"panel"

Project: Tobacco DockDate: 2021 Background:·        The existing cladding had been identified as being combustible ACM·        APL had previously designed and supplied a bespoke StrongBak™ structural-framing solution to the project due to its unique historical structural design·        APL were engaged to supply and design additional areas of StrongBak™ along with a complete A1-rated face-fixed flat-panel façade to replace non-compliant cladding (not supplied by APL)·        APL Armacoil™PLUS-HT material was selected due to its exceptional performance in a marine environment ·        APL’s fabrication capability meant that all panels were factory-drilled leading to significantly quicker installation time on site Systems:·        4,000m² of APL Slimwall™-FF face-fixed flat panel in 2mm aluminium with an Armacoil™PLUS-HT coating in RAL 1003·        APL Tritherm™ sub-framing for StrongBak™ area·        APL aluminium AluE™ Tritherm™ helping hand brackets and extrusions to support panel system onto StrongBak™·        All flashings, fixings and accessories  Building Location:·        Liverpool

Completion of 3 number MG100 Semi Electric Movable Acoustic Walls in the RIA Building London. Flexible space of 1 large room and with the use of 3 movable walls where 1 meets at a right angle now gives the client a 3 flexible rooms. Two access inset door panels in the larger run allows for access in-between the rooms once the panels are in their closed position. Standard white laminate panel finish chose to give a clean design and match other furniture within the room. An element of flexibility is suddenly added to your space. And the environment can quickly be manipulated to cater for any of your flexible space needs, whether that be for meetings or a little bit of privacy. The top and bottom seal operation on the MG100 movable wall system can be upgraded to the semi-electric seal operation by a flick of a switch which reduces the room set up by upto 2 thirds of the time. At ModernGlide, we have sourced an excellent range of panel finishes, ranging from our standard melamine to veneers to personalised digital images, to give you complete design flexibility.

University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire CampusArchitect: Graven Architects, Glasgow
Installer: Elmwood Ltd
Product: Gustafs Acoustic Panel and Linear Rib SystemsBoth Gustafs Linear Ribs and a bespoke Gustafs Acoustic Panel system solution were installed to the new £110m Lanarkshire campus of the University of the West of Scotland.The ultra-modern eco-campus is powered using 100% sustainable energy houses facilities for students including the Students Union, library, computer facilities, and exhibition, lecture and meeting spaces which are available for use by local businesses as well as students.
Gustafs Linear Ribs in natural Birch veneer clad 2 facing 12m high feature walls; the co-ordinating seating areas and integrated TV screens help to integrate the acoustic solution with the collaborative social and study space.The main feature wall in the Welcome Hub is a 3 storey high bespoke concertina wall of RAL 6021 painted and PH10 perforated panels; Gustafs, LSA, and the installer worked to create an elegant installation solution using custom panel edges and solid wood elements to create the zig-zag wall. 

Wall & Door Protection Specialists, Yeoman Shield recently collaborated with a Yorkshire hospital to provide Door Protection for a ward refurbishment that would be in line with the dementia-friendly environment brief. The work required the doors along the ward corridor to be protected using different coloured Yeoman Shield Protection Panels which had to be compatible with a pre-accepted pallet of shades found to be conducive to wayfinding benefits for people with dementia.Yeoman Shield was able to meet the colour brief drawing from their wide range of 58+ colours available in the protection panel range.The Door Protection panels were installed, along with matching door frame protection, by Yeoman Shield’s directly employed fixing operatives, in Royal Blue, Aubergine, Raspberry Red, Tangerine, Lilac, Yellow, and Pastel Green shades, providing an attractive, protective, and hygienic surface finish.With the ward experiencing constant, heavy footfall, the door protection panels will play an important role in guarding against detrimental impact damage caused by the movement of beds, trolleys, people, and equipment. This can help to reduce the amount of time and money spent on the repair and redecoration of doors.

Chateau Denmark represents a new concept in hospitality venues, offering an eclectic place to stay in the home of British rock music- Denmark Street London.For the design team of Taylor Howes working with CAW Ventures, the challenge has been to create interiors that paid homage to the innovation, history and drama of the location- where the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie and the Sex Pistols all hung out.The team had to bring cohesion across 55 rooms and apartments over 16 buildings, some of which are listed. Thus, four design narratives across 11 base build designs were conceived to reflect the heritage and rebellion of the properties and their surroundings.To achieve the industrial rawness that is the essence of the Loft build design, Armourcoat’s Concrete Effect panels were specified. The deconstructed look and tactile surface of the panels achieves the unfinished, textured appearance of shuttered concrete in an easy to install, lightweight format.The Concrete Effect panels bring a distinctive industrial style to the interior, with their inclusion of distressed effects and shutter markings. They form part of Armourcoat’s range of three-dimensional castings, alongside stone effect, hand-applied and sculptured artwork cast panels."Chateau Denmark is ultimately about being bold and fierce- and of course materials play an important role in conveying that sentiment. For a number of our rooms and apartments, the Armourcoat concrete effect panels have contributed to a rugged rawness, establishing a unique aesthetic that helps bring together an industrial and utilitarian feel." - Carrie Wicks, Director at Chateau Denmark

Project: Ayr Academy, ScotlandProduct: OranitArchitect: BDP, GlasgowInstaller: Linear Projects, GlasgowAyr Academy, Scotland. BDP Architects (August 2017) Photos by Graeme DuncanSpecification:Oranit 7-501 Panels in Yellow PineQuantity:138m2  Oranit panels in PEFC Certified Yellow Pine were installed in rafts to the ceiling of the atrium space at the Ayr Academy campus which opened to students in September 2017.Shiluvit by Oranit was specified for it’s ease of design and installation as well as the stunning effect of slatted natural timber. The panels were installed in 12 rafts of 16 panels suspended at a slight angle to mirror the tilt and dimension of the true ceiling.The 6-year secondary school has state of the art classroom facilities for an engaging and high-tech learning experience as well as professional quality all-weather sports pitches as well as fitness, and dance suites which are available to the wider community. The school has followed suit from other local colleges and universities by including informal social and learning spaces in the atrium.The new campus is a huge step-forward from the previous historic 1880’s school and is inspiring enthusiasm and pride in all of it’s staff and students.In addition to the Oranit panels, LSA supplied Linear ribs to support the acoustics in the open plan main plaza of the school. The central drum clad in natural Oak ribs is a functional focal point of the space, housing a learning resource centre inside and hosting a computer classroom and social space on top.

Our MG200, recently installed in this contemporary office setting, delivers the desired room dividing solution while maintaining the aesthetic and brightness of the interior space.The ModernGlide MG200 panels can have a whiteboard wipeable and magnetic finish if required.Manufactured panels have a different level of acoustic reduction, but all of them provide the kind of flexibility needed to work perfectly within any office or commercial environment following a professional installation from ModernGlide.Because there is no need for a structural head support, this makes the MG200 series perfect for smaller openings. The versatility of our sliding folding wall partitions continue through the format of slimline stacking. This means that when the wall is not in use, it will take up minimal space in your environment.Additionally, the MG200 sliding partition series comes standard with a pass door panel which allows movement from side-to-side with seamless ease. We are able to offer a complete solution for all of your acoustic sliding partition needs.A continuous acoustic wall partitions system, it is perfect for a quick and easy set-up process and is our most popular budget solution for acoustic partitions that move.MG200 Wall Partitions Key FactsAcoustic reduction from 37dB to 49dBFloor-supportingPanel widths 450mm to 900mmHeight up to 4,000mmPass door as standardCentre-folding or end-folding stacking optionsPanel finishes include melamine, laminate, veneer and white boardIntegral glazing options30 minute fire rating option

The SIPs Cladding Panel has been included as part of the innovative design for the Research Acceleration and Demonstration (RAD) Building at The University of Nottingham.The ProjectThe RAD Building has been designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent and will include Passivhaus measures to reduce energy requirements, providing a comfortable space for users whilst maintaining outstanding energy efficiency.The £7m development, funded by Innovate UK, houses many of the UK’s leading academics in its laboratories, offices and breakout spaces. The 142 mm SIPs Cladding Panel was used in the walls of the iconic 2000 m2 building, in order ton restrict energy demand.The original specification indicated both SIP and, space saving opportunities and quality delivery by qualified installers.Rising to the challengeA multi-disciplinary approach was taken to meet the project’s challenging performance targets including input from building fabric engineers, specialist designers and BREEAM consultants. The use of the SIPs Cladding Panel was essential to maximise space in the laboratory building, whilst maintaining excellent levels of insulation.High performanceIn addition to their excellent thermal performance, the combination of the panel’s OSB/3 facing and unique jointing system also help to limit air loss from the building. This allowed the project team to limit air-leakage to below 0.6 ach@50 Pa.The RAD Building development offered the opportunity for creating a building with a dynamic appearance and unique identity, consistent with the aspirations of the ERA initiative.The use of the SIP Cladding Panel was essential for maximising space in the laboratory building, whilst maintaining excellent levels of insulation.The RAD Building development offered the opportunity for creating a building with a dynamic appearance and unique identity, consistent with the aspirations of the ERA initiative. The use of the SIP Cladding Panel aligns perfectly with these aspirations, due to the panels’ FSC® (FSC®-C109304) certification, which demonstrates sustainable sourcing of construction materials.University of Nottingham RAD Building | Lewis and Hickey Architecture4Awards2019 – Winner | Sustainability Award 2019, East Midlands Celebrating Construction Awards – Celebrating Construction Excellence2019 – Winner | LABC East Midlands Awards Winner & Highly Commended2018 – Winner | EMPD – Sustainable Project of the Year, constructing excellence

 A1 non-combustible VitraDual panels supplied to reclad the entire building.

Eluviis OÜ an interior designer asked TK-Team if they could help with a noisy area in a new sprts centre in Finland. We specified a bright and airy combinaation of Hush Light Round acoustic panels  they were both hung from the ceiling and mounted to the wall. It helped to eliminate reverb and reduce unwanted noise. In addition, thes coloured panels were in different shades and suspended levels adding a little playfulness to the room.

A DeltaWing-90V louvred fence was specified for the Holy Trinity Primary School in Dalston, Hackney. The panels were manufactured with louvres on a vertical axis to create a semi-transparent screen. This increased the sense of space within the playground area while providing an appropriate level of security and privacy for young pupils.The fencing was supplied in various heights to suit the openings within a brick wall and the varied palette included timber infill panels to the gates.

Pre-cast concrete panels were used in an unusual project to carry out the ‘re- meandering' of a historically straightened section of Swindale Beck in the Lake District. Whites Concrete supplied its precast Rockwall and Groundwall panels so that Coffey Construction could quickly and efficiently form a new Coanda screen, fish pass walls and a Crump Weir to Swindale Beck, which is an upstream sub-catchment of Cumbria’s River Eden.

Pre-cast concrete panels were used in an unusual project to carry out the ‘re- meandering' of a historically straightened section of Swindale Beck in the Lake District. Whites Concrete supplied its precast Rockwall and Groundwall panels so that Coffey Construction could quickly and efficiently form a new Coanda screen, fish pass walls and a Crump Weir to Swindale Beck, which is an upstream sub-catchment of Cumbria’s River Eden.

When Galaxy Insulation – Hush Acoustics’ parent company – moved into its new regional offices near Glasgow, the team wanted to ensure the spaces were pleasant to work in and acoustically comfortable.The offices at Blantyre to the south of the city are contained within a modern building in a business park. This is typically designed and optimised for versatility, energy efficiency and low maintenance with large windows to allow for plenty of natural light transmission.As is common with office buildings of this type, given the relatively low levels of soft materials and furnishings used in the fit-out and décor, once the team moved into their offices it quickly became apparent that the environment was echoey and acoustically uncomfortable as a result of reverberation.RESOLVING ACOUSTIC ISSUESBeing familiar with this issue, the team at Galaxy Insulation were keen to ensure that everyone in the new office could work without being disrupted by excessive background noise, which is often caused by soundwaves reflecting off hard surfaces like glass and wood.Galaxy Insulation turned to the team at Hush Acoustics for assistance with this issue, having seen how it had worked with clients across the UK to address similar reverberation problems. Hush started the process by conducting an acoustic survey to determine the extent of the problem and identify where sound absorber panels could be fitted to resolve the issue.Hush proposed fitting six Hush Absorber 50 panels in varying sizes, including 1800x1200mm, 1200×1200 and 1000x1000mm, which would be strategically mounted on the walls of the offices.This is a Class A absorber that comprises a specially formulated 50mm thick acoustic foam, hand-finished with an interior fabric, which is applied to the face, edges and back return.ADDING A CREATIVE DIMENSIONAs Hush Absorber panels are always manufactured to order in a fabric cover coloured to the requirements of the client, this presented an opportunity for Galaxy to use the new panels for decorative purposes too.Rather than apply a single colour or generic pattern, the local team leading the project wanted to celebrate their great city by printing large photographs of famous Glasgow landmarks onto the panels. A number of high-resolution photographs were sourced and supplied to Hush to arrange the fabric printing as part of the manufacturing process.Hush manufactured and supplied the absorber panels within three weeks from the date of order, and installed them all in a matter of hours to minimise disruption at the Galaxy Insulation offices. Feedback from the team gave the panels an immediate thumbs up, with the difference in acoustic comfort noticed instantly and the images giving the office a distinctive new look.CLIENT FEEDBACKJim Downie, Scotland’s Managing Director of Galaxy Insulation said: “What a transformation the absorber panels have made! Firstly, they look amazing with the vibrant colours of the photographs reproducing extremely well, reflecting our intention to celebrate Glasgow’s iconic buildings and skyline.“Acoustically, the offices are far more comfortable for everyone. We’re an extremely busy office here as we work with customers across Scotland, so we’re always speaking on the phone or talking to each other to deliver for clients. We wanted to ensure high levels of background noise did not result in reverberation and make the working environment potentially unbearable.“The team at Hush Acoustics were quick to understand our requirements which gave us complete confidence that their proposed solution would meet our needs. Now the panels are installed, it is clear that the Hush Absorber 50 panels have worked exactly as planned, working in the background to minimise the risk of nuisance reverberation.”

BCL are proud to have been a part of the team delivering the £400m redevelopment of London Bridge Station, designed by Grimshaw Architects and developed by Costain. The redeveloped station expects to see 75 million passengers pass through each year as part of the £6.5 billion Thameslink project. As part of the refurbishment the structure was replaced by pre-cast concrete bridge decks. The underside of these new decks became the ceiling which was then clad with our high performance Alpha acoustic timber panel system.The BCL “Alpha” panel system spans over 7,000 square metres of Western Red Cedar panels in three distinct patterns, providing class A and B sound absorption to reduce noise from passengers and trains. The panels are fire treated to Euro class B, fully demountable, have fully concealed fixings, and involve integrated lighting troughs. Our open configuration system allowed Grimshaw to design the unique panel composition to the highest standard. With the ability to be flexible along with outstanding acoustic performance and the standard of design and installation services, it was clear that our BCL panels should be the system of choice.There were some significant challenges with the project, not only the control of ambient sound from the passengers using the station, but also the structural reverberation produced by on average 18 trains per hour and, given its prominence, the need for upwards blast protection in the event of a terrorist threat. All challenges have been met by the BCL design, making the ceiling system the perfect solution.With the London Bridge Station redevelopment, as with every project BCL take on, our design, manufacture and installation teams provide the knowledge and skill needed to ensure the highest standard of work is achieved at every stage of the project.Client: National RailArchitect: GrimshawMain Contractor: CostainSize: 7,000m2Location: LondonCompletion: September 2016Western Red CedarAcoustic class A & B3 different slat arrangementsFully demountableBomb blast grid system (for maintain structural integrity)

A.J Wells manufactured and supplied vitreous enamel white printed cladding panels for the new Bakerloo Line Link Project at Paddington Station, London. The panels were supplied in flat, convexed and concaved profiles that were printed with individual patterns in one of two subtle grey colours to meet the client’s specific project requirements.KEY FEATURES: • Cladding • Vitreous enamelA.J WELLS SERVICES: • Design development • Manufacture • Screen print

An impressive version pedestrian guardrail using the machine topped ASF 5008 bollard as posts, and solid bar stainless steel vertical infill panels to create the guardrail. This system is made to order, and as such can be set up to host any combination of post and panel or hand railing. Contrasting polish finish can be used on the bollards to show the machined top as more of a feature. Posts can be reinforced to make them ram raid resistant.

After embarking on a project to create high quality new learning pods to enhance its facilities, the last thing teachers, staff and children at Carr Lodge Academy in Doncaster were expecting was for excessive background noise to be so much of an issue that it stood in the way of their ability to use and enjoy them.The school wanted to create learning pods for each of its 1-6 year groups to provide a facility that could be used for extra learning, small group teaching or a break-out space for teachers and children. The building contractor appointed to construct the pods worked to an agreed specification and design, but the acoustic conditions that would result from the proposed usage of the spaces, the positioning of the pods and choice of materials for their fit-out was not fully realised. It was only when teachers and staff started using the learning pods that problems with echo and excessive sound reverberation were fully realised. This is a common acoustic issue which results from interiors that feature lots of hard, harsh reflective surfaces with the ultimate impact at Carr Lodge being that the pods were unsuitable for their purpose.The school sought specialist assistance to resolve the issues which started with an acoustic assessment and detailed acoustic report. And following a competitive tendering process, Hush Acoustics was appointed to complete the acoustic upgrade using its sound absorber panels.How absorption resolved the issueThe solution involved manufacturing and installing a series of Hush Absorber 50 panels which were strategically mounted on the walls of the learning pods. The Class A absorber panels are formulated using a 50mm thick acoustic foam which is hand finished in a high quality fabric applied on the face, edges and back – at Carr Lodge, the panels feature a green fabric to match the school’s aesthetics and contribute to the welcoming environment.Various sizes of panels were installed to fit the differing sized spaces within the school. Their positioning was dependent on the size and the layout of the learning pod for the year group. Some year group pods, for example, feature desks, so absorber panels have been installed to be continuous along the desk line, helping the children hear what is being said by teachers. In other desk-free learning pods, the panels were positioned on the walls – symmetrically where possible – to deliver an aesthetically pleasing and acoustically -effective result. Hush Absorber 50 panels work by absorbing soundwaves generated by speech and other sources in a way that hard surfaces such as plastered walls, wood and laminates do not. As a result, less sound is reflected back into the room, so the level of ambient noise is dramatically reduced to deliver a more acoustically comfortable environment that is far more conducive to learning.‘Huge difference’ to the learning environmentSarah Crampton, Principal at Carr Lodge Academy said: “Sound reverberation was causing us real problems and it meant that the learning pods – although fantastic in principle – simply didn’t serve the purpose for which they were intended.“The sound absorber panels have made a huge difference to the useability of our learning pods and provided a solution that did not require major, disruptive work. The quality of the solution provided by the Hush Acoustics team, and their service overall, has impressed everyone involved in this project.”

Optimising acoustic comfort within radiology facility, LondonHush Acoustics transformed the acoustic environment within a radiology facility where staff and clients experiencing noise nuisance within both a boardroom and video conferencing room, which was noticeably affecting speech clarity.Renowned as specialist consultants throughout the UK, Australia and further afield, offering 24-hour radiology reporting, Everlight Radiology offers urgent after hours and daytime consultant radiologists to hospitals throughout the world. Hence, it was imperative that their rooms were treated quickly in order for the practice to continue with their duty of care and excellent service.After considering printed acoustic boards from another supplier, which would have offered Class C absorption, Everlight’s chief executive officer contacted Hush to gain more specialist advice on sound absorption.Upon a visit to the Everlight Office, we found the rooms to be suffering from very high levels of reverberation and echo noise. Through our professional and technical advice, along with carrying out an acoustic assessment, we presented the client with a recommended solution based around Hush Absorber Panels 50 & 50A panels. The reason for including the Hush Absorber 50A panel in the specification was because it was imperative for the ceilings to be treated in order to get the sound result that our client was anticipating.Faced with a vast array of asymmetrical ventilation ducts and lights on the ceilings in the rooms in question, additional consideration was needed regarding the placement of the acoustic panels. A plan was drawn up to give possible layout options, which were agreed by the client.Unlike the client’s initial consideration prior to contacting Hush, Hush Absorber Panels are Class A absorbers, made from fabric wrapped 50mm thick acoustic foam. They have built in support frames to allow for bracket fixing, to provide an air void behind the absorber for enhanced acoustic performance. Class A absorption is of the highest level, with Class E being the lowest and this scale ensures simple comparison between acoustic products, which is important when choosing the right product for maximum impact on sound reduction and speech clarity.Included in the client’s brief was a request for particular panels to be printed. The client wanted to incorporate their brand logo and hero statements, intended to remind their clients and staff members using the room of their key messaging and values. The pictures supplied to Hush were designed in-house and delivered in high resolution which ensured an outstanding result.The client expressed interest in having larger boards for the video conferencing room to the bespoke sizing of 2050 x 1300 x 50mm. These panels were made to order, and provided in colours Chrome and Smoke, which were then organised in a checked pattern on the ceiling. Hush 50A Absorber Panels were installed using suspension packs, which allows for the air void behind, whereas the Hush Absorber 50 Panels were installed using the Hush Absorber Adhesive, making them clean and easy to install.The client was delighted with the finished result, not only in terms of practically and the acoustic improvements but aesthetically too. The colours chosen along with the custom printing reflects the business looking smart, clean and contemporary and resolves the reverberation issues that they were originally facing.

Armourcoat’s modular panel system ArmourFX has been specified to stunning effect at the new G-Shock store on London’s Carnaby Street by Double Retail. The new flagshop concept store was designed to physically interpret the core values of the brand and clearly segment G-Shock’s extensive product range.Through the careful use of lighting and materials, such as slate flooring, hot rolled steel surfaces and concrete wall panels from ArmourFX,the environment is an embodiment of G-Shock toughness.The store has elevated this premium offering and created a versatile future-proof space adaptable for specific collections and product launches.ArmourFX concrete effect panels are ideal for a deconstructed urban look for contemporary projects. The panels offer a wealth of design options to achieve a distinctive industrial style including distressed effects or recessed ‘shutter’ markings. Off-site construction is fast becoming the method of choice for both contractors and their clients with projects under tight deadlines for completion, or where it is impractical to work with ‘wet’ plastering trades on site. ArmourFX modular solutions can be highly customized to suit the client, sent directly to site and installed in a few hours. Photography: © Max McClure

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 Buckland Hospital, Dover is a community hospital that provides a range of local services. Main contractor Interserve PLC enlisted Industrial Construction (Sussex) Ltd to install the roofing and cladding package. Fixfast products were the first choice for ICS and the Facade Support range was an obvious need for this type of contract; coupled with the DrillFast® Stainless and Lacquered products, the external roofing and cladding was installed in the finest possible manner.The external walls use a range of materials - black brick and through-coloured render serve as a background for two types of cladding panels: white fibre cement panels and timber laminated panels manufactured from kraft paper and finished with natural timber veneers. The dark colour of the brick is used as a medium to enhance the crisp lines of the bright cladding as well as the shape and colours of the wooded bank at the rear of the building.

Sylan Veneer installed at Majestic, City Square in Leeds. This Grade A office building has been designed to provide a flexible, contemporary working environment in a superb prime location.Sylan Products Supplied:Real Wood Veneer Toilet CubiclesFlush fronted, Real Wood Veneer cubicle systemStrong, secure and luxurious finishInvisible fixing systemFull height cubicleFSC CertifiedAvailable in 11 Real Wood VeneersReal Wood Veneer Duct PanellingAllows continuity in designCan match panelling to cubiclesFSC certifiedAvailable in 11 Real Wood Veneer finishesSolid Surface Washtrough with Veneer UnderpanelsModern designMetal frame systemQuick and easy to installFSC certifiedAvailable in 11 Real Wood Veneer finishesMatch your panelling to your cubicles

It’s great to see our curved perforated panels feature in the ceiling rafts of the new Tessuti flagship store in Liverpool. Fabricated and designed to pattern match, the ceiling features can be found in the main shopping area and changing rooms. These ceiling rafts range from single to triple rings around columns to larger obround and rectangular panels and are supplied in their natural aluminium finish. This highly reflective finish was used to highlight the vibrant column displays and video footage.

2000sqm Optima FC concave panels in PPC Aluminium has been used on the brand new Carnegie School of Sport, along with 600sqm. of flat Optima FC in PPC Aluminium and 1200sqm. Optima FC in Anodised red etched panels. Optima FC concave rainscreen were designed to suite the architect’s vision, the main feature of the striking sports building is encased in red etched anodised panles are contrasting tones to replicate muscle fibres under the microscope.

University of BournemouthProduct: Two Bespoke Kensington Solar CanopiesCanopy Colour: Anthracite Grey RAL7016Canopy Size: 21.9m x 4.9m eachInstallation Date: September 2017The project in briefAs part of a major infrastructure development Bournemouth University created a new transport hub to connect the University to the wider area. Shelter for waiting passengers was part of the plan. Uniquely it had to fit in with the wider design themes of the development and deliver on the University’s sustainability goals by utilising solar technology. To meet those requirements Able Canopies created a bespoke canopy design based on our stylish Kensington system. The addition of solar panels, effective drainage, plus seating and under canopy wind protection, were all elements that the adaptable Kensington can handle. The result was a standout look for a practical transport hub that provides effective weather protection and longer term pay back via renewable energy generation.Growth at Bournemouth UniversityThe new Talbot Campus development at Bournemouth University is an important and prestigious project, not just for the University but for the local area which benefits from the success of the University and its students. The £3 million investment in new campus buildings and other infrastructure is a long-term commitment that will see the University widen its learning provision and all-round facilities. Part of the benefit for students, and the wider Bournemouth area, is the construction of a new transport hub that will provide joined up public transport connecting the University campus to Bournemouth itself.  A key part of the new transport hub is the weather protection provided to passengers as they wait for buses. To ensure that this essential part of the development met the standards required of the project Able Canopies entered early design discussions with the University. This evolved and in April 2017 Mildren Construction awarded Able Canopies the works for the new bus hub.Project Proposal & InstallationThroughout the development and design process we thought that our Kensington Dual pitch would be the ideal product for this installation. The more the design developed and requirements were added, such as the solar roof panels, the more convinced we were that it was perfect for the client’s needs. The Kensington is a robust, steel frame system that will stand up to all that the weather has to throw at it. Its architectural good looks mean that it makes a strong aesthetic statement, which was a key requirement here. We worked closely with the solar panel provider Polysolar who had overall control of the installation. Their panel fitted perfectly into the Kensington roof with some minor alterations to our working method to provide clean, efficient and sustainable energy for the transport hub. In addition, we had to consider how all cables were concealed and accessed at later dates. To achieve this access panels were installed in the 2 higher posts, one dealt with DC cables from the solar panels and the other with AC cables for the lighting. The final 2 lower posts on each canopy were designed to be integral rain water pipes and dispersed all water from the roof into a drainage connection below the paving.The Finished CanopiesAs the images show, the canopies look great and they are doing their job effectively in the transport hub which is now up and running. The solar panels are producing energy efficiently and help to provide a safe and comfortable shelter for the Campus’s transport users.The Tech SpecsMain Structure 21.9m x 4.9m overall canopy size (each)Powder coated and hot dip galvanised steel frame Inclined from 3m low end to 4m high end126 PS-CT Series Solar Panels per canopy (8mm thickness)Bespoke laminated glass end panelsMicro connectors to all solar panels to ensure all cabling was discreteSabre Architectural LED lightingBespoke underground drainage connectionsBespoke electrical access panels18kw system in totalGalvanised steel cable trunking & aluminium cable trays Underside Windbreaks10mm toughened glass windbreaks fixed to heavy duty steel frameGalvanised steel & hardwood benchesStainless steel glass clamps

Heathrow Airport, Hounslow TW6 1QGHeathrow’s plans for expansion at the airport with a third runway to the north-west of the existing two are currently supported by Government policy through the Airports National Policy Statement. Expansion at the airport would create tens of thousands of jobs and billions in economic benefits to the UK.Heathrow Airport, one of the world's busiest and most prominent international airports, requires top-tier access solutions that balance security and aesthetics. Ensuring efficient maintenance and access to utility systems is essential for its seamless operation. This case study highlights the successful collaboration between Heathrow Airport and Rapid Access Ltd, a leading supplier of new flush lock Access Panels with a sleek, discreet finish and a spring-loaded locking mechanism.Challenges:1. Critical Infrastructure: Heathrow Airport is a vital transport hub, serving millions of passengers annually. Access solutions needed to support maintenance without compromising security or aesthetics.2. Efficient Maintenance: The project demanded access panels that allowed for quick and secure access to utility systems, reducing downtime and disruptions.3. Sleek Design: The access solutions had to align with the airport's modern and sleek architectural aesthetics, complementing the overall design.Solution:Rapid Access Ltd, known for their expertise in access solutions, was chosen to address the specific needs of Heathrow Airport. The solution included the supply and installation of new flush lock Access Panels with a discreet finish and a spring-loaded locking mechanism, designed to meet the following key criteria:1. New Flush Lock Access Panels: Rapid Access Ltd provided access panels with a sleek, discreet finish, ensuring functionality and a modern, unobtrusive design.2. Efficiency and Security: The access panels allowed for swift and secure access to utility systems, enhancing operational efficiency while maintaining stringent security standards.3. Architectural Integration: The access solutions seamlessly integrated into the airport's modern architectural design, complementing its aesthetic appeal.Implementation:The supply and installation of new flush lock Access Panels by Rapid Access Ltd were carried out meticulously, ensuring that the sleek and discreet design elements were in harmony with the airport's architectural aesthetics. The locking mechanism was integrated with precision to meet the highest security standards.Conclusion:The collaboration between Heathrow Airport and Rapid Access Ltd exemplified the successful integration of access solutions that balanced functionality, security, and aesthetics for a world-class transportation hub. The installation of new flush lock Access Panels not only met functional needs but also contributed to the airport's overall efficiency, security, and architectural appeal, enhancing the passenger experience. This case study underscores the importance of selecting the right access solutions provider for critical infrastructure projects with specific design requirements.

An intriguing new Milan styled Italian café has opened on Essex Road, Islington designed by well-known Italian studio Vudafieri-Saverino Partners. The 240 sqm ‘Latteria’ is inspired by Milanese culture and style with a warm and informal atmosphere in white and red. This is complemented by Troldtekt wood wool panels on the ceiling painted white to blend in and used to soften the acoustics and reduce background noise. Troldtekt panels are frequently used in this kind of open plan environment to combat noise generated by the kitchen machinery, staff and customers which is exacerbated by bouncing off the hard surfaces. This is particularly true in this project where the design harks back to the 1950’s and features an open-plan kitchen coupled with hard surface lacquers and laminates, polished and satin-finished steel, tiled walls and marble floors. Troldtekt’s acoustic panels absorb both direct and reverberated sound. They help to strike the balance between a lively and welcoming environment and an experience where the venue is uncomfortably loud. This is important because customers’ comfort and a willingness to spend time and money is decreased in a noisy environment. 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. This high performance is recognised by their Cradle to Cradle certification at Silver level. 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. Samples, case studies and technical information are easily sourced from tel 01978 664255 or visit www.troldtekt.co.uk. 

This spring the new Dyson Cancer Centre at Royal United Hospitals, Bath will be opening its doors. A great deal of the building-works have been carried out including works on the building façade by specialists, Regency Facades.Our VitraFix® VF1 rainscreen subframe systems has been installed onto the building for both the vertical wall and soffit areas (carrier rails, brackets and all fixings) which will provide the support for the cladding panels.Two panel types from our rainscreen cladding range have been used on the buildings facade: VitraDual®, which is a cladding panel made from aluminium and our natural-looking fibre cement cladding panel, Ceramapanel® – both products achieve A1 fire rating to BS EN 13501-1.It’s been fantastic to have been involved in a project where there’s more than one panel type being used which adds extra detail and boosts the appearance of the façade. All of our products are non-combustible making them the obvious choice in any building project especially when safety is paramount to the hospital, patients and visitors.The Dyson Centre is a world-class facility that will provide cutting-edge treatment for patients from across the region and will bring together the majority of the RUH's cancer services, including research, under one roof. The new building will support staff to deliver the very best care, in the best environment. It’s been a privilege to have been involved and congratulations to everyone involved in the construction and for delivering such a fantastic end result including Kier Group, IBI Group and SBS Cladding Ltd.

Citu, Leeds - SIPS panels made 0.03ach on the fabric/joints/connections using PASSIVE PURPLE.

Spanwall RF50 Rainscreen system manufactured in 3 different panel depths & colours for the staggered effect.

North Kent Police HQ is a four-storey landmark building of 11,500 m2. In addition to the perimeter fencing, Lang+Fulton supplied the steel louvred cladding panels and support steelwork for the generator housing. The panels were made from Italia-100 which is an extremely robust louvred material, providing 100% visual screening and a high level of security. Italia-100 was considered to perfectly complement the overall architectural design as well as providing the required functionality at a sensitive site.

Designed by Hawkins/Brown, Phase 1 of Salford Central consists of two towers linked by an angled podium, helping to create a distinct and dynamic massing form. The form is unified by a rational façade that incorporates a family of repeated panel types Responding to the site’s industrial heritage and location opposite the Factory, chamfered façade panels are used to develop an additional layer of visual interest.Finishes applied: Y2217F Steel Bronze 2 (Anodic) and YK309F RAL 6009 Fine Texture (Structura)

Urban Nation Architects & Associates chose EQUITONE [lunara] for the ground level facade on this residential apartment building in Wemmel, Belgium.  The panels are high-density and require little maintenance or cleaning which makes them ideal for high footfall and traffic areas.  ANAA cut the [lunara] in to linear panels using soft angles to make the facade visually interesting and to catch the eye of anyone nearby. The variable texture of [lunara] invites the viewer to further investigate the facade at a closer range.

This blockwork construction with sips panel warm roof connections and fabric made completely airtight using Passive Purple. This Passive build with sips panel roof in the heart of Cambridge was a great job from start to finish, with Passive purple brush sealing all the connections of various substrates such as steelwork, blockwork and timber and then given a final send of with a spray application of Passive Purple, with intricate detail, multi-level rooms and grand design in general, achieving under 0.6ach was no problem.

150m2 of Oranit Shiluvit panels in Poplar were used to clad the walls and ceiling of the multi-use event space, the Pickle Factory in East London.Part of the larger Oval Space group, the pickle factory is an ex-industrial unit in Tower Hamlets designed for more intimate live music and acoustic events and has hosted corporate events for companies including Google, Forza, and Joypad.The natural finish Poplar timber Shiluvit panels are also in keeping with the versatility of the space.