"flooring"

Newham Hospital provides all the services expected of a local hospital including emergency care, surgery, children’s health, women’s health, maternity services, specialist medicine, long-term care and diagnostics.They see more than 500 patients in their A&E department every day and have one of the largest maternity units in the UK with more than 6,000 births each year. Their state-of-the-art Rainbow Centre is fully geared up to meet the needs of their young patients and their families in a child-friendly environment and are dementia friendly across the whole site.This project was a conversion of the first floor office space to form a 24 bed ward at this busy London Hospital.The client chose Dfendoors in American White Oak and Peppermint to create a really effective contrasting finish.This was cleverly matched with the Dfend wall protection products.

On this fast turnaround project we worked closely with Clarke Penman Architecture to manufacture and install polished concrete kitchen worktops and splash-backs.Concrete worktops are extremely strong and durable and designed to withstand busy family use. These were cast to the client’s individual and unique specifications using our BTX Ultra High Performance Concrete mix with a hydrophobic agent to limit moisture absorption. The worktops were cut to fit various kitchen appliances and then treated and sealed to make them stain proof.Spanning over 6 metres, separate large BTX concrete panels were carefully assembled on site and fitted with brass sink and taps by our experienced team. The finished effect is a modern, industrial look that complements client’s design style and blends perfectly with the raw plastered walls and concrete floors, which together create a truly unique and highly functional kitchen.

Victoria House is a £13 million 9-storey mixed-use development in Leeds. It consists of 106 apartments with offices on the ground floor. Victoria House is a stone’s throw from Leed’s city centre and St. James University Hospital. It provides affordable, high-quality homes to first-time buyers, key workers, graduates and those who work within the city.The development offers studio, 1-bed and 2-bedroom apartments, outdoor areas, ping pong tables and a basketball court with on-site concierge service for added security.Victoria House makes use of Carlton’s Wolds Minster Blend, its varied dark tones allow it to comfortably blend into pre-existing red brick vernacular whilst also creating its own identity amongst nearby green areas and surrounding buildings.

Sugar House Island's Cooperage Yard is part of a transformative project just south of Olympic Park intending to create a distinctive urban environment that has been carefully designed to create a balance between work, life and leisure.Set next to the Islands creative quarter, Cooperage Yard covers 8000ft2 over of the area. Its immediately recognisable sawtooth-shaped roof overlooks the river and courtyard. Natural light floods both floors of the building and a south-facing roof terrace offers further space for its inhabitants.Freshfield Lane's Danehill Yellow bricks are immediately recognisable and offer a positive contrast to the tones of other nearby brick buildings. The tones are further complimented by shafts of natural light that penetrate the pathways between buildings. When combined, the colour language and open space create a sense of optimism between the structures.

Lazenby were asked to manufacture 80 completely bespoke pre cast concrete sinks for a new build office block in Kings Cross.The sinks were used in the male and female washrooms throughout all floors of the building. The sizes ranged from a 1900mm double vanity through to a 4 metre long, quintuple sink unit.All the units were cast with tap holes and a cut out for an undermounted bin chute. The joints were carefully placed to run through the cut outs to help make them as discreet as possible.The clients were looking to create a statement piece and so Lazenby created a bespoke blue colour that matched their vision. Multiple samples were created in a variety of shades before the final colour was selected.The durability and flexibility of concrete make it the perfect solution for busy washroom environments.

Paddington Square is a brand new working, shopping and dining quarter opening in 2023. The impressive transparent, glass building, also known as Paddington Cube, provides up to 50,000sqm of floor space with offices, retail units, a café, a bar and restaurants. The area underneath the building features the Bakerloo Line Underground Entrance and ticket hall.Following their work on a marketing suite at Paddington Square, Lucas Ltd were invited back to provide a full back of house painting and fit-out service across the basement, ground and first floor levels. Helmsman were delighted to assist them with the lockers in the project.The client requested laminate Z Lockers for two sets of changing rooms at Paddington Square. Between the male and female changing rooms we supplied and installed 268 Z Lockers, for 536 people. Z Lockers are a fantastic space optimising locker design, with a small footprint and maximised internal space. As one of the UK’s leading locker manufacturers, we specialise in bespoke locker design. The locker sizes requested were not our standard sizes, so a bespoke Z Locker design was created for the project at 1525 x 325 x 500mm.As the Z Lockers were for a changing room environment, a wet spec was needed. The body was manufactured from aluminium and stainless steel and powder coated in colour Ice, with the doors manufactured from solid grade laminate from Abet Laminati in colour Sand. Our laminate lockers provide a modern, heavy-duty finish, perfect for changing rooms where the lockers are to be used on a regular basis. The lockers were finished with a Lowe and Fletcher Hasp lock and black laminate number plates, an aesthetically pleasing pairing.As always, our installation team worked hard to provide the best finish to the project. We have enjoyed working alongside Lucas Ltd and look forward to seeing the Paddington Cube finished and open in 2023.If you have a project that needs Z lockers, or a bespoke locker design, get in touch today. Call on 01284 530427.

In Carpi, in the province of Modena, Atlas Concorde was chosen for the porcelain stoneware floors and white clay wall tiles of a luxurious private residential villa featuring spacious interiors and an equally large outdoor area. Six ceramic collections from the company were used to furnished the rooms of the house, employed in different shades depending on their role.Those who decide to enjoy the interior of the residence find themselves surrounded by elegance. Thanks to modern furnishings and refined colours, the atmosphere is a fresh combination of comfort and luxury.An important contribution is provided by Dwell, the ceramic inspired by the world of brushed concrete and synthetic resins, the perfect ally of contemporary and original architectural projects.Also enriching the interior is Seastone, here chosen in the Greige shade and in the 22.5x90 cm size. Defined by a simple look and multiform, varied traces of fossils, the surfaces of Seastone combine the uncompromising natural beauty of stone with the superior technical and functional performance of porcelain stoneware. With meticulous research and the expert use of mixtures of earth and flakes of different colours and sizes, this ceramic collection gives the rooms a natural, contemporary European flavour, mixing refined design, evocative materials and a guarantee of reliability.Also included in the interior design is Trust, in the Copper colour and Brick composition. With its earthy nature and rich details, stone invades the space, creating enveloping and suggestive atmospheres. In particular, Trust recalls quartzite and Luserna stone with its surfaces featuring intense variations in colour and texture, obtained through the use of the most modern and sophisticated ceramic technologies.Marble and wood alternate in the outdoor floors of the villa.The former thanks to Marvel Pro porcelain tiles, the highest ceramic expression of marble that effectively meets the needs of contemporary design. Installed in the dark Grey Fleuryand in the LASTRA 20mm slab, Marvel Pro stands out for its intense veins, natural shading and refined beauty.In contrast, the warm embrace of wood comes to life thanks to Doga, the collection that evokes sanded slats of oak, and Etic, the family that combines intense natural character and authenticity in a wood effect full of allure and history.

Cedral Lap fibre cement cladding has been specified as the building material of choice by luxury developer Cedarmill Developments, adding real kerb appeal to its latest residential project in Hornchurch, Essex.Over 450sq.m of Cedral Lap in colour Pewter has been installed across a selection of three storey family homes, creating a contemporary visual appeal that perfectly encompasses the developer’s commitment to providing the highest standard in premium housing.Cedarmill Developments is dedicated to constructing residential and commercial properties across the UK’s Southern regions, offering clients first class functionality and style. The latest site in Havering consists of a combination of luxury detached houses, which will be completed in autumn 2019.Seamus Tattan, Senior Contracts Manager at Cedarmill Developments, said: “This is the first time we have specified Cedral Lap fibre cement cladding and we are already looking to utilise the material on a further two upcoming residential developments as we are so impressed with it.“Initially, we were looking for an exterior solution that offered the highest standards in aesthetics and fire performance, whilst offering the greatest value for money. Cedral surpassed these requirements, enabling us to create a resilient and stylish exterior that we are confident will offer the same impressive kerb appeal in years to come.”The properties’ ground floor is constructed of brick, with Cedral Lap clad across the first and second floors. This creates a contemporary New England style aesthetic that works in perfect harmony with the sleek black windows and doors.Seamus continued: “I cannot fault the Cedral team for their expertise and guidance, from the initial specification process, right through to final installation of the product. We look forward to working with Cedral on our upcoming developments as we continue to create beautiful homes.”Cedral Lap fibre cement cladding is a low maintenance alternative to traditional cladding materials, offering a minimum life expectancy of 50 years. Resistant to rot, attack from insects and the external elements, the easy to install solution is available in a wide range of shades and finishes and has a Class A fire performance rating.

C-TEC’s revolutionary new evacuation alert system, EVAC-ALERT, has been specified for a new purpose-built residential building in London.Located in the Elephant and Castle area of the London Borough of Southwark, Joyce Newman House is an 8-storey block of 40 spacious living spaces commissioned by Leathermarket JMB, Southwark’s largest resident-managed housing organisation. The affordable-housing development also features landscaped gardens, an interactive playground and a communal kitchen garden for residents to grow their own vegetables.Specified and supplied by Churches Fire & Security working alongside Blu Electrical Installations Ltd, C-TEC’s EVAC-ALERT has been designed to comply with the new BS 8629, which recommends evacuation alert systems be installed in all new blocks of flats over 18 metres to assist the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) in evacuating part or all of a building in an emergency.The system consists of a 2-loop control panel connected to a host of single and multi-way interface units, self-testing sounders and visual indicators. Simple and intuitive with manual controls to allow firefighters to easily operate the evacuation alert devices located inside flats on a zone by zone or floor by floor basis, the panel is stored in a secure vandal resistant cabinet which can only be accessed by the FRS using a special copy-protected key.David Collins, Project Manager at Churches Fire & Security, said: “Evacuation alert systems ensure firefighters can alert occupants in a building of the need to evacuate if a fire gets out of control. The EVAC-ALERT system we’ve specified provides peace of mind for residents and, crucially, also demonstrates that building management have taken every precaution possible to protect the people residing in the property. Our client is delighted with the system.”Certified to all relevant EN54 product standards, EVAC-ALERT is powered by C-TEC’s CAST protocol and fully compatible with ENVISION, its powerful new cloud-based remote access data management software which can be used to provide duty holders with a verifiable audit trail of system activity and device testing.

The Project Gloucester Business Park, Plot 1420, takes the form of three buildings grouped around a landscape courtyard, the buildings are split into six self-contained units which are sub-divided floor by floor.  Gloucestershire is excellent for transport links & the parks modern and flexible working environment also provides sufficient parking for all employees and visitors Plot 1420 won Kier Central Site of the Quarter for Jan – March 2015. The site scored 100% when externally audited by the BSI for Quality and Environmental Performance.The ChallengeManufacture, deliver and install premium quality system befitting the development and the client’s requirements.Offer complimentary system for use in the shower areas &produce Solid Surface troughs to bespoke lengths, exceeding 3000mm. The SolutionExcelsior Flush 44 Full Height system provides a sleek flush fronted façade delivering the upmost in quality, design and privacy. Complimentary Mariner Cubicles finished in matching laminate installed in the wet areas. 12mm Solid Grade Laminate is recommended for shower enclosures the core material is manufactured with phenolic resins which ensures the self-supporting panels are impervious to water penetration and will stand the test of time against water/moisture ingressAll Cubicles and Vanities are finished in Oak Classic High-Pressure Laminate along with a Corian Vanity Top in Designer White. All working to complement each other and deliver a harmonious natural colour scheme generating a tranquil & calming atmosphereNick Flexen-Cook at Kier Construction has said – “Plot 1420 was delivered by the best, highest performing team that I have ever been privileged to be a part of. The tenant is rightly delighted with their facility which exceeds their expectations.”SpecificationProduct Range: MarinerDoors: 12mm Compact SGL Sonae Oak Classic M3817Pilaster: 12mm Compact SGL Sonae Oak Classic M3817Partition: 12mm Compact SGL Sonae Oak Classic M3817Ironmongery: Stainless SteelClient:GoodmanContractor:KierArchitect:Frank Shaw Associates LtdLocation:Gloucestershire

Premium acoustics are a quintessential part of any modern-day theater or performance space. Noise coming in from other rooms or even from outside can disturb live performances.In ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, construction of the new performing arts theater is well underway. Planned to open in the second half of 2023, ‘Theater aan de Parade’ will house 2 multifunctional halls, each with its own atmosphere and programming. The different spaces are all connected by spacious foyers, with plenty of natural light and views of the Parade, the main town square.The new theater is designed to invite passersby to come in, enjoy one of the many performances or simply hang out and relax.The solution selected to acoustically decouple the multifunctional hall, one of the 2 main halls of the building, from the rest of the theater, was a complete box-in-box construction, using a Stravifloor Jackup-R floating floor system.The total hall surface area is about 543 m², divided over three zones. An impressive 272 boxes were installed. Boxes were installed with 2 different types of springs combined in three different configurations. The overall span between the boxes in this project is around 1,4 to 2 m.The added value of a jack-up system in this specific project was that despite the loads not being homogeneously distributed across the entire surface, it is possible to create a stiff concrete slab with a homogeneous thickness before to place it on springs.A jack-up system allows for better control of the slab level across all construction phases, concrete slab thickness, and the final deflection of each bearing, different in number, type and tributary area.The entire installation process was spread across two phases, the installation of the boxes together with the insulation material and PE-foil which took less than one week, and the second phase in which we were jacking up the boxes until the entire floor was raised to the desired level. This last step took 4 days, including cleaning and preparing the area for the next intervening parties.

Back in 1961, this hotel claimed the title of ‘Tallest Hotel in London’ spanning across 18 floors but now its been vastly beaten by The Shard at 73 floors.However, that won’t stop The Carlton Tower, Jumeirah from undergoing a £100 million renovation, lasting nearly 2 years. The Hotel changed the entire interior but left the exterior untouched. All areas were remodeled with a new foyer, reception, Italian restaurant, health club, and a naturally lit swimming pool. The rooms and suites were reduced by 30, from 216 to 186, to allow for bigger and better accommodations for guests, enticing longer stays. Due to the extensive nature of the refurbishment, it came with its own set of challenges. This was a big project, but added to the fact that it’s an old building, lead to the discovery of things that the team were unaware of, creating extra hurdles and more time. The works also took place during covid which delayed the construction due to supply issues and lockdown and even after the construction was complete, covid still took its toll on the company when they struggled to hire more staff and even find guests to stay because of the limitations on travel. The Carlton Tower needed bespoke riser doors with wallpaper to match what was on the walls in the corridors which we were able to provide them with after extensive testing, as is the case for all our products. The subtle nature of the concealed riser doors allows them to seamlessly blend in with the surroundings for a flush look making them hardly noticeable.The interior design was carried out by 1508 London, bringing pops of colour, and soft, curved edges to the original clean, modernist style. The hotel features a mix of traditional and modern interiors with architraves, and panel detailing, and a touch of Scandinavian modern furniture. Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge, guests will be surrounded by luxury in every way. Just a stones throw away from the iconic Harrods Department Store and Sloane Street, which holds some of the worlds most luxurious brands like Prada, Armani, and Cartier.

Altro solution rocks Rockville HospitalAltro Pisces, Altro Whiterock White, Altro Whiterock recessed shelfIssueRockville Hospital, part of the Eastern Connecticut Healthcare Network, boasts a strong behavioural health unit that provides support and specialized, sophisticated services for many areas of mental health, including additions, anxiety, depression and other counseling.The project had originally called for competitor products, but the Altro Regional Representative met with Jeff Lawton and Rockville Hospital housekeeping staff and presented Altro products, showing the proper cleaning regimen.ApproachJeff Lawton worked with the hospital, selecting Altro floors and walls to ensure a safe, easy and familiar bathing experience for residents at the unit. The hospital was impressed, and staff members continue to be happy with their installation.SolutionFor the bathrooms and other wet areas throughout the unit, award winning Altro Pisces was specified for the floors, accompanied by Altro Whiterock White hygienic wall sheets, preventing moisture and water ingress. With increasing efforts to combat healthcare acquired infections in hospitals around the country, impact-resistant and hygienic wall products are essential. With creating a safe environment for users a priority, Altro Whiterock recessed shelves were selected to offer a lip and ligature-free solution for holding toiletries.Altro Pisces achieves Class B to DIN 51097 for barefoot use, plus a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of ≥50 (Slider 96). Altro Pisces offers 16 soft-look shades; the result is the soft appearance that you would want from domestic interiors, with the lifetime sustained slip resistance you expect from Altro.Combined with Altro Whiterock White hygienic wall sheets it pro vides an impervious and easy to clean solution for wet environments.The Altro Whiterock recessed shelf is a pre-fabricated unit, us ing proven Altro Whiterock hygienic walls sheet, providing a watertight, rust-proof shelf for shower toiletries which is tamper-resistant and free from potential ligature points, helping to keep users safe.

THE PROJECTNumber One Bristol is a high-end student living development home to a collection of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses. Setting a new standard for students living in Bristol.The development features a rooftop garden (known as the ‘Sky Meadow’) providing breath-taking views across the city of Bristol, on-site parking and a central location allowing you easy access to the very best of the city life.This project uses both a bank of mailboxes to securely store mail deliveries and a high-capacity MEFA Mega parcel box which allows for large parcel deliveries to be stored in a secure location.THE MAILBOXESThe mailboxes used on this project are located in the reception lobby area allow easy access for residents to retrieve their mail as they pass on the way to their home.The mailbox model used is the MODA Horizontal mailbox, finished in a high-quality stainless steel 304L grade. The bank is freestanding fixed to the floor using table supports designed and manufactured to carry the weight of the mailboxes and securely hold them in one position, whether empty or full to capacity of deliveries.The mailboxes are an in front / out front type, allowing for mail to delivered and retrieved through the front face of the post box.The mailboxes are fitted with surround cladding on either side of the bank and the top of the unit, with this cladding the table support finished in a contrasting black PPC colour finish. Each mailbox has been engraved with a number to match the apartment ID, allowing both mail delivery personnel and residents to easily identify which mailbox is the correct item to use.Safety Letterbox supplied and installed the whole solution.PARCEL DELIVERYParcel deliveries are secured in the project by a single MEFA Mega parcel box, allowing up to 96 litres of mail to be securely stored at one time. The MEFA Mega parcel box is freestanding fitted to the floor through the bottom panel of the product, securely holding this item in the correct position.The parcel box has been fitted with contrasting vinyl with the logo of The PG Group – the Bristol based property developer involved with this project.The MEFA Mega parcel box is available to purchase on our online store.

As one of the pioneers of remote working solutions, Citrix recently chose to reconfigure their offices, taking on an additional space at the Cambridge Science Park. Aiming to create an environment that would facilitate engagement, creativity and productivity, moveable wall specialists, Style worked closely with architect, Gensler, and contractor, Area Sq, to offer intensely flexible workspace.Delivering exceptional acoustic ratings of 55dB and 52dB respectively, Style installed two Dorma Hüppe Variflex solid moveable walls and a single Variflex glass moveable wall, allowing Citrix staff to section off a meeting area from the main hall and then further sub-divide the space as required. Contributing to the vibrant new décor, all walls feature black RAL 9005 profiles and dry wipe magnetic boards to encourage brainstorming. Cambridge Science Park has been home to the UK Citrix Research and Development team for over a decade. Having occupied approx. 30,000 sq ft of space on the first floor, Citrix was keen to refurbish their existing workplace as well as expand operations by taking over additional space on the ground floor.Reflecting the Citrix vision and culture, the new layout and design maximises the potential of the space, allowing staff to establish new ways of collaborating.When all three walls are in place, three smaller meeting rooms are created. Alternatively, a combination of one large and one small meeting room can be formed, or just one very large space using just the glass moveable wall. The entire space can also be opened-up into one large open plan area. “This is an excellent example of how a combination of glass and solid moveable walls can create really adaptable office space,” said Steve Williams, sales director for Style Midlands.“Thanks to the inclusion of three pass doors, access is simplified and also allows the glass wall to be left in place for extended periods if desired, creating a more permanent space. “However, due to the semi-automatic operation of these operable walls, they can be opened up extremely quickly so that the entire space can be reconfigured for different vents throughout the day.” 

Preserving Gothic Heritage: Exquisite Heritage Windows for William White BuildingsThe William White Buildings in Audley, Staffordshire, renowned for their Gothic design, required special heritage windows to uphold their distinctive character. Gowercroft Joinery, with their expertise in timber craftsmanship, provided a solution that combined traditional aesthetics with modern efficiency.Architectural Heritage:Designed by esteemed architect William White in 1855, the Grade II listed William White Buildings exhibit remarkable Gothic revival features. The red brick facades, adorned with traditional bond patterns and alternating narrow and wide pointed arches, create a visually striking ensemble.Restoring the Character:Purchased in 2006 as a family home, the property underwent extensive restoration to preserve its unique charm.Retaining the original fabric, including some ceiling lath and plaster, and fireplaces, played a crucial role in maintaining the house's character.Modern Windows, Conservation Standards:The deteriorating condition of the old windows prompted the search for high-quality replacements that would meet building conservation requirements.Gowercroft Joinery's Accoya® timber-framed windows with LandVac vacuum glazing provided the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and thermal efficiency.Exquisite Heritage Windows:Gowercroft supplied six Richmond casement windows from their Heritage range, featuring delicate astragal bars, to complement the front and back of the property.The configuration of the first-floor and attic windows, echoing the ground-floor arches, retained the distinct architectural feature.The replacement casements were fitted flush with the internal arch, requiring careful removal and reinstallation of the surrounding brickwork.Testimonial from a Satisfied Customer:"We are delighted with our new casement windows, as they look as though they've always been there," expressed Robert, the owner."The LandVac vacuum glazing has made a noticeable difference in the warmth of our home, combining slim design with the energy efficiency of triple glazing."Gowercroft Joinery's commitment to preserving architectural heritage while integrating modern advancements allowed the William White Buildings to regain their splendour and offer a comfortable living environment for generations to come.

One of the most modern hospitals in Germany has been in operation since the beginning of 2024: the new Helios HSK in Wiesbaden. Around 120,000 outpatients and 45,000 inpatients are treated here every year in 28 specialist clinics and institutes, with more than 2,400 employees working for the hospital.With an investment sum of 268 million euros, a new building complex with a longitudinal axis of 200 m and a depth of 100 m was erected directly next to the existing Helios Dr. Horst Schmidt Clinics, which can accommodate all the functions of a maximum care provider in high-performance medicine. The architecture and comb structure of the new building are aligned with the treatment processes and follow the principle of short distances: the departments are arranged in such a way that synergies are created and interdisciplinary cooperation is facilitated. The foyer, cafeteria, corridors and staircases of the building were designed to be functional and aesthetically pleasing at the same time using selected series of Villeroy & Boch tiles.The vilbostone ABERDEEN porcelain stoneware series create a purist atmosphere with a subtle natural touch in the open foyer, which is flooded with light thanks to large glass surfaces and furnished with light-colored wood, in the corridors and stairwells. Inspired by the silver-grey granite from the former quarries around the harbor town of the same name in north-east Scotland, the design of the tiles adapts the typical inclusions and gloss effects of the grey Aberdeen stones in high-quality ceramics. In the floor design, the 30 x 60 cm and 15 x 60 cm formats in the expressive, matt slate grey color are combined in a bond, creating an interesting, lively look in the surfaces. The floor covering is extremely robust and easy to clean and offers a high level of slip resistance with slip resistance R10/A. The stairwells are designed with special 30 x 120 cm stair tiles, the edges of which have contrasting colored edges and milled grooves for better visibility. In addition, in particularly sensitive areas such as the kitchen, tiles with slip resistance R12-V4 were laid, which, thanks to their special surface structure, enable safe standing and walking even with large amounts of liquids or grease. The ABERDEEN wall tile in light white pearl in 30 x 60 cm format was also laid in various sanitary areas. A lustre print finish creates interesting matt-gloss effects on the glazed stoneware tiles, which subtly imitate the character of granite and can be perceived to varying degrees depending on the incidence of light and point of view.In the cafeteria, whose interior design with the theme of “water” is reminiscent of Wiesbaden’s tradition as a spa town, floor areas with tiles from the historically inspired design concept CENTURY UNLIMITED catch the eye. The high-quality vilbostone porcelain stoneware combines a fine cotto cement look with decorations inspired by the Mettlach tiles from the 19th century. Attractive tile carpets have been created with decorative tiles in a successful contrast to the ABERDEEN surface in a consistent color: As a border, the cotto-colored Diamonds decor with classic diamonds creates a three-dimensional trompe l’œil effect. The main surface of the “carpet” is composed of the Circles decor, which uses ornaments in various coordinated shades of grey and beige as well as the expressive colors cotto and indigo to place the traditional patterns in a highly aesthetic, contemporary context.

The scope and challenge:Millions of people visit Edinburgh each year for its renowned history, iconic buildings and vibrant social scene. With year-round visitors from the rest of the UK and overseas, there is a growing need for accommodation that combines the heritage of the city with high-quality, comfortable stays.Old Town Chambers offers exactly that, as a collection of luxury serviced apartments located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Each room showcases the building’s fascinating history in a globally-renowned part of the city, teamed with contemporary furnishings and distinctive architecture.The original Old Town Chambers, a listed building from the mid-18th Century, is home to 50 high-quality apartments, accessed via Roxburgh Court, which sits just behind the Royal Mile. In 2021, the owners of the hotel had the opportunity to refurbish the existing building and expand their footprint by taking over an adjoining address – 329 High Street – which would add 24 new high-end apartments to the property across three floors and a mezzanine level, as well as a street-level reception area, bar and restaurant.Häfele was called upon by Chris Stewart Group, who were overseeing the refurbishment, to provide a suite of suitable door ironmongery for the apartments at 329 High Street. The schedule would need to complement both the new, modern apartments added to the hotel and the more traditional reception, bar and restaurant areas.The solution:Working closely with Chris Stewart Group and architects ISA, Häfele developed a tailored hardware schedule and specification. For the communal areas of the hotel, specialist Frank Allart​​​​​​​ handles were selected in a satin nickel finish to complement the traditional style of the space. For the apartments, Häfele’s stainless steel mitred lever handle provided the perfect solution.​​​​​ Furthermore, given the complexity of the requirements, it made sense to utilise the Häfele to Order service – which allows customers to order their products cut, labelled and delivered to their exact requirements. This included both phased floor-by-floor and door-by-door packaging to make the installation process as efficient as possible for contractors Thomas Johnstone Ltd.The outcome:Karen Brown, head of interiors for Chris Stewart Group, worked closely with Ken on the 329 High Street project. She said: “The attention to detail offered by Häfele Projects was excellent; ironmongery can be a minefield but Ken and the team listened to what we wanted and knew exactly what to apply to the project.“There were some intricacies to consider, which were met with experience and a knowledgeable approach. For example, some doors required a lever handle on one side but we were retaining the existing door knob on the other. Getting the two to marry was looking difficult and would’ve been an ongoing maintenance issue for the hotel if not resolved, but Ken suggested connecting them via a spindle which instantly resolved the matter.“We were able to meet and discuss our requirements in-depth, explore a huge range of samples and Häfele Projects were more than happy to liaise with the contractor direct to enable us to focus elsewhere. This project has really opened our eyes to what Häfele is capable of, and we’ve been able to consider other project ranges too which we intend to utilise on future developments, like lighting and small appliances.“We’re already working together with Häfele on another hotel project in Glasgow, and there is huge scope for where our partnership can go in the future.”

Creating a Passivhaus home Balancing sustainability and style, Sort Trae is the culmination of a retired architect’s vision for a home and creative space that blends into a South Yorkshire hillside. HEM Architects helped the client to bring this dream to life, using Knauf Insulation’s glass mineral wool insulation to achieve the incredibly high Passivhaus standards for energy efficiency. Low carbon and high comfort The client envisioned a sustainable build using Passivhaus, a voluntary standard for designing and building properties with very low energy consumption, that offer high levels of comfort for their occupants. To achieve this, the levels of air tightness and thermal performance far exceed those mandated by building regulations. FrameTherm® Slab 32 was friction-fitted within the 140mm thick timber frame walls on the first floor, while DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 was used to fill the stone-clad masonry cavity walls on the ground floor.  “We try to specify fully filled masonry cavity walls where possible, sometimes up to 200mm wide, to maximise the use of mineral wool insulation. It pays dividends for the client”, explained Liam Seaman, Architectural Technologist for HEM Architects. Thermal performance is critical to the Passivhaus approach. The FrameTherm® Slab 32 provided a calculated U-value of 0.137 W/m2K in combination with the black timber frame wall and cladding. For the masonry cavity wall on the ground floor, a fractionally higher U-value of 0.138 W/m2K was achieved using thermally broken wall ties and DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32. This has contributed to Sort Trae’s exceptional thermal efficiency. Because glass mineral wool is flexible and fibrous, slabs knit together and adapt to minor imperfections in the substrate. This tight fit contributed to an overall air change of 0.54 ach (air change per hour), comfortably below the Passivhaus standard of 0.6 ach, meaning the property is air-tight while still providing good ventilation. Sustainable practices Liam explained his reasons for choosing Knauf Insulation, “The alternative products are often oil-based and the application of these is outweighed by the environmental impact of their production and lifecycle.” Both FrameTherm® Slab 32 and DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 are manufactured with ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder that contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. The binder is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders. Knauf Insulation’s glass mineral wool insulation contains up to 80% recycled content, mostly glass bottles and jars. It is also compressed so more product can fit per pack or pallet, and less packaging is used. This means there’s more product per truck, resulting in fewer vehicles on the road, and less packaging per m2 of insulation. Achieving the Passivhaus standard In collaboration with HEM Architects and other suppliers, the client has created a stunning home and an inspiring set-up for her loom-weaving workshop. “It is general practice for us to specify Knauf Insulation as standard because we find the product information available to be really clear and useful”, Liam added. Knauf Insulation’s practical, detailed product information made it HEM Architects’ first choice to achieve the Passivhaus standard for thermal performance. 

Efficient and safe goods lifts optimize performance for a large online shopping retailer’s warehouseThe top online fashion retailer improves its productivity, efficiency and safety to meeting higher market demandsOnline orders for the fashion industry have significantly peaked over the last few years, making fashion retailers recognise the need to expand their warehouses. The international and rapidly growing fashion brand has opened a new warehouse in Litchfield to supply their multinational customers efficiently and on time. In 2021, Lödige Industries was contracted to design, manufacture, deliver and install one SHERPA and one ESCORTA goods lift for the new facility. Installation work of the goods lifts was accomplished in November 2021, while the rack system will be finished afterwards.Optimizing space and serving each mezzanine floor efficientlyDue to the increasing number of online orders, the international fashion retailer needed an efficient and space-saving lift solution. The client envisioned a multi-level storage solution, to fully utilise the available warehousing space.Lödige Industries in the UK decided to implement large goods lifts as a solution to access each floor. The free-standing SHERPA and ESCORTA goods lifts fully automate the transfer of goods across five and six floors and were easily integrated into the rack system. The two lifts have been configured specially to help the flow of goods in the building. They have been fitted to align with their vast increase in orders, facilitating their constant success globally. Overall, the cabin sizes of the goods lifts allow the customer to fit all their equipment in the shaft without any disturbances between different stops.Safety and security are key priorities for the customerSafety for employees in installation and operation of goods lifts is one of the key priorities for the fashion brand. Therefore, engineers from Lödige Industries installed the goods lifts in line with Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. It contains guidelines to minimise any injury to the user or people close to the machine. It specifies the maximum gap in a guard and directives regarding the lift such as lift speeds for different applications, alongside many other guidelines.For the ESCORTA, Lödige Industries fitted a bumper rail to protect the emergency stop button from being damaged. Additionally, rumble strips were installed to prevent the trolley from moving and maintaining the smooth running of the lift. As a result, this reduces downtime of the goods lifts, the amount of call outs and allows them to be more cost efficient.Consistent site coordination to apply the best lift solution for the customerThe biggest challenge for the customer was the limited space available for the goods lifts. Consequently, the customer required a lift solution to fit between the steel building columns and respecting all other work and storage areas. This made the sizing of the lifts become complex.In close collaboration with the customer, the efficiency of the building was maximised by optimising both, general goods flow and use of space within the goods lifts areas. The constant coordination and communication between the customer and Lödige Industries allowed a precise location for the lifts within the space available.SolutionIn order to save space and meeting the available space restrictions, free standing goods lifts were attached to the rack system.The applied safety measurements reduce downtimes of the goods lifts, the amount of call outs and allows the customer to operate more cost efficient.Close collaboration between the go-to fashion brand and Lödige Industries enabled the customer to optimise goods flow while respecting all site specifications.

Manhattan Loft Gardens, LondonHaving received the highly regarded RIBA Award for an architectural style which almost defies gravity, Vincent Timber were honoured to supply the beautiful Western Red Cedar that covers the three unique terrace spaces of the Manhattan Loft Gardens. The building was designed to create a community within East London offering 248 rental loft apartments, three rooftop gardens and bars, two restaurants and a beautiful hotel, The Stratford. The building even featured on BBC's The Apprentice with candidates tasked to sell these high-end homes. The stunning gardens are carved out of the building itself with the impressive use of two differing cantilevers. Our timber panelling clads the underside of these overhanging levels whilst helping to bring life to the simply beautiful outdoor space.Spectacular Design Inside & OutDesigned by Skidmore Owings & Merrill for the Manhattan Loft Corporation the spectacular building sits 143m high covering a total of 38,225m². Overlooking the Olympic Park, the building's community helps to keep the vibrancy and creativity of this iconic area alive.With live music and cocktail masterclasses, creative workshops and yoga being just a few of the events here, residents, guests and locals are all invited to enjoy the buzz of the Manhattan Loft Gardens.Thanks to the positioning of the building’s double cantilevers, residents are only ever eight stories from a relaxing open space with unobstructed views across London. The sky gardens on the 25th and 36th floors feature wildflower gardens, BBQ zones and bar areas to dance the night away, all accompanied by plentiful natural timber. Inside, there is even a gym fitted out with the latest TechnoGym equipment.The exterior of the building is focused on nature, featuring wildflowers, water features, cedar pathways and pine trees, while the interior offers a breath-taking contrast. The entrance lobby is pierced by a stunning seven-storey glass atrium and features a beautiful 10m high fireplace. The apartments themselves are equally memorable with a collection of unique single and double-height loft apartments, all with rich oak flooring, bespoke furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows.Why Western CedarWestern Red Cedar was perfect for this project as it offers a wide range of patterns, width, and thickness, creating real flexibility and individuality in design. When properly finished and maintained, cedar will hold its beautiful appearance for decades, complimenting such a high-end build.Despite all efforts at imitation, no man-made product can match the performance qualities of Western Red Cedar. It is often chosen for buildings which require an attractive appearance, superior performance, and resistance to weather conditions. What's more, Western Red Cedar has the least impact on the environment throughout its life cycle. It requires significantly less energy to produce than man-made alternatives and is biodegradable. Our cedar is responsibly and sustainably harvested in the publicly managed forests of British Columbia, Canada. Less than 1% of standing timber is harvested each year and for each tree harvested, three are replanted to ensure our forests continue to exist. This eco-friendly material is the perfect partner for the Manhattan Loft Gardens. As well as being a haven of luxury, the building is kind to the planet. As its major structural elements are exposed there's no need for additional finishes, reducing the volume of material needed for its production, lowering its overall carbon emissions.

FIREFLY™ PHOENIX Offers Temporary Fire Protection For Fenchurch Street OfficesThe refurbishment of two complete floors to one of the City’s largest office buildings is making use of the well proven and versatile TBA FIREFLY™ PHOENIX smoke & flame barriers, to create temporary fire barriers while the work is being carried out: protecting people and property across the rest of the five storey structure where business continues as normal.The project at 30 Fenchurch Street, EC3 is being led by Overbury – one of the capital’s most experienced fit-out contractors, while the London office of HLW Architects is leading the design team. T&R Fire Protection meanwhile is the specialist sub-contractor carrying out the installation of the PHOENIX around the atrium, as well as other passive fire protection measures as the scheme evolves.In total T&R has fixed 22 rolls of the lightweight PHOENIX material to create the two hour integrity smoke and flame barriers around the glazed edge of the floor plates at levels Three and Four of 30 Fenchurch Street. The lightweight barrier has been fixed to the bulkhead and at intervals down all of the existing columns, before finally being secured across steel angle sections bolted to the floor slab.IFC Certification duly inspected all 160 metres of the temporary barriers – up to 3,300 mm in height - once installed, on behalf of Overbury and duly issued a certificate of compliance. The permanent works are expected to include creating fire breaks within the ceiling zones at 20 metre intervals, as part of T&R’s overall contract for Fenchurch Street in the region of £250K.The Site Manager for T&R Fire Protection, Tom Port Smith, commented: “We’ve used PHOENIX and other FIREFLY™ products on many hundreds of projects in the past, but in this case it was the insurers for the project who insisted on the installation of the screens to protect the atrium while the sprinkler system was being replaced. The installation though was relatively straightforward and in our work generally, FIREFLY™ is our ‘go to’ manufacturer when it comes to fire compartmentation. We base our recommendations and design drawings on TBA FIREFLY™ standard details and, once they’ve been approved, go in and install the flexible fire barriers.”Tom, like the majority of T&R Fire Protection’s operatives, has attended training sessions at FIREFLY's premises in Rochdale, reinforcing their trade skills and gaining valuable insights into the performance parameters of the different barriers in the range.FIREFLY™ PHOENIX is a lightweight smoke & flame barrier developed to enable compartmentation within buildings to provide up to 120 minutes’ integrity under BS476 Parts 20 & 22. Certified by IFCC, the flexible and straightforward to install material and is suitable for both new-build and retrofit situations.Manufactured from woven and non-woven glass, the FIREFLY™ range is designed to optimise resistance to flame and smoke as well as offer heat protection in a wide range of scenarios. The flexible barriers are easy to install horizontally or vertically using a full selection of ancillary products. Used mainly in the construction industry across the UK and Europe, FIREFLY™ Fire Barriers help to contain fire, giving building occupants extra time to evacuate and the fire service to enter safely.

As part of the multi-million-pound restoration of Grade I listed Manchester Town Hall, window restoration specialist Shepley Engineers is restoring, refurbishing, repairing and replacing hundreds of historic leaded and metal casement windows throughout the site using Hodgson Sealants Metal Casement Putty and Leaded Lite Cement. Each piece of glass from the iron-framed leaded lite windows from the state rooms has been removed, cleaned, repaired – or replaced by new fabrications if necessary – and reinstated using Hodgson’s Leaded Lite Cement in Shepley’s on-site restoration studio. The metal casement windows on the lower floors have been removed to Sheffield for restoration using Hodgson’s Metal Casement Putty, a high quality, hand-applied glazing compound that is formulated or bedding and external fronting of single glass into primed steel, timber frames, sealed hardwood and concrete. It is designed to be overpainted as in this project.

Arguably the most famous department store in the world, Harrods of Knightsbridge is a huge retail concern with over 5000 staff members working in over 70,000 square meters of retail space split into 300 plus departments over seven floors.When Harrods decided to redesign their staff food court they required double action doors that were aesthetically pleasing, had a high hygienic rating and were easy to use and they also needed a double action door with a 120 minute Fire Rating.SolutionDortek Installed Polyethylene doors that could be used as personnel doors. They also allow easy movement of trolleys and kitchen equipment between the three distinctive kitchen areas. Dortek also installed double-action 2-hour fire rated GRP doors into a 2530mm wide structural opening to enable staff to bring in large pieces of kitchen equipment when necessary.

Maybrey Works is a collection of contemporary 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments. Located on Worsley Bridge Road, this scheme comprises demolition of buildings and comprehensive redevelopment of the site to provide new buildings ranging from five to nine stories in height comprising 160 residential units. Close to local amenities and situated just a short walk from the nearest train station for travel to central London and the city, Maybrey Works also offers a work hub, which is open to all residents.Cellecta’s YELOfon HD10+ was specified by Stockwool due to the system being lightweight, easy to install, and delivers unrivalled acoustic performance when used to isolate a floating screed from a structural concrete floor. YELOfon HD10+ is an acclaimed resilient layer system that carries 3 proprietary Robust Details: E-FC-5, 17 & 18.Bellway was awarded this 7,950m² contract for this development in South London.

Wisteria Lodge is a collection of 6 well-appointed apartments, some with a balcony or alternatively private garden, situated in a convenient central location close to Broadstone’s shops and amenities in the popular Ridgeway. The apartments benefit from numerous features including open plan living with bespoke kitchen and quartz worktops, solid internal doors, underfloor heating, air source heat pump for efficient home energy and master bedroom with en-suite shower room. Included with a communal lift, communal bike store and landscaped gardens and 1 allocated car parking space, future proofed with provision for electric charging points.Cellecta’s Mojave S1-8 was specified due to it being a lightweight option for an acoustic composite floor build up. This system has a low energy use, reducing running costs and CO₂ emissions, which benefits the environment.Harry J Palmer was supplied 536m² of Cellecta products for this development in Broadstone.

This Village Hotel is a 4-star hotel and leisure club that opened in December 2018 and is located just north of Bristol in Filton. This hotel has 153 rooms, a licensed pub, restaurant, car park, Starbucks, meeting and events facilities and a gym with a heated swimming pool, steam room and sauna. This hotel is 13.3 miles from Bristol Airport, close to the M4 and M5, and within easy reach of Weston-Super-Mare and Wookey Hole, and close to the UWE Exhibition and Conference Centre. This development has created over 100 permanent jobs within the local community.Cellecta HiDECK Acoustic Overlay 28 was specified by 3DReid for this project due to the floor treatment’s high density and superior compressive strength resilient layer; it provides outstanding levels of acoustic performance, exceeding legislative requirements. The board has a tongue and groove edge profile, allowing for screw-free installation.Willmott Dixon was awarded the contract to construct this 932m² development.

Challenge:For the first phase of 80 retail units, Phoenix Brickwork required IG’s bespoke arch lintels accommodating a range of opening spans between 910mm to 6000mm for ground and first floor shopfront door and window openings.Solution:IG’s technical team worked closely with Phoenix Brickwork and developed a one-piece lintel design solution taking into consideration loading conditions for each application.All special lintels were delivered to site as part of the project build schedule and helped to achieve the desired façade complementing both the fascia and canopy design. The welcoming shop fronts are sympathetic to building and have helped contribute to an attractive retail and leisure development.The 30,000m2 of retail space built over two phases will eventually consist of 125 retail units, generate 1,200+ additional jobs and create a new retail destination for the region with the aim to attract over 39 million tourists a year.

The project comprised the construction of Newcastle’s tallest building, Hadrian’s Tower on behalf of The High Street Group. Following a 30-month build programme, the 26-storey luxury high-rise mixed-use development in the heart of Newcastle was handed over, with more than 60% of the apartments already sold or let at the point of handover.The development included 160 units which comprised a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments and three spacious three-bedroom penthouse suites. Hadrian’s Tower offers 134,000 sq ft of modern living space a 4,300 sq ft rooftop sky bar and coffee house on the 27th floor.The scheme has redeveloped and in turn transformed the dilapidated city centre brownfield site into a high-quality pedestrian route into the city centre.Shield Membranes supplied numerous products and systems in order to waterproof, insulate and finish all external areas.

Kestrel Court is a bespoke development of nine apartments, comprising of one 3 bedroom and eight 2 bedroom high specification properties. Offering tree lined views, off street parking and private gardens, the development is nestled near Ewell Village, granting easy access to shops and restaurants. Its prime location provides A3 access to the M25 and trains to London. Also nearby is Bourne Hall, which features a library, theatre, museum, and various amenities, and Nonsuch Park, an English Heritage-listed historic park.Cellecta’s DECKfon Batten 70 was specified by 1929 Architects as they have been rigorously tested and are Robust Detail complaint for steel, concrete and timber separating floor applications. The battens consist of a layer of recycled, low resonance, open cell, flexible polyurethane foam bonded to an FSC/PEFC certified timber batten.Turnbull Homes were supplied 500m² of Cellecta products for this development in Epsom.

Foxley Lane is a redevelopment of a former residential care home on a prominent corner plot west of Purley town centre in a prime position on one of West Purley’s premier roads. This development comprises of a five-storey building with fifty-seven exquisite one, two and three bed apartments located within a mile of Purley mainline station. All with parking and a private balcony or patio, it also features white rendered façades and prominent gabled elevations, significantly enhancing the Foxley Lane street scene.Cellecta’s Mojave S2-8 was specified by OB Architecture as it offers a dry and robust floor build up from one source. Mojave S2-8 is a high-performance underfloor heating system which performs at a low flow temperature. XFLO-FF boards are manufactured to suit the pipe diameter and spacing required to achieve the desired thermal output.HQ Homes were awarded this 530m² contract to construct this redevelopment.

Regency Apartments is a redevelopment of a car park into 61 affordable one and two bedroom flats for rent and shared ownership. These apartments combine classic and modern features; these include secured video entry and a key fob system, with a Communal Courtyard providing outdoor space for residents. Situated near Chelmsford Centre, Regency Apartments offer affordable, modern living with open-plan spaces, with Bond Street's amenities, high street shops, and the Riverside Leisure Centre nearby. Quick commuting to Central London, Colchester, and Romford in 30 minutes; Stansted and Southend airports within 35 minutes.Cellecta’s YELOfon HD10+ was specified by Arcady Architects due to its unrivalled acoustic performance in isolating a floating screed from a structural concrete floor. This product is lightweight, making it easy to install. YELOfon HD10+ is also delivered in rolls to ensure it’s easy to handle.Stonebond and Home Group were supplied 300m² of Cellecta products to develop these apartments in Chelmsford.

This elegant beach house bathroom proves that beautiful materials and traditional fittings can create a fresh, modern look that will never date.The design of this home, Bronte House, is inspired by the iconic aesthetic of the homes in Long Islands’ Hamptons. The brief was to combine coastal charm with elegance; a unique style that beach-side Sydney homes manage to showcase so perfectly.Shades of blue, grey and white form the basic colour palette throughout the bathrooms, and offer the perfect backdrop for polished chrome tapware and accessories. Decadent textures such as hand crafted ceramic tiles and marble herringbone floor tiles are paired with softer materials such as fabric blinds and a shiplap-style wooden ceiling. The result is a bathroom that feels elegant yet welcoming and functional.Our Elwick bath was included the design of this bathroom, alongside Perrin & Rowe traditional tapware.Photography: Maree Homer PhotographyDesign: Denai Kulcsar Interiors

Sika supplied a fully-comprehensive solution to provide the ultimate watertight protection for a basement within a commercial superstructure that is destined to earn ‘landmark’ status in London’s Canary Wharf.Located within the capital’s thriving dockside district, 1 Bank Street will occupies a 5,000m2 footprint. The stunning 28-storey building, which is 145 metres above ground, is designed to include cutting-edge trading floors on three levels. A large slip form core forms a significant part of the fully fitted-out building which has achieved an ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM rating, making it one of the most sustainable and desirable buildings of its type in London. Designed by globally-renowned architects, Kohn Pederson Fox Associates (KPF) in conjunction with structural engineers, Arup, 1 Bank Street provides capacity for 6,000 full-time equivalent jobs, enhancing the role of Canary Wharf as a prime London office and employment location.

Wick Lane is a scheme composed of six distinct buildings, including light industrial units, retail, and workspace areas, and 175 homes. It has been built in an existing vibrant neighbourhood, characterised by Victorian warehouse buildings with a mixture of industrial, creative, and residential spaces. These six buildings work together to form a new community that is an authentic piece of Hackney Wick. These apartments consist of a selection of one, two, and three bedroom homes. A variety of employment spaces activate and enliven the main street whilst freestanding double-height industrial units are combined with a variety of one, two or three-storey commercial units.Cellecta’s YELOfon HD5 was specified by dRMM due to its excellent acoustic properties specifically designed to reduce impact noise through the concrete floors with a floating screed. It is a lightweight, easy to install non-crosslinked polyethylene foam.Taylor Wimpey was awarded this 15,000m² contract to construct this development.

Moneyfields is football club in Portsmouth which includes a new social club and sports facility Building with housing development of 26 residential units in the form of 14 one and two bedroom apartments and 12 four-bedroom houses. Redevelopment of this part single and two storey building was completed to accommodate the sports and social club with bars, function hall, kitchen, cellar, offices, changing rooms, boxing ring, gym, spectator stand, classrooms, ticket office, tea hut, car park, and a pitch with floodlights and fencing.Cellecta’s Mojave S1-8 was specified by PLC Architects due to it being a high-performance underfloor heating system, offering a dry and robust floor build up from one source.XFLO boards are manufactured to suit the pipe diameter and spacing required to achieve the desired thermal output.Chichester Building and Carpentry Ltd was awarded this 900m² contract to construct this redevelopment in Portsmouth.