"drink and food dispensing and vending machines"

Crimple is a family owned business in North Yorkshire, offering various indulgences. From artisan produce in the Food Hall, locally-sourced meals in the Bar & Kitchen, plants and shrubs in the Garden Centre, to a present in their gift shop, Crimple has it all.  In early 2021, Wirquin assisted in a refurbishment providing our Initio frames.The large front panel means there is easy access for maintenance should any repairs need to be made. This feature mmakes it perfect for hospitality as there is very little disruption and repairs can be carried out easily and quickly. The Initio also boasts a durable metallic structure which is coated in a anti corrosion solution and tested up to 400kg. 

ASF were approached by Maxwell Pierce Architects to supply a bespoke illuminated cast iron post and rail system for a causeway linking golf courses at the Lough Erne Golf Resort. Previously, this post had not been used in conjunction with any lighting so the brief became a bespoke project.ASF worked with our lighting partners LPT Lighting (part of the PIA Group) to develop not only 100% bespoke lighting modules but also a machined aluminium carrier to host lights themselves.As part of WB White Foundry ASF were able to adapt the post pattern in house to have a custom inlet to house this aluminium carrier.The outcome is an LED lit causeway that allows multi use - cars, golf buggies and pedestrians. The pedestrian areas are lit to 2m into the causeway to task standards (ie; meeting lighting standard requirements).

Edinburgh is a historic and culturally rich city. The design of the unique rooms and suites in the hotel reflect the spirit of the city. The interior design is breathtaking! The design concept from Keppie included unusual circular brass inlays for the beautiful Terrazzo flooring. Terrazzo is a composite material that is poured in situ. It consists of chips of marble, quartz, granite, and glass. The challenge was to integrate our products seamlessly into the opulent surroundings.The brass inlays supplied by Dural allowed the Terrazzo to be segmented into unusual flowing shapes and areas. Circles were specified and the Dural Z-Flex machine allowed the brass inlays to be shaped on site or prefabricated and delivered. This allowed for a reduced time schedule for such a complex design. High end materials were used throughout, creating a luxurious feel. The unique geometries that make up the flooring of ‘W Edinburgh’ coordinate seamlessly with unique furniture, artwork and lighting. A truly fabulous guest experience.

Project Name:Niles Bakery, St AustellProject Location:St Austell, CornwallProduct UsedCemfloor C30Based in the scenic town of St. Austell, this project consists of a ground floor baking factory over 630m2 and first floor office space of similar size.Cemfloor was chosen for this project thanks to its many benefits including easy installation and reduced drying time.The floor needed to be strong enough to carry the weight of the baking machines so Cemfloor c30 at75mm was the proposed solution for the ground floor.On the first floor, heavy foot traffic and office equipment needed to be considered and Cemfloorc30 at 50mm was installed.Time on site was limited and the screed needed to be installed in a short time frame. NMA Flooring started the pour at 8am and were offsite by 11:30am. Light site traffic work was able to commence 48 hours after the pour

Structural Repairs’ office space was beautifully and seamlessly integrated into one of Windsor’s iconic train station arches. This newly built office space boasts from its impressive structural logistics and boldly featured decorative and themed memorabilia at many of its cozy corners.Via a combination of the fire grit machine, TORC system (seen in the images and videos), water by pressure and a DOFF system, the carbon accumulated in the brickwork was removed. These methods, especially the DOFF system, work with high-pressure stream and extremely high temperatures.Brick cleaning is an arduous and labor intensive process by which a brick masonry, also known as a layer of brick which has been laid on the wall’s outermost surface, is cleaned. Brick cleaning is required at various different stages of a building’s life, and with our arch, a cleaning was more than overdue to restore it back to its original condition!

Since 2021, Dryflow has supplied the compact, yet perfectly formed EcoWave Hand Dryers to Burger King restaurants throughout the UK, saving the firm thousands of pounds in energy costs, whilst providing speedy hand drying for fast food lovers and staff.Dan Warwick, purchasing manager at ICM Complete Fit Out Solutions says:“The Dryflow EcoWave is an aesthetically pleasing and reliable product“Units Supplied: Continuous supply, 200+ to dateInstaller: ICMKey Benefits: Slim, sleek, quiet, energy efficientRated Power: 0.4kW - 0.95kW | 1.67 - 2.64 Wh per dryProjectWe worked closely with Burger King’s longstanding fit out company, ICM Complete Fit Out Solutions, to supply our energy-efficient, space-savvy Dryflow Eco Dryers which are ideal for a wide range of sites with high footfall, including city centres, airports and motorway service areas.SolutionAs one of the most slimline dryers on the market, with a depth of just 10cm, and complete with hygienic HEPA filter, is the perfect dryer for any restaurant wishing to maximise space, style AND efficiency in the washroom.The Dryflow Eco WavePerfect for fast food and all other hospitality outlets, The Dryflow EcoWave Hand Dryer completely dries hands in just 10 – 15 seconds.Boasting second-to-none energy and cost efficiency – with 3,000 dries possible per £1 spent on electricity – this elegant, extremely well constructed, slimline dryer will save any business money when they make the switch from paper towels or a less efficient electric unit. The Dryflow brand is the world’s very first range of hand dryers to be classed as Carbon Neutral by ClimatePartner

The urgent need for a replacement rear goods entrance at a high-turnover commercial fast-food restaurant brought our proposed comprehensive solution to address both security and functionality concerns.Recognising the critical role of a secure entrance in the restaurant’s operations, we recommended the installation of a commercial-grade steel door and frame. This robust system not only provided enhanced security but also ensured ease of use for restaurant staff, crucial for maintaining smooth workflow amid the bustling environment. Anticipating the challenges posed by the high usage typical in such establishments, we tailored the solution to withstand heavy use and abuse, including the impact of large food delivery cages. To bolster the door’s durability, we integrated a custom heavy duty pyramid bumper bar system, extending its lifespan and longevity against daily wear and tear.Moreover, to enhance security measures and streamline access control, we incorporated a digital keypad externally. This feature allowed the door to be kept closed and locked securely while granting staff convenient access from outside. Not only did this improve security protocols, but it also contributed to rodent control efforts by minimising entry points. Additionally, to impress trade visitors and further elevate the entrance experience, we introduced a modern digital video door entry system. This innovative technology provided a seamless connection between the entrance and kitchen staff, enabling real-time visual identification of visitors and ensuring efficient management of incoming deliveries and guests. By seamlessly integrating security, functionality, and modern technology, we successfully revitalised the rear goods entrance, ensuring it could meet the demands of the fast-paced restaurant environment while enhancing overall operational efficiency and security measures.

Our client, the world’s second largest producer of bottled water, was looking for industrial floor paints to renovate and maintain indoor walkways and create seamless traffic flows in its factories. And that’s no mean feat as the area to paint was over 2500 m2!"The objective of the refurbishment was to improve the visibility of the walkways in the production area to enhance employees’ safety."As the factory hadn’t been renovated for some years, floor markings were no longer visible and cracks were appearing throughout thus increasing the risk of trips and falls.In a food processing plant, there are strict environmental and safety regulations to comply with. It was therefore important that the paints and coatings used in the refurbishment conform to those regulations, but also have a rapid curing times to minimise downtime.Our client’s organisation relies heavily upon the dynamism of its teams. It was therefore only natural that employees themselves – from the accounting department to the technical teams - rolled up their sleeves and got on with the refurbishment project. The idea was to raise awareness of safety issues in the factory. For us, it meant we needed to supply user-friendly paints and coatings that could be applied easily by staff. Our solutionOur client researched various solutions and suppliers for their refurbishment project. Watco products, which are long lasting and user-friendly, stood out from the competition. Three products were applied: Safety Grip: A heavy duty anti slip, two pack epoxy resin coating designed for dangerous areas. Epoxyline: A heavy duty, fast drying, line marking paint. Epoxy Gloss Coat: An extremely tough floor coating that is virtually solvent free, and therefore ideal for a food processing plant.

The clinking of glasses, the chatter of patrons and the selected music are all essential to a vibrant dining experience. This experience is, other than that of the food, is one of balance that is often found tipping towards the more noise-related end of the scale. An enjoyable experience does not include people having to raise their voices above one another, or by missing out on a conversation because they cannot hear. This effect is called the Lombard effect, or ‘Café effect’ where groups unconsciously raise their voices over others so that they can listen to. This effect continues to happen until the room reaches a dreadful cacophony.There is now greater access to online reviews that can be brought up in seconds on your smartphone. There are even Crowdsourcing apps (check out SoundPrint) that allows the user to measure the loudness (in decibels) and categorise how loud it is. You will also find those food critics discussing how ‘noisy’ a restaurant is, as over time they have cranked up the volume. Potential customers now have these ‘tools’ to help avoid eateries that do not match what they want as an experience, and this could be potentially your restaurant(s)!When it comes to noise and sound, this is your ‘acoustic environment’. When Bluebell got hold of iKoustic to see how a new and thriving restaurant could create a better acoustic environment, we walked them through what is possible, and the path to dimming the cacophony.Noise in Restaurants.In open-plan restaurants like Bluebell, designers are creating a living, breathing space. These feature kitchens that blend into dining areas and have high ceilings that expose the ducting of air conditioning with light fixtures that extend the reach of the room. They are also made up of hard-finished furnishing and surfaces to appeal to the current boom in minimalism. Not only this, but the hard furnishings are easy to clean, another area of management for making sure your restaurant is in tip-top shape. But, what these mean for your acoustic environment is far less manageable without professional input and a series of effective resolutions in place. There has been a rise in studies of noise, music, taste and experience in hospitality in recent years; it is a complete sensory experience combined with social interaction. It is our vision, hearing, taste and smells that all become excited. The rise in noise found in restaurants has steadily grown year on year. On some occasions, these measurements have been found at damaging levels to our sensitive ears, let alone at levels that are comforting for allowing conversation; an essential part of the social element of dining out. The Guardian has found that“The dB levels at many restaurants far exceed this pleasant thrum [between 55-65dB]. The average sound level recorded in UK restaurants on Soundprint, taken between 6pm and 9pm, is 79dB. “I’m sure many of those are above 80, and I’m sure some are above 85,” says Scott. “It’s really loud for conversation.” In 2017, the UK charity Action on Hearing Loss (AoHL) found that noise levels in some well-known chains, such as Patisserie Valerie, topped 90dB on busy evenings. That’s the equivalent of munching your croissant next to a lawnmower or motorbike.”and if you are finding these kinds of levels at your restaurant, these would most definitely land complaints and critiques pointing this out.There are possible connections between the sound intensity and the drinking of alcohol, but when combining this with food, it comes up as the second most common complaint in restaurants. Different intensities in background noise may even affect what you taste. PRI’s study on the impact of sound on taste highlights the following.“Researchers asked participants to eat chips and cookies while listening to white noise at either high or low volumes, or in silence. They found that the eaters perceived saltiness and sweetness as less intense when they ate the food in the presence of loud background noise, in contrast to when they ate it with quieter or no background noise.”The fascinating part of what we are beginning to discover is that there are certain foods that taste best or worse at specific sound intensities, with the aviation industry tailoring their meals to match the loud roar of jet engines, to the average dB levels of restaurants revamping their menu for the different intensities. Reverberant spaces are open and reflective. They allow everyone’s conversation, the clanging of pots and pans in kitchens and the background music to all meld together as intrusive background noise. It is the introduction of more absorptive surfaces that help to control this ‘bouncing around’ and reinforcement of perceived amplitude of the sound. Acoustics Today has highlighted that“The higher the average absorption coefficient, the more sound will be absorbed by the room surfaces. So, if a restaurant is to offer a quiet, subdued environment, where people can talk quietly, it is important to use larger amounts of sound-absorbing material on the available ceiling and wall areas. If a venue is to have a more “energetic” feel, less sound-absorbing material should be used, but that material should be used in strategically placed areas that have the potential to get louder than others”. It is not that that whole room would require absorptive materials; this would not create a vibrant balance and would be more like dining in an anechoic chamber! The aim is to place them evenly across walls and ceiling so that there is a more even surfacing that will absorb the sound energy.As we mentioned, it is about the balance of what you want for your restaurant’s atmosphere and experience. These will determine the amount of internal acoustic treatment you will need to create it. BluebellBluebell has had a successful start with their food, but after receiving a few reviews about the noise at their restaurant, especially on busy evenings, they got in contact with iKoustic. With an open-plan dining space made up of glass partitions, hard finished walls and floor – this resulted in a very challenging and reflective environment. Both at lunchtimes and evenings, the noise reverberated and caused massive disruptions to the conversation of others.The team at Bluebell wanted a complete design that would complement their current interior design and colour scheme, so we needed to work together on finding a solution that would do so. We went to visit them to present our Note™ range on-site to show them the possibilities of not only matching their surface colours but also their light fixtures and cooling fans. We brought along our ‘mood-board’ to collaboratively choose the right tone and mood of the room by comparing these internal features with our available options!MeasureWe took a simple projection of estimated reverb time by using a modelling of the room. These take what is called the ‘absorption coefficients’ of the surfaces, how absorbant a surface is in other words and calculates an estimated reverb time. This reverb time is how long it takes the sound to decay. You can discover more about reverberation by pressing on our icon below.Dimensions of the spaceLength – 8.1mWidth – 4.9mHeight – 4m (top of pitch) 2.4m (bottom of the pitch.)Estimated Reverberation CalculationsFrom these dimensions, our calculations were estimated at a reverberation time of 3.3 seconds, much too high for a restaurant with receiving even modest levels of speech intelligibility. We would usually aim between 0.8 – 1.2 seconds. We proposed that at least 17.3m2 of Class A sound absorption would be needed to be at the levels between 0.8 – 1.2 seconds. This would need applying across the wall and ceilings space for best coverage.LookTo present our proposed finished look, we provided them with our visualisation service. 2D drawings would help display the layout of our Hexagonal Soft Note™ panels wrapped in Camira Cara Fabric. The choice of using Hexagonal cuts in various sizes and colours not only creates a visually stimulating space, but the shaping also allows more space to add sound absorption in these areas, just as bees do with its honeycomb structure.From the measurements, we then created a 3D scale of the room with its current colour scheme and implemented our approved Note designs with the addition of Soft Note™ Pro on the ceiling, evenly spaced. In this process, we include all fixtures and furniture that we closely match to assure best representation.Hexagonal Soft Note™ x 18 (various sizes)Soft Note™ Pro x 20All ceilings panels were evenly spaced to provide the best performance possible, and this is important when reducing reverberation as there is more available absorptive surfaces.FeelOur installation team installed the panels as direct adhesive fixing so as not the impose on the room or interfere with the fixtures. The Hexagonal shaping in these colour gradients created an off-beat style of imagery but at no time feeling out of place. The different sizing and placement also allowed various shapes to appear from the original wall which we think creates a stimulating visual.The texture of the Hexagonal Soft Note™ panels comes from the Camira Cara Fabric wrap, and this gives them more depth instead of a solid colour wrap. An approach that both us and the team at Bluebell love.The final sound was vastly improved and the ‘feel’ of the room was undoubtedly more controlled, we now await those reviews after a busy period from customers that congratulate them on the improved acoustics of the room!

Lee Valley White Water Centre offers a unique mix of white water rafting and paddle sports, including family activities. The attraction, which is in Hertfordshire’s scenic Lee Valley Country Park, needed a new decking solution for its Terrace Bar & Café. Because many visitors choose to relax over a drink or a meal straight from their water sports experience, it was important to have decking that would be non-slip, even with surface water. And with the Terrace offering a packed programme including live music events, it also needed to be hardwearing. Gripsure supplied nearly 4,000 metres of Balau Hardwood anti-slip decking, an extremely durable product with an expected in-service life of more than 50 years. Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s surveyor, Robert Kearney said: “We needed decking with the greatest resistance to damp, which we could use to create safe non-slip walkways. We were looking for many years of durability, so this is a long-term investment for us.”

If your hospitality establishment is off grid, here at Calor you can benefit from our versatile LPG heating solutions which translate into both fuel and CO2 savings when compared with oil, keeping your customers happy with hot water and piping hot food. Follow the link to read through the case study with one of our clients, Nash Manor House. ''The oil tank has rusted and started leaking and I was concerned about the impact that this might have on the environment. I also didn’t like the fact that oil was a target for thieves – so I wanted a fuel that could not be easily stolen. On paper LPG appeared to be more expensive than oil, but in practice that has not been the case.''

The StoVentec Glass rainscreen system featured on the upper part of this 84,000 sq ft Marks & Spencer store in Maidstone was specified by architects Corstorphine & Wright for this £25 million project. 900m2 of StoVentec Glass panels were manufactured on a completely bespoke basis and finished in a pre-specified RAL colour to complement the modern design of the building and the other construction materials that were used. The StoVentec Glass system was designed and installed by specialist contractor Southern Maze Ltd, using Sto’s innovative sub-construction that can be mounted onto virtually all substrates, with no visible frames, rails or fixings. The store is regarded as a flagship out-of-town project for Marks & Spencer and features a bakery and food hall alongside other retail spaces. 

Four years ago, sustainable developer Citu set out to create homes 10 times more energy efficient than typical UK houses. To do this, the company invested in a state-of-the-art production facility where all the components for its properties are built offsite.Thermal performance is critical to energy efficiency. Citu wanted to go far beyond the regulations to achieve wall build-ups with an extremely low U-value of just 0.10W/m2K. This is at least three times better than the U-value achieved in most new build homes and fifteen times better than older houses.Adding offsite capabilityCitu turned to Knauf Insulation for advice and support in developing the offsite capability required for this level of thermal performance. Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team undertook extensive calculations and recommended the Blowing Plate Insulation System to install Supafil® Frame – a high performance, non-combustible blowing wool.Supafil® Blowing Wool lends itself to offsite production because it completely fills the cavity, without any voids even around complex penetrations – something that can occur when insulation slabs or rolls are cut to size. It is also a dry process, so operatives are not exposed to any harmful chemicals and it doesn’t require a dedicated production line.Instead, the system comprises a blowing machine and a filling plate. The system is modular allowing for phased investment. Citu opted to install the blowing machine in phase one, which allowed them to manually fill the panels. Phase two saw the addition of the blowing plate, semi-automating the process.Supafil® Frame can be run by a single operator, fits easily into the existing production line, and can even be moved quickly and swiftly to other areas in the manufacturing facility depending on Citu’s volume capacity requirements.Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team provided full training and support during each phase of installation.Insulating the panelsCitu homes are manufactured from wooden panels with a 300mm cavity. The blowing plate is positioned over the panel completely covering the cavity. Supafil® is then blown into the wooden frame to the specific parameters of each panel. All cavities are filled to the correct thickness; something that has been carefully calculated and tested by the Knauf Insulation Technical Support Team to ensure settlement does not occur. And because the machine is programmed to install the exact quantity of insulation required, there’s no waste.Supafil® is a high performance Blowing Wool. It is non-combustible with Euroclass A1 reaction to fire classification as well as providing excellent thermal and acoustic performance. It contains a silicone-based additive to ensure it is water repellent.As well as providing excellent thermal performance, Supafil® has great sustainability credentials. Knauf Insulation’s Glass Mineral Wool contains up to 80% of recycled content. This reduces the amount of virgin materials used and prevents around 60,000 tonnes of glass a year (350 million bottles) from going to landfill or polluting the environment. Knauf Insulation has also invested in advanced compression packaging. This means there’s less packaging used, so fewer lorries on the roads leading to a reduction in transport carbon emissions. All of which helps to support Citu’s goal that every home should be carbon zero to manufacture.By combining modern methods of construction with the very highest levels of thermal performance, Citu and Knauf Insulation are creating homes that reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions – homes that are fit for the future.

Here's how Freedom has transformed Izzy's living space -Why Freedom?Freedom embraces unique features to support independent living scenarios and offers the latest kitchen trends so there’s no need to compromise on style. Key components of safety, style, storage and smart flexibility at the core of the Freedom brand, make it ideal for multi-generational living, including mobility requirements.Meet Izzy Izzy Hussain, is a full-time wheelchair user, who lives in Milton Keynes. Izzy’s new kitchen allows her to host friends and family with ease.  “I now have the freedom to cook what I want, when I want and this new style of kitchen allows me to be independent and spontaneous, which is really important for me.”Izzy’s previous kitchen wasn’t accessible. Izzy reverted to using a camping hot plate and an MDF worktop just so she had the ability to cook.Following Izzy’s spinal injury, Occupational Therapist Zoe Paye provided necessary support and helped oversee the design process and renovation of Izzy’s bungalow. Zoe recommended Adam Thomas, leading accessible design consultant and Tara Neil Kitchen Retailer to offer a tailored design service, including delivery and installation. Izzy’s Kitchen DesignAs part of an early design consultation, a few features were agreed:An Island on two levels with fixed height prep space and induction hob so Izzy can cook and entertain guests at the same time.A pull-out table, doubling up as a place to safely transfer dishes to the island and as additional preparation space.A pantry/tall larder with pull-out drawers providing easy and quick access to dried food and tins.Additional design features:A drinks cabinet as entertaining is a big part of Izzy’s life allowing her to host friends and family with ease. A NEFF Slide&Hide® oven, including heat proof resting shelf which Izzy wanted following good reviews on a Facebook spinal group. Essential storage such as pull down i-move baskets and pull-out pan drawers provide easy access to everyday items, helping Izzy to be independent. A push to open slimline NEFF dishwasher for ease of accessing crockery and kitchen utensils and a hot tap which eliminates the back and forth of filling up a kettle. Finally, a well-equipped utility room incorporating a sink to wash and groom her dogs as well as a handy pull-out dog treat drawer were a must-have for Izzy. Products featured: Freedom Alta Kitchen in gloss pure white with chrome handles. A statement worktop made from Quartzite in aurora pink.Appliances: sink with drainer, integrated hide and slide ovens and induction hob, hot tap, integrated fridge-freezer, slimline dishwasher, feature lighting and flip sockets.The Freedom brand is designed in collaboration with the Adam Thomas Consultancy. Adam is an accessible design consultant and industry expert with over 40 years’ experience. Freedom is available from selected retail partners around the UK.

Birch bark façade, deploying Trosifol® Diamond white, creates complimentary design at the ‘City Between the Bridges’The Cultural Center Väven gets its name from the Swedish word ‘weave’, as it has been designed to weave multiple cultural programs and activities together in order to provide a common stage. The ‘S’ shaped building, which incorporates culture, literature, knowledge, socialising, recreation, and food, owes its striking external appearance to a contemporary architectural vision that took inspiration from the bark of Birch trees that are typical to the region.Trosifol® Diamond White PVB The lighter bands used in the Cultural Center Väven were created using glazed panels that deployed a specialist Trosifol® PVB interlayer called Diamond White, from Kuraray.

Sector:Leisure & HealthcareClient:Houghton Regis Management CompanyDuration:48 weeksArchitect:NORR Consultants LtdCompletion Date:14 January 2022Value:£4.4mThe scheme involved the construction of three stand-alone buildings with: an office and marketing suite which will offer flexible co-working opportunities for the local community, a cafe, and a community hall. The three buildings making up the Farmstead are arranged around beautiful landscaping with a courtyard that has a nature-themed play area, outdoor seating and bike storage.Andrew Morris, Business Development Director for Ashe Construction said: “We’re delighted to be providing this fantastic new community facility. Using sustainably sourced timber and offsite methods of construction we have ensured the most sustainable of buildings that fits with the aspirations of all parties involved. We hope it plays a central part in building a caring and diverse community.”A PLACE FOR SOCIALISING AND COMMUNITYThe Farmstead is the heart and soul of Linmere, a space where everyone is welcome. Sitting within its own landscaped grounds, The Farmstead consists of three barns arranged around a central courtyard. Inside this lively hub you’ll find a café bistro, a community hall for hire, an expanding retail offering, a pop-up for hire, plus yoga and fitness classes to participate in and a nature-inspired children’s adventure playground.A PLACE TO MEET, DINE AND ENJOY!Roam, a brand-new café bistro, offers a high-quality daytime café, proudly serving Really Awesome Coffee, with a range of snacks, cakes, and hot food. This is complemented with an evening bistro serving a modern, quality menu along with a selection of wines and beer.Located in the heart of The Farmstead Linmere, offering residents and visitors alike a social venue open from morning until night, Roam is the go-to venue for coffee, delicious food, and a very welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee break, a working lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends and family, Roam has something for everyone.

Castle Hill Hospital, at Cottingham near Hull, is defending busy areas of the hospital interiors from impact damage with the help of Yeoman Shield protection products.Serving the population of Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire, the hospital has approximately 370 beds and caters for the majority of the trusts elective activity as well as housing the award- winning Queen’s Centre for Oncology and Haematology.The refurbishment of the Plastic Surgery Outpatients ground floor corridors and First floor I.C.U. corridors saw Yeoman Shield 200mm protection rail installed. The rails are fitted on a 60mm PVC “stand-off” spacers allowing them to be utilised as a handrail for those requiring it.A strengthening solid inner core ensures the rail is capable of taking the heaviest of blows from motorised or wheeled trolleys and equipment saving the wall from structural damage and marking.The vulnerable corners and terminating ends of the rail are equally protected from impact with the addition of Yeoman Shield’s new rubber, hardwearing and durable stop ends and wall return accessories.The busy catering department and corridors were also suffering from impact damage caused by the movement of the catering trolleys, food warmers and equipment. To combat costly damage to the décor Yeoman Shield 200mm protection rail has again been installed this time “flat-back” to the wall.For a hygienic yet protective finish to the walls Yeoman Shield smooth food grade wall panels were installed from floor to ceiling with extra defence in the form of the 200mm protection rail.All Yeoman Shield products were installed by directly employed Yeoman Shield fixing operatives ensuring an efficient and accurate first time fit.“The work carried out to corridors and catering department was undertaken with due consideration of each busy section of the hospital and to suit their working arrangements, including any out of hours working. All went very well and each department commented on how well the work went and how good the improvement is” Alan Parry, Estates Officer (Building).

Interaction strives to create flexible, accessible spaces for their clients prioritising the wellbeing of those who use it, and allowing users to work in the way that suits them best.To support in creating these modern workspaces, Interaction partnered with BRITA VIVREAU to cater to the hydration needs and overall workplace wellbeing of their clients.Following the completion of a hassle-free specification process, Interaction partnered with BRITA to install the signature Extra C-Tap water dispenser in multiple corporate offices and co-working spaces across the country such as TCN Newark Works in Bath, Runway East in London, and in one of UK's most sustainable office buildings The Halo for Osborne Clarke, an international law firm based in Bristol.Todd Groves,Contract Account Manager, Interaction UK"The BRITA brand heritage, quality of the products and the ease of understanding our technical capabilities were our top 3 reasons for partnering with BRITA. We’re always mindful in our choice of suppliers and look to partner with brands who consider the impact they have on the environment. The BRITA Extra C-Tap was an easy choice as a hydration provider for a number of our clients. In addition to meeting filtration needs and becoming a focal point where employees can take a tea or coffee break or just chat, it is so versatile and dials up the aesthetic of any building project."

Areas around Torbay have recently been provided with outdoor sanitiser stations in the hope to encourage hand hygiene for shoppers in the high streets. Dart Valley, the southern division of Franke Water Systems UK, are specialists in hygienic solutions and adapted one of their current stainless steel hand sanitising stations to provide a bespoke solution for areas around Torbay. The technical team at were proud to be part of a local project and spent a significant amount of time designing the bespoke sanitisers to ensure all requirements were met. The finished product was a touch-free, automatic free-standing sanitiser station, manufactured from 2mm grade 316 stainless steel, which is weatherproof and an ideal solution for an outdoor product. 316 stainless steel contains an addition of molybdenum that gives it improved corrosion resistance, a key design factor for an outdoor product in a seaside town. Stainless steel is robust and vandal resistant, meaning it can withstand such heavy use and help prevent any potential damage. The robust body of the sanitiser station also features a maintenance hatch with high-security tamper-resistant screws, so that the stations can be regularly refilled. The touchless dispensers exceed the design of those seen in most supermarkets and stores, which can often be found grubby with overspilling. Such design considerations as touch-free and using easy to maintain materials should be at the forefront of any hygienic product, particularly in busy areas.

Armourcoat have been specified throughout the VIVI restaurant, a 1960’s inspired eatery in the Centre Point building in London’s West End. VIVI promises to deliver traditional British food with an innovative twist.VIVI’s 290 cover dining room serving delicious British favourites has its interior design inspired by 1960’s colours and fabrics including a handmade chandelier by British designer Vibeke Fonnesberg Schmidt. The new restaurant, created by Rhubarb – the team behind Sky Garden and Verdi Italian Kitchen at the Royal Albert Hall, is part of a wider refurbishment of Richard Seifert’s celebrated Grade-II listed high-rise tower. Armourcoat finishes have been used to spectacular effect in the entrance lobby, restaurant reception, bar and dining area with close to 300m2 of hand finished Armourcoat polished plaster applied to the walls.

Bowline in Renshaw Street, Liverpool is a new development; a combination of student accommodation and apart-hotel rooms. Liverpool City Council approved the demolition of the existing Renshaw Hall building and the construction of the hotel and an 11-storey block of student accommodation; 49 clusters totalling 357 bedrooms with shared kitchen/lounge; and 47 self contained studios. The students communal facilities include a sky lounge, private dining room, fitness studio, karaoke room, and cinema room.Multiple residents in a building means more food being cooked and a higher risk of kitchen cooking fires. The Firechief Kitchen Stove Guard was fitted in all kitchen areas to help keep all the residents in the building safer. A fire on an induction hob can start in just 1.5 to 2 minutes and a fire on a traditional electric hob within 6 minutes.

Nerrols is a primary and nursery school which is part of the Richard Huish Trust located in Taunton. Opened in September 2019, Nerrols includes facilities such as 14 classrooms, main hall, kitchen, science and technology room, sports hall library, food technology room and a 3G sports pitch. Built to support a new residential development being constructed, the two-story building school provides 420 places for 4 to 11 year olds and 26 nursery places, with modern colour render above, and features a generous canopy over the main entrance.Cellecta’s Mojave S1-8 was specified due to it being a lightweight option for an acoustic composite floor build up. This system has a low energy use, reducing running costs and co2 emissions, which benefits the environment.Willmott Dixon was awarded this 1,000m² contract by Somerset County Council to construct this development in Somerset.

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys is one of three secondary schools in the Tunbridge Wells area. The school has been extended and modernized to offer further school places to the local community. The expansion includes a new a three-storey satellite facility that houses general teaching classrooms, ICT and food technology spaces, and a five-court sports hall. An expanded dining room has also been created through the refurbishment of the existing sports hall.Cellecta’s YELOfon HD10+ was specified by Bond Bryan Architects due to its unrivalled acoustic performance in isolating a floating screed from a structural concrete floor. This product is lightweight making it easy to install. YELOfon HD10+ is also delivered in rolls to ensure it’s easy to handle.Willmott Dixon were awarded this 7,950m² contract to construct this latest school project in Sevenoaks.

Cantonian High School in Fairwater, Cardiff were in the process of having some Portakabin buildings installed and required a large canopy that would provide a covered walkway along the length of their Textiles, Food Tech, Drama and Learning Centre classrooms.Portakabin requested a price from us as we work closely with them, offering their clients shade and shelter solutions that fit perfectly with their temporary buildings.The school required the canopy to be 68.58m long with a projection of 6m, as mentioned above to cover a number of classrooms.The SolutionThe Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy was proposed as the ideal solution as it covered the customer’s needs. It has a maximum projection of up to 6m, can be any length and offers high UV protection to those underneath including shelter from the rain.The school was happy with the design put forward by Able Canopies and Portakabin and placed an order for a 68.58m x 6m Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy.

Project DescriptionThe new £5.5m state-of-the-art Beacon building was created as part of a £40m investment in Staffordshire University’s City campus in Stoke-on-Trent. A three storey, metal-clad building, it features innovative learning and social spaces. These include 12 timetabled teaching areas and general teaching rooms, flexible, multi-sized space for lectures, IT labs, seminar spaces, and The Pavilion Café which offers a street-food style menu.Specific Project ChallengesMaintaining the critical system interface details from the SFSinstaller to the rainscreen cladding installer.Ensuring colour continuity from one anodised aluminimum batch to another.Unique project featuresA bespoke natural anodised plank system, designed to seamlessly facilitate linear vertical modules.New anodising finishing techniques, featuring etched, brushed and polished finishes.A fully designed and warrantied through–wall solution from a single manufacturer.

The Scottish Salmon Company is the leading producer of quality Scottish farmed salmon operating across the West Coast of Scotland and Hebrides.The Scottish Salmon Company is the leading producer of quality Scottish farmed salmon operating across the West Coast of Scotland and Hebrides. The company required upgraded door systems at their processing facility in Stornoway. Dortek supplied Novosprint high speed doors and Metaflex sliding chiller doors to facilitate the segregation of production areas for hygiene and temperature control. The short opening and closing times of the Novosprint door which has speeds of up to 5 m/s, was used to help improve hygiene and operational efficiency, prevent unnecessary heat loss, and significantly reduce energy costs. The Metaflex sliding chillers doors were specified due to their airtight seal which eliminates draughts or leakage. The door also has a hygienic finish for food safe environments and automatic operation for easy access.

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

Composite Decking - Interlocking Dura Deck Tiles | Case StudyThe RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a renowned annual garden exhibition held for five days each year by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, London.Gorilla Carts and Kiosks were chosen to supply anti-slip modular flooring to enable safe access around the food courts. Using the innovative fast-fit interlocking Dura Deck Tile product designed and manufactured by Dura Composites, Gorilla Carts and Kiosks were able to quickly and easily install hundreds of square metres of outdoor flooring which provided clear demarcation of pedestrian standing and seating areas. Anti-slip, durable, and with an attractive woodgrain composite timber finish, the tiles interlock quickly and easily for set up and removal – and can be laid on virtually any existing hardstanding to create a simple decked area.

Area: 1200m2Year: 2023Location: Frisco, TexasProduct: CladdingFinish: MustardArchitectural solutions: Overlapped installation systemProject type: EducationGensler’s adaptive reuse project of the Frisco Public Library transforms an old Texan manufacturing building, formerly utilized for food and aerospace products, into a center for public knowledge. The library design draws inspiration from the ecological history of the state’s Blackland Prairie and aims to establish an environment that fosters active learning for both visitors and staff.The outdoor facade employs PARKLEX PRODEMA panels in Mustard, a hue that harmonizes with the indigenous flora chosen for the landscape design of the project. The cladding boards were custom-fitted to create an overlapping siding system that gives character to the 1200 square meter facade while paying homage to the vernacular architecture. The technical attributes of PARKLEX PRODEMA products assure the longevity of the installation, providing great resistance to severe weather conditions while needing no upkeep.

In response to the aspirations of our up-and-coming fast-food customer, seeking to extend the dining experience into the inviting embrace of summer months, we embarked on a project to seamlessly integrate a patio terrace with their new restaurant. Positioned at the front of the establishment, this terrace would not only enhance the dining experience but also provide patrons with a warm and enticing view of the dining facility.To bring this vision to life, we proposed a sophisticated bi-folding system designed to offer an expansive opening, effectively blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. This innovative solution provided a seamless transition, allowing guests to seamlessly move between the restaurant’s interior and the charming patio terrace. Moreover, the bi-folding system was equipped with an easy-to-use lockable folding door mechanism, ensuring both security and convenience for staff. To further personalise the space and align with the customer’s corporate identity, custom graphics were incorporated, adding a unique touch that resonated with the brand’s ethos and aesthetic.

The Bryncae development on Bridgend Road, Pontyclun is a three-phased residential scheme that aimed to bring much needed housing to the growing commuter town in South Wales. In phase one of the development, a mix of flats, bungalows and houses were built, along with three business units which were filled by Co-op Food, Greggs and Bella’s Boutique. Taylor Maxwell worked with architects Buckmaster Batcup, who were appointed by Rhondda Housing Association, to specify and supply Stonepanel stone cladding and weatherboard cladding to the project, along with blue facing bricks in a soldier course detail above and below the windows. The scheme was managed by supply chain partner Wates Group. The second and third stages delivered a further mix of houses and flats, with work carried out by M&J Cosgrove and Morganstone respectively. Holder Matthias Architects were the architects on phases two and three, carrying out the precedent set in phase one.

Innovative technology firm chooses Altro for its new HQChallengeTriton Systems Inc. are a global product venturing and investment company, developing innovative ideas from concept stages to commercial fruition. In order to accommodate their rapid growth and expand production capabilities, Triton needed to relocate its facilities and headquarters to a newly renovated space. The remodelled site includes a host of upgraded amenities, such as new laboratories and development centres, to enable a full spectrum of in-house operations ranging from chemistry and biology to machining, testing and virtual reality.ApproachLocal design firm Fishbrook Design Studio, collaborated with Triton to create the ideal interior for their new site. In the laboratory areas, the studio specified Altro Walkway 20 safety flooring to promote employee safety and achieve the desired aesthetic.Solution“We were looking for attractive flooring solutions that offered safe environments, cleanliness, low maintenance and durability,” explained Kristin Naumann, Director of Design, Fishbrook Design Studio. “For my renovation projects, Altro products offer a great looking, durable way to upgrade hightraffic areas such as common areas and workspaces.”

Helmsman’s most recent project was for a company we have enjoyed working with in the past. McCormick are a global leader in flavour, with Schwartz, Franks RedHot and French’s just a selection of their well known brands. Back in 2021, we manufactured and installed a variety of lockers in their new Cambridge facilities, from garment collectors, garment dispensers through to office and visitor lockers.This year we had the pleasure of working with McCormick again for their UK HQ in Haddenham, Buckinghamshire. The client requested lockers for their staff members and so Helmsman supplied and installed 164 mild steel, 1 compartment lockers with sloping tops and stands. The colour scheme was kept bright but professional, with a selection of colours including standard “Ice” coloured body with blue, red and yellow doors.Helmsman’s Essential Metal Lockers are manufactured from mild steel, and powder coated in our factory with our new paint booth. There are a variety of colour options, with those chosen by McCormick being Royale (blue), Cherry (red) and Yellow. The lockers were finished with Lowe and Fletcher Camlocks, a simple, secure and easy to use option, perfect for the lockers required.In addition to the lockers, Helmsman also supplied bench seating for McCormick’s Haddenham HQ. We produced 10 double sided benches, with coat hooks and Ash Hardwood seating slats.The lockers and benches really do look fantastic at McCormick’s Haddenham HQ. It was great to work with McCormick again and we hope to help them with any locker, cubicle or bench seating requirements they have in the future.

The conclusion of a far-reaching and detailed refurbishment contract within the country’s oldest purpose-built cultural entertainment venue has included the installation of custom designed stainless steel units and worktop, supplied and installed by G.E.C Anderson for the food preparation area.  The project at the historic Blackheath Halls in Lee Road, South-East London, has been carried out by the equally long established Sykes and Son on behalf of the operating company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. The scope of the work included the redevelopment of the Great Hall, bar and box office/foyer areas. With such construction work as electrical rewiring, plumbing and plastering completed, G.E.C Anderson’s project management team carried out a precise survey of the food preparation area, located to one at the North end of the main bar, in order for the design and fabrication process to commence. While many clients choose to make use of G.E.C Anderson’s standard ranges of sinks and other sanitaryware, the conservation considerations to the work within Blackheath Halls required a bespoke solution. The sector specialist manufacturer’s workshops duly produced a set of three base cabinets in stainless steel, and a single-piece L-shaped stainless steel work-surface with integral sink and splashbacks. Such custom made installations offer a pristine appearance that is ideal for such public facing applications, while helping establishments maintain an efficient cleaning regime essential in achieving the high standards of hygiene essential in commercial premises.   Hannah Benton, Operations Manager for Blackheath Halls whose responsibilities include the servery area, commented: “The refurbishment of the different areas of the venue – including the general building work, updating of plumbing and electrical services and installation of the new servery facilities, was completed to schedule for the reopening in November. All of the equipment matches the scope of the works effectively as well as hygiene requirements.”Since its formation in 1962, G.E.C 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.

Bermondsey Spa is a transformation of a neglected corner of south London into one with well designed homes, streets, spaces, and places for the local community. Located in Southwark, close to Tower Bridge and Bermondsey Underground station. 2,000 new homes, 40% of which are affordable housing, have been created. 16 GP surgeries in two new health centres, a NHS dental practice, pharmacy, youth, and play facilities, 2.5 hectares of re-landscaped open space, bicycle parks, council offices and a One Stop Shop, shops, including a food retail store, and offices for the Southwark Primary Care Trust have been constructed.Cellecta’s YELOfon HD10+ was specified by Levitt Bernstein for this development for its acclaimed resilient layer which isolates floating screed from the structural concrete floor. YELOfon HD10+ has superior impact sound deadening properties, is light weight and is easy to handle and install.Hyde Group was awarded this 25,000m² contract to construct this development in one of the most vibrant places to live in London.

Hotel Café Royal has just undergone a complete refurbishment and internal re-build. Part of the new complex is a state-of-the-art Spa and Gym which is located in the basement. Directly next to the hotel is Regent Street, below which runs the Bakerloo underground train line.Structure-borne noise levels from the trains were far too high to create the relaxing environment required for a top class Spa. The acoustic consultants therefore specified that all of the noise sensitive spaces must be isolated on a Stravifloor Deck concrete floating floor system.Café Royal’s 1,200 sqm Wellbeing Centre provides a personal and intimate holistic experience. It has a large lap pool and four different areas, corresponding to the four natural elements: spa/water, gym/fire, yoga/air and organic bar/earth.The spa offers a variety of Watsu hydro-experiences, a private and communal Hammam and signature Akasha treatments. Moods are enhanced by restorative music, aromas and gentle lighting. The gym has the most advanced fitness equipment, including Kinesis machines. There is a spacious aerobics studio and a private training room. Yoga, Tai-Chi and Pilates are offered in the calming area, with bespoke classes.