"cement board"

The client, East Lindsay District Council, planned to build a brand new £7m state of the art Public Sector Hub facility in Horncastle, Lincolnshire to provide office space for the District Council, Boston College, along with Lincolnshire Police and local medical organisations. A sustainable approach was needed towards the construction of the large 220 space car park required to serve the new building to avoid surface run off and flood risk to the surrounding area.  Using Tarmac's ULTIPOROUS meant planning conditions and would keep the car park free from standing water, even after heavy rainfall. It also avoided the need for additional costly drainage systems and was far less labour intensive than alternatives like block paving, which helped saved time and cost for the client. The smooth, even finish also met the client’s requirement for a safe, low maintenance, all weather surface.

Ulticolour coloured asphalt provided a new surface was required for the extensive footpaths at a new £12 million leisure park in Snowdonia. The buff coloured asphalt perfectly matched the surroundings and provided a safe surface for pedestrians and the site staff.

Ulticolour offered a distinctive, aesthetic surface for this modern housing development located on the River Irwell in Salford, to the north of Manchester. The chosen buff colour matched the contemporary architectural design.

A private landowner wanted to develop a large multi-purpose agricultural facility for both arable and potential livestock use at their farm in Leicestershire. Part of the requirement was external surfacing, which would need to be hard wearing and deliver long lasting durability in this demanding environment, including regular use by heavy agricultural vehicles. After discussions with the contractor, the solution proposed was Tarmac’s TOPFORCE fibre reinforced concrete with a combination of synthetic macro and micro fibres. TOPFORCE is a fibre reinforced, high performance concrete, that eliminates the need for some traditional reinforcement. Quicker and easier to place than traditional steel mesh reinforced concrete, TOPFORCE concrete offers excellent long-term durability and performance. This makes it ideal for heavy duty flooring or hardstanding applications. This solution would deliver a saving in both labour and material costs and avoid the budget impact of the rising cost of steel. As well as improving the durability off the finished concrete, the use of macro fibres would also improve sustainability significantly by reducing embodied carbon compared to traditional steel reinforcement. 

As part of a £44m project to build a major new police operational command centre, surfacing was required for the large parking area and access roads. The parking area would be used by more than 1,200 officers and support staff and a wide range of vehicles from police cars to heavy goods vehicles. Originally an AC 10 close graded surface course material had been specified. However, after early engagement with the surfacing and main contractor, it was clear that a more robust and durable solution was required that could withstand the high volumes of traffic using the site.Tarmac’s ULTIDRIVE asphalt was chosen as the solution. Designed to resist the long term effects of daily vehicle movement, ULTIDRIVE is a high performance asphalt with a smooth and highly durable finish. An advanced modified binder enhances the toughness of the surface, provides improved resistance to scuffing and abrasion from power-assisted turning and reduces softening in hot weather. It also gives enhanced resistance to temporary fuel and oil spills compared to conventional asphalt surfacing.

Resurfacing was required for this busy supermarket and public car park serving Billericay town centre. In addition to replacing the old surface, works included reconfiguring the layout with additional parent & child and disabled parking bays and the creation of pedestrian walkways with clear demarcation. Tarmac’s ULTIDRIVE 6mm asphalt was selected as it has a close texture finish to provide a surface that is both durable and able to resist the effects of tight turning vehicles. ULTIDRIVE is a specialist asphalt with an advanced modified binder that provides enhanced workability during installation. This assists with compaction and finish, especially when hand laying around ironwork. It also provides improved resistance to rutting and deformation from vehicle loading and to scuffing and abrasion from power-assisted steering. ULTIDRIVE has a higher softening point temperature than conventional materials and resists occasional fuel and oil spills.

Background:Canterbury’s Art Museum and library, The Beaney Instituteis a Grade II Listed, Victorian building dating back to 1900.The Institute was granted £11.6m by the Heritage LotteryGrant to conserve, repair and restore the existing buildingplus create an extension that would double the size of theInstitute in order to provide better facilities to the museum,art gallery and library.The Solution:Limelite plaster from the Heritage range was used torestore and protect the internal walls throughoutthe Institute. Limelite Renovating Plaster was appliedto control and minimise dampness that can occur inolder properties. High Impact Finishing Plaster was thenapplied, creating a BBA approved plaster system allowingthe walls to breathe while protecting them from damage,maintaining a heritage-style appearance.The Outcome:The Limelite plaster system was the perfect solutionfor The Beaney Institute. Important pieces of art andmuseum artefacts are protected from condensationand salt transfer from the walls.This modern solution works sympathetically with thefabric of the building providing the aesthetic finishexpected of a building of its character whilst also beingdurable enough to withstand the high footfall of thevisiting public.

This exclusive up-market housing development in rural Somerset, required surfacing for what would become an adopted residential road. Planning requirements specified that a sustainable form of drainage would be needed to gain planning consent. ULTIPOROUS, Tarmac’s durable porous asphalt was recommended. It would allow full infiltration of rainwater to eliminate puddles and standing water even after heavy rain. It would also achieve a safe, all-weather surface for residents and avoid surface run-off into the local catchment. The approach taken, meant that no drains or manholes were required, which is another advantage of using this product for architects and designers. It would also deliver lasting durability, helping to minimise future maintenance requirements.

As part of its UK expansion program Aldi was building a new £59 million regional distribution centre and offices at Wentloog near Cardiff.Over 10,000 m3 of TOPFORCE fibre reinforced concrete was supplied over a period of 13 months for the external floor slab. The TOPFORCE concrete reduced the effects of shrinkage and settlement cracking, while enhancing the surface properties and durability of the hardened, cementitious product. 

A busy Leeds Freightliner container terminal located to the South East of Leeds needed replacement of a number of sections of the external paving. The site is subject to constant traffic and extreme loading, with loading vehicles weighting up to 100 tonnes when carrying a container and daily use by HGV’s. Tarmac’s TOPFORCE fibre reinforced concrete offered the ideal solution. Although TOPFORCE concretes can be used instead of conventional steel reinforcement in some applications, in this case it would be used for added durability and crack resistance in a pavement design containing two layers of steel reinforcement mesh within a 300mm slab. The fibres within TOPFORCE provide three-dimensional reinforcement throughout the full depth of the pavement. This delivers improved abrasion, impact and crack resistance and enhanced flexural strength.Find out more at: https://tarmac.com/case-studies/fibre-reinforced-concrete-for-busy-transport-hub/

In early 2020, Birmingham City Council granted planning permission for the redevelopment of Alexander Stadium, ahead of the Commonwealth Games to be held in 2022. As part of this large-scale redevelopment, the client needed a footway surfacing material that would combine visual and aesthetic appeal with a long-lasting finish, tough enough to withstand use by the thousands of visitors expected for the Commonwealth Games.  The new coloured asphalt footways around the stadium track matched the grandeur of the new stadium development and provided the visual impact and visitor appeal that the client was looking for. It also helped provide clear demarcation for spectators to identify pedestrian footways and segregate vehicular traffic from foot traffic. The proven durability of ULTICOLOUR asphalts will ensure that the new surface should be maintenance free for many years.

This new housing development in Leicestershire required porous, all-weather driveway surfacing for the new three, four and five bedroom homes that would manage rainwater and avoid local flooding. Tarmac's ULTIPOROUS provided the solution combining excellent drainage characteristics with proven long term durability and meeting local planning requirements and delivering a sustainable drainage solution.

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

Situated beside a neighbouring Grade II church spire, the development achieves a stunning visual cohesion between the traditional aesthetics of the church spire, against the properties modern, angular design

Heathlands School is the largest deaf school within the UK offering a Total Communication approach to education incorporating British Sign Language, Sign Supported English and spoken English. The school needed more classroom space so they commissioned architects Manalo & White (in collaboration with deaf architect Richard Dougherty) and building contractor Gemstone, to create a new dedicated classroom building on the same site as the existing school building. The School wanted to improve the provision of classrooms but it was already a tight site so the designers carried out an initial master-planning exercise to identify potential opportunities. They chose to create a new timber-framed building rather than extending the existing school building, and the architects connected the new structure to the existing building via a first-floor level bridge.Originally the site was built as a Primary School and had been adapted to make it suitable for a deaf school. This new building was purpose built for the requirements of the pupils with 6 bright, open classrooms with generous windows and a state-of-the-art heating, cooling and ventilation system. All of the circulation is exterior so there are no internal corridors. By positioning the new building in the corner of the campus it made use of otherwise under-utilised space and created a new additional outdoor learning area for the students which could be accessed directly from the ground floor classrooms. The new building mirrored the scale of the existing buildings so that it immediately felt like a comfortable addition. The architects didn’t want to design another brick building and instead deliberately chose to clad the exterior, creating a new identity for the building. The architects specified Alexandrite Green for the cladding to symbolise nature, health, and harmony, with yellow windows to represent light and ‘thriving in unison. Yellow also helps with perception and helped the students to move easily around the spaces. Initially Gemstone spoke with a number of cladding manufacturers about producing the coloured panels for the project, but it was James Hardie who were able to colour match the panels in custom colour Alexandrite Green with a professional service. Hardie® Panel can be produced in any colour within the RAL colour system, providing plenty of options for every project. They are available in a range of textures, offering the ultimate design flexibility. Gemstone chose to use Hardie® Panel in smooth for the 240m2 envelope of the building.  Because the project was on a live school site Gemstone had to be sensitive to disruption and pupil access. Deliveries were scheduled for early morning and late afternoon to avoid pick up and drop off hours. The site was cordoned off from the rest of the school during construction to ensure minimal interruption to the pupils and teachers.All of the panels were designed individually and fabricated off site by Marco Industries to minimise drilling and cutting on site. Not only did this help with health and safety on the school campus but it also sped up the installation process. The project was completed on time, to a very tight budget, and the client was very happy with the delivery.

This large college needed to increase parking capacity for students and staff and commissioned a new 5,500m2 car park. Local planning guidelines encouraged a sustainable approach to drainage to avoid excessive run-off into the local catchment. It would be used throughout the year, so there was also a requirement to avoid standing water during heavy rain. As it would be in frequent use by large numbers of staff and students, the chosen surfacing needed to provide long term durability with minimal maintenance requirement.After discussions with the main contractor, Tarmac’s experienced team recommended ULTIPOROUS, their specialist porous asphalt car park surface. Using a modified binder and open aggregate structure, ULTIPOROUS combines excellent drainage characteristics with long term durability. It reduces direct surface water run-off to help meet planning requirements. It also eliminates the problem of both standing water after heavy rain and ice patches that can occur in cold weather conditions.

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.

A complete rework of a postmodern office building (60 London Wall), situated in the heart of the City of London. The project aim was to extensively refurbish, reconfigure, reinvent and reposition the building.Due to the addition of a composite metal deck floor extension and additional steel frame for the top floors, Tarmac’s Toplight C lightweight structural concrete was seen as the perfect solution as it could be pumped and ensured a weight loss of 30% whiel maintaining the necessary structural performance.

The car park at Syngenta’s research centre at Jealotts Hill to the north of Bracknell needed resurfacing. The new car park surface needed to be durable enough to cope with frequent HGV traffic and deliver a lasting, low maintenance solution.As expected, ULTIPHALT HD was installed quickly, within the client’s schedule and the car park was marked-up and re-opened just 12 hours after the asphalt was laid. The speed of the work meant no disruption to Sygenta’s daily operations, employees or customers. The proven durability of ULTIPHALT HD will also help to minimise future maintenance requirements and associated costs.

A new 4,000m2 staff car park was required for this large brewery in Monmouthshire. Sustainable water management was a key priority for the client. As a result they had specified full infiltration porous construction that would allow rainwater to soak into the pavement, before being slowly released into the ground. This would help to reduce the rapid runoff which can cause local drainage systems to be overloaded after heavy rainfall.The new ULTIPOROUS surface provided a safe, all-weather parking area which would avoid surface water after heavy rainfall and formation of ice during the winter. It also met the client’s sustainability requirements by helping to manage rainwater at source and control its release into the surrounding environment.

Ulticolour coloured asphalt was used as part of this striking geometric design for a community space, as part as part of the regeneration of the former Ravenscraig steel works.

Digbeth One 2 is a large development of modern apartments located in Digbeth, a thriving and rapidly developing area close to Birmingham City Centre with a mix of high-rise housing, restaurants, arts and technology businesses.With around 20,000m2 of floor area to finish with screed, a flooring solution was required that could be installed quickly and efficiently in line with the build programme.The fast-drying times and early trafficking characteristics of TOPFLOW Screed A FD liquid anhydrite screed enabled fast installation and allowed other trades to follow on quickly, providing continuity and efficiency within the client’s build programme.

The new clubhouse for Bridgnorth Rugby Club is designed to be a versatile venue, accommodating both match days and various functions. The choice of Hardie® Panel in Anthracite Grey and RAL 6017 not only provides a sleek, modern aesthetic but also ensures a robust and durable solution that will stand the test of time. This project exemplifies the perfect blend of functionality and contemporary design, making it a standout addition to the community.

In a significant development for healthcare infrastructure, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly broke ground on University Hospital Limerick’s new 96-bed block, part of a €90 million investment, set to be completed by Q1 2025. This initiative aims to bolster bed capacity and isolation capabilities. With Sisk as the main contractor, construction is underway on this vital project. Minister Donnelly emphasized the importance of this expansion for Limerick and the Mid-West. It promises to enhance patient care and facility functionality, marking an important improvement for University Hospital Limerick.As the architectural landscape continues to evolve, the importance of robust building materials, especially in façade construction, cannot be overstated. Sisk recognized this necessity and embarked on a project integrating IZOPERM PLUS A2 non-combustible vapour control layer, ECHOSEAL ALU FR tape, VARA Seal tape and VERBOND Hybrid Adhesive into their façade design.Interview with Paul McLoughlinIn this interview, Paul McLoughlin, Project Manager & Package Manager for the façade works at Sisk, shares his experiences and insights into the membrane application, shedding light on its successes and challenges, and demonstrating the efficacy of Partel membrane in enhancing building façades.Q1: Can you give an overview of the membrane-related project?A: The Partel membrane has been selected for ventilated stone façades and rendered insulation. It is a single membrane approach with the VCL providing protection against water ingress and air leakage. The membrane is predominantly fixed to a Steel Framing System (SFS) with a cement board substrate or concrete walls. We got all contractors to buy into using a single membrane system, this was very beneficial for compatibility reasons.Q2: What specific membrane materials were used in this project?A: We are using the IZOPERM PLUS A2 on all façade types, we chose this membrane because it met all our criteria for fire rating (B-S1-d0), vapour resistance and air tightness.Q3: How did the membrane materials help to ensure the project’s success?A: The design team, thermal specialist and contractors bought into the one product, which made life very easy once we agreed on the product.The next day delivery is very helpful when contractors suddenly run out of material.Q4: Can you provide specific examples demonstrating the efficiency of the membrane materials in this project?A: Visual examples demonstrate how the membrane is effectively protected against water ingress and air leakage.Q5: How did the use of membrane materials impact the project’s timeline and budget?A: Although the design at the tender stage had a breather membrane externally and an air tightness membrane internally, on review of the drawings with the air tightness contractor advised to go for a single membrane externally is the most suitable for this project. It was a collective decision with the design team to use the Partel IZOPERM PLUS A2 after a considerable review period of various membranes. There will be a saving for the client with the external membrane and a time saving for the contractor installing the internal air tightness membrane over four floors.Q6: Could you provide a quick analysis of the project and how Partel played a part?A: Partel provided WUFI analysis to confirm the dew point was outside the VCL and there was no risk to interstitial condensation. Compatibility testing was carried out between the tapes and mastic with our substrates. Partel was very proactive in the design process answering all technical questions.Partel assisted in knowledge sharing/training when we commenced the first installation of the membrane. The regular inspections have been beneficial for contractors and subcontractors.How IZOPERM PLUS A2 Can Benefit Your ProjectIncorporating IZOPERM PLUS A2 into your building project offers a multitude of advantages. This non-combustible vapour control layer, boasting an A2-s1,d0 Reaction To Fire classification, is designed to safeguard building elements from degradation while effectively limiting the movement of water vapour. By preventing interstitial condensation, it ensures the longevity and integrity of your structure.Compatible with Partel ECHOSEAL fire-rated adhesive tapes, IZOPERM PLUS A2 provides an unmatched level of fire safety, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including high-rise constructions. Its exceptional vapour resistance, airtight performance, and resistance to water penetration guarantee optimal performance in diverse environmental conditions. Furthermore, the reflective properties of IZOPERM PLUS A2 contribute to enhanced thermal performance by reducing interior heat loss.From residential to commercial buildings, timber to steel-framed constructions, and warm to cold roof applications, IZOPERM PLUS A2 offers versatility and reliability. With compliance to UKCA & CE standards, you can trust in its adherence to regulatory requirements and industry standards.SummaryIn conclusion, the integration of Partel membrane into the University Hospital Limerick’s façade project stands as a great example of the transformative impact of innovative membrane solutions in enhancing building performance, durability and fire safety. Paul McLoughlin’s insights highlight the project’s success in addressing critical challenges such as water ingress, air leakage, and fire resistance. McLoughlin’s experiences not only shed light on the journey of this specific project but also serve as a guide for future endeavours in similar structures, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, material selection, and adherence to regulatory standards. With its proven track record in enhancing building façades, Partel membrane emerges as a reliable partner in the pursuit of excellence in construction and architectural design.We sincerely thank Sisk for graciously providing the relevant information & case study review.

The Margam Green Energy Plant is a long-term, multi-million pound investment into the Welsh economy to help meet the country’s renewable energy targets whilst also strengthening the country’s energy security. A durable concrete was required for the storage silo that housed wood chip to feed the plant.For this project Tarmac suggested their TOPROC SY be used as an overlay on the finished concrete slab as a protective high strength screed. TOPROC SY comprises a micro-silica mix with steel and macro fibres designed to give high levels of abrasive and impact resistance. This product is highly suited to heavy industrial areas such as container handling, metal recycling, waste, loading bays and any other aggressive environments. The main benefit is extended length of time the product will perform compared with traditional concrete therefore saving cost on continual replacement.

Lukehurst furniture shop required a much-needed facelift to attract local customers and ensure the building was suitable to host the family business for years to come. Working with Apex Façades Ltd and James Hardie, this became a reality. As a well-known fitter of Hardie® products, Apex Facades knew that there was a safe and affordable solution available for this project. Apex worked with the owner of the business, providing our free to order samples to help them decide which product and colour scheme most suited their style and brand. 

Gripsure decking has been used in the development of a new sales pavilion at Swanwick Marina in Southampton.The state-of-the-art building, which opened in the summer, provides 14 high-quality units, which are home to some of the biggest names in the boat business, including Ancasta, Fleming Yachts, MiCats, Nautor’s Swan, Nordhavn, Pearl Yachts, Princess Yachts, Sanlorenzo Yachts and Sunseeker International.The sales pavilion, known as The Saltings, uses our MOSO Bamboo X-treme® with Gripsure decking, creating an attractive and slip-resistant space for berth holders.The profile was chosen for its durability and style, which is very much in keeping with the overall look of the marina. The range is also a sustainable alternative to tropical hardwoods and composite products, boasting best in class for its environmental credentials, strength, stability, and longevity, whilst achieving a Euroclass B fire rating without the need for external treatment.The installer was Amiri Construction and the order for the decking was processed through Covers Timber and Builders’ Merchants in Gosport. Covers Sales Representative Lynn Ward said: “It was a huge project and the final result looks amazing. The bamboo decking that was used is absolutely top spec and very hardwearing. It will definitely do the job.”She added: “Gripsure were helpful to the nth degree throughout the project and really supportive. I’ve already told other people how great they are to work with.”The completion of the sales pavilion was a key stage in the £8 million regeneration of Swanwick Marina. Other stages include the development of a new restaurant and a berth holders’ lounge.Speaking after The Saltings’ opening ceremony in June, Pete Bradshaw, Premier Marinas chief executive, said: “Swanwick’s new sales pavilion provides a unique representation of so many major global brands, it is now the primary destination for motor yacht sales in the UK. “This project has taken many years to deliver, and we are proud of what has been achieved.”Set in the quiet upper reaches of the Hamble River, Swanwick Marina offers 24-hour access to the cruising grounds of the Solent.Images courtesy of Amiri Construction. ©2022 Amiri Group.

As part of a major Heritage Lottery funded refurbishment project to transform Hull’s Grade II* listed Maritime Museum, Limelite Whitewall One Coat Plaster was chosen as part of a damp proofing system for the converted basement. The moisture resisting properties of the plaster makes it ideal for use with cavity drain membrane systems and tanking systems in underground and humid environments. By helping to control humidity it would protect museum artifacts while in storage . The tough, impact resistant finish would also help protect the walls from accidental damage when items were moved in and out of storage.

Modular buildings are becoming a more popular solution as they demonstrate cost savings, shorter construction time and sustainability benefits. Go Modular Technologies (UK) Ltd manufactured ten flats constructed by nine large modules on three levels over the concrete commercial ground floor for this project in Poole. We were able to offer an affordable A2 fire rated solution to finish the building envelope which resulted in the facade being completed in Hardie® Architectural Panel. The planning approval was originally for render and buff brick so we were able to provide a similar look with our Smooth Sand texture which was chosen in three of our core colours to give this coastal location a modern and contemporary look.

James Hardie recently featured on a stunning leisure facility in the heart of Clarach Bay, Aberystwyth. In collaboration with Nick Carroll Architects, we were able to provide a unique Hardie® Panel solution to this project. Originally a competitor product was specified at nearly three times the cost of Hardie® Panel, the client chose to switch to James Hardie thanks to our cost effectiveness, A2 fire rating and providing a robust cladding solution.

James Hardie were delighted to support Featherstone Homes on this recent luxury development of 22 apartments on Mitcham Road, London. The project spanned 800 sqm and required our products to be used in walkways, balconies and soffits. The developer’s commitment to their projects is to help purchasers to move in to a home which has been built to exceptional standards and therefore chose James Hardie as one of their trusted partners due to the quality of our products.

Tiles used: Handmade Cement Tiles Project size: 100m2

Meadowside is a small development of 23 eco-lodge holiday homes in St. Columb, Cornwall. The lodges are in the beautiful North Cornwall countryside. The area is teeming with wildlife, including a large variety of birds, rabbits, foxes and deer. The lodges are available all year round and benefit from unspoilt views of the surrounding hills and valleys. We supplied Gripsure Premier non-slip decking for a number of lodges. It was also used to deck the outdoor space surrounding the lodges, including steps, access ramps and hot tub areas, ensuring safe access for residents over the seasons. Income from the two- and three-bedroom holiday homes supports the neighbouring Cornish Birds of Prey Centre and Animal Park.

London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage site, Kew Gardens welcomes over 2.1 million visitors a year. Gripsure decking is helping more people enjoy the botanical attraction’s natural area, which is home to 15,000 species of wildlife.Gripsure non-slip decking now tops a new 300-metre walkway, which takes visitors across a conservation area to a treehouse. The two-metre wide platform is raised to avoid impacting on wildlife.The platform was created by Artisan Fern. With a number of slopes, it needed to be as safe as possible and accessible to people with disabilities. It was also important to use sustainable materials that fitted with the natural environment.Gary Walker of Artisan Fern said: “When we were building the walkway we needed to ensure it complied with DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) legislation so non-slip decking was a great choice. When we were choosing decking we needed it to be sustainable and durable, as well as looking good. Gripsure non-slip decking is a sustainably sourced product that works really well for all Kew’s visitors. It looks fantastic and we are really impressed with it.”

When Barry Daly, company director of BUDA Building and Development, went to visit an old reclaim yard in Rawreth to purchase some oak for a development he was working on, all he found was a barren site. The development, Trenders Barn, consists of four timber frame luxury detached properties, each with a unique design. Along with the need for a high quality finish for such a premium build, environmental performance was also a key deciding factor for the choice of all materials. Hardie® Plank, in midnight black was specified for the facades to stay in-keeping with local Essex design styles.

The facade of Rollercoaster House is made up of render, a curtain wall system and Hardie® Plank cladding. It is the first time that site manager David Tomlinson has worked with the product, who states that the coastal environment conditions were the main factor when deciding which type of cladding to use. ‘With timber, David says, ‘however good a product you are going to get, it wouldn’t have had the same lifespan as Hardie® Plank at the end of the day. PVC discolours, especially the darker colours, but I am expecting and hoping that Hardie® Plank will stand the test of time.’