"building frames"

The 8,500m2 Biosciences building is clad in silver anodised ACM panels generally 1.3m high and up to 6.4m long that work together to wrap around the complex elevations. Each individual panel purpose-made and pre-curved at Ash & Lacy’s West Bromwich site, to fit around and match the windows on the building. The protruding raked capping details were also manufactured in the same material, in order to provide a fully cohesive design. Original concept architects, Llewelyn Davies Yeang, specified 3,500m2 Ash & Lacy Facade for the extensive new build, to give the building an innovative and hi-tech finish, reflecting the standards of the department itself.The design of the seven-storey building responds to the constraints of a steeply sloping site divided by a service road creating staggered floor levels, interesting external spaces and a flowing façade. The science block also features a sedum green roof fitted with solar panels for the heating of domestic water contributing to the very good BREEAM rating it has secured.

The ChallengeSituated in the Rye Lane conservation area in Peckham, South London, the four to seven storey mixed-use development in Rye Green – comprising 27 residential units laid out across six floors, with two retail units on the ground floor – would provide affordable housing for people in the community who are most in need.The scheme had to consider two elements, the first being the redevelopment of the frontage building (Rye Lane) with the retention of its façade, and the second being the six-storey (with set-back seven-storey) block to the rear, on the site of the existing fish warehouse.The SolutionThe architectural design of this residential development incorporates traditional and modern features with an existing brick façade.PROJECT INFOPRODUCT DETAILThe seven-storey block is rectangular in form and has been built with a striking yellow facingbrick with protruding red brick paneling. The contrast between red and yellow brickwork is exaggerated with the introduction of green glaze facing brickwork at street level. This change in texture and brick finish works well with the local vernacular.The new second and third floor additions are set back from the retained frontage.The design is simple and functional, and the specified fabric responds to the historic character of the conservation area.Three facing bricks from Butterley Brick were selected for the build. Arden Special Reserve, a red, light textured brick, and buff Village Harvest Multi – also light textured – were used as the facing material for the main body of the buildings. Wilncote Blue Smooth, a dark toned brick. was used to define the base of the buildings. The set-back top floor of the seven-storey block is clad in zinc shingles to reflect its roof-like character.The BenefitsThe high quality development, together with its associated external landscaping, has contributed positively to its place in Peckham.Butterley Brick offers a range of high quality facing bricks manufactured from locally sourced raw materials; the range carries BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing certification. The bricks contribute to thermal mass and can be recycled at the end of their use.

As part of the BBC One series, DIY SOS: The Big Build, ROCKWOOL® and Rockpanel® were pleased to have played a part in the transformation of a community space in Fegg Hayes.The DIY SOS: The Big Build project was designed to productively use green space to encourage community engagement, it  involved converting an unused piece of land into a multi-functional area for Fegg Hayes local residents. ROCKWOOL Flexi® and Rockpanel Chameleon were two products that were donated to DIY SOS: The Big Build.

Bringing natural, simple and light aesthetics to busy campusIssueThe Aarhus University campus is easily recognisable with its long yellow brick buildings rising between trees, mature plants, lakes and paths in a park close to the city centre. The architecture of The Skou Building, which was named after Nobel Prize winner Jens-Christian Skou and is home to the Institute of Biomedicine, needed to be retained, while modernised.ApproachArchitect company CUBO Arkitekter designed the space, which was opened in 2018 and won the City Architects Award in 2019, with a focus on reinterpreting the campus architecture. The building is designed as two staggered lengths that meet in a central atrium. Glass slits have been inserted vertically throughout the building, affording wonderful views of the external spaces and the local cathedral.Inside there has been an emphasis on reducing the number of different materials used, to create a simple, bright and natural look throughout. At the same time, some of the organic, natural shapes in the green spaces outside are drawn into the building, promoting the biophilic design.SolutionThe first two levels of The Skou Building now feature white walls, oak interiors and large glass sections, continuing the biophilic feel. To provide safety throughout the 9000 m2 of corridors and laboratories on the top six floors, Altro Walkway 20 in Cloud has been used, reducing the risk of slipping to one in a million. In addition, 750 m2 of Altro Walkway 20 SD static dissipative flooring in Fog has been used in laboratories which had specific safety requirements. To complete the biophilic design, works of art have been used throughout the building to bring the outside in.

Re-form Landscape Architecture were tasked with sourcing sustainable hard landscaping for The Sarah Swift Building, University of Lincoln.The public realm setting of the building links Brayford Wharf through to the historic Wigford Yard. Ultimately the space extends through to Lincolns’ High Street – thus uniting the University campus with the city centre. As such, a paving solution was required that would adequately define the areas and complement the modern facade of the University building.Tobermore’s Fusion block paving in Silver and Graphite was chosen as the hard landscaping of choice, complemented by the addition of Fusion Kerb.

The ChallengeBowthorpe is a high-quality development of 174 new homes together with landscaped open space, community gardens and a children’s play area on an area of undeveloped land in Norwich.The development was inspired by nearby Bowthorpe Hall and explored the idea of an historic walled garden with homes built within its boundary.As part of the site’s high environmental standards, it was critical that existing features, such as important tree belts and hedges were retained while also accommodating a proposed network of cycle and walking routes.The SolutionForterra’s Breckland Reserve – a red, tumbled, wirecut brick – was used alongside flint on the ground floor of some of the homes to create detailed wall work that echoed Bowthorpe Hall.Traditional red tiled roof pitches sit above the wall and reference Bowthorpe Cottages. On top of the wall sit cedar shingle clad upper floors.Traditional terraces form most of the new homes, with flats provided alongside unique mews-style housing.The BenefitsThe building form, the materials selected, and the use of pattern and decoration, helped to create a visual connection to the local area.

Cornwall Buildings brings warmth and texture to their space, by using the golden tones of French Oak, laid in a stylish Herringbone pattern. French Oak is from the Amtico Signature Acoustic Collection. A collection that provides a sound reduction of up to 18dB, extra comfort underfoot and 20-year commercial warranty.  Images: © The Commercial Flooring Company

The Summit Building at Hafod Eryri (Mount Snowdon) is located at 3,560ft (1,085 metres) above sea level - the highest point in the British Isles outside Scotland. The building, which was officially opened in June 2009, attracts half a million visitors per year and includes a visitors centre and cafe.

The ChallengeCumbria County Council decided to invest in new, future-proof headquarters rather than invest a similar amount of money into refurbishing and maintaining its multiple existing sites.The project would allow the Council to downsize its office portfolio from 22 locations in and around the city to just two.Housing 700 staff, the new £10.4 million development would reflect a major rejuvenation of the area, designed to be a major gateway into Carlisle city centre.The SolutionThe new building is laid out to house two functions. The first, a two-storey elevation, houses public, customer-facing activity, while the second contains private, open-plan work areas for 450 people, along with ‘hot desks’ for visitors.The building makes use of a range of sustainable technologies, such as photovoltaic solar panels, to improve the building’s efficiency.Forterra’s County Multi Smooth brick from its Butterley range complements the natural stone and glass also used in the building’s design.The BenefitsAs well as saving Cumbria County Council money, Cumbria House brings a wide range of benefits, including improved working conditions for staff. Chief Executive, Diane Wood, commented “The new offices will provide a fantastic working environment for staff. It will support our ‘one team’ ethos with everybody working together in one building. Cumbria House is a much more environmentally-friendly building and, importantly, it’s better for our customers in Carlisle because they can now access all our services from one place”.

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. 

Magestic match for larch claddingThis larch cladded, timber frame construction sits within a beautiful silver birch woodland site in the north of Scotland. A galvanised rainwater system was selected for the one and a half storey, two bedroom detached house by architect David Dittman. Client, Kevin Grant, says, "Rainline was specified by our architect, however, I have seen it used extensively in the area and was particularly keen to have it myself anyway". Local contractor MacGillivray Construction was used for the build, the rainwater system was purchased through online merchant Roofing Superstore. The client was pleased with the product and submitted the project as an entry to our My Rainline competition. Mr Grant has since built a garage and will be installing a matching Rainline system himself.

Built on a largely derelict gap site, The Works is a development of 34 two-bedroomed apartments in the popular Yorkhill / Finnieston area of Glasgow, offering panoramic views over the city and the River Clyde. To accommodate the site’s slope, the development comprises a four-storey north side and a six-story south side.The development had to overcome a number of issues, including planning issues around daylighting and massing, and the challenge of building immediately adjacent to the Yorkhill railway tunnel.PROJECT INFOThe Works provides residents with off-street parking and use of a large communal garden, with ground floor properties having private rear gardens. Design emphasis is on open-plan layouts and generous room sizes. To take advantage of the views, the apartments feature south-facing and Juliet-style balconies.Ecostock Belgravia Gault Blend was selected to meet the requirements of both the client and planning for a high quality, light buff brick with grey tones that would match the surrounding buff sandstone tenements. The sustainability credentials and technical performance of Ecostock, with its low water absorption suiting the wet weather typical of the west of Scotland’s, also contributed to the selection decision.

technopolis-office-building

This case study explores the construction process of a soundproof home theatre, designed to provide an immersive audio and visual experience while minimizing sound leakage. By implementing a combination of construction techniques and acoustic materials, the goal was to create an environment that offers optimal sound isolation and absorption, ensuring an exceptional cinematic experience for the homeowners.Building a Wooden Frame on a Concrete Base:To establish a sturdy foundation, a wooden frame was constructed on top of a concrete base. This frame served as the structural support for the subsequent soundproofing components.Installing Acoustic Mineral Wool:Acoustic mineral wool, known for its excellent sound absorption properties, was inserted into all the joists, floors, walls, and ceilings. This step helped to minimize sound transmission through these surfaces, preventing sound leakage and echoes, essential for a soundproof home theatre.Creating Soundproof Speaker Boxes:Soundproof speaker boxes were constructed using acoustic plasterboard and Tecsound viscoelastic membrane. These materials were chosen for their ability to reduce vibration and sound transmission, resulting in clearer and more accurate audio reproduction.Installing MuteClip and Channel Sound Isolation Clips:To further enhance sound isolation, MuteClip and channel sound isolation clips were installed on the walls and ceilings. These clips effectively decoupled the surfaces from the underlying structure, preventing sound vibrations from traveling through the building’s framework.Installing Double Layers of Acoustic Plasterboard:Double layers of acoustic plasterboard were installed, with a layer of viscoelastic membrane sandwiched in between. This construction technique helps to create an additional barrier against sound transmission, improving overall soundproofing performance.Installing Double Layers of Acoustic Plasterboard:After completing the soundproofing components, the necessary audiovisual equipment was installed. This included lights, speakers, a projector, and a screen, strategically positioned to optimize audio and visual immersion within the theatre space.Installing Acoustic Absorption Panels:To achieve optimal sound quality, acoustic absorption panels were installed on the walls. These panels were carefully placed to reduce sound reflections and enhance the soundproof home theatre’s acoustics. To maintain a cohesive aesthetic, the panels were wrapped in black fabric to blend seamlessly with the theatre’s decor.ConclusionThe construction of a soundproof home theatre involves a systematic approach, utilizing various soundproofing materials and techniques. By following the steps outlined in this case study, homeowners can create a dedicated space that delivers exceptional sound isolation, immersive audiovisual experiences, and optimal viewing pleasure, transforming their home into a soundproof home theatre haven.

St Bronagh’s Primary School in Rostrevor, County Down was a newly built school designed by Donnelly O Neill Architects Ltd and constructed by Ganson Building & Civil engineering contractors Ltd.The £3.9 million school was crowned with the Sustainability award in May 2018, replacing the former Convent of Mercy Primary School. This was demolished to make way for this new 7x classroom building, along with the construction of a new youth club building, sports hall, community and games room, and additional accommodation.Upon handover and occupancy, it became apparent that there was scope for improving the acoustic conditions within the new building.The school design itself, was made up of 7x ‘pods’ all of varying heights and reverberation within these areas was an acoustic concern. Working with the Project Architect Paul McMahon of Donnelly O Neill Architects Ltd, we identified that significant improvements could be delivered with the installation of 425 m2 of our Hush Absorber 50 panels to classrooms and resource areas.For practical and aesthetic reasons as well as meeting the required reverberation times, we supplied 286x Hush Absorbing Notice Boards in a neutral colour with a bespoke frame colour to ensure that they blended in with the existing décor.In certain areas we were asked to create a feature wall with the panels and so we used our Hush Absorber 50 panels which were provided in 4 vibrant colours to create both a statement to the chosen rooms as well meeting the required reverberation time.We also provided 3x large printed 50mm panels at high level within the staffroom. These panels were printed with an image of the Cloughmore Stone as requested by the school. The Cloughmore stone is significant to the area and is a giant 50 tonnes granite boulder that sits high above the village of Rostrevor.As well as creating a tailored interior design, the sound absorbing panels provide a practical and efficient way of dampening sound reverberation and eliminating echoes within the rooms.We worked closely with our stockists Commercial Connections in Crossgar, County Down to ensure both site presence and swift responses to technical and installation queries were met. Ganson UK and Hush were able to ensure that all material was supplied over an 8-week period to meet the time frames on site.A multitude of sustainable elements has made this school a successful build and getting the acoustics right has significantly contributed to the school’s success.

Longwater Reach is a collection of 74 two, three and four bedroom houses at Green Park Village being created by St Edward, part of the Berkeley Group. Exterior design traits include classic HardiePlank® weatherboarding in colours including Arctic White and Midnight Black, providing a natural timber effect, long-lasting durability and a stunning finish. Coloured matched finely-finished balconies and window frames complete the look, with natural landscaping and pathways, all designed to blend in to the development’s calming waterside backdrop.

As part of a £5.5m city-wide investment to transform its branch network, ‘Warwickshire Shopping Park’ is the first new premises in 16 years for Coventry Building Society.Tasked with creating a modern and customer-friendly environment that could also cope with high levels of footfall expected from a retail space, pHp Architects took Allen International's design forward and implemented it throughout the branch network.

Bellway, one of the UK’s leading housebuilders, is presently incorporating Hedgehog Highways into all of their new residential housing developments. The Hedgehog Highway by Timloc, part of Alumasc plc, frames fence holes designed to connect gardens, enabling hedgehogs to roam freely and forage for food and shelter. Hedgehogs are classified as vulnerable to extinction in the UK, primarily due to habitat loss and an increase in road-related incidents. A hedgehog can travel up to 2km and consume as many as 100 invertebrates in a single night, so facilitating hedgehogs’ access to green spaces is of critical importance. Bellway have already installed Hedgehog Highways in over 15 sites across the UK. “‘Better with Bellway’ is our new sustainable approach to business practice, aimed at putting people and the planet first. Biodiversity is one of our priority areas with the aim of protecting and preserving nature. As part of our work in this area, we will be installing Timloc’s Hedgehog Highways in customers’ gardens which will allow these animals to roam across our developments.” Stephen Weldon, Head of Sustainability at Bellway. With every purchase of a Hedgehog Highway, a donation is made to hedgehog charities to help them continue their vital work in rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing wild hedgehogs. Timloc have already donated over £2,500 to hedgehog organisations across the UK. To learn more about Hedgehog Highway by Timloc visit: www.timloc.co.uk For further information on Bellway go to www.bellway.co.uk Photo: Fabian Abalintoaie, Assistant Site Manager for Bellway, at the Ashberry Kensington Vale site in Howden, East Riding of Yorkshire. Download the Bellway and Hedgehog Highway case study here.

‘The STEAMhouse building’, launched by Birmingham University is the winner of the Victorian Society’s Birmingham and West Midlands Conservation Award, in recognition of outstanding restoration.The STEAMhouse building dates back to 1899 and was seriously damaged by fire in 2007. Previously used as a manufacturer for the Eccles Rubber & Cycle Company this Grade A listed building undertook a £70m transformation to become the creative hub it is today. The space now supports businesses, academics, hosting companies and start-up businesses, supporting enterprise and industry. The Victorian Society was so impressed with the transformation of this historic building that it has been presented with the 'Birmingham and West Midlands Conservation Award 2023', in recognition of outstanding restoration.Mumford & Wood supported this transformation by designing and manufacturing 45 bespoke timber windows and door, tailored to fit the unique openings found on the façade of the building.Matthew Blaylock, Commercial Director, Mumford & Wood states:“We enjoy the challenges that listed buildings bring, and so with strict planning requirements in place, we understood the importance of replicating the detail of the original windows but offering the performance of a modern day product. Timber Casement windows were designed for the ground and first floor, and Timber Vertical Sliding Spring Sash windows to the second floor. These were chosen from our Conservation range and tailor-made to replicate the original frame margins and Ovolo profiles. It’s always an honour to work on a historic project like this, it’s what our products are designed for.”

Known as The Silverstone Wing, in reference to its radical angles and elevations, the complex is the culmination of a series of enhancements to the iconic race track, bringing it up to the latest Grand Prix standards. The 390 metre-long building includes a totally new pit-lane area, with 41 new garages and a surface area covering 6,200m2, spectator and hospitality zones, a 2,780m2 Media Centre and a new race control tower.

Wick Tower is an iconic building for the locals which lay derelict for 20 years. Licata Building Systems was part of the process to bring Wick Tower back to life. Our silicone render system was used to create an aesthetic façade finish. The render system used maintains it’s clean fresh look for many years to come due to its self cleaning properties and will protect the structure from moisture.

Recently, Purple Rhino were approached to clean the iconic Aviva building in York. The Aviva building has a long and rich history, built to house increasing staff numbers of what was then the Yorkshire Insurance company several decades ago. It is now a well known and beloved landmark in the city of York.They chose to tackle the project using the Stonehealth DOFF Integra system due to its unrivalled ability to gently remove a variety of unwanted matter, without causing any damage to this iconic and historic building.Stonehealth Rosette Approved, Purple Rhino recognise the DOFF Integra as the very best in steam cleaning equipment and note it’s proficiency in phased, sensitive cleaning. Providing a high 150-degree superheated water vapour at a very low-pressure, the DOFF was a natural fit for the project.

The BuildingThe Malvern Theatre in Worcestershire is a longstanding asset to the community, having undergone extensive renovation works, the construction of the new entrance, now uses Saint-Gobain Glass COOL-LITE SKN 175, further enhancing its appeal.In addition to serving as the theatre's new main entrance, the extension facilitates a significant increase in workshop capacity, from approximately 2,500 to 14,500 places annually. This expansion enables the hosting of further drama, music, movement, dance, and art classes. Furthermore, the enhanced facilities enable the Malvern Theatres to extend its collaborations with Acorns Children’s Hospice and other specialized care providers.The GlassThe COOL-LITE SKN 175 glass is an ideal solution for façades and glazing in commercial buildings. This high-performance product excels in solar control, providing a neutral aesthetic whilst prioritising energy efficiency. The result is the creation of beautiful, functional buildings that perform well, considering aspects of comfort, visual appeal, and the sustainability of building glass over the complete building life cycle.COOL-LITE SKN 175 balances the advantages of a high-performance neutral solar control product with:·      High light transmission 70%·      Low g-value of 0.35·      Excellent U-value of 1.0W/m2K·      High degree of neutralityBy using COOL-LITE SKN 175, interiors can be made more comfortable, reducing overheating and the reliance on costly air conditioning. Simultaneously, it noticeably decreases excessive heat loss. The high light transmittance also diminishes the need for interior lighting during daylight hours, contributing to a further reduction in energy costs.

At the end of 2021 we were approached by a couple looking to build their dream retirement home in Braemar.The client's wished to maximise the main aspect to the West, within the tight width of the site, by creating a double height living room with a glazed gable.The final design consisted of a one-and-a-half story dwelling. The client's also chose to install a Mechanical Ventilation & Heat Recovery and Air Source Heat Pump system, with heating supplemented by a feature wood burning stove.

BackgroundBelfast City Council designed Walkways Community Centre with the local community in mind, providing them with places to both work and play. In this £1.37m project, the original portable modular building was demolished and replaced with a new 575 square metre build. The two storeys include a creche and soft play area, a 250sqm sports hall and a series of multipurpose rooms for meetings and courses aimed at the local people. Main contractor, McKelvey Construction led the project and worked alongside Michael Whitley Architects to design and deliver the most appropriate solution for Belfast City Council and the local community. K Systems provided on-site technical support and installation guidance throughout the build which resulted in delivery of a modern, aesthetically pleasing facility that achieved the target U-value of 0.18W/m ² K. Our ServiceHaving originally specified rainscreen cladding, K Systems technical team worked with the architect to design a bespoke engineered system with the drained cavity to suit the metsec frame. Regular site visits from our team ensured support was available throughout the build. The Centre is located on a busy street with limited surrounding space, so we had to manage a very congested, condensed site with deliveries planned and arranged by appointment only. We worked closely with McKelvey Construction to manage such challenges and ensure that local access for residents was uninterrupted, as well as ensuring the overall safety of the site area. From design advice through to installation, we offered a partnership approach which ensured a smooth installation process with minimal disruption, and the delivery of a fantastic community centre for the local area to enjoy. Technical Project Details Originally rainscreen cladding was specified for the Walkways project. However during the construction process, due to spiralling material costs and budget restraints, this was deemed too expensive so alternative solutions had to be sourced. It was decided an external insulation system would be used and a ventilated cavity system was required, as this provides a secondary defence in commercial buildings like Walkways. The K Systems Exicco E drained cavity façade system was specified as it ticked all the boxes. Exicco provides excellent protection and can offer an excellent fire rating of up to A2-s1,d0, providing high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility. The drained cavity behind the insulation in the Exicco system will ensure that any interstitial moisture will escape without detriment to the performance of the system. As EWI was not originally specified for the project, no metsec frame had been designed. This is a crucial element for the Exicco system, which meant a bespoke metsec frame had to be designed specifically to suit our system. The Exicco E system for Walkways used Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation boards that were mechanically fixed and attached to 12mm BBA Approved sheathing boards to create a 25mm drained cavity. EPS boards are extremely light-weight and the system offers a great fire rating of B-s1,d0. It is a high performing, economical system that generates high levels of thermal performance and ensured the target U-value of 0.18W/m ² K. was achieved. For the finish, Silkolitt+ silicone renders ensured a clean, crisp contemporary finish that offers protection to the exterior of the community centre. The flexibility of this finish provides resistance against cracking and increases the durability, ensuring a long-lasting finish for Walkways. 

Known as being positioned within one of the most popular positions within London, The River Building sits comfortably between London Bridge, St Paul’s, and Bank. The position offers enviable commutes for the city workforce, boasting a five minutes’ walk from six key tube stations. Renovated to utilise a once void entrance, The River Building is now a self-contained office space with a contemporary industrial design. The large atrium features a set of sleek black Lifeline Speedlane Swings.

The ChallengeThe design of two new This large urban regeneration project in Pennywell, Edinburgh, included 719 new dwellings. It comprised four different brownfield areas with existing communities between them, meaning that linkage with the existing communities is essential.Homes are arranged around a central open space within an area characterised by low density housing.The predominant material in the overall development is brick – chosen for its durable, long-lasting qualities and ability to introduce consistency and identity. Zinc cladding, white brick and render, with key entrances defined by coloured blocks, also feature.The SolutionThe design used a simple palette of materials and approach to detailing, to bring a consistent and clear identity. The focus is on attractive, simple proportions, both in the form of the buildings and in the development of the elevations.Two types of brick were proposed: one a red/brown multitone and the other a light brown/red multitone; to be used in conjunction with grey and dark grey rooftiles. The brick selected was Village Harvest Multi for it was consistent with the design and referenced developments nearby.The BenefitsThe architecture used throughout the development provides quality and variety.The buildings complement each other and create a distinct character and identity. The feature materials add to the rhythms and patterns in the elevations to create variety in the streetscape and mark key corners and frontages.The extensive development is a result of an investment of £42 million by the City of Edinburgh Council and includes £7.9 million grant funding from the Scottish Government.

April 2022 saw the official re-opening of the Royal West of England Academy, Bristol’s oldest art gallery, complete with the building’s striking new external lift shaft. Clad in a large-scale artwork designed by the acclaimed artist, sculptor, and printer maker Peter Randall-Page and produced by A.J Wells and Sons in stunning Vitreous Enamel. We surveyed, designed, manufactured and installed the beautiful vitreous enamel cladding panel system.The Royal West of England Academy (RWA) is in Clifton, Bristol, and is situated in a Grade 2 listed building, which hosts five galleries and an exceptional exhibition program focused on the best of British Art. This project is a wonderful example of how vitreous enamel, a heritage material, can bridge the historical and contemporary. Allowing modern art to fuse with and enhance historical architecture.KEY FEATURES: • Wall installation using WellsClad • Vitreous enamel claddingA.J WELLS SERVICES: • Survey • Design • Metal fabrication • Enamelling • WellsClad framing

One of the most iconic buildings in central London.The building has been reborn hotel and residential complex for highflyers in the financial services sector. Woods Bagot’s scheme for 10 Trinity Square, nicknamed ‘the whirlpool’ after the glass canopy at its centre.10 Trinity Square was commissioned by the Port of London Authority in 1911 through an architectural competition won by Edwin Cooper. Completion of Cooper’s Beaux Arts design was delayed by the First World War (it was finished in 1922).Many of the original interior features were conserved while incorporating the servicing requirements of a modern hotel. As such, plaster ceilings, such as those situated in the south wing of the second floor, are being maintained and the original air vents may be used in the new HVAC strategy.For this development, Selo used the Una doors which are the solution for timber leaf risers. Una utilises a timber door leaf with a concealed metal frame. Made to suit custom sizes, provided as a flat-packed kit prepared for all ironmongery.

St Pauls’ Way is an award-winning 1, 5, 6, & 7 story building with 23 units consisting of one, two and three bedroom flats over a ground floor community space. This scheme was designed using Building Information Modelling (BIM) to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating of 72.7%, awarding it winner of 6 national housing awards, including Evening Standard New Homes Award 2019’s ‘Best Regeneration Project'. Constructed of light gauge steel frame and faced with a buff brick, this scheme will contribute to London Borough of Tower Hamlets Community Plan.HiDECK Overlay 18 was specified by Architecture PLB in this project as the overlay flooring solution. It’s ideal for flooring applications incorporating an underflooring heating system due to its high thermal conductivity which provides rapid reaction times, saving on running costs. In addition, its high density makes it perfect for a variety of acoustic applications.Stack London was awarded this 6,300m² contract for this development in Tower Hamlets.

Clement steel windows were chosen for the refurbishment of this double-fronted office building set within a busy part of the City of London near Smithfield Market. Surrounded by narrow cobbled streets it is situated on the boundary of the Smithfield Conservation Area.Blenheim House Construction (BHC) selected windows from the Clement EB24 range because they best suited the original look of the building and allowed for the maximum amount of light to flow throughout the property. Natural light was an important aim of this high specification refurbishment - central to the building is a mezzanine which creates a dramatic light-filled double height space.The windows are polyester powder coated in matt RAL 9005 (Jet Black) to match the frames as a finishing touch.Matthew Brown, Project Manager at BHC, commented:“We found Clement’s management team to be attentive, promptly addressing queries when raised and offering solutions and advice when called upon. This resulted in the windows being installed in a safe manner as per our agreed programme, and perhaps just as importantly, the client being pleased with the look of the end product.”Photography: CGS Photographers Ltd 

Perched on an elevated plane above the tranquil Suffolk village of Rattlesden, Rising Sun Hill is a bespoke residential housing development that seeks to blend in with its surroundings while standing out among other new builds for its character.The 22 homes include eight that will be offered as affordable housing. Individually conceptualised, the homes feature finishes that draw on traditional materials and designs, such as weatherboarding and rendering. To reflect the space of the surrounding countryside, the homes (which range from 2-4 bedrooms) are roomy, both inside and out. Large, landscaped gardens, stone paths, patios and generous planting of shrubs and trees complete the idyllic setting.But attention to detail hasn’t just been dedicated to aesthetics. Consideration has also been given to the homes’ long-term sustainability, with each home being fitted with an air source heat pump and well-designed insulation.The very fabric of the buildings, from the blockwork to the timber frame, has been scrutinised too. For developer Hartog Hutton, it was just as important to use high-quality materials as it was to give each building its own individual flair.

A new project in Woking showcases the many benefits of Maple’s new Pluto louvred screening system.Designed to hide unsightly HVAC machinery on the roof of a new four-storey independent living development, the system is lighter and easier to install than traditional systems.   It’s perfect for the rooftop location. Seen from the ground, it’s a sleek bank of aluminium louvres – but the modular system also means that installation is safer, with time spent working at height kept to a minimum.  Maple’s Pluto system fixes easily to the building sub-frame using galvanised steel brackets, while an advanced sub-structure of posts, mullions and rails in high grade aluminium will provide hidden support for the 100mm louvre blades.  Despite a practical function of hiding equipment, pipes and ducting, the screening will not detract from the clean lines of the building, which are complemented by a bank of curved louvres (also supplied and installed by Maple) on the west elevation of the building.  The project is a collaboration between Maple, Willmott Dixon, HNW Architects and Woking Borough Council. When complete, the four-storey development will provide a mix of 48 one- and two-bed flats, which will provide independent (but supported) living.

Northampton-based building specialists Linden Heritage specialise in the external and internal renovation of Period and Listed buildings, just part of a wide-reaching portfolio that includes feature both New Build and Refurbishment projects.As period properties can be a stringently traditional arena when it comes to the choice of building materials used (due to strict planning requirements), it may come as a surprise to note that Linden Heritage are proud users of Metrotile Lightweight Roofing Systems – a material that prides itself on being an evolution of the very ‘traditional’ materials required by listed buildings.

A stylish, modern residential tower block in the heart of Canary WharfThis project is part of a redevelopment that includes 3 towers and is due to be fully completed in 2028. The tallest tower, Hampton Tower, is 214.5m and 68 stories high. Originally, it was considered too tall for the area and thus it was reduced to the current 68 floors. The building is situated just south of Canary Wharf with excellent access to travel with Canary Wharf and Elizabeth Line underground stations both within a 5 minute walk.The development will provide 1,338 residential apartments along with 6000 sq metres of new outdoor public space including café’s and restaurants. The towers will have ground floor retail and resident amenities such as a double-height pool, fitness centres and spa, and community and children’s spaces. Not to mention a garden on the 56th floor and the highest bar in London!Selo supplied a number of products to this project including concealed metal riser doors, concealed frame doors and sliding pocket doors. Concealed internal doors are becoming a very popular solution in interiors because of the desire for a luxurious, sleek finish.Conceal those unsightly risers and service cupboards with a flush riser door that seamlessly blends in with the walls and surroundings. Achieve a spacious feel with full height concealed frame doors or sliding pocket doors that will not only feel more spacious but actually save you space. If you’re looking for concealed doors for your project, give us a shout and see how we can help.

Project: GTIMC, University of SheffieldDate: 2022 Background:·        APL were engaged with the architect to provide a solution using APL StrongBak™, having worked with APL on numerous projects before·        APL’s ability to powder-coat its roll-formed profiles provided the client with a large range of anodised-look finishes ·        APL provided all structural, thermal and acoustic calculations Systems:·        2,400m² of APL StrongBak™ long-span structural wall panel system with external profiles being sinusoidal AP18HR and AP45HR with an anodised-look PPC finish·        150² of APL perforated Slimwall™ flat panels with an anodised-look PPC finish·        APL Tritherm™ GALV sub-framing ·        All flashings, fixings and accessories  Building Location:·        Sheffield