a cantilevered brick upper floor to its design which contrasts the simple design of the ground floor. Internally, the same materials used in its external spaces are repeated, creating a series of truly dynamic focal points.Chelwood uses legacy Michelmersh products in its production and recently won the Individual Housing Award in the 2022 BDA Brick Awards.

This multiple RIBA Award-winning spectacular home by Loyn & Co Architects is located on a sloping hill with spectacular views of the Wye Valley. With glass-fronted living spaces and light wells on the uphill side of the house, the architect wanted shading that didn't interfere with the overall design. Therefore, blind housings were custom finished to match the glazing structure in floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights. For the windows, fully automated roller blinds were specified to ensure protection from glare and solar heat gain, while allowing daytime visibility. This was accomplished using high-performance Blenheim 5% screen material.Throughout the house, the artists own art and furniture give this concrete house a very luxurious feel. Below, a single 13m long motorised skylight blind provides both light control and protects artwork from UV fading. At the rear of the house, purpose-designed studios use large lightwells with electric blinds to control the light and keep the environment comfortable.  To provide privacy, bottom-up cord-tensioned Honeycell Duette® blinds were installed in bathrooms with all hardware matching doors and windows.

In 2015, Quinn London Ltd started the refurbishment of The Market Building, in Brentford which involved the conversion of Offices to residential dwellings as a ‘Material Change of Use’ project. Soundis provided acoustic solution options for this project, in order to ensure a cost effective Value Engineering Exercise, on behalf of the Main Contractor.As the 1st floor required a deep void system due to new soil pipes and waste pipes having to be installed along the corridor within the building for kitchens and bathrooms, it was agreed to utilise Soundis Cradle & Batten System. This provided a service void for the pipes of 300mm whilst the other areas of the floor were treated with the system at 80mm FFH. The Soundis cradle & batten acoustic floor was then overlaid with a Soundis a high quality, interlocking dry screed system gypsum fibreboard.The Soundis cradle & batten floor system has been installed on the existing concrete and existing timber structural floors to provide a level floor over the un-even sub-deck. The service void provided by Soundis cradle & batten system can be used for other flooring applications, such as underfloor heating.Our Cradle and Risers are manufactured from 100% recycled materials assisting to the sustainability targets of projects.

Nestled at the heart of the University of Warwick campus, Scarman House is a 210-bed hotel accommodation and conference facility. This versatile establishment provides not only comfortable lodgings but also top-notch conference facilities, well-equipped meeting rooms, and enticing on-site dining options.In the summer of 2023, the hotel underwent a three-floor refurbishment project. Towelrads, in collaboration with the architect firm Baker Hicks, was instrumental in identifying optimal heating solutions for both Electric Towel Rails and Radiators. The client’s vision was to maintain a modern yet contemporary aesthetic in the individual rooms.We take pride in crafting a bespoke solution by designing, specifying, and supplying our Pisa Chrome Electrical Towel Rails for the bathrooms. These towel rails are equipped with Smart Thermostatic Elements, enabling occupants to have complete control over time and temperature settings, ensuring a comfortable stay.For the radiators, we selected a range of Vertical and Horizontal Windsor Column Radiators. This option added a touch of modernity blended with a hint of retro charm to the rooms, all while delivering exceptionally high heat outputs.Throughout this project, the collaborative partnership proved essential in navigating and meeting the challenging project timelines, ensuring its successful and timely completion.

In completing the £21M Park Hill Flats restoration project on a Sheffield housing development Kier Construction and architects Whittam Cox specified 4000m2 of high-quality vinyl flooring from international flooring specialist Gerflor.The project would provide a showcase for two of Gerflor’s signature flooring products -the Taralay Impression Compact heterogenous collection and their slip resistant Tarasafe Standard safety range. Both these innovations would prove to be the ideal solution for Beton House which is the third phase of the Park Hill Flats estate.In choosing both Taralay Impression Compact and Tarasafe Standard from Gerflor the rigorous specification standards set by Whittam Cox and Kier Construction would easily be met.Andy Gordon, Gerflor Area Sales Manager, Northeast commented, “We collaborated with the architects Whittam Cox in the first instance and wrote a specification which included three thousand square metres of our Taralay Impression Compact flooring for the communal areas and one thousand square metres of our slip resistant Tarasafe Standard for the student bathroom areas. The client is absolutely delighted with the final outcome of the Gerflor flooring, and we understand the flooring is performing exceedingly well and meeting all the clients’ expectations.”

West End Gate, at 285A Edgware Road, London, is a residential development by Berkeley Group Holdings, designed by Squire & Partners. Comprising four distinct buildings around a landscaped garden square, it offers one to four-bedroom apartments and penthouses with luxurious finishes, including timber floors, custom kitchens, and marble bathrooms.West End Gate’s facade is made of a mix of materials, including brickwork, metal panels, and glazed elements, creating a striking and modern appearance. The brickwork used in the project is a key feature of the development, with a variety of patterns and textures used to create interest and depth in the facade. Michelmersh’s Hampshire Stock Downs Blend is used perfectly throughout the project, with the soft tones homogenise perfectly with Paddington Basins aged red brick while contrasting the leafy greens that surround the project and the project’s pre-existing neighbours. Throughout the day the bricks provide a warm glow to the area as the sun permeates the site, ensuring natural light is capitalised upon.The development includes 128 intermediate and socially rented apartments, with window designs matching local typology. Located near Hyde Park and Paddington Station, it boasts excellent transport links and amenities in a prime London location.

Providing a resident community with lasting comfortIssueThe Village Langley consists of a large community centre and six corresponding cottages. Dedicated to ensuring that residents coping with the degenerative effects of dementia are able to direct their own day-to-day living in a safe, natural environment, The Village provides holistic care centred on forming relationships and finding a sense of place in one’s surroundings.Each cottage features the comforts of a typical home environment, including a living room, dining area, an open kitchen and private rooms with adjoining bathrooms. Small groups of residents live together in these spaces, allowing trained household teams to focus on their individual abilities and promote an improved quality of life.ApproachThe Village collaborated with NSDA Architects to develop the most efficient layout possible. This involved finding a flooring solution that would address the residents’ unique needs, while adhering to the desired home-like aesthetic.SolutionVisual perception plays an important role in designing for memory care facilities. High-gloss surfaces and complex patterns can cause disorientation in residents and potentially increase the risk of injury. Non-glare finished floors such as Altro Wood avoid compromising vision in these environments.“The beautiful matt finish was essential to eliminate glare and reflections that can be detrimental to residents with dementia,” explained Dust.The firm specified Altro Aquarius for resident bathrooms. In the community centre and activity rooms, Altro Operetta was chosen for its ability to withstand high volumes of traffic. Altro Stronghold 30 was used in its commercial kitchen area to provide its staff with the highest available slip resistance.Altro Operetta is a robust floor perfect for medium to high traffic areas that is easy to clean and maintain. It has attractive, natural and contemporary colours and finishes.Altro Aquarius is especially suitable for environments with high slip risk in wet and dry conditions. It achieves class B according to DIN 51097 for barefoot use, as well as a pendulum test value (PTV) of ≥50 (slider 96).Altro Wood is an attractive, general purpose safety flooring with design and colour options that match Altro Wood adhesive-free and Altro Wood Comfort to achieve a consistent look in different areas.Altro Stronghold 30 achieves PTV ≥55, R12 with 3mm thickness. Altro Stronghold, combined with Altro Whiterock wall sheets, provides an impervious, easy to clean and safe Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) approved solution for kitchen environments."Altro Wood was selected for the cottages for the warmth of its woodgrain and visual familiarity for the residents. It provides excellent slip resistance to mitigate resident falls."Brian Dust Architect, Principal at NSDA"Altro has a well-thought-out line of products with exceptional technical and design features that coordinate well together. Residents, families and healthcare professionals have been highly complimentary on the home-like cottages, and Altro products have contributed significantly to the aesthetics of the buildings."Brian Dust Architect, Principal at NSDA

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

Our client, One 17 Design, acted as Architects, Interior Designers and Project Managers for this superb project with involvement from inception through to completion. Their brief was to create a home office / garden room in the grounds of an existing detached home, which was done by extending the detached garage.The material palette for the garden room predominately featured oak and steel. Blackened oak cabinetry and steel fenestration provide a striking contrast against the natural oak frame and cladding. Clever detailing in the relationship between the oak frame and steel doors adds a contemporary twist. The bricks for the outside of the building were selected to match the brickwork of the existing bungalow. Bespoke Clement steel windows and doors from the W20 range were chosen for the project, including an interior door, fitted with reeded glass that leads to the bathroom. All handles were powder coated black to match the steel frames.The project won “Best amazing space” at the 2022 Northern Design Awards.Freddie Garside, Partner and Director at One 17 Design, said:“We and our client were delighted with the finished doors and screens. The narrow framed black steel doors complement the natural oak frame perfectly. Clement were very professional, efficient and responsive throughout the whole project.”Photography: Joe Cotterill

Situated in the London Borough of Newham, East HamTechnical College was reopened in September 2014and is now home to over 500 students. The elegantVictorian building was originally built in 1905 and isnow a Grade II listed building.Rick Mather Architects retained many of the existingfeatures of the original building whilst the new modernadditions seek to complement and highlight these,whilst ensuring functionality for users. Extensive areasof glazed tiles and bricks have been repaired anduncovered to restore the original diverse materialityof the building. Though the south and east elevationsutilised alternative materials, they maintain the redbrick and terracotta aesthetic of the more elaboratenorth and west facades.The ironmongery package presented a challenge forAllgood. The high usage of the building meant theironmongery would need to be highly functional but itwas essential that the aesthetics matched the interiordesign of the building.Whilst many of the classrooms have been modernised,the interior designer elected to match the ironmongeryto the more classic themes of the building.A co-ordinated antique brass finish was applied toknob handles, numerals, hinges and door closers oneach of the wooden, white painted doors.In the bathroom areas, where some of the originaldecor was not retained, a more conventional stainlesssteel finish was utilised to cubicle locks and WC turns

Hush Acoustics was tasked with providing an acoustic separating floor solution in an extensive material change of use project in Southall. Phoenix House was being converted by Vascroft Construction from an office building to residential flats, in a project which involved building into the basement, adding two floors and expanding at the rear.The development of 149 flats, each of which comprises 2 bedrooms, 1 ensuite, 1 bathroom, 1 kitchen/living area, required an effective design for the separating floors to ensure they would be effectively soundproofed throughout across multiple different floor finishes.After assessing a number of floor construction materials, Hush Panel 28 floating floor panels were selected to meet the acoustic performance targets. Using this panel meant that throughout the bedrooms and living areas a simple underlay could be laid before the finished carpets or engineered timber floor were installed. Hush Panel 28 was also suitable for the floors in the wet rooms and entrance hallways by applying Detromat on top of the panel to form an anti cracking surface.A team of more than 100 operatives worked on site, with every 1000 sq. m of floor completed per week, which Hush Acoustics supported to ensure Vascroft could meet the project’s strict delivery schedule.

Cuplas are Liverpool’s first choice for providing wholesale plumbing supplies to the trade and public. They contacted us to assist with a project they became involved with at the Tobacco Warehouse, Liverpool’s luxury waterfront apartments.The Grade II Tobacco Warehouse is the largest brick build building in the world. Formally the storage facility for all of the tobacco coming in to the UK from the new world. It has now been converted into a residential complex with ‘New York’ style apartments of varying sizes. To compliment the modern design, the apartments needed to be fitted out with quality bathroom products.Round table discussions took place with key experts within the business and directly with Cuplas to fully understand the challenge and help them achieve their goals. Following these discussions and numerous visits to site to visualise the setting, our design, specification and product teams worked together to present various solutions to satisfy their demands. After looking at all of the options available, the customer chose our premium WRAS approved concealed cistern range along with our Reef dual flush pneumatic push plate.Testimonial“The two main driving factors on deciding to use TYDE for this job was value for money and reputation. The apartments are top end properties, we wanted to use a manufacturer with a solid reputation for quality. The products were easy to install, they function well and have been faultless so far.”

Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust boast a brand new Assessment and Treatment Unit at the Lynfield Mount Hospital in Bradford.STJ Projects Ltd manufactured and installed a full range of doorset solutions across the new unit including:R-Quest Severe Duty Seclusion Suite doorsets, which are steel interlaid to provide a severe robustness R-Quest Heavy Duty Fire Rated doorsets R-Quest Heavy Duty Anti-Barricade doorsetsR-Quest Lock Back Frames, both 90 & 180 degree lock back facilitiesThese doorsets look stunning with real Ash hardwood frames and architraves, clear lacquered to show the beauty of the timber, along side the door leaves which varied in colour and material. The Seclusion & Common area Bathrooms were impact resistance and anti-bacterial PVC encapsulated and all other doors were faced with anti-bacterial laminate, with a natural Pearl Grey colour across all common areas with individual bedroom doors having their own unique colour. This ATU facility, for adults over 18 with moderate to severe learning disabilities and mental health problems, whose needs cannot be supported at home, in the community or in other adult mental health wards is a fresh offering to provide the much needed support they deserve from daily living needs to maintaining independent skills.

Major work has been carried out by the Derwent Group on the Liverpool Edge Lane Retail Park. This regeneration work was something quite different to the other schemes in the city, with its vibrant mix of retailers, aspirational food and beverage brands and leisure operators as well as free parking for 1500 cars and great transport links.As part of the major regeneration project a new B&Q store relocated to the new retail park with an enlarged store including new kitchen and bathroom showrooms, aiming to give its customers an upgraded shopping experience. Marshalls were hugely excited to provide the landscaped area to the front of the store and to help enhance this overall shopping experience.The approach was taken to ensure that the Liverpool Shopping Park had a transformative effect on this part of the city and bring a much needed and exciting leisure and retail experience to the market.The development of the 49,000 square foot B&Q store at Edge Lane is one of the first B&Qs in the country to feature a new layout and refreshed departments, therefore the landscaped paved areas at the front of the store needed to match up to the exception internal standards and make a real visual and striking impression.Marshalls was enlisted to supply Modal paving, part of the internationally recognised La Linia range & Myriad paving, in a mix of grey tones and multi-sized paving units to achieve this visual landscape brief that the client was looking for.

Merging two former churches in the Bolton area, the development of Harwood Methodist Church has delivered something special for the Church and the wider community. The challenge for the team at Ellis Williams Architects was to design spaces with a practical function but also ensuring that there is a link to tradition.Thanks to its exceptional performance in heavy traffic environments, Tessera Alignment carpet tiles in the Climate colourway was installed in the main worship area – which can hold up to 250 people. As the space also enables the latest AV technology and sound system to support the growing use of band music during regular worship, it is ideal that the carpet tiles can reduce up to 23 dB impact sound.A café space links directly into the worship area with a well-appointed community kitchen serving this and a large community hall. A range of safety flooring from the STEP range provided the ideal solution for these areas, where the Classic Oak effect provided a sophisticated finish in the café and Safestep R11 – for high-risk slip protection – was used in the kitchen. In addition, Surestep Original in Elephant offered a fresh alternative and improved cleaner aesthetic for the bathrooms.Finally, in the multi-use community hall, lobby, circulation spaces and flexible conference rooms, the subtle yet striking marble effect of Marmoleum Real in Slate Grey delivers a beautiful neutral backdrop for a range of functions and events.

IssueA dilapidated former care home was being redeveloped into high specification, modern flats and communal spaces. The new flats were to provide bespoke, accessible accommodation for people with autism, learning disabilities and physical disabilities, with an on-site café open to the community. The aim was to create bright, modern, living, and communal spaces, without an institutional feel.ApproachThe flats offer different levels of support for residents. Support provided within people’s own homes is tailored to each person’s needs and supports individuals who are stepping down from secure units and hospitals including those who may have experienced previous placement breakdowns.Interior Designer, Penny Green, having worked with Altro products for many years, liaised with Altro to select a range of floor options to deliver flexible solutions in the different application areas, suitable for resident’s needs.SolutionAltro Ensemble luxury vinyl tiles was specified for The Foundry Café, bringing the benefit of 15dB sound reduction, and added comfort underfoot.In areas with a higher risk of slip, Altro Wood was selected to match the colour scheme, providing a biophilic safe option together with homely aesthetics. Altro Pisces specialist safety flooring, designed for shoe and bare foot use, was specified for all bathrooms and wet rooms.For The Foundry Cafe kitchen, Altro Stronghold 30 was selected to bring safety and comfort underfoot for staff, and Altro Reliance was specified for the back of house and delivery areas bringing a hard-wearing and durable finish.

Expanding care options with fit-for-purpose solutionsAltro Wood, Altro Serenade, Altro Aquarius, Altro Stronghold 30IssueFounded in 1995, The Glen is part of the Willow Valley Communities network that offers ageing residents a mind, body and spirit approach to wellness. The Glen provides a range of support services including shortterm rehabilitation from surgery or illness, as well as specialised memory care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders. The facility needed updating to allow residents to continue to enjoy the comforts of home while promoting their physical and mental wellbeing.ApproachTo continue its mission of designing programmes and places fit to people, Willow Valley enlisted CCS Building Group to manage The Glen expansion project, which began in 2018. CCS collaborated with their Altro representative, knowing Willow Valley’s history of using Altro products during previous renovations with proven success.SolutionThroughout its completion, The Glen project utilised multiple Altro floors. For resident rooms accommodating those receiving skilled care, CCS chose Altro Wood for its warm, domestic aesthetic. In the facility’s communal areas, Altro Serenade provides 19dB sound reduction to reduce excess noise. Altro Stronghold 30 was used in the facility’s kitchens for its superb slip resistance and comfort underfoot for busy staff. For residents’ bathrooms and shower areas, CCS selected Altro Aquarius specialist safety flooring for its high slip resistance value both in shoes or barefoot.

Housed within a Grade II building in Birmingham City Centre, Henman & Cooper Bar is a quirky cocktail bar with rooftop terrace created by Wayne Tracey, owner of a collection of bars including popular nightclub Snobs.The innovative bar was transformed in 2019 and owner Wayne required the installation of high-quality bathroom products to compliment the modern décor but it needed to be robust to withstand the hardest of treatment.TYDE Business Development Manager, Anthony McDonagh met with Wayne to discuss his exact requirements. Anthony visited the venue to inspect the area to determine which of the TYDE products would be most suitable. Internal discussions then took place with the TYDE product and design teams. We engaged our client and made recommendations based on the best solution to meet his needs. The TYDE Resan® range is manufactured to the highest standard and is engineered from an advanced polymer resin material which is shatterproof, hard-wearing and chemical resistant. This makes the products perfect for Property Managers looking for vandal resistant sanitaryware.Testimonial“I was really happy with the whole experience from my initial conversation with Anthony to purchase and installation. The WC’s back-to-wall feature hides the cistern and saves space and most importantly they are vandal-proof which is just what we need. I was so impressed, TYDE have also helped to install WC’s at one of my other bars. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. Superb products and service.”

The ChallengeFounded in 1432, Sevenoaks boarding school is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the country with some of the buildings dating from the 17th Century. The client requested an easy-to-use, energy-efficient underfloor heating solution in rooms of different uses across the school that would have a negligible impact on floor heights. The installation of the system would also have to be considerate of the historic nature of the building.The SolutionDue to the need for a low floor build-up and with a project featuring a mix of floor finishes, our Foil Heater was the ideal choice for an easy-to-use and quick to install underfloor heating system. The Foil Heater is perfect for use with the school’s carpeted and wooden floor finishes and was installed in conjunction the Dual Overlay System when fitted with the carpeted flooring for a stable subfloor solution that can handle heavier load areas. Warmup’s StickyMat System was installed throughout the school’s bathrooms, which can be fitted directly within the layer of tile adhesive or levelling compound, therefore having little-to-no effect on floor heights. Our Tempo Thermostat was installed for accurate floor heat control alongside overall control by a Building Management System.The ResultThe beautiful and historic Sevenoaks Boarding School has now been given a 21st Century update with a responsive Warmup heating solution that didn’t substantially raise floor heights. The staff and pupils can now enjoy radiant warmth throughout the year, leading to better comfort levels and therefore a happier space in which to study and work.

The striking interior was designed by LaVita Style and features Perlata providing a rich, yet elegant finish to the walls in the reception area and corridors. The design uses light and shade to reveal subtle textures and tones resonating a calm and reassuring atmosphere. Working to a soft colour palette the use of additional custom ArmourFX Granite polished plaster panels to the front desk creates a stunning first impression.Lucy Walker, interior designer at Lavita Style Ltd comments “We chose Armourcoat for this project for their specialist expertise and creativity and were absolutely delighted with the end results. We wanted to create a striking yet welcoming reception and waiting area and this was achieved through Perlata’s beautiful finish in a range of tones and colours. Armourcoat realised our vision throughout the whole design process and delivered seamlessly. I would certainly choose Armourcoat for any future projects”The new dental practice, White & Co is part of the innovative redevelopment work to convert the Grade II* listed legendary landmark into a unique blend of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. Armourcoat has also been specified in various other projects within this exciting development including the Boiler House and Switch House West where Armourcoat Tactite was applied within various bathrooms, ensuites and powder rooms and Embassy Gardens which included Armourcoat Koncrete finishes to entrance areas and columnsClient: White & Co, Battersea Power Station, London Designer: La Vita Style @lavitastyleltd Contractor: Apollo Interiors Photography: Mark Bolton @markboltonphoto

Glazing Vision rooflights were used in the re-construction of this mews house situated in the prime real estate and conservation area of Mayfair, London. The building is an exceptional example of stunning architecture and elegant, contemporary interiors. Whilst adding a majestic character to the mews itself with its dark brick façade and impactful balcony, the outer appearance belies the vast size of the residence internally. After the demolition of the former mews house and after 2 years of construction, which had even necessitated underpinning the neighbouring houses, this property now accommodates a basement with indoor pool, lower ground floor with cinema room, open plan living and dining space, 2 floors of bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as additional terraced balconies.Keeping the interiors bright and airy throughout was key to the design concept – floor to ceiling windows and Flushglaze Walk On Rooflights from Glazing Vision were installed to maximise the daylight where it would have been otherwise compromised on the ground and second floors. In addition, a Glazing Vision 3 Wall Box Rooflight provides unimpeded access from an internal staircase to the impressive roof terrace, which is recessed down 1 1/2metres between 2 pitched roofs and which offers a vast outdoor space for entertaining, dining and relaxing.Two Flushglaze Walk On rooflights were specified by the architect to negate the risk of potential dark spots appearing in the dining zone and living area on the ground floor. Engineered by Glazing Vision to bespoke sizes and to meet the future projected foot traffic upon them, they were seamlessly integrated into the balconied terrace on the second floor, thus shedding light through to the bench seating in the kitchen and lounge.Their minimal internal framework was in keeping with the contemporary aesthetic of the interior, and both rooflights augment the quality and quantity of light entering this open plan area, even extending out towards the central stairwell and landing.Two further custom-sized Flushglaze Walk On Rooflights installed on the roof terrace add an intricate design detail but also create a wow factor. Perfect for flat roof terraces, these rooflights lie flush with the wooden decking. Again tested to allow for regular foot traffic and to bear the weight of terrace furniture, the rooflights offer complete safety and watertight integrity. On the second floor below, the two windowless bathrooms are flooded with the light coming through these rooflights – indeed such is the brightness of these rooms that privacy blinds have been installed for occasional use.Seeking to optimise the very large roof space that had been created (4m x 8m) the architect specified Glazing Vision’s 3 Wall Box Rooflight, which would offer easy access all year round to the roof terrace and also provide a contemporary glass feature. For the accommodation of the 3 wall mounted box rooflight a timber box frame had to be built which abutted the exposed brick wall behind.The property’s imposing central staircase provides access to the box rooflight, which in turn maximises the light falling down the stairwell to the bottom of the house. At a touch of a button from an access keypad, the sliding roof retracts to give a 50% clear opening with no “bowing of the head” necessary. The operation is quiet and safe, and the provision of a rain sensor ensures closure from inclement weather.

The Ladderswood Development is a regenerative project based in the London Borough of Enfield. There are 112 properties, all overlooking a central sculpted landscaped area within the development. Given the interior shape and goal of creating comfortable living spaces, both contractor and installer agreed that Knauf offered the performance they needed. The project was award to drylining specialists S&R London Ltd. in April 2022. Interior work began in January 2023, and they were tasked with bringing the internal aspects of the development up to specification. Elion Mucaj, Quality Manager for S&R London explains. “When we got the project at Ladderswood early last year, we were initially asked how we were going to ensure it was completed to a high standard that would make the development attractive to future residents. We explained our operating process, and what we were aiming to do to ensure that the client’s needs were met.”“Once the client was satisfied, they mentioned they wanted Knauf products used internally because of their previous experience using their range. Coincidentally that was our thoughts too! We knew when we saw the specification, we wanted to use Knauf throughout to hit those performance targets.”Meeting the brief.Being a residential development, fire performance and safety was one of the key considerations for product choice. To achieve this, it was decided that Knauf Fire Panel should be used, with Elion commenting. “Knauf Fire Panel was brilliant; it has the fire performance we needed for the project and of course the warranty it comes with means that we had peace of mind that the product would be secure.” To achieve the level of acoustic performance and comfort for the apartments, Knauf Soundshield Plus was put to good use. “We knew we needed a solution which would ensure minimal sound transfer between the homes. From using the product before and speaking with Knauf, we opted for Soundshield Plus. It was ideal for use within the main walls of the properties.” To round out the overall performance of the properties, Knauf Moisture Panel was used in each of the bathrooms. Chosen for its excellent moisture resistant properties, Moisture Panel helped to minimise any potential damp-related issues and reduce snagging.“Knauf Moisture Panel was the first thing we thought of when it came to the bathrooms. We knew that it is perfect for places that get very humid, and with its material makeup it can really reduce the amount of damp related issues that could develop in the properties. In the long run, it would save everyone a lot of hassle.”Supporting factors.When looking back over the reasons for specifying Knauf for the interior, Elion recalls it wasn’t just the performance guarantees which helped swing the decision.“We have used Knauf in the past and the benefits of using their products are many, but the key thing for us is the technical support. It’s phenomenal and is available as and when we need it.”“Whenever we had questions, we’d get in touch with Knauf and they’d happily answer, no matter how big or small. They also made regular site visits to make sure that everything was going well and that we were all on the same page.”With performance being at the heart of the offer, Knauf was the first choice for both S&R London Ltd. and the client, Mulalley. However, it highlights the importance of the support behind the products which can make the difference on site. Being able to quickly answer technical queries, offer visits to site, and performance guarantees, all adds up for a compelling manufacturer offer. 

ACOUSTIC insulation experts CMS Danskin Acoustics has worked with historic Standon Hall to specify and supply a range of acoustic products to reduce the impact of airborne and impact sound transmission in the Grade II listed Staffordshire venue.During the course of redeveloping the early 20th century country house into a high-quality wedding and business venue, Standon Hall made acoustics a key element for investment. CMS Danskin Acoustic’s in-house technical team conducted a site assessment in order to specify an insulation strategy to address structure borne noise and absorb sound.The objective was to prevent noise transfer between ground floor functions rooms and nine bedrooms and suites above. Andrey Magiy, Standon Hall’s MD, said, ‘During this two-year project to transform the hall into an outstanding venue we had an opportunity to address acoustics as floors were lifted to install new services. It was as important to prevent sounds from above being heard in meetings and conferences below, as it was to prevent noise from ground floor functions filtering up into the bedrooms.’The resulting acoustics strategy from CMS Danskin Acoustics involved the installation of 600sq m of Smartspan floor panels, Karma TNF70 high density stone-fibre batt and REGUPOL acoustic isolation strip. Challenges included the need to work from above to avoid disturbing fine, moulded lath and plaster ceilings below and the necessity to specify high performance acoustic materials of a thickness that wouldn’t increase bedroom and bathroom floor levels.Andy Hayes, CMS Danskin specification manager and IAO Affiliate, said, ‘Smartspan panels span across bearing structures such as, in this case, joists. They provide high acoustic performance, are easy to install, come in different thicknesses, such as the 32mm and 18mm used at Standon Hall, and have a reaction to fire classification (EN 13501-1) A1.‘Smartspan was also valuable for use in bathroom floors as it has excellent thermal conductivity making it ideal over UFH systems, has surface water absorption of only (EN20535) <300g/sq m is suitable for stone and ceramic finishes and, with a tongue-and-groove profile, it’s straightforward to install.’REGUPOL Acoustic Isolation Strip was also incorporated to reduce impact noise from first floor footfall. The strips are designed to sit beneath all types of partition walls and are described by the company as a simple and effective way to reduce structure borne noise. ‘Quick and easy to install, they provide long term performance without collapse or ‘bottoming’ out under high point loads, are resistant to ageing and deformation, are manufactured using recycled materials and are 100% recyclable.’~Karma TNF70 was also specified in places. Says the company: ‘It’s typically used in refurbishment projects for improving existing structures where access is only available from above and where additional acoustic and fire performance is required, such as in flats, offices, shops, and hotels. It’s lightweight, quick to install and is a dry system that won’t damage sensitive lath and plaster ceilings or fine plaster mouldings.’‘The products have been absolutely brilliant and we have great acoustics results for the primary rooms,’ said Standon Hall’s Andrey Magiy. Standon Hall opened for private hire for weddings and corporate events during 2021 and the bedrooms and suites were completed and launched in spring 2022.

CMS Danskin were able to provide Regupol 4515 (REGUPOL sonus eco) to the prestigious new Gateway project in central Leeds. As the city centre’s largest residential project to date, it has also provided the area with a luxury landmark.In keeping with high-end living, the interior design of the new build project incorporated a number of characteristic atrium and foyer spaces. While this lack of uniformity gave the building and its apartments an impressive level of individuality, it also created irregular shaped rooms which were difficult to work with from a finishing perspective.The finish of the apartments incorporated tiles throughout all of the bathroom and shower areas. To comply with Part E impact sound regulations, an acoustic flooring system had been specified for use under the tiled floor finish. However, when the tile fitters began installation, a number of challenges emerged.Phil Johnson, building development manager at Aqua Interiors, explains:“The acoustic matting and adhesive combination we were initially using at The Gateway caused us a few problems. There were issues from the tile fitters regarding application of the adhesives, and the over flexibility of the system meant that the grouting was cracking and crumbling once the surface was subjected to weight and traffic.” As the tiling contractors were already on-site, a reliable alternative that would meet Part E standards for impact sound had to be sourced and delivered against extremely tight timescales.The SolutionAs the only acoustic tiling system on the market to comply with the UK Tiling Association’s (TTA)Coefficient of Restitution figure (0.56), a test method to assess the impact resistance of ceramic floor tiling, Regupol Acousti-Tile was identified as the best solution to overcome the difficulties being experienced at The Gateway.The main component in the Regupol Acousti-Tile system is Regupol 4515 Multi (REGUPOL sonus eco), a high performance acoustic underlay which isolates impact sound at source. Regupol 4515 Multi (REGUPOL sonus eco), which can be used with any finish, is first bonded to the construction’s base floor using Ardex AF200.Tiles are then laid on top of Regupol 4515 Multi (REGUPOL sonus eco) using BAL Acousti-Bond adhesive. The acoustic tiling system is completed by filling in the joints using an appropriate grout finish, which is dependent upon whether the base floor is concrete or timber.As a complete acoustic tiling system, all components of Regupol Acousti-Tile are delivered to site in a single delivery. Regupol 4515 Multi (REGUPOL sonus eco) and the complete Regupol range is available exclusively in the UK through CMS Acoustics.The ResultThe quality of the finished bathroom environments is in keeping with the ambition and attention to detail of The Gateway project overall. By installing RegupolAcousti-Tile, Aqua Interiors has ensured that the impressive tiled floor surfaces will not cause residents disruption because of excessive noise transfer between dwellings.Having undergone independent site trials, Regupol Acousti-Tile has been shown to achieve an impact sound value of up to 52dB, which is significantly less than the 62dB required by Part E of the Building Regulations.Johnson concludes: “All of the environments were around 4-5m², but there was a great deal of variation in the room shapes and sizes, meaning there were some changes to the setting once we were on-site.Regupol Acousti-Tile was versatile enough to cope with any changes we made – the Regupol 4515 Multi (REGUPOL sonus eco) element was easy to trim and shape while BAL Acousti-Bond offered the same.

Nestled in the Northumberland countryside is Matfen Hall – a mansion built in the early 1800s. To ensure the Grade-II listed property retained its Gothic architecture, a "thoughtful and stylish" transformation was required. Since 1999, it has been used as a high-end hotel and was expanded in 2004 to add a spa and increase to 53 bedrooms. Guests are promised “ultimate opulence” during their stay, and the venue has won multiple awards over the years – including the ‘favourite stately home wedding venue’ accolade at the 2020 UK Wedding Awards. Since being bought by the Walwick Estate Group in 2020, Matfen Hall has been undergoing a multi-million-pound refurbishment.Carefully considered designThe new owners have had to ensure the Grade-II listed property retains its Gothic architecture alongside modern elements, forward-thinking innovations and the optimum comfort that comes with a five-star establishment.Working with Doonan Architects and design agency Incognito, they aimed for a “thoughtful and stylish” transformation and makeover, which has resulted in a blend of history, luxury and modernity. The heart of the building – the historic Great Hall – has been meticulously restored to its former glory, while a new bar with a mezzanine has also been created, along with upgrades to The Cloisters Bar and Restaurant and a state-of-the-art kitchen.A phased approachWork began on transforming the bedrooms towards the end of 2020, during a period of enforced closure owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, and phase two began in September 2022. The hotel, excluding the golf facilities, was then closed for a further six months to ensure that guests’ safety and experience were not diminished during the period of disruption. Phase two was completed in summer 2023, and the third and final phase of the works – which involves the renovation of the remaining bedrooms as well as the golf club – is being carried out into 2024.Five-star finishRenovating Matfen Hall to a five-star standard involved the careful selection of contractors and suppliers.The main contractor, DP Builders Ltd, appointed tiling specialist W Rodgerson & Sons (WRS) – with whom they have worked for over 20 years – to provide new tiling in all ensuite bathrooms, as well as the flooring in the upper and lower courtyards, to help create the stunning Cloisters Bar and Restaurant, and two public bathrooms.Both companies worked in collaboration with the architects, designers, and owners of the hotel to select the right tiles to reflect their vision and match the building’s heritage. For the ensuite bathrooms, they chose porcelain marble effect tiles, which were fixed to the floor and walls.Meanwhile, 900 x 900 x 14mm octagon and dot Italian porcelain tiles were selected for the bar, restaurant and Upper Courtyard to match the existing tiles in the Great Hall. This included the stunning newly formed spiral staircase, complete with solid brass step nosings.Trusted productsWhen it came to applying the tiles, WRS specified products manufactured by Saint-Gobain Weber. Having worked with Weber products for more than 10 years, the team knew they would be ideal for meeting the high-quality and performance standards suited to this hotel. “We have a fantastic working relationship with Weber and are so confident in its products that it was a no-brainer to use them for this project,” said Neil Rodgerson, partner at WRS.As it’s such an old building, a lot of preparation was needed to guarantee a smooth finish. The team began by priming the walls and floors using weber PR360, which reduces bubbling, aids the flow of levelling compounds, and offers good alkali resistance and adhesion properties in both wet and dry environments. They then applied weberfloor flex – a fibre-modified, self-smoothing floor levelling compound to the floors – to varying depths of 5mm-40mm. It is quick drying and can be tiled on after just one to two hours.Tiling could then begin on the walls using weberset rapid SPF – a rapid-setting, extra flexible tile adhesive for walls and floors. Before applying the tiles to the floors, the WRS team installed an uncoupling membrane using weberset rapid SPF, to help prolong the life of the floor and prevent any lateral movement from the old concrete slab penetrating through to the tiles. During the final stage, weberset rapid SPF was used again to fix the tiles to the floors. In total, around 2500m2 of adhesive was required to achieve a quality finish throughout.Overcoming complexities“The tiling in the courtyard included some complex and time-consuming details, not least because the design was an octagon tile with an inset,” said Kate Wilson, the architect on the project. “The WRS team were required to cut around the hexagonal stone columns, chamfered steps, work with handrail base plates, and add nosing details in the courtyard extension and the spiral staircase.”Despite this, by using Weber products – which are quick to set – WRS delivered an immaculate job ahead of schedule.“As always, we received a fantastic level of support from Weber throughout this project,” added Neil. “The Weber team always provides accurate and reliable technical advice in a timely manner; their response times are particularly impressive. It was great to know that, should we have needed it, we’d have had their support to rectify any issues.”Award-winning workAs a result of the refurbishment work, in November 2023, Matfen Hall Hotel won Best Recently Renovated Hotel in the UK, Europe and the Mediterranean at the 2024 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.Weber’s tile fixing products are manufactured in facilities in Bedfordshire and Shropshire, ensuring product quality, conformity and availability, with reduced transportation costs and CO₂ emissions.