"concrete framed systems"

The Rathbone Market scheme, part of the Canning Town and Custom House regeneration programme, is a three-phase development that when complete will see the area totally reinvigorated. There will be a new market square at the heart of the community, bordered by around 35,000 sq ft of new shops and cafes. The development will also feature offices; community facilities, two new public squares and 652 new homes.The majority of apartments on the upper levels will have a double aspect and all will have balconies. The intention is to provide a development of great visual depth, using two colours of brick. The balconies are designed with an unusually large 2.3 metre cantilever and to meet this demanding specification, it is the Schöck Isokorb® that is being incorporated into the project. Specifically the product being used at Rathbone Market is the Schöck Isokorb® T type SK for concrete-to-steel connectivity. It is 180mm wide and between 180 and 280mm high to allow flexible adjustment for differing slab thicknesses and contains 80mm of insulation thickness. It can also bear extremely heavy loads and this combination of features makes the units ideal in meeting the various thermal and structural demands involved with such large modern balconies.

The new campus of the Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts is located only a few steps away from the Dansaertstraat. This iconic design is a treat for lovers of minimal design with exposed concrete and very monochrome colour palette. The new campus of the Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts is located only a few steps away from the Dansaertstraat designed by Architects B-Architecten, B-bis Architecten and B-city.The new campus hosts more than 1000 students. The 2 auditoriums, 40 subject classrooms, the teachers’ rooms, a study landscape, a library, a cafeteria and several sitting corners and terraces are now located in a trendy and lively city district.The building is a prominent and transparent construction with a heavy-set finishing touch. On the ground floor, the openness is transposed by a sunken and covered recreation ground. This big interior space is connected to the square in front of the building. Most public areas such as the students’ cafeteria, the library, the students’ administration office and several meeting areas border the recreation ground. The building opens up towards the square and the entire neighbourhood thanks to a full glass façade.

The landscape at Blenheim Palace has undergone a transformation to include a large state of the art adventure playground for visiting children. ASA Landscape Architects led the project, overseeing the preparation and install. Playground specialists CAP.Co provided the apparatus while we were asked to fabricate the CorTen steel retaining walls and landscape edging. Within the design are various winding, sloping pathways and we were tasked with providing long lasting and durable edges of varying heights. EverEdge Titan heavy duty steel edging was specified for use on the pathways alongside EverEdge Custom 3.0mm thick CorTen steel retaining walls supported by buttresses bolted into a concrete base. The fabrication was especially tricky on this job as the retaining walls required curves, a taper and a 30mm wide flat top edge.We worked closely with Radcot Groundworks to ensure the product met with a demanding set of specifications and, once installed, the steel walls have become a beautiful feature in the design of the play area.The finished product is long lasting, hard wearing and maintenance free making it ideally suited to the site and the CorTen finish sits attractively within the landscape. 

Project DetailProject: The ShardLocation: London, UKProduct: TS.9205 & TS.11204 Cam Action ClosersProject DescriptionBuilt to shine across the London Skyline and provide an icon to visit, to stay at or just to have lunch. Know for its unique Steel and Concrete structure that towers some 310m (1016 ft) and covered in a glass facade.Levels 4,5 and 6 enjoy the beauty of the well known Rutland brand of door closers and enhance the doorways where ever they control.Whether you are a patient in the Private Hospital on floors 4,5 or 6, or you are a visitor to the viewing platform on level 68 to 72, or work on one of the floors in the Shard you will enjoy the benefits of the doorways that have the Rutland softclose door closers.It was important that the door controls not only work well but were guaranteed for many years. Both the TS 9205 and the TS 11204 Cam Action door closers were used extensively on The Shard as the importance of frictionless customer care and ease of operation was paramount.A Door Closer is a small element of building design, which makes an enormous difference to its operation.

The North Northamptonshire County Council approached Care Spaces to create a Changing Place facility at East Carlton Country Park due to a high number of disabled visitors. With limited space in the existing Visitor Centre, we installed a Care Capsule™, a modular Changing Place toilet designed offsite for easy transport and assembly. Facing access challenges, the Care Capsule™ had to be delivered in kit form and assembled on-site. Electrical and plumbing services were extended to the location. To minimize environmental impact, ground screws replaced concrete for stability without harming the natural surroundings.The customisability of the Care Capsule™ allowed the client to match the unit with the Visitor Centre's aesthetics, featuring a brick exterior and a steel security door. The unit met Changing Places standards, including Fibo® waterproof internal cladding. Care Spaces provided awareness training to park staff, and the client is pleased with the results, emphasizing the importance of accessible facilities for all visitors. Cllr Matthew Binley expressed delight, stating the facility at East Carlton Countryside Park ensures worry-free visits for everyone.

Oval VillageKennington North LondonScreed Supplied By: Capital ConcreteScreed Installer: The Progressive Group Ltd.Product Used: Cemfloor NH C25F5Berkeley Group is one of the UK’s leading developers and has won numerous awards for its commitment to quality, design and customer service.Oval Village, located next to the famous Surrey Cricket Grounds, and built on the old Gas Works, is a new luxury development of 1300 homes, along with Retail, Food, and Office spaces.As part of the project brief, there was a need to install a low depth flooring solution. Due to its high flexural strength Cemfloor NH provided the solution as it allowed a 40mm screed depth to be installed, without compromising onquality. Thanks to the pumpability of Cemfloor, Progressive Group were able to pump to height, and install the screed over 18 stories, with the material being pumped over a distance of 160 meters without any issues.The main advantage Cemfloor has over other flowing screeds is the quicker drying times, and that it can accept foot traffic after 24 / 48 hours, meaning that construction could continue quickly and efficiently to meet the projectdeadline.

The recent refurbishment of 4 Chiswell Street by Ben Adams Architects includes Armourcoat’s Istria polished plaster wall finish. Situated close to the historic Bunhill cricket ground in Islington, this once tired office building has been re-imagined as a modern and open workspace.Entering through an impressive new façade and front entrance, the architect’s design includes a double height reception space bathed in natural light. A sculpturally fluted wall finished in Istria polished plaster and custom terrazzo floor continue a circular motif repeated throughout the design. With exposed services and stylish use of concrete colours, the structure has been transformed into a contemporary and relevant commercial building with a distinctive urban feel.Named after the characteristic building stone of Venice, the Istria polished plaster finish is made from a combination of slaked lime, recycled marble powder and special additives. The Istria finish is full of ingrained surface movement and creates a matt or honed stone appearance. Tonal variation and surface movement within the finish complements other natural materials including wood, stone and fabric.

Designed by architects from Qatar, this complex villa has a very different design from the usual house models; Clean and angular forms which are broken up with massive section of timber structures. These structures are not ordinarily large section of timber. They are created in house at Technowood and serve as a “reduced timber option”. Furthermore, with only using 2% when compared to using sold timber for the same project.Stone, metals and glass are the main texture of the design. These white tones of concrete structured against panels of natural timber, it’s most eye-catching feature. Located in Dohada, one of the most modern cities of Qatar, this futuristic house is also accompanied by the tranquil nature of the pool and the wooden sunbathing areas surrounding the secluded exterior.When working with designs for projects, Technowood allows the Architect to think big and realise big at the same time. Unsupported beams of this natural material can span up to 12 metres unsupported… imagine this section in a hard wood, the weight would be tonnes in comparison to the lightweight Technowood option.Credits and Further informationLocationDohada, QatarMaterialsCantilevered Bris Soleil, solid forms and cladding in TechnowoodProjectPrivate Villa

A single-pipe hot water system based has been installed with 1.2km of RAYCHEM HWAT-R self-regulating heating system supported by 13 RAYCHEM HWAT-ECO controllers. As the system uses half the pipework of a conventional recirculation system, on-site installation time was cut dramatically and this was enhanced further by use of the RayClic connection systems. It also meant that space savings could be made in walls and ceiling voids. The system is low-maintenance, a critical factor due to the sensitive nature of this building and can now be very easily extended during further planned developments.

2021 sees Rolls Royce unveil Testbed 80, the world’s largest & smartest indoor aerospace testbed, as part of a £90million investment. It has been a hard year for the aerospace industry, with production slowing, and cuts in jobs, however this ground breaking facility shows Rolls Royce’s confidence in the future of aerospace for decades to come.HAG Ltd. have proudly worked alongside Buckingham Group to assist in this ground breaking facility that will not only test propulsion systems of the future, but also secure jobs in Derby, UK for many years to come.HAG Ltd. were tasked with designing & manufacturing a roller shutter for this distinctive & state of the art facility, to enable Rolls Royce to test the largest, smartest and most powerful engines in the world by MDS Aero Support Corporation of Ottawa, Canada.HAG Ltd. designed, manufactured and installed 2 Armourguard F1 insulated roller shutters that were 7.5m by 15m. The F1 model is a high quality insulated security shutters delivering the highest level of security and offering thermal protection. A composite of foam filled sections is encased in a flat double skinned interlocking galvanised steel lath.The project:£90million project3 years of construction7,000 square metres, the same size as a Premier league football groundHouses the world’s largest exhaust pipeContains 3,218 tonnes of steelAnd 27,000 metres3 of concreteEquipped with a 40,000 litre fuel tankCapable of testing engines on Sustainable Aviation FuelThe most capable & complex testbed ever designed & builtWarren East, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce, said: “Testbed 80 is the largest facility of its type in the world. However, it is not only big, it is also smart and features the most advanced testing technology we have ever used. As the new global hub of our testing capability, it will support the next stage of our UltraFan programme as we begin ground testing the first demonstrator in 2022. This incredible piece of infrastructure is a very visible sign of our commitment to this site and secures the future of Derby as the home of large engine development, continuing a history that began in the late 1960s with the RB211.”HAG Ltd. are proud to be part of this monumental development in the aviation industry.

A 200 sqm, highly energy-efficient new build project in a remote location in the Highlands of Scotland. Built using sustainable materials, and with the timber frame sourced locally and wood fibre insulation used alongside SuperFOIL Insulation throughout. Powered throughout the year using solar PV and battery storage.Looking to increase the thermal resistance of the building envelope in order to reduce energy usage. With the building using an air source heat pump and underfloor heating, they wanted to make sure that any heat loss was minimised and it was vital that they chose the correct insulation for the walls and roof.Solution: SuperFOIL SF19+ is a multifoil product with a total of 11 layers, made of wadding, aluminium coated PET layers and Foil Laminated Outer Layers. At only 40mm thick and providing an R-value of 2.14 when used in a roof, SF19 can be used on its own or in combination with other types of insulation. A fully flexible product that provides a vapour control layer as well as acting as a radiant barrier.

THE PROJECTCountryside Properties are a UK housebuilding and urban regeneration company working throughout London and the South East of England. The company’s main focus is upon the development of new homes and commercial properties, creating Places People Love.The project at Dragons Way features numerous Safety Letterbox ‘Eurobox’ mailboxes throughout the site, providing a secure place for mail to be deposited for the houses. The colour chosen for the Eurobox matches the project branding throughout the site such as the door and window frame finishes. The Eurobox has been engraved during manufacturing and then infilled with a contrasting white colour; allowing for ease of identification.The use of an individual external mailbox in a single dwelling as an alternative to the traditional letterflap is a major advantage in designing out crime and reducing heat loss.The Eurobox is extremely popular with both domestic and commercial customers, available in A4 and A3 sizes and in a choice of RAL colours and finishes. We truly believe that this model provides the best value-for-money wall mounted mailbox available on the market.

One of the most iconic buildings in central London.The building has been reborn hotel and residential complex for highflyers in the financial services sector. Woods Bagot’s scheme for 10 Trinity Square, nicknamed ‘the whirlpool’ after the glass canopy at its centre.10 Trinity Square was commissioned by the Port of London Authority in 1911 through an architectural competition won by Edwin Cooper. Completion of Cooper’s Beaux Arts design was delayed by the First World War (it was finished in 1922).Many of the original interior features were conserved while incorporating the servicing requirements of a modern hotel. As such, plaster ceilings, such as those situated in the south wing of the second floor, are being maintained and the original air vents may be used in the new HVAC strategy.For this development, Selo used the Una doors which are the solution for timber leaf risers. Una utilises a timber door leaf with a concealed metal frame. Made to suit custom sizes, provided as a flat-packed kit prepared for all ironmongery.

GRP End of Platform Steps | Case StudyContractor AmcoGiffen selected Dura Composites to design and fabricate 6 sets of GRP End of Platform Steps for Kings Cross Station in London, which were installed by Amco in a very short time frame to meet the needs of the tight project timescales. Weighing up to 80% less than steel and 30% less than aluminium, Dura Composites End of Platform Steps offer equivalent performance for considerably less weight. This results in major savings including lower installation costs due to more economical transportation, handling and on-site positioning.The client was delighted with the quality of the design and workmanship and with Dura’s ability to turn the fabrications around in such a short space of time, describing the structures as having “gone in like a dream”. As well as fully fabricated non-corrosive and non-conductive single unit GRP end of platform steps Dura Composites can also supply in component or flat pack kit form ready for quick assembly on-site.

We were delighted when the owner of this fantastic Art Deco home in the West Midlands got in touch with us to discuss replacing the windows and doors at her home.Although the property is not listed, our client wanted to retain the character of her home which meant replacing the windows and doors with a product which matched the originals – so it had to be steel! Clement EB20 steel windows and doors provide the stunning slim frames of the original fenestration but offer a much improved specification, making them the perfect choice.The client said: “I am thrilled to express my utmost satisfaction with the quality and service provided by Clement when they installed our new windows. The professionalism and attention to detail displayed by their team were truly exceptional. The windows have not only enhanced the aesthetics of our home but have also significantly improved energy efficiency. I highly recommend Clement to anyone seeking top-notch window solutions and impeccable customer service. Thank you for a job well done!”

We completed this large redevelopment of this school’s playground in Ealing, West London, over the summer holidays. The teachers were looking for two separate zones for older and younger children, with the junior zone to feature challenging, stimulating equipment .The Lappset Motoric Track acted as a perfect centrepiece for the area, being able to entertain large numbers of users for busy break and lunch times. The 6 tower structure features interlinked climbing nets, rope bridges, fireman’s pole, a large slide, climbing panels, and much more, giving hours of endless fun. A space net climbing frame is positioned adjacent to the track, providing additional climbing and challenge for older aged children.The younger age zone is comprised of an exciting multiplay structure, natural themed trim trail, and two crawl tunnels under earth mounds.The equipment was constructed from glue laminate timber and green panelling, to blend in with the treelined surroundings of the play area. For the surfacing elements of the works, artificial grass was selected, to compliment the natural aesthetic. 

Artform Urban were approached by Illman Young Landscape Design in 2018 to discuss a range of design led street furniture elements including seating and litter bins to a brand new service station located at junction 1 of the M6 in Rugby, planned to open in 2021. The seating product selected was the Multiplicity Bench, a popular product featuring a cast aluminium leg frame with hardwood seat.The Box Wood Litter Bin featuring a Triangular Ashtray fixture was also supplied. This incredibly popular and versatile waste disposal unit can be customised with 4 different variations of door style. The Rugby Moto services opted for the hardwood timber slats version which complements the surrounding architecture and street furniture.The new MOTO services opened its doors to motorists in April 2021, the build will create 120 jobs and cost investment of £40 million. It is the UK's flagship electric vehicle charging motorway services, offering 24 rapid-charging points.

A Stoke-on-Trent City Council unit required refurbishment due to its poorly insulated roof and subsequent thermal issues. The 2.000ft2 apex roof and adjoining service areas were refurbished to improve thermal performance with a total of 98, 50mm and 100mm thickness Eurothane® GP boards applied to the building.Spencer Crossley, the store owner explained:"The Eurothane® GP panels have done a fantastic job. They’ve made a huge impact on thermal conditions inside the shop. It means I can keep the store open later. The insulation within the refurbished roof has made for a more enjoyable shopping experience for customers and better working conditions. I’m extremely happy with this fantastic product."About Eurothane® GP:Eurothane® GP is a high performance PIR insulation board that is light weight, easy to cut, handle and install. Whether it’s a pitched roof, framed wall or floor, Eurothane® GP is the ideal solution amongst contractors and installers

Pura® NFC by Trespa as connecting factor between two building volumesIn close cooperation with Guus Vedder (2•1 Architecten), architect Hendrik Jan van der Valk (Van der Valk Woudst ra) has designed a modern villa, consisting of two main volumes. The villa was for a private client and is located in a rural village in the Veluwe region. One volume is used as living/ dining room and kitchen, while the bedrooms, bathrooms, playroom and technical area are located in the other.The client had a number of explicit requirements for the design of the villa which is located on a large plot in a wooded area. In addition to various aesthetic aspects, the villa had to be sustainable and energy neutral. The facades, roofs and floors were therefore very well insulated and of airtight construction. All window frames have aluminium profiles with optimum insulation and have triple glazing. The whole house is equipped with domotics and all installations are powered by the solar panels that were fitted; there is therefore no need for a gas connection.

This work at Holborn’s Chancery House  — The Office Group’s largest location to date spanning 127,000 sq ft — focused on a design that accommodates multiple working zones and breakout spaces, enhances wellbeing and offers an abundance of natural light.Radii’s design department provided multiple bespoke solutions for this fit out, working on four of the building’s nine floors.For glazed fronts, our elegant Parallel 50 (Rw 45 dB) double glazed partitions in emulated satin stainless steel finish — a reference to the historic London Silver Vaults that are located at the base of Chancery House — were utilised along with wraparound framing and a custom blade detail to create an eye-catching visual effect.On the Ground floor, single glazed Linear 59 partitions (Rw 39 dB) with a bespoke pocket sliding door into drywall was installed for platform lift access.Finally, E30 fire rated double doors were placed on the Lower Ground Floor to provide fire route protection.

11,500m2 of Optima TFC+ in 3.0mm Aluminium PPC Interpon D2525 YW206F, Y4312I, Y4317I has been used in the completion of Abbey Place in London.Sitting within walking distance of Cross Rail station, with excellent links to central London, the development comprises two energy efficient residential buildings, one standing at 22 storeys, and the other at 12 storeys.Optima TFC+, Sotech’s through fixed cassette rainscreen, was selected as the perfect solution for creating the three-sided vertical and horizontal column units, whilst maintaining optimum system performance.To validate system performance against the project specific loads and panel profiles, Sotech undertook many FEM studies to ensure the system performed in line with expectations. This also ensured that the correct number of stiffening members and the appropriate fixing requirements were dealt with prior to the project commencing, ensuring a smooth flow of information.The Interpon D2525 Stone Effect range was selected to provide GRC and Natural Concrete look-a-like finishes. Along with the metallic YW206F, all finishes are Qualicoat Class 2 approved and offer an A2-s1,d0 fire rating to the façade.Abbey Place is a development of 245 new homes across two buildings. Linked by a shared communal garden, the new homes provide quality housing, with connections to central London and beyond via the Elizabeth Line.Optima TFC+ has been fire tested to BS8414-2:2015, and classified to BR135 for high rise buildings. A full range of Euroclass A1 and A2 – s1,d0 panel materials from 2mm – 4mm are available. Click here to learn more about the materials and finishes available, and to explore 3D models of the system in Sotech’s virtual showroom.Aluminium PPC is a type of dry coating, rather than a conventional liquid paint, and is applied to metal rainscreen as a free flowing, dry powder. The powder is applied to rainscreen panels electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to form a ‘skin’. This electrostatic powder process means we can ensure complete coverage of the panels, even on more complex shapes.Powder coating can produce a much thicker coating than conventional liquid coating leaving PPC rainscreen cladding with a hard finish. This is much tougher than normal paint and its strong abrasion and corrosion resistance properties make it extremely durable and long lasting.TESTIMONIALS James Harris, Managing Director at OCL said: “Sotech are long-term supply chain partners of OCL. At Abbey Place Sotech once again provided a first class service from start to finish.The façade was originally specified as GRC, but with early engagement and a collaborative approach, our respective teams were able to come up with a look-a-like solution, using the Interpon D2525 Stone Effect range, which was both cost effective and aesthetically appealing.The completed scheme looks exceptional and is a testament to all involved” Craig Skidmore, Radan Programmer at Sotech, said:“Abbey place was a great job to work on, utilising both of our punch machines. For the complex parts we punched them on our Pullmax punch machine. On our Salvagnini S4 & P4 the standard TFC+ parts flew through our production line using parametric programming it was great to see the line work so efficiently on this job.” Jamie Brown, Business Development Manager at Sotech, added:“Like the rest of the industry at the time, we were facing considerable cost increases across the board. It was therefore vital that we engaged a supply chain that could offer us cost certainty and could confidently meet the clients programme and keep up with demand throughout. The outcome is another amazing project delivered with OCL Facades. The quality of work from early stage design to installation was exceptional by the OCL team. A massive thank you to our supply chain for their continued support. The two buildings look fantastic!”

Lee Valley Ice Centre originally opened in 1984, and before closing in 2021 welcomed over 279,000 visitors each year. With the old centre reaching the end of its operational life, it was time to design and build a brand new Ice Centre at Lee Valley Regional Park. The new centre, due to open in April 2023 will be home to 2 new ice rinks, doubling the capacity of the old centre, and inviting in new visitors as well as welcoming back those who visited before.As part of the redevelopment of Lee Valley Ice Centre, 95% of the concrete from the old centre was used in the foundations of the new centre. With this and many other environmentally friendly choices made in the construction, Lee Valley Ice Centre will become the UK’s most sustainable Ice Centre.The fully accessible centre will maximise the opportunity for sports for everyone, and with two Olympic-sized Ice Rinks, a brand-new café, gym, exercise studios and various other facilities, Lee Valley will be able to welcome up to 500,000 visitors. The range of facilities will encourage a variety of new visitors, from committed skaters, though to people stopping for a drink in the café before enjoying the green space in Lee Valley Regional Park.At Helmsman, we were pleased to be contacted by the main contractors for Lee Valley, The Buckingham Group, to supply the lockers, cubicles, vanity units and bespoke high-level cladding. We manufactured and installed 268 Bespoke Heavy Duty Laminate Lockers, with a variety of compartment configurations, and a range of different locking options.Our Heavy Duty Laminate lockers are a great option for high traffic areas, as they are more likely to withstand scratches and dents, so were a perfect choice for Lee Valley Ice Centre. The lockers also feature bespoke perforations in the doors and aluminium number plates. A selection of the lockers also have seat stands with the slats in matching laminate. A variety of locks were also used across the lockers in this project, with Ojmar Hasp locks the main choice for users to use their own padlocks, as well as Ojmar coin return locks and Lowe and Fletcher cam locks.The cubicles chosen for this project were our Front Line Cubicles with Hidden Fixings. These cubicles are tailored to suit the needs of the particular project, with bespoke sizing available. The fixings are hidden to provide a smooth surface and aesthetic finish. The cubicles were manufactured with 12mm Solid Grade Laminate from BioCarbon Laminates in colour Luna Grey, a fantastic carbon-neutral option which aligns perfectly with Lee Valley’s aim to be the first sustainable Ice Centre in the UK.As we manufacture all our products in house, and to order, we specialise in bespoke items. The project at Lee Valley Ice Centre featured bespoke high-level cladding, which our highly experienced installation team fitted on-site.Other products on this project included metal framed IPS panels, using both Luna Grey and Elegant Grey laminates from BioCarbon Laminates, and Helmsman High Pressure Laminate Vanity Units.It was great to work alongside Buckingham Group again for the Lee Valley Ice Centre project. Should you have a similar project, or want any more information on the products mentioned, give us a call on 01284 530 427 or contact us here.

Student Castle aims to create the ultimate university experience for students by providing high quality contemporary accommodation at locations across the UK. In Brighton, East Sussex, international design practice, Hassell, is responsible for designing one of the company’s latest schemes – an impressive, nine-storey mixed use building. With brick as the principal element, the studio worked closely with Vandersanden to achieve the detailing and precise finish required.Located in a prominent location on Lewes Road in the heart of Brighton’s student district, the building includes student accommodation, a new home for the Centre for Inclusive Music and a local community ‘Hub’ space. Although the scale of the building is substantially larger than the buildings previously on the site, its massing was carefully managed by creating a scheme with a stepped and staggered zigzag form. To support and strengthen the architectural composition, the materials were reduced to a simple palette. Vandersanden’s Anicius hand-formed facing brick wraps all sides of the building - a light coloured, slightly indented 10mm mortar joint enlivening the whole - its use and colouration tying the building into the local architectural context. The brick facades are broken and capped by a series of horizontal bands and copings formed from white precast GRC (glass reinforced concrete) sections, setting out the horizontal order and announcing breaks in the building’s geometry. The aesthetic is further enhanced by dark bronze coloured aluminium sections framing the windows. Notably, all window reveals are brick, including the cills; an important feature of the project.“The selection of the brick began with a brainstorming session where we looked at different ranges and options, but knew an engineered brick look wouldn’t be suitable,” says Tiago Arieira, project architect at Hassell. “We chose Vandersanden’s Anicius brick because it was dark, but also had a slight white softness. We liked the idea of a more natural and irregular material with its sand-coated, grained structure.” One of the biggest design challenges with the brickwork was creating the multiple corners that result from the zigzag and stepped detailing that helps break up the mass of the building and allows sea views from the terraces. “Many of the junctions are not at right angles, so conventional brick joints would have been impractical,” explains Arieira. “Vandersanden’s Sales Team were incredibly helpful from the beginning. We talked about the different angles and how we were looking to achieve neat edges. Through this consultation, we were able to identify that the bricks could be cut and the corner bricks formed off-site to achieve a precise finish that would also save time with site installation.” The desired outcome was achieved using Revit digital software to map every angle at every level and to quantify the number of bricks and the exact mitre that had to be formed for each junction. The distances between the windows and the heights of the brick courses were also carefully calculated to ensure a precise aesthetic. “On site, the solution worked well and, because everything to do with the brickwork was carefully pre-planned, there were no issues during construction,” says Arieira.“Although it was the natural look and feel of the Anicius brick that first impressed us, Vandersanden was really helpful throughout the process,” notes Tiago Arieira. “The process worked because of a strong collaboration from the early stages. Vandersanden understood their product and were able to give us the support we needed in achieving our design vision.”To find out more about the bricks used in this project or to see the wide range of high-quality bricks available from Vandersanden, click on the 'View more' link 

With a steadily expanding workforce of 200+ highly skilled software engineers, space is at a premium at Amazon’s development centre in Edinburgh. Working with architect, Hassell, and contractor, Clark Contracts, Style was specified to deliver a partitioning solution that would enable the open-plan conference and training room to be segregated into smaller rooms, as required.Installing two Dorma Hüppe Variflex moveable walls either side of a central column, the large area can now be quickly split into two individual rooms.With an incredible 59db Acoustic rating, this is almost an entirely sound-proofed solution, which means there is no disturbance from events taking place either side of the wall. The fabric wrapped Kvadrat Lloyd finish is the perfect complement to the contemporary interior décor.“This easy to manoeuvre, manual moveable wall is the ideal solution when you want to quickly sub-divide space and turn one room into two,” said David Louden, Style’s director for Scotland.“The Variflex panels are manufactured separately to the frame, making it cost-effective to replace a single panel lining if damage occurs, or to update all the panels when the room is re-decorated in the future.“Further contributing to a low carbon footprint, the Variflex moveable wall has an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804, making it a highly sustainable system.”Style has also been commissioned to provide the Amazon development centre with a programme of planned servicing and maintenance, helping ensure an extended working life for the moveable walls.“A regular check-up ensures continued smooth operation, compliance with Health and Safety Legislation, and for acoustic moveable walls, it also ensures its acoustic integrity remains intact,” said Louden.“Regular servicing also minimises the chance of any minor issue escalating into a more expensive repair later down the line. We have examples of well-serviced moveable walls lasting up to 25 years.”Amazon’s development centre in Edinburgh is responsible for devising and growing innovations for Amazon around the world with teams of developers, designers and leaders running major parts of Amazon’s business, technology and operations.

Situated in the heart of the community of Driffield, Kingsmill School is a SEN school which caters for pupils aged 2-19 years. Situated across two sites, the main school site houses Early Years through to Key Stage 4. The school was completed in May 2017 and has been purpose built to meet the needs of its pupils. Alongside eleven new classrooms, the main site also has a new hydrotherapy pool, rebound room, sensory therapy room and sensory rooms.Students aged 16-19 are based at The Kings Mill Student Centre which is based at Driffield Secondary School approximately a mile away from the main site. This comprises three classrooms and a combined common room and food technology area.When the school decided to utilise its outdoor space to provide a safe environment for pupils to learn and play undercover, Twinfix were approached by Main Contractor Hobson Porter to design, manufacture & install four classroom canopies..The free-standing mono-pitch canopies all comprise our innovative Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) roofing system, glazed with 16mm multiwall polycarbonate. The roof is non-fragile in accordance with the HSE’s test for fragility ACR[M]001:2019, an important factor when installing canopies where children may try and access the roof. Each canopy has an aluminium frame, powder-coated to RAL 5015 sky blue to match the school’s building and logo. Other features Twinfix incorporated into the design of canopies are anti-climb guttering and post-protectors, which provided further elements of safety for the students.Being a one-stop shop for designing, manufacturing and installing such outdoor structures we are proud to offer a seamless service to any school or other education establishment looking for a canopy or walkway. We are really pleased that the staff at Kingsmill School are delighted with the latest additions to their school and we know they are planning to use it for all sorts of fun and healthy outdoor learning/playing experiences for their children.

Twinfix, a leading provider of roofing and canopy solutions, has successfully completed the design, manufacturing, and installation of a 225sqm canopy at The Corner in Darvel. This project, in collaboration with the Darvel & Area Regeneration Team (DART) and Coltart Construction, showcases Twinfix’s expertise in creating striking structures that seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment.Twinfix was entrusted with the task of designing a canopy that not only provided aesthetic appeal but also met stringent safety requirements.When liaising with Coltart Contracts on the requirement of the free-standing pyramid canopy, the large size of the structure needed to be considered. Tiered panels were included in the design and a frame manufactured in galvanised steel, which has a high strength to weight ratio was requested. The Galvanisation process protects the metal, while adding colour through powder-coating provides an additional element of protection from rust extending the structure’s life span. The Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile roofing system, known for its robustness and ability to transmit natural light, was meticulously integrated into the design, offering visitors a safe and visually pleasing experience.Twinfix’s skilled team then commenced the manufacturing process, using state-of-the-art equipment and adhering to rigorous quality control measures. The components were crafted with precision to meet exact specifications, ensuring a flawless end result.The Twinfix-designed canopy at The Corner brings a host of benefits to the project and the local community. It not only enhances safety but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the town, transforming it into an inviting space. The versatile 225sqm canopy provides a hub for community gatherings, meetings, and local markets, aligning with DART’s vision for the development of the area.Steve Gillies, Treasurer at DART, expressed his satisfaction with the project, stating, “The Twinfix canopy has exceeded our expectations, providing a safe and visually striking space for our community to come together. We are delighted with the outcome and grateful for Twinfix’s expertise and dedication throughout the process.”The completion of this project further solidifies Twinfix’s reputation as an industry leader in innovative roofing and canopy solutions. Their commitment to excellence and ability to tailor designs to meet unique client requirements have made them a preferred choice for projects of all scales.

Ten Traffic Street is a 522-bed student accommodation serving luxury living located on a prominent site within Nottingham City Centre. The project was delivered by Jensco and offers excellent amenities such as a cinema, games room, study spaces, onsite coffee shop, indoor and outdoor Gyms and multiple outdoor communal spaces including a roof terrace. Artform Urban worked closely with the Landscape architects, Ares Landscape to provide a substantial package of premium external furniture to ensure the high-end finish extends to the outdoor spaces. The complex is spread across 2 buildings with courtyards and one roof terrace overlooking the city. In total, there are 4 external spaces - each has its own identifiable aesthetic which is driven by the building fascias and window frame colouring which is then reflected in the outdoor furniture.The roof terrace is surrounded by a large Inspira Modular Planting System installation powder-coated in a unique Khaki Grey - bringing colour and natural benefits to the space. The planters house plants and small trees that provide dappled shade to ensure residents can enjoy the terrace on hotter days. Tables, benches, and a Box Litter Bin all in a coordinated colour palette, provide social seating and dining spaces and vibrant plastic Chill Lounger’s and Hop Op 500’s offer a more casual seating option for residents.The ground floor courtyards feature a continuation of benches and Box litter bins - with all steelwork powder coated in a specific colour for each space. An external gym has been provided in the larger courtyard and features two Endurance Wellness Stone installations. These unique sculptural pebbles include stainless steel fixtures to accommodate a variety of exercises. This is the first installation in the UK of these products that are part of a wider range of premium external gym equipment named MyEquilibria. This unique fitness range aims to redefine the workout experience by combining art, high-end design and community. As final additions to the spaces Artform Urban provided an extensive bike parking package as well as Fuente Drinking Fountain’s to encourage students to cycle and reduce plastic waste. 

Project OverviewMount Earl Gardens is a new residential development in Streatham, South London, built on a site formerly occupied by old garages. Modular construction has been used to create a building of one, two and three storeys, creating as little impact as possible on the views from existing houses. Walkways have been designed within the block, with 'modernist' screening which allows light and fresh air into these areas whilst still keeping them safe and secure for residents. The aluminium screening runs along the length of the buildings and is also utilised in sections, including garden division screens, throughout the entire block of thirty-two apartments. To achieve the design vision, the building needed an homogeneous appearance to blend with the external red brick facade.Off-site build and finishThe client selected the perfect shade from our Landscape™ Terrain range of powder coatings - 'Original Terracotta'. All of our architectural powder coating have excellent durability, requiring minimal maintenance. Powder coating as a process brings further benefits, particularly to a modular build. The apartments were entirely built in a factory, leading to a faster installation time, less time spent on site and a 90% reduction in on-site waste. Powder coating is also a factory controlled process, thereby reducing time spent, and waste generated on site, and not dependent on weather conditions as is the case with air drying wet paint.Powdertech Corby coated nearly 3000 linear metres of aluminium which was fabricated into screens off-site and delivered to site just in time for installation.BenefitsPowder coating is an offsite process. It is factory controlled leading to improved consistency, less wastage and reduced environmental impact.The powders have excellent weather resistance and colour stability.Powdertech's rigorous pre-treatment system will help to keep the facade elements free from corrosion for up to 40-years.Powdertech plant and the operational team have the capacity to process large quantities of material within a short time frame, with no compromise on quality.

Twinfix is a family run business. For more than 30 years they have supplied modular polycarbonate panels for use as rooflights in many railway stations and depots. Replacing the old canopy glazing used at rail stations with products from Twinfix’s range of polycarbonate glazing options floods the area with daylight while eliminating the common issues that occur with historic railway roof glazing. Last year, Twinfix assisted with the refurbishment of two of the UK’s historic stations, Gerrards Cross and Headstone Lane.Gerrards Cross StationGerrards Cross Station is a fantastic example of one of the nation’s historic stations. Built in 1906 as part of the Great Western and Great Central Joint Railway it has recently undergone a series of upgrades to improve the station for passengers.As part of a £2.4m Railway Upgrade Plan investment by Network Rail, the following areas were refurbished:Full replacement of the platform’s canopy – ensuring passengers are protected from the weatherInstalling lighting throughout – making the station safer and more secureRe-roofing of the main station’s roofWindows repairs where necessaryApplying fresh coats of paint to steelworkRefurbishment of the canopy roofHeadstone Lane StationTravel eleven miles east of Gerrards Cross and you arrive at Headstone Lane station. Another of the UK’s historic stations, this station opened in February 1913 and consists of a small single storey brick-built station building adjacent to the Headstone Lane road bridge, with two platforms.This station was also part of the Railway Upgrade Plan, with investment in the refurbishment of both platform canopies.An innovative roof glazing systemA team comprising of Network Rail, Principal Contractor J. Murphy & Sons Limited, and specialist Design Consultant Arcadis Consulting (UK) Ltd were assigned to the job to ensure that the correct roof glazing was specified and installed over the platforms.The product chosen for both stations was the innovative Twinfix modular non-fragile Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) system, glazed with 6mm clear solid polycarbonate. Approximately 225 square metres of these panels were required to re-glaze the five canopies across both stations, with panels delivered to site ready for quick installation.Each panel of the innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF system comprises of a powder-coated aluminium frame and fitted with polycarbonate glazing. The panels are built completely off-site in a quality-controlled factory environment, reducing the risk, and cost, of site mistakes, and are delivered on-site fully glazed and ready for rapid installation. The system has a unique linking design feature that results in incredibly quick installation times, making the system very much suited to rail work due to its restricted possession times.The Multi-Link-Panel NF system is an innovative roof glazing product that has been well utilised for many years on station canopy roofs, and it has been thoroughly tried and tested in that time.It was the chosen system for this project for a number of reasons:sustainability – these panels are virtually unbreakable in manufacture, transit and in situ, meaning that, unlike glass, maintenance costs will be eliminated.safety – Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile) conforms to the HSE recommended test method ACR[M]001:2019 (as outlined in document HSG33) and achieves a ‘B’ Classification.off-site construction – The panels are pre-assembled in Twinfix’s factory ensuring strict quality guidelines are adhered to, which is not always guaranteed when roofing products are assembled on site.ease of access – The Multi-Link-Panel NF system can be fitted with In-Line Access Hatches, to allow cleaning of gutters and roof. These hatches are hardly visible and allow safe access through the glazing without needing to get on the roof.weight – The Multi-Link-Panel NF is light in weight and due to its modular format, it is very quick to install which allows for short rail possession works.appearance – the clear polycarbonate panels have the appearance of glass and provide just the right level of light transmission onto the platforms below.This project demanded a collaborative approach, requiring Twinfix to liaise closely with Principal Contractor J. Murphy & Sons Limited, installation company Orchard Roofing & Building, and design consultancy Arcadis, where early engagement with the team ensured that all aspects of the project ran smoothly from the onset.Richard Nash, Contracts Manager at J. Murphy & Sons Limited commented: ‘Throughout the design and implementation stages of our refurbishment works at Gerrards Cross and Headstone Lane Railway Stations, Twinfix have been a pleasure to work with. Working alongside both our designers and approved installers, they have provided a professional end to end service resulting in a quality finished product.’Piotr Stencel, Senior Project Manager at Arcadis Consulting (UK) Ltd commented: “All the Twinfix team we have been in contact with have been very helpful to provide information, contact and help resolve issues. We were also invited to their offices in Warrington back in 2019 where we could see/touch Twinfix products and discuss design/constructability aspects which is always better than just seeing on the product data sheet.”The Twinfix team are proud to be part of this journey that will see the UK rail network revolutionised and sees exciting times ahead for the company.

Installer – Thirdway ConstructionMain Contractor – Thirdway ConstructionArchitect – Thirdway ArchitectsClient – V7 Asset ManagementSystem – Vantage®️ EMSA site assembled expanded mesh systemAddress – The Forge, 43 Church Street West, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6HTThe system utilises Nvelope’s NVF2F bracket and rail systemThe Vantage®️ EMSA system has been tested in March 2019 at the VINCI Technology Centre UK.This project is being called the work place of the future and were very proud to be associated with it

We have supplied various Helmsman System 2000 Lockers to this fantastic project at the University of Strathclyde.. We supplied approximately 300 No System 2000 2 compartment lockers as well as 35 No System 2000 3 compartment lockers. We have installed also our System 3206 bench seating which equates to approximately 100 meters.

AWS 70.HI Highly thermally insulated aluminium window systems, FWS 60 aluminium façade system and AWS 114 aluminium façade window system to transform Milton Keynes theatre.

Continuing with the roll-out of cycle parking infrastructure to NHS trusts across the UK, these are the latest secure bike hangars installed this summer at two hospitals for NHS Fife.The two bike hangars have been commissioned to provide secure sheltered cycle parking for staff use, one of which is located at the St Andrews Community Hospital in St Andrews and the other at Whyteman’s Brae Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife.Each bike hangar can accommodate up to six bikes located within a secure locking system, with bespoke branding graphics provided by Falco as per the clients request. The main lid has been powder coated in an attractive Ultramarine Blue RAL colour for additional durability.Falco provided NHS Fife with a free rendering graphic and CAD drawing to help visualise the bike hangar scheme.FalcoPod Bike Hangar The FalcoPod bike hangar is a robust on-street cycle parking solution designed to meet the needs of cyclists who don’t have access to private cycle parking facilities. The improved innovative shape means that users no longer have to remove some baskets or child seats when storing their bike!Falco design is both evolutionary and innovative by nature and the new FalcoPod is no exception. This is the third generation of ‘bike hangar’ type product building on the pedigree of the original street locker the ‘Midi Bike Box’ with some great new features over existing products as follows:Size - fits in half a car parking space and houses 6 bikes, with covered weather protection.Family inclusive – with an ergonomically improved design, the additional space/height (55% more) means there is no need to remove child seats or baskets from the back or front of bikes.Bike security - the six place FalcoSound bike rack has three locking points including the ability to use a ‘D’ lock through the rear wheel and frame.Easy access - single door with integral lock and gas strut for assisted lifting.The effective bike hangar has already been successfully rolled out to the London Borough of Waltham Forest, Brent, Camden, Westminster and Merton Councils. Bike Hangar Management and MaintenanceThrough our ‘Falco Rentals’ team, Falco now offers local authorities and private companies a fully managed bike hangar service dealing with key management and public payments as well as a regular planned maintenance service to support the council with its ongoing public service maintenance obligations.This service is not just restricted to bike hangars though, we are able to provide a rental service for any cycle parking facility, from cycle hubs and bike stores through to individual cycle lockers, the Falco Rentals system is both flexible and simple to use.For more information about the FalcoPod Bike Hangar, the FalcoPod Bike Hangar service or your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080. 

The Polar System is a virtually frameless system with impressive acoustic capabilities, it allows for a combination of contemporary aesthetics and elegance, without compromising on function. Komfort’s Polar system was specified and installed throughout One Angel Square, including all the meeting rooms. With the integration of such high-performance interior elements, this former derelict site has now been developed into an exemplar sustainable building. Beyond sustainability and wellbeing standards, the use of Komfort’s bespoke Polar System enabled technology to be seamlessly integrated into the design, with the use of a booking system wired through the doorframe.

The hydraulic system providing water to the two swimming pools, changing rooms, and a lounge area is operated by DAB pressure boosting sets and recirculating systems. The installed pumps ensure efficiency, energy conservation, and require minimal maintenance, offering maximum reliability to meet the demands of this contemporary facility.Utilizing Evoplus B and D electronic circulating pumps for the heating system, a consistent pressure is maintained within the system even as the flow rate fluctuates, preventing disruptions in the event of transient operational variations. Delivering an energy efficient system and CO2 reduction.

The newly completed 122 Waterloo Street development in the centre of Glasgow offers its occupants floor-to-ceiling glazing throughout, with almost uninterrupted views thanks to the latest Schüco curtain-walling system designed, manufactured and installed by Edinburgh-based façade specialist Charles Henshaw & Sons Ltd.But, impressively, the landmark building – which will be the Glasgow headquarters of global financial services firm Morgan Stanley – will also be one of the most energy efficient buildings in Scotland, thanks in part to high-performance glass coatings from Pilkington United Kingdom Limited.The scheme has been certified BREEAM Excellent, and achieved an ‘A’ rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), the latter based on a detailed assessment of the building’s energy performance. The glazing helps to minimise this by reducing energy emitted from the building, as well as the heating effect of the sun, both of which can make maintaining a comfortable interior climate more energy-intensive.A glass for all seasonsThe scale of the building and the large area of glass used means that excessive radiation of heat from the building could lead to rapid heat loss during colder conditions, requiring an increase in heating to keep the interior warm.To mitigate this effect, the glazing features a Pilkington Optitherm ™ S1 Plus low-emissivity coating which reflects radiated heat back into the building.The second issue that can affect buildings where most of the envelope is glazed is excessive heat build-up when the sun is shining directly into the interior. This can present a challenge for building managers, often requiring high levels of energy-intensive air conditioning.To combat this, a solar-control coating has been used, reducing the amount of heat energy that is able to enter the building while maintaining high levels of transparency. Michael Metcalfe, commercial sales manager at Pilkington UK, said: “The Pilkington Suncool™ 70/35 T coating selected by the design team offers high visible light transmittance, reduced solar transmittance and excellent low-emissivity all in one product.“This means the floor space will be brightly lit by sunlight but won’t suffer from overheating on warmer days.”Clear viewsThe coatings are not the only innovative part of the glazing used in the project, as the glass is held in place by the latest structurally bonded curtain wall system from manufacturer Schüco. Each unit contains a large pane of clear glass and a smaller pane of opaque, coloured spandrel glass, creating horizontal lines across the façade between each floor of the building.Michael Metcalfe continued: “The metal carrier frames in which the glass sits are extremely low profile, so the edges of the panes of glass are very close to one another. This removes the mullions normally associated with unit-based glazing systems, creating a flush glass surface with almost uninterrupted views.”The clarity of the glazing was further improved by the use of Pilkington Optiwhite™ true low-iron glazing throughout, which significantly reduces the slight green tint that is inherent in standard float glass.On the ground floor, Pilkington Optilam™ laminated glazing was used to provide protection against manual attack and increase the security of the building.Completed in December 2017, the nine-storey building also includes 155,000 sq ft of Grade A office space.Project: 122 Waterloo Street, GlasgowClient: HFD GroupArchitect: Micahel Laird ArchitectsCurtain walling supplier: SchücoInstaller: Charles Henshaw & Sons LtdImages courtesy of S G Photography