"metal internal wall finishes"

This exciting installation designed by Sheppard Robson incorporated a bespoke Laudescher LINEA (aw 0.85, Absorption Class B, NRC 0.9) slatted panel with the purpose of managing the reflective nature of the walls within this main entrance area.

Loft Hatches and Access Panels come with very important rules and regulations when it comes to installing them into a wall or ceiling. There are certain building regulations you must comply with and be aware of when it comes to installing panels or hatches.

After a particularly contentious and protracted planning process, this semi-detached, red-bricked house, part of a group of five properties that form Regent’s Mews in affluent London NW8, finally boasts an impressive third storey extension as a result of the erection of a mansard roof.The new dormer windows to its front aspect lend this 1980’s property a delightfully modern aesthetic, whilst the provision of a green roof to the rear aspect underlines its eco-credentials. The installation of Glazing Vision’s elegant sliding-over fixed rooflight above the stairwell, together with 4 additional fixed rooflights, has maximised the light streaming into this new living space, and also provided an all-important source of ventilation.Initial proposals to convert this house from two to three floors were rejected way back in 2001 by the local Planning Department on the grounds of it being “visually intrusive, overbearing massing not part of the existing architectural language and overlooking neighbours”. These same considerations faced Robinson Leigh Architects, whose track record of successful planning application had led to their appointment in 2013 by a client keen to find a solution to the planning impasse.There were a number of challenges for the architects, as they sought to design a scheme that would prove more successful through planning. The house is situated in St John’s Wood Conservation area, where restrictions on the character and appearance of all buildings are strictly applied. Normally any roof extension in this area would not be permitted and the house, indeed the entire mews, had been identified as an “unlisted building of merit”. Consequently the planners insisted that all new work to the house “must match existing original work in terms of choice of materials, method of construction and finished appearance in order to maintain the cohesion of the mews.The variety of roof forms in the mews, however, presented an opportunity for the architects to put forward their proposal of a flat-topped mansard roof as “a modern interpretation of the surrounding architectural precedent” said Leigh. Critically, the new mansard roof would also not add height above the general roof level of the neighbouring properties in Regent’s Mews, and thus would not be visually intrusive. The design of the three new dormer windows at the front of the house did depart from that of the dormer windows on the other mews houses though – they were square in contrast to the prevalent curved headed windows. However, given that they were really only visible from within the actual mews, the planners considered this alteration in form to be acceptable. Furthermore, the recessed glazing of the dormer windows ensured that the privacy of the occupants using the living spaces would not be compromised.The choice of materials also had to conform to the surrounding properties: the dormer windows were lead-clad, and the roof was tiled in Welsh slate, which softens its appearance and reduces the “apparent bulk of the structure.Another complication for Robinson Leigh related to the impact upon the large villas of Langford Place to the rear of the property. Vehement objections from these residents, who were concerned that the roof extension would shatter the illusion that they are set in extensive grounds led the architects to revise their proposal: the pitch of the northwest slope of the mansard roof was adjusted to a 70 degree angle in order to reduce its prominence in the views from these villas, particularly from 5 Langford Place. A second flat roof, which adjoined the house was removed, and Robinson Leigh extended the mansard roof to the parapet. This then gave the client more internal space, eliminated any overlooking issues, and created a more homogenous and symmetrical design.The architects cleverly designed both the main roof level of the mansard to be landscaped with indigenous flora in order to respect the planners’ preference for ecological biodiversity in the area as well as to attenuate water run-off.In conjunction with these structural requirements imposed on Robinson Leigh’s design of the mansard roof, unlocking natural daylight in the “dark zones” in the interior of the new storey was a key priority. Mindful of the rejection of the glazed roof proposal from 2001, which the planners had deemed to be too intrusive on the neighbours and at odds with the surrounding architecture, the architects sought to reduce the amount glazed by 50%, whilst simultaneously addressing the problem of reduced levels of natural daylight resulting from the recessed dormer windows.Robinson Leigh’s solution was to propose a more sympathetic glazing arrangement to the flat-top of the mansard roof, comprising four large fixed rooflights and a sliding over fixed rooflight from Glazing Vision, that would achieve the high specification they desired. These rooflights, pointed upwards to the sky, would maximise the amount of daylight entering the extension and bouncing off the hardwood timber, which had been used extensively, as Leigh points out, to “draw together several disparate elements of the interior design, such as the sliding walls, pocket doors and floor-to-ceiling shelving and cupboards”.Glazing Vision’s sliding over fixed rooflight was to inhabit the space immediately above the stairwell, which had also been lined in timber to subtly link the top floor with the ground floor and to help draw the eye upwards. Timber frames had also been used on the windows. As with the other four rooflights, Glazing Vision’s sliding over fixed rooflight needed to be made to a bespoke size – the architects required it to be the exact size of the stairwell, or indeed over-sized, so that the frames were not visible from below. Precision-engineered at the Glazing Vision factory in Norfolk, the special sliding over fixed rooflight was supplied in two sections, with an overall span of 2400mm and a width of 2240mm. The minimalist internal framework, finished in pure white rather than the standard grey, ensured that there were unfettered, sky-only views from the inside, thereby enhancing the impression of space and loft. Through the clear glazing of the Glazing Vision rooflight natural daylight absolutely flooded the stairwell, permeating also down to the lower floors.Given the stringent planning controls on the appearance of the mansard roof and the concerns of the vociferous neighbours, Glazing Vision’s sliding over fixed rooflight offered another invaluable benefit to Robinson Leigh. The footprint of the unit on the roof remained fixed, both open and close. This meant that there was no bulky additional furniture required, whilst the minimalist exterior framework was finished in slate grey to blend harmoniously with the Welsh slate roof tiles.No less important was the need for natural ventilation in the mansard roof extension. The architects were keen to create a venturi effect in the central core of the house and stairwell by channeling the airflow through the opening of the rooflight. The Glazing Vision rooflight, specified by Robinson Leigh to slide side-to-side rather than up and down, is electronically controlled at the touch of a button from inside the house, retracting the sliding section over the fixed section of glazing. Once the sliding section is fully retracted, there is a 50% clear opening in the rooflight, out towards the sky, thus providing superior air quality within the top floor, as well as intensifying the amount of natural daylight. An essential security feature of the Glazing Vision sliding-over fixed rooflight is that it is supplied with a manual override as standard.The design, approval and erection of the mansard roof extension took three years but Robinson Leigh have succeeded in updating a tired-looking 1980’s mews house with a new, sophisticated, modern exterior, that quietly complements the surrounding properties. The new third storey has exceeded the client’s needs for additional living space, and the clever use of rooflights has ensured the interior is light, bright and inviting.

When the idyllic village of Tormarton nestled in the Cotswolds wanted to transform the main room in their village hall, the committee responsible for organising and specifying a replacement floor would choose Taraflex® Multi-Use from international flooring specialist Gerflor.Tormarton has a population of about 350 people from a wide variety of backgrounds. At the centre of village life is the parish hall which provides a blank canvass for a raft of local community activities.Stewart Waters, Chair of the Tormarton Parish Council commented, “We specified Gerflor Taraflex® Multi-Use indoor sports surface as it would cater for a variety of needs. The new Taraflex® sports vinyl floor is much easier to maintain and clean and so much brighter than the old, dated tiles.”Commenting on the project Chris Pursey, Gerflor Area Sales Specification Manager, Southwest & Channel Islands said,” The existing subfloor consisted of old vinyl tiles, which although were well bonded to the substrate, presented a health and safety risk if removed due to possible presence of asbestos.” Chris Pursey added, “For this reason, we specified that the installation should ideally be over an Isolsport membrane, which left the tiles undisturbed and also enabled the installation to be done quickly with minimal floor preparation.”Stewart Waters ended by saying, “We have had lots of positive comments and all parties are really pleased with the refurbishment. We would definitely choose Gerflor flooring again.”Taraflex® sports flooring has been fitted at every Olympic Games since 1976. Approved by many National and International governing bodies as a world class sports surface, it is also widely installed within the education, community, leisure, health, and fitness sectors.

One Wood Wharf designed by Herzog & de Meuron and standing 205m tall, this building was designed to be the landmark structure within the expansion of Canary Wharf. The bottom 2 floors of this 58 storey tower are clad with Jordans Whitbed Portland stone. Albion Stone at our modern Portland factory fabricated almost 1000 bespoke curved radial pieces to form the façade to the main entrances. Each of these pieces of stone which are curved both internally and externally to tight tolerances align exactly with the soffits which hang in excess of 1 metre from the structure. These four quadrants to the building form the main entrance and showcase the beauty of natural local Portland stone, its heritage and the beauty of the material integrated into a modern design.

For their first international location of leading American workplace and hospitality providers Convene, situated at London’s 22 Bishopsgate, Radii’s high-end banded partitioning and doors were deployed in an ‘organised non-conformity’ design across meeting spaces on the fourth floor.Single glazed Linear 30 (41dB Rw) and double glazed Parallel 50 (45dB Rw) partitions were used alongside single glazed doors, all installed with randomised black feature banding combined with both reeded and frosted manifestations in differing orientations to create an eye-catching effect.The fit out for Convene — designed to offer nearby businesses an inspirational space to connect and collaborate — won in the Innovation category at the 2023 British Council for Offices Awards.

Our team at Helmsman manufactured and installed 30 two-compartment solid-grade laminate lockers at Doug Philips Ltd. The specification of the lockers was 1800mm high, 300mm wide, and 450mm deep. The clients requested for the two-compartment lockers to be manufactured with an internal shelf and angled shoe tray within the lockers. Additionally, all the lockers had a perforated base which allows airflow into and out of the lockers.The body of the lockers was powder coated in ‘Black’ which is from our standard colours, whereas the laminate doors are in colour ‘Artic White’ by BioCarbon Laminate, which is a beautiful colour providing an aesthetic and organised area. The laminate lockers were completed with vinyl numbering as well as Lowe & Fletchers Nimbus combination lock in Black.

Client: South Western RailwayLocation: Clapham, Farnham, Fratton & Bournemouth, UKYear: 2023Project size: 25000 m²Vebro systems: vebrodeck ID, vebrodeck MMA EDFour of South Western Railway (SWR)’s major traincare depots, required over 25,000 square metres of liquid-applied seamless resin flooring, linemarking and hatching.SWR manages 187 stations alongside 10 traincare depots and stabling sidings located across London and south west England.Train depots are large facilities or yards where trains are stabled adjacent to the main lines. Trains are parked at depots overnight, where routine cleaning and maintenance takes place at what are often 24-hour operational facilities.Having had a previously poor experience with seamless resin coatings, which due to insufficient advice at specification stage had resulted in spectacular failure of the coating across many of the traincare depots, a diligent and open approach was required for the client to regain confidence in the material, application methods and resulting finish.At the time of approaching Vebro, there was no specification in mind, just the urgent need to refurbish the facilities by replacing the existing coatings.Several Vebro Polymers solutions were used across the four SWR sites, all of which were determined through a detailed site survey and evaluation process, in which the specific use of the area in question, service criteria, level of traffic and realistic life expectancy requirements of the floor within the parameters of budget were all consulted.All covered walkways, or ‘roads’ as they are referred to by depot staff that run between tracks, as well as the sunken floors located in inspection pits were specified with the vebrodeck ID system in RAL 7037 Dusty Grey.Inspection pit walls were twice coated with a water-based, gloss-finish, epoxy sealer in RAL 9010 Pure White.Semi-exposed ramps, which are located at the end of each of the sheds, were specified with the vebrodeck MMA ED system to provide additional safeguards against the elements and enhanced UV resistance as well as ensuring the material can be installed within tight weather windows.All linemarking, cross-hatching and demarcation was meticulously completed using the vebro EP Universal LM product – a solvent-free epoxy line-marking paint incorporating a thickening agent to prevent seepage under stencils and tape.

The Cambridge University Faculty of History required a solution to level the existing flat roofs of the historical Stirling Building. The aim was to create a vibrant and attractive area, mainly used as a throughway, it was paramount that the tiles would match the existing colour of the surrounding building.Our Castlepave GRC Promenade slab (450x450x38mm) was selected, and a custom-made colour was created to blend effectively into the existing architecture. We manufactured various test batches each with a different shade of red, and hand finished aged effect. Once the colour was selected from the various test batches, they were manufactured by hand to the customers specification and delivered to site.We assessed the fall and height tolerances of the roof to determine the number and size of pedestals required to provide a completely level finish. Adjustable Pedestals ranging from 30-120mm,10mm fixed height stackable pedestals, levelling shims, and self-levelling heads were used.The outer row of slabs was cut to size on site, using a circular saw. As shown the results are a flush finish that minimizes the gaps between the slabs and the exterior perimeter. The glass reinforced concrete composition of the slabs mean they are strong and easy to work with on site.The Client was very happy with this stylish and unique finish.

GEC Anderson were chosen to supply stainless steel classroom worktops, drinking fountains as well as fabrications for the main school kitchen.Classroom worktops have integrated sink bowls and are mounted on wall hung stainless steel base cabinets, also by GEC Anderson. The cantilever arrangement allows for uninterrupted floor cleaning and easier working and access to the sink units. It also facilitates the ability to mount the worktops at the height appropriate for pupils. GB4000 wall hung drinking fountains were specified in the corridor areas. The units can be mounted at any height to ensure access for the children. Within the main kitchen, sinks and and worktops include leg frames with solid undershelves in order to maximise the limited space available.Brushed satin stainless steel (EN 1.4301 grade) was used throughout.

We recently completed a refurbishment of the washrooms at Fulwell Bus Depot in Twickenham, regularly used by over 300 bus drivers. As part of this project we installed:-4 No. Samoa Deluxe WC packs complete4 No. Urimat Ecoplus urinals with Visutal digital screen upgrades1 No. Tristone wash trough4 No. CONTI+ Ultra GM 20 tapsNew under vanity by Formwise in Grey Zebrano laminateNew WC duct IPS panels by Formwise in Grey Zebrano laminateNew lighting throughout by Ineco EnergyNew hygienic wall cladding throughout by JemicladNew suspended ceiling grid by Gemstone InteriorsNew air extraction system completeNew R12 Safety Vinyl c/w marine style wall upstand by Jemiclad

This beautiful new build home, close to the shore on Long Island, was to be the Client’s luxury beach house. UK architect David Russel, designed all windows and doors to be pocket style, disappearing into the walls.Much consideration was given to concealment and where possible the curtains also opened out of sight, into their own wall pockets. All Lutron curtain tracks were flush-mounted using TrackTrim by Blindspace, including a number of curved tracks.In some of the windows, Lutron blinds were concealed within Blindspace boxes behind the curtains, all disappearing when not required. These Blindspace products have the additional benefit of being plastered in during construction for minimal visual impact.The unique ground floor design brings the outdoor indoors, using hidden doors and curtains with amazing results.Transcript

Installed by Kawneer’s approved specialist subcontractor FK Group, the £25.3 million project, designed by FCB Studios, was the first to use Kawneer’s newly enhanced AA®110 Curtain Wall system that features a bespoke expansion joint, which allows a building movement tolerance of +/- 15 mm. Creating a sense of scale and vibrancy, the white profiled terracotta ceramic façades contrast the earthy tones of the perimeter buildings in a modern interpretation of the grand Victorian warehouses nearby. The high-performance Curtain Wall was accompanied by AA®720 Side Hung Open-In Windows to deliver a high level of thermal performance throughout. Using passive principles, the high insulation building fabric coupled with solar control glazing, address the energy requirements for heating and cooling.

No.1 Palace Street is one of the most desirable collection of homes in the capital today. A palatial development, located opposite Buckingham Palace in the prized SW1 postcode. Sensitively restored, the interiors boast rich textural finishes and materials for a classic feel with a witty dash of modernism.Majestic were invited to supply Monaco, Rio and Portofino screens from The Frameless Portfolio with component finishes in matt white, matt black and brushed and polished chrome.

It’s great to see our curved perforated panels feature in the ceiling rafts of the new Tessuti flagship store in Liverpool. Fabricated and designed to pattern match, the ceiling features can be found in the main shopping area and changing rooms. These ceiling rafts range from single to triple rings around columns to larger obround and rectangular panels and are supplied in their natural aluminium finish. This highly reflective finish was used to highlight the vibrant column displays and video footage.

BackgroundThe owner and operator of a luxury retirement village in Warwickshire approached Hush Acoustics to improve the acoustic comfort in its main social area after feedback from residents raised concerns about excessive background noise.Lime Tree Village at Dunchurch features a superbly equipped bar and sun room as part of its extensive range of facilities, where residents can relax and socialise. Despite it being a relatively new development, the managers of the complex were receiving feedback from residents that the quality and useability of these rooms was being seriously affected by excessive background noise and sound echoing.Tackling the issue Keen to resolve the situation, the site’s managers approached Hush Acoustics for assistance. Step one was for Hush to visit the site and undertake an extensive survey of Lime Tree Village’s affected spaces – the sun room and the adjoining bar. The acoustic survey carried out by Hush at Lime Tree Village quickly revealed the cause of the background noise issue – common types of reflective, hard surfaces such as plastered walls and wooden furniture were indeed responsible for reverberating sound back into the room. And it was immediately evident that users of the spaces were having to do what most people do in rooms affected in this way – increase their level of speech to try and be heard, which means the issue spirals as everyone attempts to speak over the growing background noise.The solutionThe reverberation solution provided by Hush centres on its Hush Absorber 50 sound absorber panels, which are designed to be strategically mounted on walls or ceilings inside rooms affected by excess background noise. The absorber panels are Class A for the highest sound absorption performance, formed of a 50mm thick acoustic foam which is hand finished in a high quality fabric applied on the face, edges and back.After the site visit, the Hush team were able to calculate how many panels were needed to control the issue and where they would be mounted. A report was prepared for the retirement village managers with a quotation for the supply and installation of the panels recommended and Hush was commissioned to deliver the solution in November 2022. Installation of the Hush Absorber panels was completed in just one day which meant very minimal disruption to the facilities and the improvements were noticed immediately.Client feedbackA representative from Lime Tree Village said:“We always aim to create the best quality environment for our residents, so we are delighted that Hush Acoustics has been able to respond quickly to deliver an effective solution for our sun room and bar. From the initial enquiry to their recommendations and installation service, the process has been professionally managed throughout, and our staff and residents are delighted with the results.”

The indoor sports facility has utilised one of our wall systems(Topperfo M 16/16/8) to combat sound reverberation, voice intelligibility and to lower the sound pressure levels typically created in such a large hard surfaced area.

The British interior designer and DIY connoisseur Luke Arthur Wells has styled the Fat lever handle in charcoal to perfection. The deep charcoal hue of the inflated lever handle becomes a sharp, elegant accent against the cream-coloured walls. 

Bespoke Kawneer curtain walling adapted for the 11-storey commercial element of the £200 million Atlas building - at 40 storeys the tallest tower in London’s Tech City area - at 145 City Road, Clerkenwell, at the heart of London’s architectural sector.

Western Red Cedar Shingles with FRT Exterior® Fire Retardant Treatment (AA Rating) provided the Welsh Primary School in Swansea with feature cladding to the curved external walls, in order to create what the architect described as a ‘cedar shell’.

For what is one of London’s tallest residential towers, Siderise, leaders in the development of fire, thermal and acoustics insulation solutions, has provided cavity barriers and perimeter fire seals as part of the glazed curtain walling system for the Landmark Pinnacle Tower.

IssueA rental property in Stourport-on-Severn needed a quick refurbishment, allowing the landlord to turn the property around for tenants who were keen to move in. The main areas to be refurbished were the kitchen and bathroom, both of which needed to be fully re-fitted, providing a fresh, clean home for the new residents. ApproachThe landlord had previously worked with Altro products and needed quick to install products, which would provide ease of installation, durability, and ease of cleaning. “We had received information about a new product, Altro Walls ShowerKit, and were keen to try it out. The house needed a quick turnaround as our tenants were waiting to move in. The installer was also keen to have products that were easy to manoeuvre, carry up and down stairs, and resulted in less waste” said S.Birch, Landlord.SolutionAltro Ensemble luxury vinyl tile in colour Pewter Concrete was selected for the kitchen, providing a luxury feel together with comfort underfoot and impact sound reduction.Altro Walls ShowerKit in colour Cool Mineral and Stacked Metro design was selected for the bathroom, partnered with Altro Wood adhesive-free in colour Post Oak. The combination of an Altro floor and wall results in an easy-to-maintain and safe space, giving the bathroom a homely aesthetic, with ease of cleaning and our Altro one in a million slip-resistance reassurance.

AG was delighted to continue our partnership with Braidwater Homes at one of the house builder’s most prestigious private housing development, Castlehill, located just off the Ballygowan Road in Belfast.Braidwater Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Ryan Boyle said:“AG’s paving and walling products which are aesthetically pleasing, tie in totally with Braidwater’s ‘living the dream’ aspirations. For the Castlehill development we had a number of requirements, which included ensuring that the landscaping tied in with the modern feel of this high-end development.” To this end, we utilised AG’s Vertica® and Diamond® retaining walls, where appropriate, together with AG’s River Stone 3’s set pavers in contrasting tones.”AG’s Regional Sales Manager, Barry Scott commented:“We have a really good relationship with the Braidwater Group and are currently involved in a number of their sites across Northern Ireland. The Castlehill contract was an important one for us and we have worked hard to ensure we live up to their high standards. As part of our commitment to Braidwater I personally make visits to their sites to ensure their team always have the products they need. Our personal service supported by speed and ease of delivery is something they appreciate. They also like the fact that by utilising our Anchor® Diamond® mortarless/pin-less segmental retaining wall system their team can work on in wet weather with no breaks in construction.”

Today, visual learning has been recognized as the easiest way the human mind can perceive information. The more technology is developing, the more people get drawn towards the screens. While tech devices have a definite advantage in providing a highly interactive way of introducing ideas, there are also some drawbacks that most people are very familiar with. Sometimes it’s just best to use a whiteboard wall instead. When we think of a classroom we usually imagine a narrow space with a teacher podium and a wall-hung writing board. The whole attention is drawn to the front centre of the room towards a confined writing space. The teacher-student conversation is a one-sided one where students often feel pressure and inability to respond when asked to step in front of the whole class. Who likes being tested before the judging eyes of a whole room of people, anyway? Teachers understood this problem and decided to take action. Driven by the idea to bring learning closer to students, teachers from the 125th Middle School in Sofia, Bulgaria have reimagined the typical classroom with the help of a product that ESCREO has developed especially with children in mind. The school added a clear dry-erase writing space to one of the side walls of a classroom. What happened after that turned their whole teaching system upside down.

Architectural glazing systems by Kawneer were specified for their “robustness and quality” for two linked 16-storey apartment blocks on the last plot to be developed in one of Britain’s fastest-growing property hot spots - the £37 million BTR (Build To Rent) towers at Erie Basin in Salford Quays, Manchester, a stone’s throw from MediaCityUK.Kawneer’s AA®100 curtain walling features as strip curtain wall to copper-coloured rainscreen areas of the towers at Erie Basin. In addition, AA®110 curtain walling features on link bridges and as floor-to-ceiling screens facing the water. While the AA®100 system uses 50mm sightlines, the AA®110 system uses 65mm but both in this case were zone-drained. They are complemented by AA®541 open-out casement window inserts and AA®720 ultra thermally-efficient entrance doors.The Kawneer systems were installed over eight months by a team of up to 35 from approved specialist sub-contractor FK Group for main contractor GRAHAM and client Glenbrook, the privately-owned property development and investment company, who acquired the site from the Peel Group.The prominent dockside development is GRAHAM’s second project with Glenbrook, with work also underway on another £27 million BTR project in Ellesmere Street, Castlefield, Manchester, which also features Kawneer systems.

PROJECT OVERVIEW Jaguar planned a £500m investment for their first in-house engine manufacturing facility. Opened by Her Majesty, it currently produces 400,000 Ingenium petrol and diesel engines a year. Norwood worked with Interserve to deliver this ground-breaking project to the highest standards. The overall project won the Regeneration award at the RICS Awards Grand Final.OUR SCOPE OF WORKThe main challenge was to provide a 120Min fire-rated demountable compartment wall at 11 meters high. Norwood teamed up with Interserve, developing our 200mm Mediline system, which was subjected to excessive laboratory testing to achieve the 120Min Fire Rated certification. In addition to solid partitions, Norwood supplied a 90Min fire-rated 9-meter high glazed partition wall which provided a viewing gallery from the grand reception onto the manufacturing floor.In addition to the fire-rated compartment walls, Norwood provided a self-supporting machine and QC enclosures. The enclosures had to give a clean environment to a GMP standard; therefore, they had their own mechanical equipment, which was all supported by the Norwood enclosure. This was delivered by designing and installing a bespoke PodSolve system which consisted of a hidden ceiling joist system that provided the structural support for the mechanical equipment.Norwood often returns to Jaguar Land Rover providing modifications without business interruption to the build as their product cycle changes.

With a proven track record of successful work in the education sector, Senior Architectural Systems was more than qualified to deliver the fenestration package for this new secondary school in Brighton.The new Chailey School in South Lewes has been designed by leading architects Jestico + Whiles and features a full range of aluminium fenestration solutions including Senior’s thermally-efficient, slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and robust SPW501 aluminium commercial doors. The new school has also reunited Senior with main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland, with whom Senior has an established supplier framework agreement. The two companies have collaborated together on numerous projects, with Bowmer & Kirkland being the first contractor to specify Senior’s patented low U-value PURe® aluminium window system when it was launched back in 2015. The main contractor has gone on to work with Senior and specify its aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall systems on many other education projects across the UK.Chailey School is itself part of Department of Education construction framework agreement to modernise educational facilities and improve the environmental efficiency of this sector. Senior worked closely with specialist contactor RKN Aluminium to design, fabricate and install the fenestration package for the new school building which comprises some 85 windows, 14 section of curtain wall and 12 door sets!

Finishes: Interpon D2525 Ordos Sable YW387I, Ambre Sable Y2316F & Patah YW267I

This Pavilion, designed and installed by Broissin architects, was finished with EQUITONE [natura] and [tectiva] facade materials.

RF50 3mm Aluminum PPC finish. Asymmetrical curvature along 120m of the bridges span

Rockfon was given the opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of its specialist ranges to meet the specific needs of a wide range of spaces while contributing to the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ environmental status of this stunning project.This new five storey medical school enables students to experience real life situations encountered by those in the medical profession. It includes lecture theatres, laboratories, a clinical skills suite with mock consultation rooms to simulate hospital wards or a GP surgery, a pro-section anatomy suite and bio-medical and health sciences library. Professor Mary Stuart was University of Lincoln Vice Chancellor at the time, “It represents more than just a building – it is a commitment to current and future communities in Lincolnshire to develop sustainable healthcare for the region.” HLM were the client architects, ‘The scheme has been modelled to create the optimal sustainable environment through informed decisions on site layout, massing, orientation, building fabric, elevational treatment and Integrated renewable energy systems. To further enhance student mental health and wellbeing, the scheme uses biophilic design principles including natural lighting and ventilation, visual links to natural landscape features and natural materials.’Meeting and exceeding client aspirationsShradha Mishra was Project Manager for the Estates Department at University of Lincoln. At its completion she said, “The Lincoln Medical School… has had a strong focus on sustainability throughout the design and construction process. With this in mind, the strategy for the building required exposed ceilings and therefore it was important to review and manage the acoustic requirements of the spaces to ensure a suitable working and teaching environment. Following extensive design and consultation with acoustic engineers, Rockfon were recommended for installation across the project which included a variety of both suspended ceiling grid tiles and acoustic baffles in open plan areas to support the absorption of sound.”BAM were main contractors for the project with BAM Design leading architectural design. Brebur Limited were responsible for the installation of ceiling and wall systems at Lincoln. Operations Director Vinny Lilley had this to say, “We have an excellent relationship with Rockfon. Their wide range of specialist products always ensures the architectural vision is achieved. They are always on-hand to offer technical advice and commercial acumen, with around 2,500sqm of tile and grid components being supplied by regional distributors.Acoustics reducing stress and enhancing healthAcoustic Rockfon Eclipse® islands are utilised within open plan areas where they are suspended on wires from the soffit, giving the illusion that they float. They can be specified in a variety of shapes with unlimited custom colour matching. Eclipse islands are perfect for thermal mass installations and where a traditional suspended ceiling cannot be installed. At Lincoln they are also present as wall panels to further control sound.Improved acoustics can increase focus by 48% and reduce stress levels by 27%, which aids learning and wellbeing (independent research). The high light reflectance characteristics of Rockfon ceiling and wall systems also help reduce the need for artificial light, saving energy and enhancing health.Elsewhere within the school, Rockfon Blanka® is installed. Available in a wide range of sound control and durability performance characteristics, its non-directional, anti-static surface prolongs product life. The range embodies Class A sound absorption (aw 1.00), 87% light reflection, >99% light diffusion and room to room sound Insulation >26dB. Rockfon’s Chris Carr-Elliman, “All Rockfon ranges are made from inert volcanic rock (stone wool) which offers no sustenance to microorganisms and demonstrates outstanding reaction to fire. Most are available in a full range of formats including concealed, semi-concealed and visible grid options from our extensive Chicago Metallic grid systems.” Specialist ranges for every spaceHTM 60 compliant Rockfon Medicare was the perfect fit at Lincoln where it offers outstanding performance in terms of infection control. Simple cleaning and low particle emission (ISO Class 4) also mark it out as a first choice for healthcare specification, along with its Class A sound absorption and highest fire safety (Class A1). Also within the building, the superior moisture resistant properties and wipe clean surface of Rockfon® Koral™ were important considerations for its use. Affordable, Rockfon® Artic™ was also put to good use in several areas at the school. In common with other Rockfon ranges, both Koral and Artic offer excellent sound absorption and fire safety characteristics.Shradha Mishra continued, “Since completion of the building, we have had positive feedback from building users about both the aesthetic appearance of the Rockfon products along with the acoustic performance of them.” 

Sector: Built-to-rent accommodation (mix of affordable and commercial rental)Client: Populo LivingArchitect: dRMMMain contractor: Bugler Developments Specified for:Good cost / quality ratioSustainable window frame constructionFaçade-specific performanceExcellent design supportThe Didsbury, in London’s East Ham, is a high quality ‘Built-to-Rent’ development offering an equal mix of affordable and market rent apartments. Designed by Stirling Prize-winning architects dRMM for Newham’s housing company Populo Living, and built by main contractor Bugler, The Didsbury comprises 148 apartments in two six-storey new-build blocks which sit south of the former East Ham Town Hall Annexe, which is being refurbished. Smart interior design is matched by a highly distinctive exterior featuring brick and gold clad facades. VELFAC 200 windows, patio doors and entrance doors are installed in every apartment to provide both a quality finish and impressive low energy and low maintenance performance. Windows, doors and Juliette balconiesEvery apartment features a combination of VELFAC windows and patio doors (leading to a balcony or terrace) and inward opening, tilt/turn VELFAC IN glazed doors. These are used to create Juliette balconies, with balcony fittings integrated within the VELFAC frame to simplify subsequent railing installation. As every apartment features a range of interior materials, inner VELFAC timber frames are painted white to create a neutral and low maintenance finish ideal for rented apartments. External aluminium frames are finished in a dark grey polyester-powder coating to complement to both the brick walls and gold cladding. VELFAC also supplied head pressings to match the window sills, thereby ensuring a neat and consistent finish at both top and bottom. Our ‘go to’ composite glazing brandHaving successfully used VELFAC products on earlier projects dRMM was happy to specify the system for The Didsbury: ‘VELFAC has become our ‘go to’ brand when specifying composite glazing,’ says Findlay McFarlane, Architect at dRMM. ‘The system offers a good cost to quality ratio, and the frame design results in low embodied carbon, primarily due to the percentage of recycled aluminium used. This was important for Populo Living’s sustainability targets, and for dRMM as we champion climate-conscious architecture and the use of natural wood, which again is a feature of the VELFAC frame.’ Main contractor Bugler Developments was also happy with the specification: ‘We knew from the outset that we would be using the VELFAC system, and as we had used it before we knew it would meet our client’s requirements,’ comments Thomas Bugler, Head of Marketing. First discussed in 2015, The Didsbury has been a long and complex build. VELFAC, however, is one of the few suppliers to remain with the project from start to finish, thanks to the quality of the system and the expertise provided at every stage build. ‘We liaised with VELFAC right from the start of the project, through the detailed design stage, procurement and eventually to installation on site, with amendments and updates included along the way when necessary,’ says Thomas. ‘The project’s sustainability and affordability targets became more challenging due to this long planning phase,’ adds Findlay, ‘but the VELFAC system continued to meet the specification as it evolved.’ Technical support above and beyondWhile The Didsbury’s minimalist exterior may look sleek and simple, specification was in fact very complex, comments Findlay, and required expert input from the VELFAC team: ‘The stepped façade and variety of façade-specific performance targets meant that not all floors had an identical specification,’ he explains. ‘In addition, while VELFAC double glazing met all low energy targets, we needed to fit acoustic trickle vents into road-facing windows and ensure lower floors and balconies had windows with Secured by Design accreditation.’ Issues regarding weathering within the gold cladding also needed attention, comments Thomas: ‘This required some on site consultation with the VELFAC team, and updated detailing to ensure the end result was compliant and of the right quality - we are very pleased with the finish, and the windows and doors work well within the overall development.’ In fact, VELFAC support made a significant contribution to the success of the whole project says Findlay: ‘We worked closely with VELFAC on detailed drawings for the windows and doors, and were impressed with the level of support provided – more than that typically provided by a supplier, and another reason why we like to use the VELFAC system when we can. The thoroughness of the detailing meant there were fewer surprises when it came to installation, helping us keep on schedule during the final build and installation phase.’

The ChallengeIn 2015 a joint venture of Balfour Beatty, Costain, and Skanksa (A14 integrated delivery team) was awarded £1.5bn by Highways England to improve the A14. These improvements included a new major 12-mile bypass, the widening of the A1 and the existing A14, improving the junctions on the A14, and building new access roads.The A14 carries around 85,000 vehicles per day; 26% of this is HGV traffic. It is frequently congested and traffic is often disrupted by breakdowns, accidents, and roadworks.As part of the A14 major scheme, a new retaining wall was needed to be constructed as new road works were encroaching on the pre-existing embankments. A durable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance wall solution with a Highway Authorities Product Approval Scheme and British Board of Agreement (BBA) certificate was required.The SolutionA vast number of EcoCrib mass gravity retaining walls are now constructed to support the embankments along the A14. The EcoCrib Mass Gravity Retaining Wall began its erection on 24th July and was completed on 10th October 2019. With a design life of over 120 years, EcoCrib is durable, and the most highly sustainable retaining solution. Designed, supplied, and installed by PC Construction, certified by the BBA and HAPAS in 2012.EcoCrib profiles are manufactured entirely from recycled UK plastic (bottle tops, car bumpers, etc) with any wastage or surplus material re-processed to form new EcoCrib profiles. Developed from timber crib technology, the 50mm x 125mm EcoCrib profiles are considerably more durable than treated timber but hold many environmental benefits.EcoCrib can be recycled when it reaches the end of its useful life.When considering solutions for developments of all kinds, the lifetime cost means EcoCrib is the more efficient choice.1838 SQM of EcoCrib was used in the scheme, equivalent to 212 tonnes of plastic waste diverted from landfill.

Global eco-friendly beauty brand Lush has diversified into hairdressing, opening its first “spa for your head” hairlab in Brighton.  Staying true to its “green” roots and initiatives to minimise waste through recycling, Lush chose the Armourcoat Polished Plaster Koncrete Textured surface finish to create the desired minimalist aesthetic throughout the salon, on the recommendation of Jade Aden Interiors, tasked with delivering Lush’s design scheme. Koncrete Textured Polished Plaster gave the multi-dimensional finish Lush wanted, with enhanced eco credentials over the paint finish that was originally envisioned for the salon. Armourcoat’s ‘Snow Cloud’ colour reflected the raw natural feel whilst giving a softness to the interior aesthetic.  Crafted from hydrated lime and crushed recycled marble, Koncrete Textured yields a 38% recycled content with zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds). The surface finish’s mould and mildew resistance further enforced its relevance for the salon.  Andrew Barnetson, Commercial Manager @ Jade Aden Interiors: “Lush wants to demonstrate there is a way that can make us- and the planet- feel good. Having used Armourcoat’s system previously we recommended it as a better alternative than the textured paint being considered. Lush is very happy with the end result.”

Almost four years on we look back at a distinctive Manchester tram stop within a landscaped park setting that boasts a ‘living wall’ of plants and wildflowers surrounded by extensive landscaping, offering a calm and peaceful environment for passengers who are waiting for the tram.

The Mary Webb School & Science College in Pontesbury, Shropshire has undergone major refurbishment. The first phase of the project was to install a completely new front to the main school building, replacing the old windows with Kestrel thermally efficient windows and curtain walling.