"Watts Industries UK Ltd"

Genesis NHD18 Stair Nosing is currently being installed throughout Heathrow Terminal 5 and most recently Terminal 3 renovations creating a safe environment for employees and travellers alike. This traffic meant the profile had to be very durable & still provide the necessary safety properties. Working closely with BAA and the contracts team on the new Heathrow Terminal 5 complex, Genesis Global Systems Ltd helped design and supply in excess of some 10,000 linear meters of this bespoke interior nosing and are now proud to associate them with BAA as a preferred supplied of choice for their flooring accessory solutions throughout.

Over 40 of Howe Green’s 7500 Series Medium Duty Stainless Steel Access Covers were installed at The Nottingham Hub as part of the station's comprehensive enhancement project. Flooring specialists DMC Contracts Ltd required a network of access points within the station. They wanted to ensure that essential underfloor drainage, mechanical and electrical services could be reached quickly and easily. The 7500 Series specially designed recessed lids enabled the panels to be tiled with Quiligotti Terrazzo floor tiles. The result - an uninterrupted and continuous surface in the station's south concourse and Grade II listed porte-cochère.

Howe Green’s Visedge Series Flexible Floor Access Covers were specified for a refurbishment project in the refectory at the University of Surrey by main contractor, Roberts Building Services Ltd and installed by Progressive Floor Surfaces . The Visedge covers replaced frames which were so heavy and cumbersome that they had previously taken four people to remove whenever maintenance of the services concealed beneath the flooring was required. The new covers offer a tough, lightweight, non-rusting access solution. In the event of any maintenance to underfloor services, the covers can be removed safely and easily with the lifting keys

M Moser Associates, together with their joinery and solid surface manufacturer Interior Surface Specialists Ltd completed the interior fit our of Wipro Digitals new office in London in 2016. The designer wanted clean lines and a fresh, streamlined look, which mirrored the companies highly creative, digital edge. They originally chose a high pressure laminate, but finally decided on KYDEX® thermoplastic as a more versatile and durable proposition. The combination of crisp white KYDEX® and quality birch plywood edge detailing provided a minimal yet sophisticated look for all of the purpose made workstations.

A new build estate of bespoke modular houses, under construction as part of one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration programmes, is benefitting from the outstanding thermal performance of Kingspan Kooltherm K110 Soffit Board.

Home to one of the most popular casinos in the UK, staff at the Hippodrome in London’s West End were looking for ways to reopen their doors safely following the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in March (2020).

The new Student Centre at Queen’s University Belfast brings together student services and the Student Union in a spectacular new building. Designed through collaboration between Hawkins\Brown and RPP Architects, the building sits at the heart of campus and cleverly bridges the gap between the University’s heritage and future. An accessible, modern space with an open plan entrance area creates a vibrant hub for students to socialise, engage, collaborate, and access support and advice. The interior exploits the high ceiling and large-scale steel structure where a central staircase doubles as terraced amphitheatre-style seating. Clad in Junckers’ solid Nordic Oak flooring with nosing in contrasting Black Oak to achieve an LRV differential of 30 points, the stairs form a visual and social focus in the building, creating a flexible, infinitely useable space. “The central social stair is a key design feature that links the spaces on different floors and provides clear, intuitive wayfinding for visitors. The warmth and natural character of the Nordic Oak flooring complimenting the red laminate cladding helps visual orientation running up through the public spaces” said Alan Shields, director, RPP Architecture. The solid hardwood flooring forms a hard-wearing and long-lasting surface ideal for high traffic areas and the natural warmth of the timber adds to the material beauty of the interior. With strong sustainability credentials, Junckers’ flooring plays a part in the architects’ design to create a building which is more efficient and less costly to operate and maintain, future-proofed for generations to come. The building also houses a performance studio with Junckers’ sprung SylvaSport Beech flooring and the one-of-a-kind Union Bar which has been fitted with a reclaimed Junckers’ sports floor. With the old line markings intact, the floor has a rustic, industrial look which will hide a multitude of sins in a busy student bar. It was finished with Junckers’ High Performance Friction+ lacquer to provide a slip resistant surface. The reclaimed floor was sourced with the help of Junckers’ Buy Back Scheme. Junckers connects with flooring contractors who specialise in reclaiming wood flooring by providing details of projects where an old floor needs lifting, as well as acting as liaison between contractors sourcing a floor which can be repurposed. The sports floor fitted in the student bar by Oakvale Wooden Flooring was lifted from a school sports hall in England by Hargreaves Reclaimed Flooring. 

Projects of complexity that demand innovative solutions to technically challenging interface design often deliver exceptional buildings. As a shining example, Axter recently completed the roofing systems for The Cheng Yu Tung Building, a landmark project for Jesus College in the heart of Oxford City.Systems in useStarcoat® PMMAForce Dalle®Excel®Cityflor®OverviewThis project required Axter’s extensive range of materials and methods combined to complete the multifaceted interfaces and deliver the demanding architectural design, whilst achieving the project’s ambitious goals.Founded in 1571, and with original buildings from this date, Jesus College is based in the centre of this diverse and historic city. With the development of the Cheng Yu Tung Building the college has undertaken its most significant transformation since the early 18th century.Combining new graduate accommodation, indoor and outdoor communal spaces, state-of-the-art teaching and meeting facilities with the latest digital technologies, this £36m innovative development is intended to have significant impact on the college faculty and students’ learning experience.Axter worked with architects MICA from early in the process, helping to specify solutions that would realise the design vision of lead architect Mandy Franz.“We’d worked with MICA before on a number of projects - including Keble College, University of Oxford - so they knew us and trusted us to add value through being involved with the design,“ comments Axter's Regional Sales Director, Matthew Saunders. “However, this project was a significant step up in complexity, with approximately 18 separate roof areas in total to complete. Looking at the main quad alone there is a raised area, numerous external stairways and walkways to waterproof as well as further raised terraces and inaccessible roof sections. Fortunately, we had significant experience to bring to this challenge.”Sustainability was the client’s major focus from the start, with the college already utilising ground source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, and a heat recovery and cooling system to ensure zero carbon building operations, as well as reviewing all construction waste to ensure minimum diversion to landfill. We supported this aim working with main contractor BAM Construct UK to carefully plan and schedule the waterproofing systems to be installed, identifying the material composite of each roof to maximise efficacies in installation and logistics.The College’s key priority was to achieve a sustainability-focused design to reduce their carbon footprint. Naturally, this contributed to the challenges of the scheme, such as the additional fire safety requirements in response to the timber-framed construction. To help deliver the College’s ambitions, Axter supported the client’s design team by providing expert knowledge, understanding and application of the current regulations.Tapered roof insulation was used to support energy efficiency and drainage requirements, with bituminous waterproofing throughout. In keeping with the college’s sustainability mission, the main quad features a blue roof system to attenuate rainwater drainage. Other roof areas are finished with wildflower meadows. A combination of exposed and buried waterproofing membranes were consequently required, with additional complexity created by the range of different materials and surfaces involved.“Normally, if our membrane is marrying up to a vertical wall, we would see it come up as a visible detail,” continues Matthew, “but the beautiful Clipsham stonework used for the building façade wasn’t compatible with the typical detailing. We were also challenged by the desired architectural intent to defend the historic aesthetic of the stone, so we created a bespoke solution that has the required guaranteed watertightness whilst also delivering the architectural vision.”Additional challengesThe project started in 2020, just as the UK was trying to navigate the guidelines for operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Matthew explains: “there were still restrictions in place, such as a general 2-metre distancing requirement, which was challenging in the tighter spaces, for example corridors where you literally couldn’t pass another person. We had an unusually hot summer also, which wasn’t helpful when you have workers in full PPE using 1,400-degree butane torches where use of naked flame was permitted in accordance with NFRC Safe2Torch guidance.”The overall scope of the project, which encompassed multiple terraces at different levels and a mixture of concrete, CLT and steel frame structural composites, was a defining characteristic. “This was a large-scale development to begin with,” adds Matthew. “Furthermore, the university emphasised from the start the centrality of the significant sustainability objectives, and MICA had ambitious solutions in mind in terms of the materials used. Our job was to accommodate these various requests while keeping in mind all of the regulatory and compliance requirements. Achieving those without exception, for a large number of surfaces, does become more challenging where each part of the project has several ambitious aspirations intersecting with one another. Fortunately, we are known for always rising to a challenge.”SolutionsThe pandemic accelerated the shift to a range of technological solutions replacing traditional or face-to-face approaches. Systems were evolved for everything from distancing to digital rather than traditionally signed delivery acceptance.“As a manufacturer, we don’t have to be on site every day,” notes Matthew, “but traditionally we would attend fairly frequently, as well as meeting regularly with partners to agree and then oversee various aspects of the project plan. Fortunately, Axter was already moving towards solutions such as virtual meetings, so we simply shifted much more quickly to those approaches, using them wherever possible.“I think one advantage we have is the breadth of the product range we design. We can offer clients such as Jesus College a full system approach involving multiple solutions, to ensure we use the right system for the right application on each occasion. Our accredited installers are carefully vetted and trained by us, and have worked with us for long enough to know our products inside out.”The range of products we are able to offer, all developed in-house, does testify to the culture of Axter. Comments Matthew: “We are very much a technically-oriented company and that runs through every aspect of our work and our staff. Our sales team are all very aware of the products on that level, they aren’t selling products they don’t fully understand the technical details of. Our long-term partners know that what we offer them is reassurance that, from early-stage design meetings through to completion, whatever challenges they put to us, our response will be considered and robust in terms of quality and compliance.”Systems and products usedExternal stair cores used Axter Starcoat PMMA liquid waterproofing membranes.For the main quad and some lower areas, our innovative Force Dalle warm roof solution was used.Our Excel reinforced waterproofing membranes were used as an exposed membrane finish, with a tapered insulation to ensure the falls and consequent drainage characteristics required by BS 6229.Axter’s Cityflor warm living roof membranes were used as buried applications in several roof terraces, again with tapered insulation.Self-adhesive membranes were used where necessary to ensure compliance with NFRC Safe2Torch Guidelines, especially required due to the timber elements.Acknowledgments"To deliver the increasing demand on a building’s performance specification, combined with the seamless aesthetics of contemporary architectural design, an advanced understanding of technical detailing is required in the design and construction process. The design criteria have also resulted in an extensive range of engineered systems on the market to provide certified, technical solutions for multifaceted interfaces.Working directly with the designers and product manufacturers, we prioritise a full system approach to the weather-tightness of the building, focusing on durability, termination and compliance with current regulations. I have worked with the team at MICA Architects and Axter’s Matthew Saunders on a number of challenging projects, including The Cheng Yu Tung Building, Jesus College, and the HB Allen Centre, Keble College. Matthew Saunders has always been a key consultant for the technical specification of above ground waterproofing systems and the buildings’ thermal performance. He’s an expert in technical detailing and advisor on the materials required to deliver the optimum waterproofing system for the building."Eric O’Hare, Design Manager, BAM Construction www.bam.co.ukWith special thanks to: Tomasz Zozak, who provided the photographs, and BAM Construction Ltd.

Gloucester Transport Hub Bauder Thermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system SynopsisThe replacement bus station and regeneration of the surrounding area has created a unique and distinctive city centre building for the town. The design connects with Gloucester’s Roman heritage and association with aviation. The innovative roof design incorporated a canopy intended to reflect an aircraft wing that required a lightweight waterproofing and renewable energy photovoltaic (PV) solution.Bauder Building BoardProject:Gloucester Bus StationLocation:GloucesterProject Type:RefurbishmentRoof Size:1520m²Constructor: Kier Group PlcApproved Contractor:Kovara Projects LtdThe specificationThe Bauder Thermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system with the BauderSOLAR F PV solution met the brief precisely without compromising the aesthetics of the roof. This combination of Thermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system and BauderSOLAR F PV delivered a high quality, strong, energy efficient flat roof.This system was selected for the project because of its lightweight properties which complemented the deck and roof design. Light grey was chosen to reflect the colour of the cladding as the aesthetics was a key objective for the client.The OMG Rhinobond induction welding system was specified as the installation method which provided multiple advantages to the project, not only saving time and fasteners, but also optimising the field fix pattern of installation and ensuring that the load on the roof was spread between the induction welding plates. Products appliedBauder Thermofol U15 FR MembraneA high grade virgin polymer Thermofol PVC membrane ensures the optimum membrane characteristics to deliver high performance and a BBA stated life expectancy in excess of 35 years.BauderSOLAR F An aerodynamically optimised system for flat roofs using framed modules and mounting units, securing them to the roof using membrane-to-membrane welding techniques. This installation method means that the roof is not compromised by penetrations of fasteners or is it ballasted.Project challengesThe design of the Transport Hub and city centre location proved to be the key challenge to this project. The unusual roof configuration required a bespoke insulation scheme using BauderPIR M, an efficient rebated PIR insulation board, in order to achieve the required U-value of 0.18W/M²K.The deck configuration equally made the installation of the Bauder Thermofol PVC waterproofing system complex with the perimeter zone having to be carefully marked in compatability the wind calculation which included measuring factors such as wind speed, altitude, direction and exposure. Bauder and Kovara Projects were required to work closely together to ensure all criteria of the wind calculations were met. 40 modules of the lightweight BauderSOLAR PV solution were installed on the west side of the Transport Hub’s roof.The location of the project, Gloucester city centre, presented logistical challenges. Delivery of the roofing products had to be carefully scheduled and managed to avoid creating congestion in the area.The resultThe installation required constant co-operation and communication to embrace the live site operations within the restricted city centre location whilst allowing the bus station to remain fully functional. The roofing contractor delivered a superior standard solution and any complex issues that arose during the project were resolved promptly and collaboratively.System installedBauderThermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system  1 Bauder THERMOFOL U15 FR1.5mm polyvinyl chloride membrane (PVC) reinforced with a pre-coated polyester cross-weaved matting for mechanically fixed installations. 2 BauderPIR MThis efficient tissue-faced flatboard insulation has been specially developed for use within Bauder single ply systems. 3 BauderSYN DB-PE 100A blue, polyethylene air and vapour control layer. The product is installed by loose laying and suitable for Thermofol mechanically fastened and ballasted single ply systems.

In dairy industries it's vital that hygiene standards are kept to a high standard. Drainage and kerbing are important products that need consideration. To reduce costs, many may opt for concrete, however over time concrete dries out and is prone to cracking. This can jeopardise a hygienic environment as unwanted bacteria will harbour in the cracks Alternatively, drainage and wall kerbing. Stainless steel is resistant to caustic cleaning materials and lactic acid, which are common elements in a dairy. This resistance ensures that the ss surface does not corrode or weaken making it an excellent long term solution.

Gateway 12 is multi-million pound industrial development on a c.16-acre site located three miles to the South West of Gloucester, adjacent to the A38 dual carriageway and just one mile form Junction 12 of the M5.For the main structure of the buildings Trisobuild® R32 was used for the roof and Trisobuild® C32 was installed vertically on the walls; Trisobuild® HR50 was used horizontally at the higher level for the soffits in Merlin Grey. The offices area wall elevations were constructed using Trimapanel® insulated panel system.

Dawnus Civil Engineering were commissioned by Cardiff CC to construct a hydro electric power station at Radyr Weir. The £2.6m scheme comprised of damming the section of works from the River Taff and constructing the structure to house the Archimedes turbine screws. They required a concrete that could take the weight of the screws 3 days after pouring and asked for a 3 day strength of 50N.Tarmac suggested TOPROC ED which is a high performance readymixed concrete suitable for use in industrial, commercial and infrastructure construction where high early strength is required.

Optimised levels of natural light and ventilation have transformed a Grade II Listed Building into a highly productive learning space The main challenge for Newcastle-based Xsite Architecture was to refurbish the Hawthorne building so that it created a space where students wanted to congregate in the communal areas beneath, yet still satisfied Listed Buildings’ requirements and maintained the feel of the industrial heritage of the site. A key requirement was high levels of natural light and ventilation and the architects took their lead from the mounting body of research that shows how these elements can increase learning capacity.

Loughborough Court is a chic restoration of a 1940s industrial building, consisting of studio apartments, one-bedroom apartments and luxury penthouses designed with outdoor balconies and home working spaces in mind. Brickplus was used during the creation of the rooftop extensions housing the now idyllic penthouse suites. Rooftop extensions are becoming increasingly popular, especially in built up areas, to maximise accommodation. Monolith were approached due to our ability to brick match to the current brick and we created a classic and complimentary brick for the project. The project was completed in around 10 weeks.

Whiteboard paint turns MentorMate walls into collaborative surfaces. MentorMate provides innovative software solutions to tackle tech challenges across several industries. While their roots are in education, nearly half of their business is focused on healthcare and the large amounts of secure data that comes with it. As a software service company invested in its success, they engage the brightest minds in the world of innovative solutions. One way of giving them freedom of expression is ESCREO’s whiteboard paint that turns any wall into a writable surface. It fuels their creativity during brainstorming sessions and has livened up their meetings.

Faversham Linen Services are one of the leading commercial laundry service providers in the South East and recently moved into their 28,000ft2 state of the art factory. The factory is responsible for washing over 14 million garments every year and the company take great care to minimise their impact on the surrounding environment. With the disruption caused by industrial sized machines working long hours and HGV's going to and from the site throughout the day, Faversham Linen Services chose to install 76m of Jakoustic® Reflective Acoustic Barrier to help minimise the impact of their operations on local residents.

Acoustic consideration was critical for the design of a new generation cycle studio in London. An isolated sound box was constructed to form the studio with stud walls built to separate it from the café – using a lift shaft model allowing for air and acoustic separation.To complement the paired back industrial ‘Scandi’ design and monochrome pallet, HERADESIGN® in black was specified throughout. Joe Stuart of Warehome Architects said, “Heradesign was perfect for this project. It provides excellent acoustic properties and we love its natural, raw wood wool texture. Specified in black it is really striking.”

Vtec's SupaSlat and Supaline panels were key design elements in this high specification, luxury residential development in London. The foyer area showcases BESPOKE TIMBER BATTEN WALLS and a unique FEATURE STAIRCASE, whilst the post room is crowned with an impressive SUPASLAT RAFT. Vtec were specified due to the intricate detailing, integrations, complex interfaces and technical nature of this residential project. We supported the designer, an industry-leading international architect and contractor, throughout the design stage and development process through to installation, overcoming some particularly challenging programme requirements.

In the summer of 2007 the country witnessed extensive flooding with areas in England experiencing “over two months rainfall in just 14 hours.” Loss of water and electricity supply was experienced with thousands of homes. Providing protection against a 1 in 1000 year flood event involved building over 1 kilometer of reinforced concrete and sheet piled walls. As well as protecting the site from future flooding, the team at RHI Industrials worked in partnership with Lochrin Bain to ensure the security fencing system was fully integrated with the substations new flood defences.

Sirius and Ganton Academy is a dynamic 21st century learning environment created to accommodate state-of-the-art facilities in Hull. It is also the UK’s first academy to be constructed using Technal’s revolutionary low rise glazing system.

The creation of an ultra-modern Teaching Building as a new core to a long established school in Oxfordshire, has included the installation of custom designed and manufactured stainless steel sinks, worktops and splashbacks and other units from GEC Anderson for several of the different technical spaces.The Tudor Hall School, originally founded in 1850 by the Rev TW and Mrs Todd at a site in Salisbury, has been at its present location at Wykham Park in Banbury since World War II, while the past decade has seen some £15 million invested in ensuring the Independent Girls Boarding and Day School offers the best possible facilities.The Birmingham office of ADP Architects has been responsible for the design work on this latest project, while Clegg Construction Ltd of Nottingham was the main contractor carrying out the work. Acting as a specialist sub-contractor, GEC Anderson conducted site visits and liaised with the project team in order to ensure its custom fabrications met the schools’ health & safety as well as technical and teaching requirements. The manufacturer also worked closely with Tudor Hall’s Bursar, Neil Farquhar to ensure its site installation visits in no way interfered with the academic activities as lessons continued throughout normal term time. One of the architects involved with the project from early on commented: “The GEC Anderson sinks, work-surfaces and other fabrications were specified for the Food Technology Area as well as units for the Ceramics and Textiles rooms. The new centre opened on schedule last Easter in time for the start of the 2018 summer term and everyone involved has been pleased with the results.”A spokesperson for Tudor Hall added: “The new Teaching Centre is the largest and most ambitious addition to Tudor Hall facilities to date and sits at the heart of the school site. Designed to provide teaching spaces for the core subjects of Mathematics and English and specialist classrooms for the creative arts, the Teaching Centre transforms the teaching provision which Tudor Hall offers and we are delighted to have it operative, and we are already witnessing its impact.” Since its formation in 1962, GEC Anderson has built its reputation for the supply of top end stainless steel sinks and sanitaryware on a combination of innovative design, top quality materials and expert craftsmanship. In addition to the company’s Decimetric system of cabinets, sinks, drainers and other equipment - widely specified for sectors including health and catering – it is able to create custom engineered solutions to exactly fit any space or specification.

University of West LondonLocated in the heart of England’s Capital, the University of West London (UWL) is committed to playing a leading role in tackling the global climate crisis by becoming net zero carbon by 2030. The University reported a 60% reduction in carbon emissions in 2021 compared to 2005. However, with a long way still to go before it is able to operate at net zero, UWL welcomed a £5 million award from the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) in 2021. With aspirations to retrofit its main sites in Ealing and Brentford, the funding unlocked a major opportunity to improve air quality around the borough whilst taking a big step towards meeting its net zero pledge by 2030.The SolutionUWL contracted Ameresco as principal contractor and designer, who partnered with NIBE Energy Systems and JKN Renewables, Ltd. The first and main challenge was to design a ground source heat pump (GSHP) system for the university without disrupting the main car park on the campus to reduce the impact on students. This, in turn, resulted in an innovative solution, combining a ground source heat pump system working with boreholes and solar PVT panels. The designed system not only supplies 222 kW of PV electricity generation but, crucially, acts as a collector system for the GSHP, capturing naturally occurring energy in the air to drive the heat pump process, and therefore reducing the number of boreholes required. The old gas boilers previously heating the campus were replaced with 584 solar PVT panels in combination with 34 169-meter boreholes to provide 900 kW of heating and hot water throughout the site. Further reducing disruption across the campus, JKN Renewables carried out an off-site build, with the pre-built PVT and plant room modules being delivered on time despite constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The heat pumps and solar PVT were supplied by NIBE Energy Systems, and JKN Renewables undertook the design, installation and commissioning of the system.The ResultsThis transformation really highlights the benefits of combining multiple technologies to deliver efficient, low-carbon solutions. Whilst the full capacity could have been delivered using boreholes, which would have been a less costly option, the University welcomed the installation of PVT as an innovative and space-saving option.The major project will save an estimated 500 tonnes of carbon each year, and 9,460 tonnes across the equipment’s lifetime. It will also save 3,116,738 kWh of gas-derived energy per year (equivalent to 70 heated homes) whilst improving local air quality.The project is thought to be one of the world’s largest PVT projects, and positions UWL as a leader in higher education for addressing the climate crisis. The project was recognised by the Energy Managers Association’s (EMA) Energy Management Awards, receiving the Highly Commended designation in the Decarbonisation Project Category.Testimonial“We have invested more than £150 million in our campus recently to create an inspiring social and learning environment for our students. But we know all this great work will be for nothing, unless we do our bit to tackle climate change. We have been taking a leading role in our community to tackle the global climate crisis… Recently, the university declared a climate emergency and pledged to become a zero net carbon institution by 2030. A big step to meeting this pledge, has been our decarbonisation program, that has seen the university harness the latest renewable technology to create our own energy and introduced energy saving measures across the campus. Backed by more than £5 million of Government funding, the project is the largest of its kind in the higher education sector, and really underlines our ambition to be one of the most sustainable universities in the UK.”Anthony WoodmanProfessor, deputy vice chancellor and provost for health of the University of West LondonAbout the installerJKN Renewables are specialists in low energy heating, cooling and hot water systems. They provide design, consultancy and installation services to both domestic and commercial sectors, with a range of experience in the renewable heating sector. They pride themselves on providing expert advice and quality installations of ground and air source heat pumps, underfloor heating and solar thermal.

Made-to-measure stainless steel worktops, by GEC Anderson, were recently specified by Munkenbeck and Partners at the highly desirable city space known as 55 Gee Street, Clerkenwell.The funky, new build, mixed-use development comprises offices, shops and six, high-end apartments. Four flats have two bedrooms, a two bedroom duplex occupies ground and basement levels whilst the 150 m penthouse has three bedrooms. Previously the site was occupied by a building belonging to Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.Outside, the distinctive street facade resembles a Jenga block game, made up of extruded airbricks, randomly assembled. The bricks allow natural cross ventilation through the wall without having to make the glass panels move.Inside, the contemporary living spaces are high tech and high quality. Concrete, wood, stainless steel and glass dominate the open, elegant and functional spaces. The continuous and expansive stainless steel worksurfaces blend-in perfectly within their neutral and effortless surroundings. Formed in one piece, the GEC Anderson custom stainless steel worktops include integral sink bowls and edge detailing. Full height splashbacks are included to alcove worktops whilst the striking penthouse kitchen includes a stainless steel island element.Stainless steel worktops and splashbacks still are often associated with only commercial kitchens. However, discerning specifiers have always recognised stainless steel as an interesting, practical and versatile worktop material for residential kitchens. GEC Anderson, with its high quality, brushed satin, stainless steel worktops has helped to promote the popularity of stainless steel within this environment, since the early Sixties.Alfred Munkenbeck, Munkenbeck and Partners, chose GEC Anderson worktops because they could be made in one piece, to the exact size and shape required and with the desired edge profiles, sink bowls and details. The highly specific requirements and details are matched by the quality, appearance, design honesty, integrity and practicality demanded by the apartment settings.GEC Anderson stainless steel worktops and splashbacks are made to order in any shape or size, with seamless finish and no visible joins or junctions. The Touch kitchen units, from OIKOS, were supplied by Eurobath Trading UK. A full measuring and installation service was provided by GEC Anderson for main contractor, Morgan Sindall.

Our purposeAs one of the UK’s leading housing associations, the Guinness Partnership prides itself on providing high quality homes that meet or exceed current Standards. It is therefore committed to a continuous programme of maintenance and asset management across its 60,000 homes estate.As part of that process, the 13-storey 1980s-built Waverley Court in Crewe was due for refurbishment, including new windows and heating for the 95 flats therein. An initial survey highlighted that the 1200m2 roof was failing and in need of upgrade to maintain its weathertightness.Our in-depth roof report also identified that the insulation was below current standards. Safety on the roof for maintenance was also an issue: the existing handrail was originally erected as a temporary fixture, penetrating the waterproofing and providing inadequate rooftop security for working at height.Our solutionThe existing waterproofing had perished beyond useability. We advised complete strip of the existing back to the concrete deck, and building up a new thermally-efficient roof to meet current standards required under the Part L of current Building Regulations.Our TA-25 W Flat Roofing System for warm roofs was installed by Approved Contractor Everlast as sub-contractor to the principle contractor, Wates. To address the poor falls on the roof, the insulation was tapered to the perimeter. We achieved an overall roof U value of 0.17W/m2K, exceeding the current Regulatory requirement of 0.18W/m2K. In line with Safe2Torch guidelines, our self-adhesive system was used to detail around roof penetrations for extractor fans and similar plant.We highlighted and designed bridging details to maintain the fire integrity around compartment walls to comply with Part B3 of Building Regulations.We designed a new, permanent and safe handrail system. This is fixed to the brick façade of Waverley Court, avoiding any penetration of the roof fabric and thus maintaining its integrity and watertightness, whilst minimising maintenance requirements.“Langley’s expertise and attention to detail has enabled us to deliver on our ambition of providing homes that people want to live in. Langley’s performance has helped us provide a dry, warm, safe living environment that exceeds current Regulatory requirement. The independent insurance-backed guarantee covering design, materials and workmanship adds value to our long-term estate asset management.”

This flagship store for booksellers Foyles at 107 Charing Cross Road in London is the largest bookstore to be built in the UK this century. It is located just metres from their old store which was its home for more than 100 years.

The Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED) is the UK's largest carbon-neutral eco-community – the first of its kind in this country; receiving prestigious awards, Civic Trust Sustainability Award 2004 and Housing Design Awards 2003.

With a staff force brimming with talented journalists, designers, marketers and advertising pros, sharp, creative minds are in abundance. To keep those minds on top form, Time Inc. UK knew that a high performance hydration solution was key.

Set to be the tallest building in Africa at 250-metres with 55 stories, Mohammed Tower IV is a new high-rise tower designed by Rafael de la Hoz & Hakim Benjelloun to resemble a rocket on its launch pad. The striking development will be visible from 50km in all directions and forms the centre piece in the Bouregreg Valley Development Project, which plays a leading role in the development programme for Rabat, ‘the City of Light,’ in the Moroccan Capital of Culture. Once complete, the project will provide a luxury hotel, commercial offices, high-end residential apartments, and a viewing sky terrace.The ChallengeSustainability and energy efficiency are both primary design considerations in this project, with the client aiming to achieve LEED Gold and HQE quality standards. LEED certification provides an independent guarantee of a building’s green features, with a LEED Gold rating representing first-class leadership in resource-efficient building design, construction, operations, and maintenance.Farrat were contacted via our export partner in the GCC region, UniGroup, to supply a high-performance, robust, and certified fire-resistant thermal break solution to mitigate against thermal bridging across façade connections for contemporary facade design company Glassline Abu Dhabi. Farrat Structural Thermal Breaks are favoured across the construction industry, as the most efficient & responsible way to thermally separate structural connections and prevent heat loss in the building envelope.The thermal breaks would form part of a wider sustainable construction program, alongside smart energy efficiency systems such as 3350 m² of photovoltaic solar panels on the South façade, rainwater recovery and wastewater recycling systems and an internal energy recovery system to produce hot water.The SolutionFollowing a review of the connection designs, Farrat TBF was selected as the optimal structural thermal break material for extensive use across the façade connections of Mohammed Tower, to prevent heat transfer through steel beams where the external building aspects meet the interior.Farrat TBF is an A2 rated non-combustible structural thermal break material capable of maintaining superior structural performance at temperatures more than 1000°C. Farrat TBF also provides high-level thermal performance to solve structural thermal bridge issues and exceeds all current fire regulatory requirements for buildings above (and below) 18m.Following several high-rise fire tragedies across the globe, increasing numbers of building designers are looking to go beyond the standard when it comes to fire safety.The DesignThe inherent non-combustible composition of Farrat TBF was the solution to the fire element of the design, allowing unrestricted use in the high-rise construction. Use of the material’s remarkably high compressive force resistance allowed Farrat to assess the transmission of loads through the structural connection, sufficient to maintain performance under influence from weather stresses.The Outcome“In designing and securing this high-performance project, Farrat utilised the full extent of our material research & development skills and harnessed our extensive experience of thermal bridging projects in all climates and circumstances around the globe,” states Chris Lister, Commercial Manager of Structural Thermal Breaks at Farrat.“The resulting construction details are to the highest levels of structural and fire safety performance whilst also being beautiful in their simplicity.”Structural Thermal Breaks with FarratFarrat Structural Thermal Breaks are favored across the construction industry, as the most efficient & responsible way to thermally separate structural connections and prevent heat loss in the building envelope.#onamission

F. Ball and Co. Ltd.’s rapid-setting, ultra-smooth floor finishing compound has delivered a fast-track solution for refurbishing the iconic Nelson Staircase at Somerset House, London.As part of ongoing maintenance and improvement works, flooring contractor Carpet Culture was commissioned to restore the steps and one of the main landings of the historic Beaux-Arts staircase, which spans six floors and dates back to the late 18th century, when the Royal Navy occupied the building.Contractors began by removing old floorcoverings and adhesive residues from the steps and the 40m2 landing.The landing was destroyed by a bomb in the Second World War and subsequently restored with concrete, meaning that it would require raising in order for floorcoverings to meet the level of the original stone border, but less than the minimum application thickness of a smoothing compound. Additionally, work required completing over two nights, between the hours of 6-11pm, while the building was unoccupied, meaning there was not time to mechanically prepare the concrete area.Contractors, therefore, applied two coats of Stopgap Micro Rapid floor finishing compound to create a perfectly smooth surface for the receipt of floorcoverings.Stone effect LVTs were then installed on the landing and risers and treads of the stairs, and Stycco Flex rapid-curing, flexible tube adhesive was used to affix Gradus stair nosings. The high strength build-up and fast curing time of the adhesive means it can secure stair nosings and trims in as little as 60 minutes, without the need for mechanical fixings.Tom McCullough, senior flooring manager at Carpet Culture, said: “We were grateful to our F. Ball technical representative for suggesting using Stopgap Micro Rapid as an alternative to applying a smoothing compound so that we could complete the work out of hours, on time. It worked a treat, and we received compliments for how it looked even before the floorcoverings went down.”

Armourcoat’s Acoustic Plaster System has been specified by UK architects Softroom for the new $12billion Istanbul Airport in Turkey. The facility will eventually fly 200 million passengers a year when complete in 2028, making it the world’s biggest airport.The stunning interior design for the Turkish Airlines lounges is the result of an international competition won by Softroom. The brief called for 19,000m2 of lounges that embody the national carrier’s new brand philosophy of ‘flow’ within the airport environment. The lounge design forms a passenger journey that effortlessly weaves the spaces of the lounges together. To aid the sound quality within the lounges, the Armourcoat Acoustic plaster system creates a seamless ceiling finish with a class ‘A’ Noise Reduction Coefficient rating. Its clean and smooth mineral surface adding to the overall design.In addition, the Armourcoat Acoustic Seamless Plaster system was installed as large island panels within the 55,000m2 duty free area operated by Unifree duty free in partnership with Gebr Heinemann. The area takes inspiration from the Bosphorus strait in Turkey, with seven sections each selling brands related to its theme including Emporio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Bulgari. Designed to optimize the acoustics of interior spaces, the Armourcoat Acoustic Seamless Plaster system comprises of a special mineral wool composite panel that is bonded onto the substrate and finished with a seamless layer. It offers an elegant marble based plaster finish while allowing sound energy to pass through the surface. The system consists of 80% recycled material, has zero VOCs and achieves class '0' fire rating. The system has also been granted the Quiet Mark Award - the international mark of approval from the Noise Abatement Society Charitable Foundation. Photography: © Büşra Yeltekin

Welsh Slate’s new Penrhyn Heather Blue slates feature on the front elevations of 31 almshouses in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, run by the Charles Sheils Charity, the largest almshouses charity in Ireland, and one of the largest in the UK.

Sandcastle Waterpark is the UK’s largest waterpark and is a popular destination for families. Located on Blackpool Promenade, we were contacted to provide proposals for two busy washroom areas within the waterpark.Read the full case study on our website.

Lomax + Wood supplied and fitted their UK designed and tested windows for a large development in leafy Essex. These made-to-order timber casement windows and doors were supplied to seven plots of luxury executive five-bedroom detached houses.

The new six storey HSBC building at No.1 Charter Square in Sheffield utilises ABG’s blueroof system to meet the National Planning Policy Framework and the site's Flood Risk Management Policy. Attenuation for the building is provided at roof and street level, comprising void formers constructed within the roof and streel level structures to temporarily attenuate storm water, before gradually releasing it over a number of hours via the ABG restrictor chambers.At street level the system was installed underneath the surrounding walkways and access routes to restrict discharge rates at ground level, including a large landscaped podium deck area above a service yard where heavy duty void formers were used in the event emergency vehicle access is required.

Manchester Airport is an international airport at Ringway, Manchester, England, 7.5 nautical miles south-west of Manchester city centre. In 2019, it was the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom in terms of passenger numbers and the busiest of those not serving London. Working alongside architects Pascall+Watson and subcontractor The Invicta Group, Promat has played a key role in the £1bn Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP), which will see the airport significantly grow and modernise throughout the early 2020s.

Designing, specifying and installing fire rated timber framed butt-jointed glazing is now easier with the assurance of a fully traceable supply chain with the launch of SYSTEMGLAS® Ligna by Promat, one of the country’s leading manufacturers of fire, thermal and acoustic solutions. Ligna gives designers the ideal balance of assured fire protection and maximum light transmission in all kinds of timber framed glazed partitions and screens. Ideal for offices, healthcare, education, retail and public sector applications, it has been tested to provide integrity and insulation (EI) fire protection from 30 minutes up to 60 minutes (EI30 to EI60).