"taps waste fittings etc"

Hush Acoustics provided an effective solution to ‘noise break-in’ at a newly built primary school in Chester to ensure the internal acoustic environment was supportive of learning goals.The Huntington Primary school was designed by Cheshire West and Chester Council to cater for 420 primary age pupils and a 26-provision nursery. The former primary schools it replaced had a capacity of 120 children, but to cope with the demand of 1,200 new houses being built nearby on the former Saighton Army camp, the decision was made to build a new school to meet the requirements.An acoustic concern highlighted was ‘noise break in’ which is caused by issues such as the sound of rain falling onto the roof, which in turn would detract from the learning environment. In order to resolve this potential issue and to guarantee the children a healthy setting free from noise disturbance, we specified our Hush 10kg Barrier Mat to be installed in the roof of the building.Hush Barrier Mat is a vinyl sound barrier mat loaded with naturally occurring minerals. The product is free of lead, unrefined aromatic oils and bitumen. Designed to improve the sound insulation of existing panels of metal, wood, plastic etc., at all frequencies. The mat is normally fixed in intimate contact with the original panel. Hush barriers are particularly effective in overcoming coincidence dip resonance found in stiff lightweight composites such as plywood sheets and hollow core panels.Working alongside Kier, were Delta Group, who we supplied with 1100 sheets of our Hush 10 kg Barrier Mat. They then applied this to the roof of the school in 3x layers, to give a mass of 30 kg/m2 and improving acoustic performance across all frequencies.

Ten Traffic Street is a 522-bed student accommodation serving luxury living located on a prominent site within Nottingham City Centre. The project was delivered by Jensco and offers excellent amenities such as a cinema, games room, study spaces, onsite coffee shop, indoor and outdoor Gyms and multiple outdoor communal spaces including a roof terrace. Artform Urban worked closely with the Landscape architects, Ares Landscape to provide a substantial package of premium external furniture to ensure the high-end finish extends to the outdoor spaces. The complex is spread across 2 buildings with courtyards and one roof terrace overlooking the city. In total, there are 4 external spaces - each has its own identifiable aesthetic which is driven by the building fascias and window frame colouring which is then reflected in the outdoor furniture.The roof terrace is surrounded by a large Inspira Modular Planting System installation powder-coated in a unique Khaki Grey - bringing colour and natural benefits to the space. The planters house plants and small trees that provide dappled shade to ensure residents can enjoy the terrace on hotter days. Tables, benches, and a Box Litter Bin all in a coordinated colour palette, provide social seating and dining spaces and vibrant plastic Chill Lounger’s and Hop Op 500’s offer a more casual seating option for residents.The ground floor courtyards feature a continuation of benches and Box litter bins - with all steelwork powder coated in a specific colour for each space. An external gym has been provided in the larger courtyard and features two Endurance Wellness Stone installations. These unique sculptural pebbles include stainless steel fixtures to accommodate a variety of exercises. This is the first installation in the UK of these products that are part of a wider range of premium external gym equipment named MyEquilibria. This unique fitness range aims to redefine the workout experience by combining art, high-end design and community. As final additions to the spaces Artform Urban provided an extensive bike parking package as well as Fuente Drinking Fountain’s to encourage students to cycle and reduce plastic waste. 

Leading moveable wall specialist, Style Partitions, is offering a new range of recycled fabric finishes thanks to its exclusive UK partnership with Skyfold. This fully automatic, vertical-rising partitioning system is now available with either a Marin 1300 or Resolve 1301 fabric finish, both of which use between 90-100%, post-consumer recycled polyester. Complementing any interior décor, the sustainable fabric is available in a wide range of contemporary colourways. With environmental impact being a critical aspect of any development, this green initiative is yet another huge leap forward in Style’s ability to offer the most sustainable moveable wall solutions in the UK. Many years ago, Style was the first supplier to secure a UK Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification for moveable walls.The Resolve fabric selection use an incomparable, 100% post-consumer recycled polyester fabric, solving the root cause of the problem by helping keep plastics out of oceans and landfill. Taking sustainability to the next level, during the yarn-extrusion process, a biocatalyst is added to enable anaerobic digestion of the Resolve fabric should it ever end up in landfill or a wastewater treatment plant in the future. Tackling one of the most pressing environmental issues we face today, for every pound of Marin fabric produced, up to half a pound of recovered plastic waste from the ocean is utilised. Combined with other post-consumer recycled polyester, this industry-leading textile range is created using 90% upcycled plastic waste.“This latest enhancement to the Skyfold fabric range means we are even more perfectly positioned to help organisations become more sustainable, and this is also another important development for our range of finishes only a month after we announced the anti-bacterial effectiveness of our laminates,” said Julian Sargent, Style’s group managing director.Style is the exclusive UK partner to Dorma Hüppe, Skyfold and SWG offering a complete moveable wall design, installation and after care service. With an extensive portfolio, customers can choose from simple folding walls through to fully automatic acoustic systems, with a wide range of finishes and glass options to enhance any interior.

When interior design company Sibley Grove was appointed to re-design the public areas at The Chamberlain Hotel near Tower Hill in London, sustainability was paramount. The company ethos states that design should be a vehicle for positive change – both environmentally and socially. Consequently, to help achieve this, Troldtekt’s wood wool panels make an important contribution to the overall design of the luxurious interpretation of an industrial basement bar. As part of the concept, the interior has been stripped back to create height and volume, revealing structural columns and ductwork within. In addition, the façade has been adapted so that natural light can flood in and reveal the inner working of the space. By its very nature, this created a lot of hard surfaces so Troldtekt’s acoustic wood wool panels were specified to help combat the problems generated by noise and reverberated sounds. The designers were keen to specify as many sustainable and Cradle-to-Cradle certified materials as possible such as wall and floor tiles, timber, carpets and Troldtekt’s wood wool ceilings (certified to Silver Level). By specifying these products, the environmental impact is minimal and also that, if and when the time comes for a change, the materials can be reused, re-appropriated. recycled or upcycled. Specified throughout the UK and Europe, the benefits of 100% Troldtekt natural wood wool panels include high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse, the panels can be left untreated or painted in virtually any RAL colour. Designer Jeremy Grove commented, “We believe good design should enhance people’s lives and work in harmony with the natural environment. The hotel industry is inherently wasteful, but people are looking for ways to correct this. Cradle-to-Cradle is an extremely effective way of tackling issues such as global resource depletion, exploited labour and excessive waste. The Chamberlain Hotel is our third collaboration with Fullers in the last 12 months that has used a considerable number of Cradle-to-Cradle products.”Samples, case studies and technical information are easily sourced from tel 01978 664255 or visit www.troldtekt.co.uk. More information on Troldtekt’s Sustainability and environmental policies can be found here: www.troldtekt.com/Environment-and-CSR 

New corporate headquarters for a growing independent distiller called for the perfect blend of outdoor infrastructure to reflect its strong local identity.Ian Macleod Distillers (IMD) embarked on the new HQ project after outgrowing its nearby Russell House head office.The £4.5 million development features two prominent glass towers representing the traditional ventilation shafts of Scottish whisky distilleries.And when it came to the design and creation of the building's outdoor spaces, Broxap's Litchard range provided a similar timeless yet unique aesthetic for the site.Working for Clark Contracts, Broxap designed, manufactured and installed a suite of furniture including two Litchard Picnic Units and 16 Litchard Benches.Our teams collaborated with the project leaders to create 8 Litchard Seats, as well as tables and short benches, to specific dimensions to enable unique group seating configurations.A Palisade Brise Soleil adds another dimension to the breakout space. Door barriers, complete with tapping bars to meet Scotland’s disability access standards, completed the project.The main building delivers 10,000 sq ft of office space for IMD and is the commercial hub for the independent family firm which owns brands including Edinburgh Gin, Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Smokehead.

Bespoke Access Structure | Case StudyThis two-level access structure with staircases, cladding, edge protection handrailing and anti-slip grating flooring was designed by Dura Composites in conjunction with our client ENGIE Fabricom UK, who provide engineering and construction services to sectors including renewables, oil and gas, power, chemical and energy from waste.With the ability to supply both composite timber cladding for the containers and all the required GRP elements for the project, Orsted chose to work with Dura Composites. Although steel had previously been considered, the rising cost of steel versus GRP and its tendency to corrode in coastal environments made composite materials a far more durable and cost-effective option.The resulting access structure is safe, looks attractive and is non-conductive and non-corrosive. With a long design life and 25 year warranty, the GRP components are part of the latest d² range from Dura Composites which offer safer, stronger, faster and proven properties.

GOplastic Ltd were contacted by the Head of Estates and Campus Services Donna Vallance.The University’s requirements were for the supply of sustainable and environmentally friendly seating and tables for their London Campus buildings, based near India Dock in East London.A site meeting was agreed and proved to be extremely important for this project. The terrace had a narrow width which meant the correct size and arrangement of seating was essential.The terrace is on the 7th floor of the building, so this also needed considered planning in relation to delivery and installation.To overcome these challenges, GOplastic offered the Canvas Table and Canvas 120 benches. The Canvas bench and table are part of the Govaplast® range of award winning recycled plastic products. A distinct advantage for this project is the Canvas range can be delivered in semi kit form and easily transported to the 7th floor in the internal service lifts.Seating and tables to accommodate up to 50 people were delivered and installed in just one day.Job type: Supply and installWaste plastic prevented from landfill: 1.7 tonnes.

New for the 2022/23 academic year, Archwood House at Eagle Wharf for University of the Arts London offers contemporary student accommodation in a range of EGGER finishes.U717 ST9 Dakar Grey forms a neutral palette in the kitchens. Used in 18mm Eurodekor MFC, the handleless door format in mixed sizes could easily be achieved without excess labour or material waste. Matching edging completes the look.The units are complemented by EGGER worktops in F638 ST16 Chromix Silver in a 38mm postformed format, highlighting the contemporary design scheme with a stone like look and feel. Matching splashbacks are also used.In the bedrooms, a rustic look is added with H3332 ST10 Grey Nebraska Oak. Used in 18mm Eurodekor MFC, the material is an efficient and cost effective choice for case goods including shelving and storage.The project was designed by Nelson and Long. Fabrication was by Flawless Kitchens using EGGER 18mm Eurodekor MFC, ABS edging, 38mm postformed worktops and splashbacks from UK stock.

Artform Urban were approached by Illman Young Landscape Design in 2018 to discuss a range of design led street furniture elements including seating and litter bins to a brand new service station located at junction 1 of the M6 in Rugby, planned to open in 2021. The seating product selected was the Multiplicity Bench, a popular product featuring a cast aluminium leg frame with hardwood seat.The Box Wood Litter Bin featuring a Triangular Ashtray fixture was also supplied. This incredibly popular and versatile waste disposal unit can be customised with 4 different variations of door style. The Rugby Moto services opted for the hardwood timber slats version which complements the surrounding architecture and street furniture.The new MOTO services opened its doors to motorists in April 2021, the build will create 120 jobs and cost investment of £40 million. It is the UK's flagship electric vehicle charging motorway services, offering 24 rapid-charging points.

Agar Grove is a multi-award-winning development, created by 5-star housebuilder, The Hill Group for Camden Council, as part of their Community Investment Programme. With a proposed 507 new homes, once complete Agar Grove will be the largest Passivhaus development in the UK.Knauf Insulation’s glass blowing mineral wool Supafil® has been specified for Phase 1C of the project, which comprises 125 homes. We spoke to Hill’s Senior Technical Coordinator, Ben Clarke and Senior Contract Surveyor, Matthew Bricknell about the needs of the project.Prioritising real performancePassivhaus is an internationally recognised building standard, resulting in very high energy efficiency. For the residents of Agar Grove, this will mean greater thermal comfort, alongside reduced energy bills.Achieving the Passivhaus standard requires a complex balance of design factors to create high levels of insulation and airtightness. To ensure their designs would deliver in the real world, it was therefore important for Hill to specify products which would perform as well in situ as they did on paper.As Ben explains, “We chose to use blown-in insulation because of its real-world thermal performance. Installing insulation boards can sometimes mean gaps are left between them, which leads to cold bridges in the build. But that can be more easily avoided with a blown-in product.”To provide further quality assurance, Hill has appointed contractors from Knauf Insulation’s network of Approved Supafil® Installers. Trained by Knauf Insulation’s own Regional Technical Managers, they have the necessary product knowledge and expertise to ensure a quality installation.Using Supafil® will also mean that less product is wasted on-site. When rigid insulation boards are cut to size, offcuts are often discarded because they are difficult to use elsewhere. By contrast, Supafil® has a zero-waste potential. When the cavity is full any excess product remains in the insulation blowing machine hopper, ready to be installed on the next plot, and when the job is complete Supafil®’s packaging can be recycled. Ben says: “As a responsible business, Hill is always looking for ways to reduce waste on our projects wherever we can, and this solution will help us to do that”.Evidencing qualityThe Passivhaus accreditation requires Hill to demonstrate the energy efficiency of Agar Grove, which will involve data collection throughout the build and thermal imaging of the finished product. As Matt explains, “We have a significant quality assurance requirement. We need to be able to show Camden Council that we have insulated the building as specified and that’s not always a simple task – particularly with blown-in solutions which by their nature, are hidden within the cavity.”To help meet this challenge, Hill’s Approved Supafil® Installers will use Knauf Insulation’s app-based site reporting system, KinetiK®. The app allows the installer to select their site and plot number on their mobile device, photograph the elevation, and then scan each pack of Supafil® as it’s installed.Matt continues, “KinetiK® will enable us to confirm that the insulation has gone in as specified. This is essential for our client, but it also gives us confidence too. If areas are missed during an install, there are time and cost implications, so having a tool like KinetiK® will provide us with added assurance that the cavity has been fully filled.” Agar Grove will be the latest in a number of Passivhaus projects which Knauf Insulation has supported. Read more about Preston Springs, North Yorkshire here and Denby Dale, one of the first certified Passivhaus homes in the UK, here.

Copenhagen’s Amager Bakke is a visionary project in Denmark that doubles as a recreational playground and a waste-to-energy plant.The towering structure is over 280 feet high, has an estimated cost of $670 million and is a part Copenhagen’s commitment to become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital by 2025. Part of the facility is already on line.The waste-to-energy plant, a giant incinerator that burns household garbage to generate heat for approximately 160,000 households and electricity for 62,500 homes, began operating in March. The recreational component is still under construction.Kalwall® translucent sandwich panels provided a critical solution in this truly global project, with their aesthetic beauty, energy efficiency and, most importantly, their best-in-class explosion-venting properties.Kalwall panels are used in areas of the building where a potentially volatile event could occur. The panels work to vent pressure out of the building, allowing it to withstand an explosion without collapsing roofs or floors. The panels are designed to release from their mounting system, but remain attached to the side of the building to avoid becoming falling debris. The interior of the panels are shatterproof and include a Fiber-Reinforced Polymer(FRP) face sheet that can be customied to withstand 230 ft-lbs (312J) of impact.Staying close to the project’s mission of being environmentally conscious, Kalwall panels provide dramatic savings in energy consumption through exceptional thermal and daylighting performance that reduces heating costs and artificial light usage.Working through Sipral, a leading supplier of external building envelopes based out of Prague, the panels were delivered on schedule and required no on-site modifications. Amager Baake was designed by the highly-acclaimed architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and has the world watching as it merges two completely different applications.BIG founder Bjarke Ingels hopes that Amager Bakke will “change public perceptions of what a public utility should be” by providing a social and physical infrastructure.Amager Bakke provides Copenhagen with a rooftop ski slope that is comprised of 1,600 feet of trails, as well as 10 running and walking trails. There is also a 260-foot climbing wall along the facade.Ingels said the concept of a structure that brings together two diverse interests can be lasting. “If you make a building that remains relevant to the people living around it, and using it and inhabiting it, it can last forever,” Ingels said in an interview with CNN Style.Photography: Christoffer Regild

The National Physical Labratory, the UK’s National Metrology Institue, was due a washroom upgrade and Dart Valley Systems provided products for the project. Developing and maintaining national primary measurement standards, the NPL has been responsible for building eliable and successful measurment foundations that help towards evolving antibiotics to tackle resistence, more effective cancer treatments, superfast 5G and unhackable quantum communications. The range of products provided are as follows: • 40 x AT03-011 Aquarius DM A45 tap spout only in s/steel with pex hose • 40 x WC02-013 Concealed plastic cistern kit – vertical – 1 ½“ • 40 x WC03-013 Low voltage WC flushvalve with programmable sensor (1 ½“ base c/w mains PSU) • 17 x WC02-001 Concealed plastic cistern – cistern only – 1 ½“ • 17 x UC00-002 Auto-Syphon for cisterns – 8 ¼“ x 1 ½“ BSP • 12 x AT00-007 Two station mains kit low pressure 0.5-1 BAR • 3 x AT00-003 Two station mains kit standard pressure 1-10 BAR • 1 x AT00-002 Single station mains kit standard pressure 1-10 BAR • 1 x AT00-004 Three station mains kit standard pressure 1-10 BAR • 2 x AT00-006 Single station mains kit low pressure 0.5-1 BAR • 2 x AT00-008 Three station mains kit low pressure 0.5-1 BAR • 7 X UC01-024 Flushmatic downlighter kit for suspended ceilings in White - Mains • 24 x AC17-047 Thermostatic mixing valve 4in1 15/22mm Our DVS no-touch WC flushing system is an electroincally operated drop valve which replaces the traditional syphon and delivers a measured volume of water from the cistern to the lavatory bowl. A simple wave of a hand past the fitted sensor will acitivate the electronic Flushvalve.The system typically saves 30% on water costs, is vandal proof and easy to install a maintain. For over a hundred years, the NPL has worked with it’s customers to convert scientific proficiency into economic success, proficent employment and the enhanced quality of life. As an insitute that has aided in saving lives and protecting our enviroment National Physical Labratory has played a huge role in helping the British public feel safe and secure. 

Helmsman two compartment heavy-duty lockers were supplied, delivered and installed by Helmsman professionals in Trowse Primary School corridors. Bespoke specification of 1600mm height and a range of different door colours were chosen to brighten up this primary school. Each compartment door was fitted with an oval laminated number plate, from 1 to 60 twice. Blue and grey themed lockers were fitted on the first floor, while green and grey themed lockers were fitted on the second floor to split the floors. Diamond swivel locks were fitted on the lockers for an easy use and the pleasing aesthetics.

Client: Manchester Airport Group Architect: Pascall Watson Consulting Engineer: Burro Happold Main Contractor: Laing O’Rourke Specialist Contractor: Thelwell Flooring Main Products Used: Emseal SJS System and Emshield DSMThis new 9-storey car park with 3,800 spaces, was built as part of the £1 billion Terminal-2 redevelopment for Manchester Airport Group (MAG). To save time and space on site, the consultants used an innovative design, with a hybrid combination of steel delta beams and precast concrete, then on site the hollow-core precast floor slabs were topped with a 100mm thick reinforced concrete screed. To fully accommodate the anticipated levels of thermal movement and loadings in service, the engineers incorporated wide, high movement capability, structural expansion joints across the parking decks, between the different sections of the building. Given the dimensions of the deck joints (100mm) and the high movement capability required (100% = +/- 50%), with simultaneous exposure to the elements whilst under frequent heavy traffic, the joint sealing solution could only be specified as the Emseal SJS System. This unique structural expansion joint system easily accommodates high levels of movement in more than one plane, plus it has an integral coverplate to provide protection of the central movement section and the joint arrises. Importantly, the Emseal SJS is bonded into position with a structural epoxy adhesive from above, therefore requiring no access from below and enabling other works (e.g. M&E cable works etc.) to continue, plus as it is fully bonded, the SJS system requires no potentially damaging drilling into sound concrete to install mechanical fixings. In less trafficked wide joints at the perimeter, the Emseal DSM System was used, as a cover plate was not necessary.

HLM Architects were asked by Wokingham Borough Council to create a community centred and modern building to replace the old and dated Activity Centre. HLM’s design is inspired by the centre’s beautiful and natural setting and supported the Council’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030.Celebrating the natural lakeside surroundings, the modern £2.4million scheme provides educational and leisure facilities for the local community in Dinton Pastures County Park for adventures on water and land. The new centre includes an activity hall, adults and children’s changing areas, dual-use teaching and conference spaces, and a coffee shop opening on to a spectator terrace overlooking the lake and park to cater for all the needs of the users and visitors.HLM worked with Reds10 to complete the structure offsite, with the facade applied later on-site. The designed is noted as it doesn’t look like the often maligned rectangular ‘shipping’ container shape which comes to mind when off-site production is mentioned. The size and presence of the two-storey building is specifically designed to be in harmony with the surrounding landscape and sits like a hidden oasis nestled between the treeline and shoreline. 75 per cent of the building was completed offsite; 16 modular frames were built and then transported to Dinton Pastures Country Park and then lifted into place. The facades were then added to the substructure on site. The modular approach significantly reduces the carbon emissions in the construction process.EQUITONE was used on the ground-level of the building. The high-density characteristic of EQUITONE worked well for the high footfall areas that will be getting a lot of contact, and where durability is crucial.The colour was considered a sympathetic complement to the FSC-certified Siberian larch chosen for the upper building, which is designed to weather overtime and blend in further with setting. Another important consideration was that EQUITONE is naturally resistant to many living organisms (fungi, bacteria, insects, vermin, etc.) and requires no harsh chemicals to clean.

HMS Victory, situated in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, is best known for her role in the Battle of Trafalgar; HMS Victory currently has a dual role as the Flagship of the First Sea Lord and as a living museum to the Georgian Navy. She transferred to The National Museum of the Royal Navy in 2012.A new Under Hull Walkway providing visitors to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with the ability to walk beneath HMS VictoryVisitors are now also able to experience the HMS Victory Under Hull Walkway. The new walkway will enable visitors to safely descend into the dry dock base and view the 3600-tonne ship from below.Project criteriaThe under-hull walkway required new access walkways, landings, and stairs for visitors to visit this ship area. Therefore, it was essential to provide a safe solution that met but exceeded the criteria for public access walkways, treads & landings while also meeting the design brief.The solutionThe solution constituted a complete solution consisting of OPTIMO O5-M treads, landings & walkways. The combination of the choice of product and material provides excellent slip resistance, multi-directional, stiletto proof, walking stick proof, DDA compliant colour contrasting Nosings, self-draining & strength to weight ratio.The project success was determined by close collaboration with the partner, discussing product capabilities, loading criteria, etc., working closely with our technical sales & drawing office. This enabled them to detail/design their support steelwork to suit, saving them detailing time & money on unnecessary support/steel.Additionally, PcP was involved with product development & design assistance to supply a suitable safe solution to the brief.The resultMore than 150m2 walkways/landings plus stair treads with DDA compliant Nosings for public access at HMS Victory.

Mega Balance is the new adjustable height pedestal for paving and decking systems that does three jobs all in one. Firstly it achieves both the ultra heavy duty weight tolerance of the Wallbarn Megapad by tolerating over 2 tonnes per unit before breaking and having a self-levelling headpiece for smoother, more high end surface finishes. Secondly, it can become both a self-levelling or a fixed headed pedestal within the same unit by adding "the grey nut". By inserting and locking into place the grey nut into the centre of the headpiece, users can lock off the head to create a more rigid pedestal. Instead of having to order different pedestals to create these changes, both options are available in the same product. Thirdly, when paving, a brilliant new mechanism is provided to deal with rocking or moving slabs over time on paving areas. Slabs will often move over time for various reasons (structural movement, traffic etc.) and operatives have traditionally had to lift multiple slabs, adjust the height of the pedestals and then relay the slabs. Now, using "the yellow key" major labour saving and health & safety improvements are gained. Insert the yellow key into a small slot in the centre of the headpiece to turn the thread of the pedestal and adjust the height with the slab still in position.Mega Balance is available with a standard paving headpiece, a decking joist headpiece and a clip headpiece designed to hold Wallbarn's profiled aluminium rail. Added benefits include steeper, narrower weight bearing fins on the outside of the central column which means the bases can be cut back closer to that column for paving up tot he wall or parapet. A stronger, tidier finish on such details is achieved.Mega Balance offers much greater flexibility and scope for constructing suspended paving and decking schemes.

Balance pedestals form Wallbarn provide ultimate in precision and performance for roof terrace construction.This large roof terrace in a luxury residential redevelopment of a commercial block next to the Royal Courts of Justice demanded a high end finish. The roof deck had been waterproofed and insulated and 50mm limestone slabs needed to be raised and supported to achieve optimum drainage and ventilation to the structure.The client wanted a flat upper surface with no ridges or interruptions between individual slabs and the Balance self-levelling pedestals were able to create a smooth upper surface with reduced trip hazard and more attractive aesthetics across the terrace.The self-levelling nature of the headpiece meant any blemishes on the surface beneath such as laps between the waterproofing layers and drains, services etc. were accommodated easily without any noticeable effect on the upper surface.Because the self-levelling headpiece has an optic type mechanism it moves in all directions and achieves a perfectly flat upper level by itself, there is no need for installers to wind up and down separate segments of the head. it creates a better finish in much less time. The installer on this project simply loves Balance and will not use any other brand for self-levelling solutions. The limestone slabs were installed in a staggered layout and the Balance pedestals coped with this easily as the positioning lugs could be snapped off at T junction and other detail areas to create clean finishes. Weight tolerance was a major issue as heavy planters, a large barbecue, seating and other furniture were to be placed onto the slabs. Balance pedestals have a normal weight tolerance of 683kg each and a break point of over 1 tonne, so could cope with the additional weight easily. The end result was stunning. The client was delighted with the result and used this terrace on the show flat for the whole development.

Gradus has supplied and fitted a range of wall protection solutions as part of the £16m newly built Bitterne Park School in Southampton. The new school includes 80 new teaching classrooms, a purpose-built assembly hall/theatre, a new dining space with a fully fitted kitchen and purpose built fully fitted classrooms to house the students as part of their Food and Nutrition studies.

 Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) facility that treats all of the residual household waste generated in Essex and Southend. To meet the structural design criteria of the contract, a very strong roof profile was required. To ensure fully effective sealing, this had to be a plain sheet without stiffening ribs. The requirement was met by a specially modified Trisobuild® R60 roof profile in a higher strength steel. The modified Trisobuild® R60 solution spans 2.65m. Tata Steel altered its production tooling to manufacture 26,000m2 of the modified R60 roof profile in double-sided Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®.Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® was chosen to optimise protection against the corrosive internal environment and external weather side of the bio-stabilisation halls. Super durable Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® provides exceptional corrosion resistance which has been proven in natural and accelerated testing. Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® exceeds the requirements of CP15 (as per EN 10169.2010), demonstrating excellent barrier properties when used internally.Images courtesy of UBB (Essex) Construction JV.

Waddesdon School, a secondary school in Buckinghamshire, had issues with poor behaviour from students in their toilets and there was a shortage of girls toilets causing further problems to the schools. They approached Brookhouse for a solution.Our SolutionAfter visiting the school, our designers determined that the best solution was to create a open unisex washroom. By turning the washrooms into one washroom and creating an opening to the corridor meant that supervision and visibility into the area reduced the behaviour issues. This along with our unique school floor to ceiling cubicle system made in solid grade laminate and bolt through hardware, we were able achieve the durability required. By making the washrooms Unisex also spread out the demand and unutilised all the cubicles.We ProvidedWashroom DesignSpace Planning/3D VisualsProject ManagementDividing Wall Removed & Corridor Opening CreatedNew Waste ServicesFloor to Ceiling Solid Grade Cubicle IPS SytemDecoration & Hygiene Wall CladdingSuspended CeilingsVinyl FlooringElectrics and LightingIndividual Vent to each cubicle

Liquasil's BBA Approved Metalseal 20 roof coating and Gutterseal system were specified for use on the Airspace Trampoline Park in Wolverhampton. The whole roof was pressure washed and a historical cut-edge corrosion treatment was removed before application; the cut-edges were treated with our SWT Corrosion Primer, with additional reinforcement to the mid-laps through the installation of Liquasil's optional HP Butyl Tape.The whole roof was then coated with Metalseal 20 in Goosewing Grey at a filmweight of c. 300 microns to provide a protective, aesthetically pleasing finish.The gutters were cleaned out and dried before being primed with our SWT Corrosion Primer. Once touch-dry, the joints could then be sealed using our Non-Sag Sealer and a single coat of Liquasil One was applied to the entire gutter. Liquasil One can be immediately applied over the top of Non-Sag Sealer, meaning no time is wasted waiting for it to cure before the works can continue.The end result was a revitalised metal roof with a protective, water-resistant coating that is guaranteed for 20 years.

With the business growing at a rapid rate, the firm has expanded its head office to a purpose-built facility which also incorporates a store, café, and an external garden centre.To make the most of its prominent location at the entrance to the new Seaton Hill development, the building was designed to showcase the brand’s iconic identity. The facade of the offices and warehouse are clad primarily in a palette of blacks and greys using Kingspan Dri-Design Flat Cassettes for the office element and QuadCore AWP Wall Panels for the large retail section. This neutral palette provides the perfect backdrop for more colourful facade elements of royal blue and bright orange which ‘pop out’ from the envelope, both literally and visually. These elements include a ribbon style wrapping which recreates a heart-beat reading and symbolises the HQ’s position as the “heartbeat of Derriford”. This dramatic treatment also helps to break-up the massing of the site.  Selecting all these materials from a single supplier also help to simply logistics, minimise onsite waste and ensure complete compatibility between the elevations.

BACKGROUND: The 74,843-square-foot Student Pavilion is situated at the nexus of student activity on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University (ASU). The building, which was designed to be a Net Zero Energy building, delivers green qualities including renewable energy, energy-efficiency and zero waste to showcase of the university’s goals for Climate Net Neutrality and sustainable building systems. SOLUTION: In order to properly daylight the 21,000-square-foot space on each level and meet design goals, Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio utilized the Solatube SolaMaster Series 330 and 750 DS-C units. To ensure a consistent amount of daylight, the design team used Solatube’s proprietary Design Calculator to determine the number of units needed on each level and the amount of light that the Solatube Daylighting Systems would bring into the spaces. Thermal insulation panels were also added to limit the amount of heat transfer into the building from the roof, and extension turrets were used to raise the outer domes and limit the amount of shade cast upon the devices. 

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.

If you’ve ever seen the film The King’s Speech with Colin Firth playing King George VI you’ll recall it features the King overcoming a debilitating speech impediment thanks to the world-famous speech therapist, Australian Lionel Logue. In real life Logue practised at 146 Harley Street between 1926 and 1952. In 2020 the 142-146 Harley Street premises underwent a substantial refurbishment at the request of owners Howard de Walden Estate. The Howard de Walden Estate extends 92 acres and includes the freehold to over 800 properties and includes the healthcare hub the Harley Street Medical Area [HSMA].The brief for the Harley Street premises was to provide a self-contained D1 Medical building of 6,299 ft² across lower ground floor to fourth floor. The linked grade II listed buildings needed to provide accommodation suitable for a ‘first in class’ medical operator to work from, whist retaining and respecting the building’s historic character and charm. It was also noted that the restoration and improvement works should serve to enhance the overall appearance of the neighbouring properties and surrounding Harley Street Medical Area.Working alongside Howard De Walden Estates were Sonnemann Toon Architects LLP, construction contractor Whistlers Ltd and architectural ironmonger 3v Hardware. 3v specified, scheduled and supplied the ironmongery packages for both the traditional upper floors, and the contemporary lower medical area floors for this piece of 19th century architecture.“The project presented a challenge to 3v Architectural Hardware who were given two separate briefs. The old building needed updating while retaining its traditional feel and the medical areas in the basement required a practical and easily maintained product,” said Chris Taylor at 3v.Matt black and satin steelProducts supplied included traditional knob furniture from Frank Allart in a matt black nickel finish for the traditional areas and Vieler satin stainless steel furniture for the medical areas. All the accessories were carefully chosen in matching or sympathetic finishes. For example it was not possible to fit concealed closer into the existing doors and therefore overhead, surface mounted white closers were used to blend in with the door finish.Appropriate sash window furniture was sourced and supplied in the same matt black nickel finish.The client requested that modern fire signage on the face of the door be avoided if at all possible. Instead, ‘lollipop’ signage was suggested, but with the caveat that this did not comply with the guidelines of BS5499 and therefore approval from Building Control would be required. Samples were put forward and approved (two per door leaf were supplied: one for the leading edge and one for the jamb but only one has been fitted).The project was finished to such a high standard it secured 3v Architectural Hardware and Sonnemann Toon architects a highly commended in the Public Health and Education category in the GAI/RIBA Specification Awards 2022. GAI technical manager Douglas Masterson, who chaired the judging panel and performed the inspections of shortlisted projects, called this project “really impressive”. “The history of this building felt tangible as you walked around it and the ironmongery specified really tapped in to this,” he says. “The matching of the various items of ironmongery products throughout was exquisite and the matt black specified was an impressive contrast to the white door. It was a very sympathetic refurbishment which was a delight to inspect.”Photography: Neil Kenyon

Full FF&E fit-out for Balfour Hospital Orkney.Robertson Construction built this £65 million facility for NHS Orkney that is transforming healthcare services on the islands. We delivered the full FF&E fit-out including wall protection, blinds, bedheads and cubicles, as well as all the fitted furniture. Working closely with the Keppie Design team we also provided reception counters plus bespoke seating for the atrium and café.

Sotech worked with installers Stanmore on the Barrett Homes Residential Development Westgate House, which was a £500 million mixed-use regeneration project, designed by London-based Assael Architecture and located in Brentford, Middlesex. Westgate House is an NHBC (National House Building Council) project, and Sotech initially became involved in the project because the original specified cladding did not fit NHBC requirements. To provide an alternative, we worked with installers Stanmore to specify our Optima IPC Interlocking Pressed Plank Rainscreen cladding system for the project, which is both NHBC approved and full independently CWCT tested.Over 2000sqm of secretly fixed Interlocking Pressed Plank panels were used on the Westgate House development. 4 different colour panels were specified; 3 with a matt powder-coated finish and one using a bespoke, pre-coat, high gloss special finish.The combination of a series of PPC matt panels arranged in bands, combined with a reflective high gloss panel stripe created a sophisticated, modern appearance for the building’s exterior.There were some design challenges involved in this project, but all were tackled successfully through the development of bespoke areas of the system. Initially, Sotech had to develop a new, bespoke joint method between the Optima IPC rainscreen cladding panels to avoid slab deflection because a lot of the panels spanned floor slab areas. These customised joints allow the panels to move between the slabs like a damper while maintaining a pristine exterior.For the curved area of the building, Sotech developed a bespoke substructure for the Optima IPC panels with a different panel depth than that used for the flat rainscreen cladding. This involved setting the grid behind the IPC panels differently to the rest of the project, ensuring a seamless line from the flat areas to the curved areas. Although it was a complex design challenge, the solution was effective and ensured a uniform, flawless appearance.Our secretly fixed Optima IPC system was specified in particular because the long narrow panels were ideal for bringing the architect’s vision to life, and because it could be easily adapted where necessary.As well as the IPC rainscreen cladding, Sotech provided all the fascias and soffits required for the development.Westgate House involved the regeneration of iconic Grade II listed Art Deco building Wallis House and the construction of over 800 residential apartments spread across 17 new buildings.The site used advanced construction techniques to minimise waste and also ensured that homes benefit from solar panels and other renewable energy techniques.In addition to new housing, the Westgate House development also offers communal gardens, a health and fitness centre, a convenience store, a medical surgery and hotel, as well as cafes, bars and restaurants.The training facility and showroom at Sotech is open to specifiers and contractors, where all of our Optima Rainscreen Systems are on display alongside the widest selection of materials and finishes, including pre and post coat aluminium, ACM, Copper, Zinc, Stainless Steel and Anodised.

IssueA 15-year-old bathroom in a housing development was looking tired and dated and the owner wanted to refresh the area with minimal disruption in a quick timescale. The bathroom had three walls of ceramic tiles, and a sink splashback, which were in good condition but were unfashionable and required high levels of maintenance to remove limescale and mould.The property, a first floor flat, had easy access but no lift, so equipment, materials and any waste needed to be carried up and down the stairs.Approach“We wanted to replace the ceramic tiles, without having to re-plaster the bathroom walls which would mean a complete renovation and redecoration project,” said Helen Green, the owner. “We live in an area with hard water and limescale is a real problem so a wall that is easy to keep clean would be ideal.”SolutionAfter liaising with Altro customer services, the new Altro Walls ShowerKit was recommended as being the ideal solution as the wall panels can be installed over existing ceramic tiles and provides ease of maintenance for residents. There is also no requirement for construction materials or heavy equipment as Altro Walls ShowerKit is lighter to transport than ceramic tiles.

Berry Systems supply and installed safety barriers and balustrading to protect loading bays, warehouse racking, pedestrian walkways and the plant.The new Co-Operative Composite Distribution Centre in Birtley covers 25,600 sq metres (276,000 sq ft) and supplies a vast range of products from 3,500 lines to 262 Co-Operative stores in the North of England.Activity in the centre is extremely busy with hundreds of vehicle movements daily facilitated by 500+ members of staff. We won the contract to supply and install all the safety barriers, balustrades, loading bay barriers and racking protectors inside the warehouse, as well as the vehicle perimeter barriers and ramp barriers externally.All the products, with the exception of the galvanised spring steel barriers, were painted in high visibility yellow. The spring steel barriers are designed to absorb  impacts from HGVs and forklift trucks while retaining their own integrity and ongoing effectiveness. The Co-Op were determined to ensure their new development was as environmentally friendly as possible. Waste oil helps provide heating and the lighting system is solar controlled to eliminate wastage. It ensures a variable level of interior lighting to automatically complement exterior levels.

South Lanarkshire College (SLC) in Scotland has opened a new, ‘zero-energy’ teaching block on its East Kilbride campus. Specifically designed with first-rate environmental credentials in mind, it boasts a whole host of efficiency-enhancing measures – including highly insulated floors, walls and roofs, triple-glazed windows, low-energy lighting and electrics, rainwater harvesting and solar PV panels on the roof. The college approached NIBE Pro Installer Anderson Floor Warming and Renewables in search of a system that would meet the heating requirements of the eight-classroom block in the most sustainable, cost-effective and reliable way possible.The SolutionSLC already has a range of NIBE products in its on-site renewables training centre, which students use for practical sessions, so a heat pump from NIBE was the natural choice to heat the new block. Mike Anderson, director at Anderson Floor Warming and Renewables, specified, designed and fitted a NIBE F1345 40kW ground source heat pump (GSHP) system to complement the building’s water-based underfloor heating, which operates at similarly low flow temperatures.ResultsNow up and running, the NIBE system is so efficient that it has been awarded a rating of A+++ in line with energy labelling criteria under the ErP Directive. SLC’s new teaching block has become the first building in the UK to achieve a BREEAM sustainability rating of ‘Outstanding’, with the facility excelling in all 10 assessment categories – from energy, waste and water to health and wellbeing.Customer Testimonials“We pride ourselves on our forward-thinking approach to sustainability at SLC, and we couldn’t be happier that our new teaching block has been deemed ‘Outstanding’ by BREEAM assessors. The NIBE heat pump system and the solar PV panels combined generate enough renewable energy to meet the block’s entire heating and power needs, making it a ‘zero-energy’ building. It really is a huge asset to the whole college – not only from a resource point of view, but also as a real-life example of sustainability in action. As well as being a valuable learning space for our construction and energy students, it’s a place for us to bring local businesses and community groups, and showcase the benefits of low-carbon, low-resource buildings first-hand.”Stewart McKillop, principal at South Lanarkshire College

Helmsman System 2000 lockers 3 compartment with plant on doors are supplied and fitted at the Health Club. Helmsman System 3206 Seating are in use also to match the lockers. Helmsman System 3208 Hook Bar is also fitted to match the lockers.

We have been working alongside ModuleCo, the provider of fast-track modular construction of complex, fully-fitted healthcare buildings to the NHS and other healthcare service providers. This has involved us fitting out the facilities in situ at ModuleCo’s manufacturing facility, so they’re ready to deliver to hospitals around the country. The modular buildings we have fitted out include operating theatres, reception areas and consulting rooms, which are assembled offsite at the ModuleCo factory, and then delivered to the hospital location and put straight to use.

Leading tiling specialist uses Ezy-Fit for prestigious regeneration projectAshbury Tiles Ltd uses Ezy-Fit Tile Access Panel Kit in contract with property developer Telford Homes for prestigious Nine Elms regeneration project in London.

Besides all the technical benefits with fume hood fittings from BROEN-LAB, it just looks better when the appearance on all fittings are the same. With BROEN-LAB fume hood valves, you have a variety of choices for industrial and educational applications

Falco recently took to the design, manufacture, supply and installation of a bespoke cycle hub based on the traditional FalcoLok-500 design. Installed at Anson House, south Westminster, in view of the River Thames, the new cycle hub has been coupled with the FalcoVert-Pro cycle rack to provide secure accommodate for up to 24 bikes.Installed on behalf of Westminster City Council, the new cycle hub features electrogalvanised perforated sheet cladding, powder coated in a Jet Black RAL colour, along with a secure access system.The whole shelter is a bespoke contemporary design of the classic FalcoLok-500 shelter, which features clean lines through the glass cladding and supported by stainless steel glass clamps. The steelwork is hot dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461 and also meets UK structural design laws with EN 1090 accreditation. Rainwater is collected via innovative integral gutters as part of the roof system and a bespoke bund ensure that the cycle hub is weather proof!The cycle hub was commisioned to help reduce congestion and provide greater cycling accessibility for residents of Anson House.The FalcoVert-Pro as shown here at Anson House, is a space saving cycle rack design ideal for highly popular densities such as stations, cycle hubs, shopping centres, high streets and car parks etc. Bicycles are parked semi vertically with both front and rear wheels located in a custom designed trough.Falco cycle hubs can also incorporate a world of features including; smart LED lighting, green sedum roofs, CCTV and Help Point facilities as well as numerous other cost-effective features for the cyclist such as lock holders, helmet lockers, seating and bike repair facilities. For more information about the FalcoHub cycle store, a demonstration of the FalcoSmart app-based lock, the FalcoPod bike hangar or any other Falco product, then please speak to one of our friendly customer service staff on (01538) 380080.