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The Body Studio encompasses over 3,400 square meters of retail luxuriousness at London department store Selfridges. It is not only the largest department in the famous building on Oxford Street but also was described ‘as the world’s most ambitious architectural transformation’ of a heritage department store’.InOpera Group supplied custom-made Venetian terrazzo with white marble chippings, in the courtyard, near the escalators.Chinese studio Neri&Hu, which has offices in London and Shanghai, was tasked to overhaul and transform the area in a bid to ‘re-imagine’ the way women shop for everything bodywear. The retail complex also offers a beauty salon and a cafe.The founders of the studio, Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu combined Japanese and Californian design references for their concept, aiming to create an environment that was neither too sexy nor too boring.Within the department different types of clothing are displayed in their own spaces, where similar types of materials are used in a variety of ways, creating a series of pockets that shift in atmosphere, light and materials.For instance, a prominent element in the loungewear area is the backlit Japanese paper screens – known as shoji – with bamboo-effect frames, oriental lanterns above the escalators, and surrounded by grey terrazzo floor.The terrazzo we’ve created has a cement base and honed finish. From a utilitarian perspective, the material is suitable for high-traffic areas. Whereas the large marble chippings with organic shapes complement the airy, calm and zen atmosphere that the architects aimed to achieve.Terrazzo is a very versatile material when it comes to design. When creating a custom material, the architects have the flexibility of combining marble chips of various sizes and colours to get the desired effect. The product is then refined, through various treatments and finishes, to meet the technical and safety requirements of a given project.

Built in 1986, Dukes Court was viewed as a symbol of Woking’s economic growth, offering 220,000 sq. ft. of premium office accommodation. These works will ensure Dukes Court continues to play an important role in the town’s future.The front of Dukes Court underwent an extensive remodelling, creating a landscaped pedestrianised public plaza and restaurant with outdoor seating. The building features an impressive full height living ‘green’ wall, which is one of the tallest in Europe. The building is arranged over five blocks which are accessed via three separate reception areas, leading to the flexible floor plates which all benefit from excellent natural light.Other features include:A larger than life statue of composer and suffragette Dame Ethel Smyth will proudly conduct passers-by in the centre of the pedestrianised plaza.New signage and pedestrian routes which will enhance the visitor experience.Relocation of main vehicle entrance from Dukes Street to Stanley RoadMaybury Road, Stanley Road and The Broadway junctions improvements.Granite from around the world (mainly the far east) included BBS Steel (mid grey) granite, Haze (silver grey) granite, Barzan (black) basalt, and Peppercorn (pink) granite.

Stoneworld have supplied Brazilian Slate and Raj Green Sandstone paving and pool copings

BRENT CROSS SUBSTATIONIf there was ever an image to uphold our notion that Downer rainscreen framing isn’t ‘just metal’, it’s this one.Brent Cross Town, which is being delivered by Related Argent and Barnet Council – has recently unveiled this powerful and vibrant piece of art. One of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe, Brent Cross Town has ‘wrapped’ this eye-catching substation in a 21-metre-high permanent public artwork – all of which sits on our robust, sustainably-friendly Downer HELPING HAND framing.Here we come, here we rise’, created by celebrated artist Lakwena in collaboration with architects IF_DO, consists of four undulating bands and triangular-shaped lenticular panels that create a kaleidoscopic visual effect to emphasise the idea of movement as viewers move around the structure. IF_DOThe project has also brought back to life a piece of brownfield, ex-industrial land with the creation of a newly landscaped embankment designed by Gillespies.Brent Cross Town is the neighbourhood at the heart of the Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration programme. It is a joint venture between Related Argent and Barnet Council to develop a large-scale mixed-use development including new homes, retail and office space, as well as improved schools and green spaces in the area.We’re so proud to have been involved in this striking project, courtesy of our client, installers FIFTH ELEVATION LIMITED and are pleased to see that we’re living and breathing our brand message. Downer. It’s never ‘just metal.WE’RE EQUALLY THRILLED TO HAVE RECEIVED THIS EXCELLENT QUOTE FROM FIFTH ELEVATION'THANKS ANDY AND THANK YOU AND JUAN FOR YOUR EXCELLENT SERVICE (THE BESPOKE ENGINEERING PACK FOR THE DOWNER SYSTEM WAS EXCELLENT) AND EXCELLENT PRODUCTS – WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU AGAIN SOON.' LUKE, FIFTH ELEVATIONQUOTE FROM TEAM LEAD – ANDY CREEDY'SUCH AN IMPRESSIVE PROJECT. WE WERE THRILLED TO WORK IN DEPTH WITH FIFTH ELEVATION WHO DESIGNED THIS PROJECT. JUAN CID BARATO HAD TO INVEST SO MUCH TIME AND PROVIDED SO MUCH MORE THAN OUR STANDARD ENGINEERING OFFERING. WE ALSO ENLISTED A 3RD PARTY ENGINEER TO HELP WITH DESIGN. THANK YOU LEE SHEPHERD AND LUKE FOR TAKING THE TIME TO WORK WITH US ON THIS AS IT WAS QUITE A LENGTHY PROCESS WITH LOTS OF IN PERSON AND TEAMS MEETINGS TO MAKE THIS WORK. BUT CLEARLY THE RESULT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. TRULY STUNNING. EVERYONE SHOULD BE SO PROUD. GREAT PROJECT.'OUR ORIGINAL HELPING HAND SYSTEMAs the original HELPING HAND framing system, it seems fitting that our Downer aluminium rainscreen framing system has been used here to support such a vivid and unique public piece of art.Come rain, or shine, regardless of the cold, frost or rain; Downer can be installed all year round, and offers ultimate weather resistance.Find out more about our DCS031 system here: https://downerframing.com/dcs031-helping-handIf you would like to find out more about our Downer Framing systems, please get in touch here: https://downerframing.com/#contact-usFind out more about how you can optimise your next rainscreen framing project here. Images thanks to John Sturrock Related Argent.

DOWNER, OFFERS A HELPING HAND FOR ANS GLOBAL MOXY HOTELOUR ORIGINAL ALUMINIUM RAINSCREEN FRAMING, DOWNER, OFFERS A HELPING HAND FOR ANS GLOBALWe’re really pleased to share this latest Downer framing projects, courtesy of our client ANS Global.Working in conjunction with Jehu Group, ANS Global have been pivotal in developing this £8.65m boutique hotel in Bristol’s City Centre. They were instructed to create three separate living walls, two on the main brick façade, and one under a covered walkway. As you can see in the images.Hidden beneath this impressive living wall facade, is Architectural Panel Solutions' aluminium rainscreen sub-structure framing system Downer – the original helping hand rainscreen framing system. Specifically, our DCS031 helping hand brackets and rails.IN THE WORDS OF ANS GLOBAL:6,240 plants now thrivingOver the three living walls, 6,240 plants are now thriving and growing, bringing benefits for the local environment and the community. In fact, having something as unique and eye-catching as plants on or around your property has in some studies shown to increase real estate values by up to 20%.MORE ABOUT OUR DOWNER THE ORIGINAL HELPING HAND ALUMINIUM CLADDING FRAMINGMade in Britain – our Downer aluminium rainscreen framing is the original helping hand framing system which continues to be created here in our Hastings factory, since 1987.Downer is a versatile ‘off-the-shelf’ rainscreen cladding support for most facades.Downer extrusions are manufactured from grade 6000 structural and recyclable aluminiumOur Downer solutions cover all types of fixing applicationsEngineered to perform: energy efficiency, versatility, strength, durability, protectionBBA approved for complete assurance – tested to the extremeCutting service availableExtensive UK stocks with items dispatched in 2-3 daysFixings specified for each system and stocked (EJOT)Technical know-how underpins our Downer framing salesValue engineered – If you need specific support for your facade framing calculations, thermal calculations, or for advice on how best to maximise your framing solution the APS team is on-hand to help.

Downer our original helping hand, aluminium rainscreen framing system, helps lead the way for this exemplary education sector project.In the words of leading education sector architects – Bond Bryan, The Broxbourne School is a beacon for excellence for modern education.Architectural Panel Solution's Downer rainscreen framing system - DCS031 was used extensively for this ambitious projects as you can see from the supporting suite of images.A vibrant and contemporary aesthetic was achieved thanks to the complementing, highly durable Swisspearl fibre cement facade panels – Vintago (Colours: VI 061, VI 091) fixed with Sika adhesive onto Swisspearl’s Sigma8 mechanical secret fixing system, and our original Downer DCS031 framing.Architectural Panel Solutions was extremely proud to have won an award for this project in last year’s Facade Awards, thanks to an excellent collaboration with SD Samuels (Special Projects) Ltd, Bond Bryan Architects, ArchitecturePLB, Mid Group Ltd LtdFind out more on our website and check out the photography on the architects’ and installers websites too.https://bondbryan.co.uk/project/the-broxbourne-school/https://www.sdsamuels.co.uk/broxbourne-school/https://downerframing.com/downer-framing-used-extensively-for-the-broxbourne-school

‘Elements of drama and delight’ Petrarch accents bring a sense of elegance and refinement… As the centrepiece of the magnificent £20 million Dylan Coastal Resort, the design brief for Milk Wood House Spa dictated the need for laid-back luxury. ‘Heralded by the luxury resort sector as ‘world-class,’ Milk Wood House Spa sets a new benchmark.’“We wanted to create a building that felt as though it was hewn out of the landscape, embracing and engaging with its setting. The design inspiration was both the immediate and distant setting on the edge of the River Taf Estuary.Lead architect and Associate Director of LP ArchitectsInspirational design “The building is contemporary and sleek, and we wanted the interior to feel seamless with the architectural design – so we worked closely with the architects and client to select the building cladding, which we then wrapped into the interior to unify with the exterior and enhance the connection to the outdoors.”Interior designer, Louise James of Blackthorn Design StudioWhy Petrarch? Created primarily from crushed marble Petrarch was a fitting choice in terms of the ecological ethos of the development. It’s lightweight nature and appealing aesthetic were also key reasons for its utilisation. https://www.prp-co.uk/what-we-do/architecture/milk-wood-house-499

Downer Designer helps contractors and specifiers design and cost rainscreen framing systems.A next-generation, dedicated, free-to-use platform for the real-time development, creation and costing of rainscreen cladding framing designs has been launched by leading UK manufacturer Downer Framing.Downer the original Helping Hand framing solution was one of the first rainscreen cladding framing systems on the UK market. BBA approved, tested to the extreme and officially Made in Britain, in its factory near Hastings, it set the benchmark in 1988.Now the company has launched Downer Designer – a free-to-use online tool which enables contractors, installers and specifiers to outline their project-specific rainscreen requirements to generate optimised framing designs. All of which is stored and managed in their own personal online account.Users simply enter the information they know, along with any detail-specific needs for new build or refurbishment projects in the commercial, education, healthcare, retail, leisure and transportation sectors. The technical team at Downer Framing will then provide: static and thermal calculations (up to 10 static calculations per project element), relevant costs, optimised component and fixing configurations, and NBS specification. All of which can be printed off or saved as a pdf. The user process can take as little as 10 minutes, and the Downer Technical team aim to have a Project Pack ready within just 24 hours.The interfacing software which Downer Designer connects with is created by a team of specialist structural engineers. The user-friendly platform enables contractors, installers and specifiers to optimise even the most complex rainscreen framing projects from the very first instance, saving the design team not only money, but time and inconvenience.Information required ranges from building height, cladding area, wind load references and construction type, through static calculations such as product type, panel thickness and weight, horizontal fix centres, and facade/soffit, to cavity depth, rail lengths and cantilevers, substrate, stud grade and centres, wall build up and target U-values.Juan Barato, Downer Framing’s Technical Manager (part of Architectural Panel Solutions - a leading UK manufacturer and supplier of rainscreen systems and solutions) reflected: “While we focused on building our framing systems portfolio, we also realised we needed to help our customers design and price those systems, so Downer Designer was developed to do just that in the quickest and easiest way possible. Trials have proved we have got the balance just right.”Downer Designer enables framing specifiers to access a dedicated space to cost their framing projects quickly and easily. Downer Designer brings everything a customer could potentially want into one place. All new Downer Framing systems can be selected and costed in real-time, with optimised quotes aimed to be returned by our technical team within just 48 hours!

Fast-track products from F. Ball have enabled a school hall to be refurbished after damage caused by floods. To begin with, contractors removed existing wooden blocks from the floor and used a mechanical scabbler to remove old adhesive residues. Stopgap F77 one-part waterproof surface membrane was applied due to high moisture levels in the subfloor, followed by a subsequent application of Stopgap 1200 Pro to provide a smooth surface for the receipt of new wooden floorcoverings. Once cured, contractors used Styccobond B95 high performance wood flooring adhesive to install new oak blocks over the entire floor area.

This was a large roof terrace on a private domestic project. The area was flooded and had needed to be re-laid with waterproofing and a significant fall constructed into the deck to allow the often considerable amounts of rainwater to escape the roof deck. The contractor asked Wallbarn for a suitable but cost effective solution so we recommended Wallbarn 9mm rubber supports along with levelling shims. The area was re-waterproofed in the inverted waterproofing method, the membrane being covered with rigid insulation boards and a loose laid geotextile fabric to act as a separation layer .

Norstone UK is the leading provider of natural stacked stone and stone veneers in the UK. When used for interior applications such as around enclosed fire places and feature walls, Norstone recommends Hardie® Backer cement backerboard for tile and stone. Jack Jago, Director of Norstone UK, explains how the relationship with Hardie® Backer board came about: ‘we were having problems with many projects that have existing plasterboard where people wanted to tile stone on the plasterboard. But this won’t work as it will pull away half of the time as Norstone is a natural stone; it weighs 65kg per square metre.’

Stone effect PPC expertly applied to secret fix aluminium System for the picture frame to match the original intent of stone cladding. This picture frame element brought with it a very complex geometry as it set the location for all the cheek walls and soffits for the recessed balconies’.Finish: Y4312I Portland Stone

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.

Location: Cromer, NorfolkProject Type: Retirement HousingDevelopment Cost: £12mProduct: Stone Corbel Profile Fascia Soffit SystemFinish: Powdertech Corby: Sandstone Product: 75mm Contemporary Round Rainwater PipesFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 9011 Satin Client: McCarthy & Stone Retirement HomesArchitects: FB Architecture LtdMain Contractor: McCarthy & StoneSub Contractor: Roweaver Developments Ltd

Devonshire Row, 150 Bishopsgate is a residential and commercial redevelopment in Central London. The existing façade was retained amongst the area to be redeveloped. The project consisted of 97,718 square metres of floor space and includes a site area of 5,000 square metres, with 284 residential units, car parking, leisure and entertainment facilities as well as business ventures. KEIM’s remit was to coat the existing Bath stone façade to match and blend seamlessly with the new Portland Stone façade.To deal with the potential for the new stone to age differently, KEIM Fixativ was applied to preserve and prevent the surface from getting soiled.KEIM Soldalit in colour 9295 was applied to all the surfaces, followed by a two-coat application of KEIM Restauro Lasur in colours ST019 and ST002 to mimic the new Portland Stone façade.

State of the art office space, taking prominent place within the Dublin Landings masterplan on the docklands. Portland Stone Effect PPC was applied expertly to banding elements, helping to compliment the fin detailing.Finish: Y4312I Portland Stone

In looking for a full tanking solution for the ensuite bathrooms of renowned chef Michael Caines’ dream project, stone specialists Devon Stone elected to use various forms of the multi-functional tile backerboard Schlüter®-KERDI-BOARD.

A fully permeable lightly trafficked pavement in Italian Porphyry stone setts. By using Steintec's knowledge of permeable pavement construction the client was delighted to discover a natural stone alternative to the now commonplace SuDS permeable pavement in herringbone concrete block form.

Working on 100m2 per night, the entire floor of natural stone tiles had to be refurbished whilst the airport remained fully operational. The solution was a high strength ARDEX Ultra Rapid Drying Screed Cement in combination with ARDEX MICROTEC Natural Stone Adhesive, and Rapid Drying Tile Grout.

Part of the Clyde Gateway regeneration scheme, Topgolf is a start-of-the-art golfing facility recently completed by Ashfield Land, Cooper Cromar, Luddon Construction and J&D Pierce. Taylor Maxwell were pleased to supply their exclusive Stonepanel stone cladding system alongside reconstituted walling stone to the facade.

Martello Park in Pembroke, South Wales, is one of the latest developments crafted by Persimmon Homes. The housebuilder faced challenges with this project in sourcing a housebuilding product that would blend with the traditional surroundings and vintage charm of Pembroke. That was until Tobermore introduced Persimmon Homes to Country Stone Walling – an attractive yet cost-effective alternative to natural stone

The front garden consisted of the typical grass, a narrow footpath, and shrubs. It was prepared prior to arrival removing all elements including the soil which was made level and topped with a free-draining compacted stone, this is the required substrate for SureSell. Once the cellular structure is in place it's filled with loose stone and then suitable for a final layer of smooth yet permeable resin bound paving.

Rainscreen cladding specialists Metalline are the first to use an innovative stone textured finish on their range of CWCT certified Unity rainscreen cladding panels. The finish, which to the naked eye looks like stone is a perfect substitute for natural stone cladding panels and offers a range of cost saving benefits. The use of aluminum also offers the architect more design options. Metalline, who have worked closely with contractors Alumet on a number of capital projects in London presented their new finish to the design team and outlined the huge cost savings that could be achieved by specifying their aluminium Unity rainscreen panel with the new stone textured PPC applied. The external façade when completed will feature over 3000 panels, both flat and curved in stone white and include fittings and bracketry for a unitized system. This ability to mirror a natural finish on aluminium Unity rainscreen panels has led to a number of interesting approaches from developers looking to enhance the external envelope of their project. Metalline’s expertise in fascia finishes extends beyond Polyester Powder Coating applications. Taking advantage of the latest research and development into anodised finishes has seen Metalline engaged by a number of leading architects and contractors to advise and supply fabricated aluminium with an anodised finish whose colour is guaranteed for the life cycle of a building. Available in a full range of Anolok anodising finishes, specifiers are now able to enhance the aesthetic look and feel of a building’s façade in a choice of colours including Natural Silver, Bronzes from light to dark, Regency Gold 1 & 2, Black and specialist Anolok anodising II Blue-Grey and Stone-Grey finishes. The Metalline range of Unity rainscreen panels and Ultima insulated panels are made from solid aluminium and use an A1 rated non – combustible insulation core on their insulated panels to help meet the latest requirements in fire safety.

Creating a charming garden space was the main goal for this homeowner.AG’s latest range of premium block paving with a smooth finish, Tri Stone paving was the ideal match with the close-jointed, straight edges delivering a sleek, modern look with warm colour tones.Additionally, the paving added the extra benefit of being designed to need less maintenance and help prevent moss and weed growth, Tri Stone is both beautiful and practical. Kamden double-sided walling surrounded the paving to complete the garden

Creating a charming garden space was the main goal for this homeowner.AG’s latest range of premium block paving with a smooth finish, Tri Stone paving was the ideal match with the close-jointed, straight edges delivering a sleek, modern look with warm colour tones.Additionally, the paving added the extra benefit of being designed to need less maintenance and help prevent moss and weed growth, Tri Stone is both beautiful and practical. Kamden double-sided walling surrounded the paving to complete the garden.

Location: Chippenham, WiltshireProject Type: Retirement HousingDevelopment Cost: £10mProduct: Meridian Wall CopingDF Rainscreen PanelsWindow SurroundsFinish: Syntha Pulvin RAL 7036 Matt Platinum GreyFire rating: A2 s1, d0 Non-combustible (Reaction to Fire EN BS 13501-1:2018)Client: McCarthy & Stone Retirement HomesArchitects: HGP LtdMain Contractor: McCarthy & StoneSub Contractor: Stafford Rainwater Systems Ltd

Set in beautiful grounds this former coach house is nestled in a picturesque Cotswold village.This stunning orangery was the perfect solution for the family who wanted to have a light filled room, from where they could sit and enjoy their garden throughout the year.The stone-coloured exterior paint finish of the David Salisbury orangery is the perfect complement to the sandy-coloured Cotswold stone and stone roof of the main building.The glass lantern benefits from Pilkington Activ™ Blue self-cleaning glass, which has both self-cleaning and solar-control properties plus high performing thermally insulating Pilkington K Glass™ S as the inner pane of glass.The result of this carefully designed addition to a home that already oozes character and charm is a light filled environment that can be use throughout the Summer and Winter months, where the family can sit in total comfort.Images courtesy of David Salisbury.

To maximise the value of the tree planting,the pits were used as storm water attenuation and treatment pits, taking water from the carriageway, passing it through a stone layer on the top of the tree pit and then filtering it down through the Arborsoil Hydro soil mix provided for the root growth. The water then transferred through a clean stone layer to an underdrain to a storm water drain. This method of conveyance gives an acceptable level of pollutant removal and slows the water down so that the existing drainage network can cope with the increasingly violent storm events.

The Strand Aldwych is a busy public area well-known as a procession route between Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral. The area was historically plagued by traffic and pollution, so people were reluctant to dwell for long periods of time.The newly pedestrianised area with stone walls already in place needed public seating outside St Clement Danes Church. Coordinating the wall shape with the stone underneath was imperative, and access was needed to the lighting drivers through the platforms since the stone underneath is illuminated with LEDs. With this in mind, our design team worked collaboratively to develop a bespoke version of our modular RailRoad seating design, based on the principles where interchangeable parts can be easily removed or replaced. A RailRoad wall-top solution was created with a custom curve to match the stone walls, and the platforms have removable hatches for access when needed.The bespoke RailRoad seating solution is manufactured from our triple processed (recycled) steel and powder coated in a distinct metallic copper finish - while the iroko timbers were coated with UV protective finish in teak to maintain their natural look. This project focused on improving air quality, and our AKRI retaining planters were ideal for bringing green into the space. Their flexibility also allowed for matching the geometry of the adjacent stone benches and roads. In order to prevent damage, welded anti skates were incorporated into the solution.The project not only provides health and well-being benefits with the new public landscaped areas, it will preserve the historic character and for the first time allow people to appreciate the nearby listed buildings. The new inclusive seating spaces for people to mix in are seen to be well used as people can enjoy their lunch, meet with friends and colleagues and simply enjoy a sense of community.

SystemGenerix Lite RainscreenMaterialSTANTON MOOR STONEMain ContractorBARR ConstructionInstallerLAKESMERE

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.

Natural stone surface in bound construction for the vehicle entrance road and main entrance pedestrian space to the new Grange University Hospital.

Finish: Interpon D2525 Portland Stone Y4312I and Steel Bronze 1 Y2206F Parts Coated: Cladding panels, Balconies Fabricator: Sapphire

Installed Integra 4000 single & multi-leaf riser doors and Vision 8000 stone clad riser doors at St James's Square.

Exceptional homes in the perfect location St Elphin’s Park retirement village is set within 14 acres of landscaped grounds, located within the Derbyshire Dales. The centrepiece building, St Elphin’s House, started life as a private residence, becoming an exclusive spa in the 19th century, and latterly, a well-known girls’ boarding school, St Elphin’s Girls School. This Victorian schoolhouse has been restored stone by stone. Surrounding the Victorian grandeur of St Elphin's House, and built to echo the appeal of a traditional Derbyshire hamlet, are attractively designed retirement properties including apartments, cottages and mews cottages.

Finish: Interpon D2525 Stone Effect Y4310I Parts coated: Unitised cladding panels Architect: SOM Fabricator: Metalline Applicator: Vertik-Al