"mineral fibre glass fibre slabs solid surface"

Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet) is a leading provider of further and higher education courses in the UK Midlands. The project architects required a balustrade and staircase railing that reflected the dynamic, high-tech environment of the college. Q-railing’s Easy Glass Slim and Easy Glass 3kN systems were ideal for use on the staircases, and as balustrades on the upper floors, as they create a safety barrier without blocking views or compromising on design in any way. The installation included a bespoke cladding, which makes the railings appear to rise directly out of the floor or stairs.

Rutherford House is an imposing 58,000 sq ft office building located within the heart of Birchwood Park, Warrington, providing superior office space to rent for small, medium and large businesses employing up to 100 people. Consisting of two wings of three and five floors, the building has excellent natural lighting and is conveniently located for travel across the region. Recently refurbished to a high standard, the office complex now boasts a full-height glass atrium and spacious reception area. To achieve this record was chosen to remove the existing bi-parting sliding doors and replace them with a K32 Full Glass Revolving Door, pass door with a DFA 127 Swing Operator, full screen and linear framework.The K32 Full Glass Revolving Door, with the drive motor under the floor, provides a striking and welcoming entrance that complements the surrounding glass facade and allows natural light to flood into the building. With large, spacious compartments, the K31 can accommodate the constant flow of building occupants, ensuring they can safely and comfortably enter and exit the building at all times, whilst maintaining an airlock into the reception to create an ambient temperature and help reduce heating costs.To complement the record K32, a pass door with a record DFA 127 Swing Operator, which is silent in operation, has been installed to enable a wider opening, for wheelchair users and deliveries of large bulky items as and when required.

BBA approved Terrabound resin bound surfacing was specified for Liverpool Football Club's new flagship retail store at the Anfield ground. As part of the landscaped pedestrian area at the front of the new store, a robust, low maintenance, porous paving was required. Just under 4000m2 of Addagrip’s resin bound porous surfacing was selected in a range of colours to complement the design and to match the Terrabound Resin Bound surfacing previously installed at Liverpool Football Club’s newly expanded Main Stand in 2016.

Corstorphine + Wright Architects utilised cost effective construction and materials including Thrutone Smooth fibre cement slates throughout this highly energy-efficient private house situated on a 180-acre arable farm in West Sussex.

LAMILUX designed, manufactured and installed this glazed 'Geo Grid' infill roof / rooflight to the courtyard of the Sir David Bell Building at Roehampton University. With the main atria designed with a 3° pitch leading to an integrated 30° angle, this unusual shaped glass roof consists of an array of 59 triangular and square shaped glass panels.

St George Wharf consists of 750 apartments and offices, cafés, restaurants, a health and fitness centre as well as an international hotel. The project centres around 5 towers ascending in steps up to the 22nd storey. The top levels, directly under the striking wing-roofs, consist of penthouse suites with sea-green glass facades. Due to the fantastic location of St. George Wharf a complex has been created, which offers a high level of exclusivity, convenience and comfort. JORDAHL® supplied anchor channels JTA for connecting the elements of the glass façade.

Mono M311 Glass Infill Top FixOrbis OS211 Glass Infill Top Fix As part of the North West Fire PFI scheme, the Southport Community Fire Station provided improved facilities for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the North West Ambulance Service.The client’s main objectives were to create well designed facilities to a high architectural standard and provide a safe and healthy environment. Designed and built by Balfour Beatty Construction, this new 6 bay station included community-orientated facilities, training facilities, rest rooms, additional office space and two staircases.In line with the client’s vision, Delta Balustrades were appointed by Balfour Beatty to design, supply and install handrails and balustrades to both staircases and an external balcony area. Combining a minimalistic look and feel with a high quality stainless steel finish, the Mono system with clear glass infill panels was chosen for the main staircase. For the rear stair and external areas, the Orbis system with powder coated uprights was chosen.

Experience Spectacular Laminated Glass Designs with evguard® Raffles DohaMarina District, Lusail City, 4747 Doha, QatarAnchored between desert and sea, Raffles Doha curves majestically skyward, one half of the mighty Katara Towers, an iconic waterfront landmark in the Lusai Marina district. This 5-star destination and as Qatar's first all-suite hotel (132 suites), it is ideally located close to many attractions and a bustling entertainment district and is bringing a new wave of elegance and glamour to the country.Doha’s scimitar-shaped Katara Towers represent an architectural marvel and inside the landmark building, Raffles created a marvel of hospitality. Designer Marcel Wanders’ design impresses with arches, intricate masonry, handcrafted ceilings and latticework.Spectra Arts/Qatar contributed with the spectacular laminated glass design with evguard®Spectra Arts has been in the glass industry for decades and is known for the beautiful glass roof and skylight installations. Spectra Arts is mastering the creation of timeless hand-made pieces crafted by their artists and fabrication of classic to contemporary panels using the latest glass machinery.Photos – Raffles Doha / laminated glass by MEBG&SpectraArts Contact Spectra Arts, Qatar for more information on the project:Spectra ArtsTel: +974 44581112email: info@spectraarts.comwww.spectraarts.comevguard® laminating film has many adaptable uses for both laminated safety, security and architectural glass. evguard® is highly adaptable to varying conditions, and undertakes the most stringent tests to mark its quality, durability & safety. Contact MEBG for #evguard® in the Middle East Issa OSMAN issaosman@gmebusiness.com+961 3 145 155Nagham OsmanNagham.osman@gmebusiness.comAline Daheraline.daher@gmebusiness.com+961 1 511081Contact GlassParts for #evguard® in UK & IrelandTony Mallick +44 7392 458390tony@glassparts.co.ukwww.glassparts.co.uk

Located in Manaus, the heart of the Brazilian rain forest, the Arena Amazônia stadium was a FIFA World Cup 2014 venue. It features Q-railing glass railings, posted balustrades and handrails. The handrails and railings run between stadium areas and are used in staircases and exits. Faced with stringent requirements, Q-railing’s record in other stadium projects spoke volumes. Nearly 8,000 metres of Q-railing products were installed, including Easy Glass Slim, Easy Glass 3kN glass balustrades and Q-line baluster railings. Q-railing products, with their clean, contemporary design, are a perfect match for its unique architecture.

St. Elmo is a newly built private residence located in Epsom, London. The architects contacted Q-railing to inquire about a glass railing that would allow maximum light into the master bedroom and enable uninterrupted views of the garden. Q-railing recommended a fascia mount balustrade on the balcony using its Easy Glass MOD 0747 stand-off railing system and a 40 x 40 mm cap rail. The internal staircase is equipped with Q-railing’s 42.4 mm stainless handrails and MOD 0148 off-set stainless brackets. Outside, the elegant Easy Glass Pro glass balustrade was installed.

DCM were delighted to be named as the successful bidder in the contract for the resurfacing of Flaxton Rainbow.Originally installed as a Lottery funded project in 2011, the stepped rainbow square had become difficult and time-consuming to maintain. West Lancashire Borough Council released a tender for the preparation and resurfacing of the steps, which required coloured aggregate to match the original design.Project Manager at WLBC commented:“We were very impressed with the quality of the work completed by DCM at Flaxton Rainbow.The installation team worked to schedule to finish the job. They were tidy and considerate and had a friendly manner. At the end of the install, the teams cleared up carefully and left a first-class finish.We are delighted with the result and it is certainly proving extremely popular with the local residents!I can thoroughly recommend DCM as an installer, and will keep them in mind for future surfacing works.”

If a small town with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants decides to build a multi-purpose hall, special care needs be taken over money. The Swabian town of Altdorf has shown that this can be done. The municipality, located in the Esslingen district, chose an unusual way, one that was also unknown territory for the architect. The people of Altdorf opted for an industrial hall that was expanded into a multi-purpose hall. The challenge for the architect Werner Krepela was to equip this functional hall so that it complies with all current safety regulations and, in doing so, fulfils its new function as a sports and multi-purpose hall.At the centre of the 50 x 28 m hall is a football pitch measuring almost 1,000 m². An unfilled LigaGrass Synergy with mineral support grain was laid as turf. The 978 square metre pitch, the largest indoor football pitch ever built by Polytan, is surrounded by a system of boards and a piping netting system at the sides and above the pitch. The boards and nets can be easily removed to enable the hall to also be used for other public purposes.

The largest SolaGlide retractable glass roof in the UK is the talk of the town! Installed by Breezefree at The Hawk's Nest in London’s Shepherd’s Bush.Working with the team at Birdhouse London, we were presented with the challenge of transforming their outdoor space at The Hawk’s Nest into a flexible all-year space, whatever the weather. Challenges included satisfying the requirements of TfL due to the tube line running immediately above, as well as the venue’s request to have a space to trade in during construction work.The result is a chic hospitality space with a sliding roof that offers options for open airiness or full enclosure from the elements. The roof also offers significant soundproofing, reducing impact on neighbours on their most lively nights. The transformation means that the venue can offer their delicious cocktails, and pizzas that have to be tasted to be believed, underneath an elevated and stylish roof that will help draw diners and revellers for years to come.

During the restoration process the external façade was decorated to create high quality light Portland stone and bath stone paint effects, onto the render substrate, using KEIM Restauro Lasur. The subtle stone appearance created by the system will offer unparalleled longevity and protection. The colours are UV stable and therefore will not fade and the coating is moisture vapour permeable so doesn’t trap moisture in the substrate.

Albion Riverside is a high-end residential and commercial development located on the southwest bank of the River Thames. It is between two listed and historic bridges – Albert Bridge and Battersea Bridge and not too far from Westminster. It has been built to create a dynamic quarter in Battersea, London, on the upper floors there are apartments and on lower levels are shops, art galleries and an indoor pool. KEIM Concretal Lasur was applied in 2003 to the V Beams and the swimming pool soffits to improve the concrete appearance whilst still maintaining a natural concrete effect.

Asta House, part of the 80 Charlotte Street development, comprises 22 apartments which have been designed with rich detail and luxurious materials throughout. The wide-windowed brick and slate building was decorated with KEIM Royalan to give a stylish, sleek finish.  

This 12 year old, sea-facing property suffered from pink algae growth affecting the textured through-colour render and copings stones. There was a leak to the external staircase and the balcony downspout, which caused staining and what appeared to be salt efflorescence; this area required attention prior to decoration. KEIM Royalan was specified on the sea-facing elevation to protection the property from harsh weather conditions and give a long lasting, colour-fast and decorative matt finish. KEIM Lotexan was applied onto the coping stones to help shed water and reduce algae growth.

Last week saw our first Delivery of Gypsol Complete binder to Notts Contractors in Yelland Barnstaple in the South West of England.John Andrews, Plant manager at Notts Contractors commented, ‘We are pleased to have overseen our first successful delivery of Complete without any complications. As we were unloading Gypsol Complete into the silo, the material was being produced for delivery to the site, ensuring a much faster batching process and increasing our ability to deliver in short lead times.’ The batches of Gypsol Complete were then delivered to AJ Wilson in North Devon, UK, at two sites in Lifton and Buckland Brewer.

In January, Gypsol HTC screed was installed to the ground floors of a new self-build home in North Lincolnshire, UK.The four bedroom, self-build, detached home saw 160 square metres of Gypsol Anhydrite Screed installed by Z K Flow Screed. The floor screed was designed to be placed over underfloor heating, with a depth ranging from 40 – 70mm. It was produced by Ever Readymix in Sandtoft and the pour completed in one day.

At SharkNinja’s flagship offices within the iconic Battersea Power Station development, partitioning expert Style worked with Bowman Riley architects, and contractor, Ben Johnson Interiors, to create flexible internal space to meet the working needs of this forward-thinking company.A Dorma Hüppe Variflex glass moveable wall divides a section of the café, creating a large meeting room. A solid Variflex wall allows the space to be further divided into two smaller areas.This chic solution perfectly complements the contemporary décor whilst the impressive acoustic ratings of the walls of 52dB and 55dB respectively, provides exceptional privacy when the café is busy. The semi-automatic operation of both systems ensures the acoustic seals are always applied to exactly the correct pressure whilst improving ease of manoeuvrability for staff.SharkNinja, is the maker of class-leading Shark® vacuums and the innovative line of Ninja® kitchen appliances, positively impacting daily life in homes around the world. The new offices at Battersea Power Station spread over 25,000 square feet and forms a key part of the company’s continued expansion.Style is the UK’s sole distributor for both Dorma and Skyfold partitioning walls, offering specialist solutions for all requirements and budgets across multiple market sectors.In addition to the two Dorma Hüppe Variflex walls, Style also installed a simple, yet highly effective manually operated folding wall in the demonstration room, allowing the space to be divided into two separate areas, when required.“This is a great example of how different types of moveable walls suit different requirements,” said Michael Porter, Style’s group sales director.“As a key area for gatherings and meetings, the combination of the glass and solid Variflex systems was perfect for the café area as it maintains an open plan feel, and a very stylish design, while also offering the practicality of being able to create adaptable meeting rooms when required.“In the demonstration room, the requirements were specific, and the folding wall was just what was needed to create simple space division.”

Fibre bonded Array carpets provided durability and performance in this high-traffic environment. Carpet tiles could be cut on-site without the risk of fraying. Matched the University’s corporate colour scheme and complemented the interiors of other buildings on campus.

As specialists in entrance matting, INTRA’s unique disc shaped product allowed maximum creative potential. The circle design and ruby red fibre allowed a perfect expression of the brand’s innovative history from the moment any visitor walks in.

The challenge was to construct a roof top extension on top of the luxury hotel NOBU in Shoreditch. The plan was to add an additional 1 storey of hotel rooms, suites, dining areas and open terraces that would replace the existing planted roof. The chosen solution was Tarmac Toplight C lightweight structural concrete in a pump mix with the addition of steel fibres, ensuring maximum weight loss of 35% with no compromise on structural concrete performance.By adding steel fibres into the lightweight mix the composite metal deck system could be installed without the need for traditional expensive and slow steel reinforcement across the deck. The use of lightweight concrete, furthermore, reduced the load by 35% which meant the existing structure did not need to be reinforced or under pinned. The construction programme time was also reduced considerably.

Two shades of blue, light and dark, formally in glass panels, needed to be replicated when the glass was removed and replaced within areas of the rainscreen façade and spandrel panels across all levels of a student accommodation tower block in Kings Cross, London.Powdertech was sent shards of blue glass from the old windows, to match with a powder coating both in shade and gloss level. Working in close contact with the client Powdertech directed one of its powder manufacturers to make two unique shades of blue to match the old glass in both colour and gloss. Powdertech coated 4500 sq m of aluminium spandrel panels of sizes ranging from 350mm by 2500 mm to a larger size of 900mm by 4500mm.The non-combustible cladding panels are designed to help prevent fire damage quickly and easily spreading as part of the system. They perform to technical criteria, sound insulation and thermal performance and reduce environmental issues. Powdertech’s powder coatings and application techniques all conform to reaction to fire rating A2-s1,d0, thus contributing to the fire safety of the panels

Eternit has supplied fibre cement sheeting in Sherwood to a new livery stable in Reading, Berkshire. The previous stable had burnt down during a ferocious fire, which was fuelled by bitumen based roofing materials used on the original building.

An impressive featured walkway using Vuba's resin bound surfacing! Who are Vuba Resin Bound? We’re a team of award-winning inventors, manufacturers and pioneers in the Trade and DIY Resin Bound market.Established in 2009, we’ve spent the last decade formulating and developing an innovative range of resin Bound surfacing products. Customer service and product quality are at the heart of what we do. With new resin bound products coming out all the time, launching in new and expanding resin bound markets, there’s never been a more exciting time to be part of the Vuba resin revolution.

The market town of Peiting has a little under 12,000 residents. Villa Rustica, a stately Roman estate, shows that settlers were attracted to the current town’s geographical situation on the banks of the Lech as long as 2,000 years ago. Today, tourists and locals alike can find almost unlimited opportunities for physical activity, such as cross country, cycling or hiking tours. In the 40 different areas of the town, there are numerous sports facilities, including an ice rink, bowling alleys, a riding arena, tennis courts, football pitches and fitness trails.At the centrally located Birkenried Sports Centre, we have now replaced the previous tartan track – after an incredible 41 years of intensive use by athletes of the athletics club, TSV Peiting. Rekortan AS GT was installed on the running circuit. In the special colour Chili Red, our water-based spray-coated surface is visually eye-catching too. In one of the sectors, lines have been painted for a small, multifunctional playing field. In the opposite sector, are facilities for long jump and high jump. Our water-permeable Rekortan AS GT fulfils all the requirements for competitive running tracks and multi-purpose facilities, and is a viable alternative to conventional pour-coated running track surfaces, not least because it is quick and easy to install. Another advantage: the innovative multisport surface is yet another environmentally product from the Polytan Green Technology portfolio.A unique highlight of the running circuit track is the installation of Polytan SMART, our high-precision system for professional performance diagnostics. It is primarily used for classic running disciplines in athletics, as well as long jump and high jump. The Polytan SMART system consists of integrated, maintenance-free, magnetic timing gates that are permanently and securely installed in the ground. It is accompanied by a sensor weighing only 15 grams and the tried-and-tested diagnostics software from our partner Humotion. Amateur athletes simply use their smartphone, worn in a running belt on their person, combined with the free Smart Run app. The measurements – such as distance, time, number of steps and step frequency – are evaluated and analysed directly in the app. In Peiting, a total of 38 timing gates have been installed in the track: 18 in the two tracks of the hundred-metre sprinting track, 12 in the running circuit, and 8 in the long jump area. Thanks to digital measurement sensors, the renovated running track in Peiting is one of the most cutting-edge in Bavaria – alongside similar tracks at Augsburg University and TU Munich. There, athletes of the TSV Peiting athletics club can train under professional conditions. The club hopes that the highly modern track will attract young people to athletics and generate enthusiasm for the sport.Directly adjacent to the running circuit is a multifunctional, all-weather pitch, equipped with our durable all-round surface, PolyPlay SE. Its smooth surface and good ball bounce make the single-layer synthetic surface ideal for ball sports and a variety of outdoor activities. Its water-permeability helps the surface dry quickly, while also making it fully slip-resistant. As a result, our synthetic surface can be used year round as an all-weather pitch. Thanks to the colour scheme in bold Chili Red, the multifunctional sports pitch matches the neighbouring running circuit – an eye-catching sight against the scenic backdrop of the nearby Alps.

Architects Gradolí & Sanz designed Imagine Montessori School in Paterna, Valencia with a brief to minimise energy use throughout the lifespan of the building. As a result, the school is the first in Spain to achieve both BREEAM Excellent and GREEN 4 Leaves. Set within a pine forest, accessed through wooden walkways, the school forms a connection with nature at every level. In classrooms where learning zones are accessed freely by the children, the use of timber on both walls and floors sustain the relationship with nature and acts as a peaceful, unifying backdrop. Junckers’ Oak Variation two-strip flooring was matched by wood panelling in pine. The building makes use of building materials with the lowest ecological footprint. The design and carefully selected materials have enabled an energy saving of 70% being achieved compared to similar buildings. Wood, a material with a low carbon footprint, is used in the structure of the building, in the roof panel as well as in interior and exterior enclosures. All Junckers solid wood floors are FSC® and PEFC™ certified and we have recently completed EPDs for all our floors, providing data in relation to the environmental impact of the manufacture of our flooring. 

Polytan: A broad spectrum at the Revierpark Vonderort, OberhausenIN THE MIDST OF TRANSFORMATIONThe Revierpark Vonderort in Oberhausen is designed as a family-friendly local attraction: in the middle of an expansive park landscape, various immersive worlds with sports, swimming and wellness facilities invite visitors and guests to experience leisure with all their senses – from sports and games to relaxation and action, all the way through to cultural experiences and nature – the park has it all. Activities and nature discovery are given equal emphasis under the slogan “Park in motion”.In the course of the renovation and revitalisation of what is known as the “exercise hill”, the concept of a multisports area was developed. It offers a wealth of different sports activities, including pump tracks for children and adults, a parkours and calisthenics area, a running circuit and a sprint track. A miniature playing field and various team sports fields invite guests to try out fun and trendy sports disciplines together. The goal of the project, which cost around 1.33 million euros, was to motivate as many target groups as possible to move more by expanding the existing, mostly monostructural sports facilities in the Oberhausen area with new, freely accessible leisure opportunities. Alongside the standard, traditional sports, the new facilities were to accommodate popular new trend sports as well. We installed suitable surfaces in several of these modern, innovative sports facilities.The sprint track, running circuit and one of the two miniature playing fields, which is designed for basketball and volleyball, feature our “classic” Rekortan M in the colour brick red. The poured in-situ surface is suitable for athletics stadiums, competitive running tracks and school sports facilities, and is loved by professionals and amateurs alike – not least, thanks to its exceptionally high, joint-friendly shock absorption. It is ideal for running disciplines in particular, as it is suitable for spikes and lends itself to speed.The second miniature playing field, which is intended for football and hockey, and the multipurpose arena are equipped with Poligras, complete with CoolPlus function. We developed this unfilled synthetic turf system to meet the requirements of a professional hockey turf. Its outstanding properties include high wear resistance, good water storage, and permanent crimping. Poligras stands out for its extraordinary volume and durability – and yet, despite this robustness, the surface is exceptionally soft and feels pleasant to the touch. The special Polytan CoolPlus function prevents the surface from heating up too quickly or intensely in strong sunlight. This reduces water consumption, helping ensure environmentally friendly use.In future, the multipurpose field will be used as a Yalp arena, appealing to the youngest athletes. Yalp is “play” backwards and refers to the integration of technology in games, sport and outdoor education. In the compact, interactive arena, children and young people get to move with lots of opportunities for ball contact. Since the game takes place within a small space, every player is involved at all times. The slanted corners and four goals on each side of the arena keep the game and all its players in motion.The fitness area and calisthenics facility are secured with our PolyPlay FS GT fall protection surface, which has a cushioning effect for maximum protection against injuries underneath the sports and gym equipment. The sky blue surface on the exercise hill is bulk-coated and water-permeable, as well as exceptionally low-maintenance. Optimum resistance to weathering and decay are the basis for its long service life and low maintenance costs. Fall protection surfaces are known to be the more hygienic, lower-maintenance and, above all, safer option, compared with sandpits.With the renovation of the exercise hill, the project orchestrators from the Ruhr Regional Association (RVR) have not only provided a wide variety of sports and exercise opportunities for young and old, but responded to increasingly apparent general trends in sports behaviour. Many sports clubs and municipalities have observed increasing disinterest in traditional organised club sports, and in its place, the growing popularity of self-organised sports in the public sphere. The facility at the Revierpark Vonderort was completed in summer 2022 and is now open free-of-charge to young and old sports fans alike.📐 Dipl.-Ing. Wolfgang R. Mueller (Landschaftsarchitekten BDLA); Dipl.-Ing Norbert Seeger (Seeger Landschaftsarchitektur)

Mono M311 Glass Infill Top FixThrough the early design stages of this impressive project, Delta Balustrades worked closely with the Liverpool based architects to develop the specification, design and technical details of the balustrade system.As one of the main features of the building, the Mono balustrade system to stairs, atriums, and external terraces with its minimalistic and subtle appearance, transformed the architect’s vision into reality.To meet requirements for buildings designed for children a lower handrail at 600mm above pitch line was required to the stair balustrades and the glass infill panels were required to extend to 1500mm above FFL and stair pitch line.On site close cooperation with the main contractor was necessary to conceal the baluster fixings below the finished floor level in line with the architect’s specification. Externally, this required an early fix of the balustrades without the glass infills, to enable the contractor to complete the waterproofing in view of subsequent trades progressing.

Take a look at this before and after of a brand new Vuba Resin Bound Surfacing Swimming pool surround. Showing just how much resin bound surfacing can transform an area!Who are Vuba Resin Bound? We’re a team of award-winning inventors, manufacturers and pioneers in the Trade and DIY Resin Bound market.Established in 2009, we’ve spent the last decade formulating and developing an innovative range of resin Bound surfacing products. Customer service and product quality are at the heart of what we do. With new resin bound products coming out all the time, launching in new and expanding resin bound markets, there’s never been a more exciting time to be part of the Vuba resin revolution.

It’s not very often we can say we’ve laid 2,600 metres of resin surface dressing in one job! But this month we can … and what a result!Other highlights included 120 metres of resin bound paving to access roads and shared driveways for Davidson Homes and a resin bound Dementia Garden at the Evington Centre, Leicester General Hospital.

The Purple and Green MSCPs have capacity for more than 4,000 vehicles across five levels. The project’s scope involved concrete repair, structural strengthening using carbon fibre laminates, the replacement of the conduits, movement joints, drainage channels and deck waterproofing.

Resin bound Addabound porous surfacing for sports complex swimming pool surround.Addagrip approved contractor Total Protection (GB) Ltd has installed 294m2 of Addabound Resin Bound surfacing around the swimming pool at the David Lloyd Gym in East Acton, London.The client was looking for a decorative Resin Bound paving for the outdoor swimming pool at the gym which has just undergone a £9m refurbishment to provide an indoor and outdoor pool, modern spa and racquet courts. The requirement was for a low maintenance system that would be smooth and comfortable underfoot, providing a decorative aggregate finish that could be power washed as part of the cleaning regime of the pool area.Interserve Construction appointed Total Protection (GB) Ltd to prepare the surface and install 294m2 of BBA approved Addabound Resin Bound surfacing in a recycled marble Dune blend.The challenge was the preparation required to the existing surfaces surrounding and adjacent to the outdoor pool to ensure a suitable substrate for the Resin Bound system. Undulations and differing depths were regulated with compatible screed material and an aluminium edge detail was installed to provide an edge for the 12mm depth of Addabound.The new surface was installed in a single application in May 2018 to prevent any day joints and ensure the smooth, seamless finish was achieved in time for the grand opening.

The Priscilla Bacon Lodge in Norfolk is a new £12.5 million hospice that will provide state-of-the-art palliative care for 24 patients alongside day care facilities, a wellness centre, gym and community hub for those being cared for at home. It will also be used for education and research into palliative and end-of-life care. The facility, designed by LSI Architects and delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction, features both traditional masonry cavity walls, and a masonry rainscreen façade.  Meeting the brief At just two stories high, the building doesn’t fall under building regulations that ban combustible materials in the wall build-up. But even so, combustibility was a key factor when it came to specifying the insulation. Jordan Armstrong, Associate at LSI Architects explained: “As a practice we always try to minimise fire risk, especially for a project like The Priscilla Bacon Lodge, which will house extremely vulnerable people. So, it was essential that the materials we used were non-combustible, which meant mineral wool insulation was the only solution. “We regularly use Knauf Insulation products, so we specified DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 for the cavity walls because it’s a high-performing glass mineral wool insulation that we expected could meet our required 0.16 W/m2K U-value. We were also keen to specify their Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for partially filled cavity walls because then we would have one manufacturer for the whole build, and we think the products will work well together.” DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 is full-fill insulation solution with a thermal conductivity of 0.032W/mK. While Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for partially filled cavity walls is a rock mineral wool product with a thermal conductivity of 0.034W/mK. Both products are BBA certified for the application. In addition to non-combustibility and thermal performance, both products also offer sound reduction characteristics. Ease of installation Both DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 and Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab contain a water repellent additive that preserves the integrity of the slabs while they are exposed during construction.  The products are also designed to be easy to install correctly. They are sized to suit standard centres for installation between wall ties or brick restraint systems. Slabs are robust so they can be manoeuvred into place while maintaining the flexibility required to adapt to minor imperfections in the substrate to prevent gaps that reduce thermal, fire and acoustic performance.  Lastly, they are both manufactured using ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique bio-based binder, which contains no added formaldehyde or phenol. It is made from natural raw materials that are rapidly renewable, and is 70% less energy-intensive to manufacture than traditional binders, so it is more environmentally friendly. The product is soft to touch, easy to handle, and generates low levels of dust and VOCs. So, when it came to specifying the insulation for the Priscilla Bacon Lodge, Knauf Insulation’s DriTherm® Cavity Slab 32 and Rocksilk® RainScreen Slab for partially filled cavity walls ticked all the boxes. 

Spitbank Fort was originally built in 1878 and was part of a group of forts designed to defend the mouth of the Solent. This project created challenging circumstances for wood flooring because the structure is metal and is over 130 years old. Surrounded by sea creating high, fluctuating humidity and the structure was round so most of the boards had to be re-manufactured to fit. There were height restrictions because there were numerous arches creating low points and all the services had to be laid on the existing substrate thus raising the finished floor level to accommodate them