"stair finishes"

The ProjectCapital Content is a media content production team based in Cobham. The company provides videos, photography, audio, and various other marketing and branding media for a range of businesses and individuals.Capital Content approached G Harding Flooring, a flooring contractor, to “bring their office to life” with design featured flooring. The company records podcasts, film shoots and other advertising material for clients at their workplace, so the designs needed to match their own vision of how they wanted to be perceived.Glenn from G Harding Flooring carried out a site inspection with the owner of Capital Content, and discussed how to best incorporate their business logos and assets into the flooring layout. This would involve sourcing stair nosings and carpet tiles which would match the colours of the company’s branding.The ApproachGlenn contacted Quantum Flooring to talk about which stair nosings would be suitable for the job. Q-Range DUO Stair Nosings have tread inserts on both the tread and the riser of the profile. This enables the profiles to have either one colour on both or, as with this project, a different colour on the tread and riser for design purposes.Q-Range DUO allowed G Harding Flooring to pick colours for the tread and riser to match Capital Content’s branding and logo. As Glenn says: “We wanted to create a visual ‘wow’ factor to the entrance of the office where visiting clients would be first greeted on arrival – the staircase. Samples of additional colours to match Capital Content’s own branding was a big plus.“By using Quantum’s extensive colour bank, not only were we able to find a perfect match, we found 2! The colours, a bold pink for the tread, and a vibrant blue for the riser, gave the stairwell an abundance of colour that would change as you walked up it.”The OutcomeG Harding Flooring installed the Q-Range DUO profiles using Q-Fix Stair Nosing Adhesive. This has ensured a solid, firm and secure fixing which can withstand the traffic anticipated for the workplace. The stair nosings achieve the aim of an eye-catching entrance to the office, while making the stairs safe and easy to navigate.The branded theme is continued throughout the office, where G Harding Flooring installed hand cut logos and patterns utilising carpet tiles. The results are outstanding, with the offices being an excellent example of G Harding’s flooring design skills, and showcasing Capital Content’s brand and logo.As Glenn from G Harding Flooring says: “The client wanted to show the importance of branding, attention to detail and how to stand out from the crowd as this is a key service they provide to their clients. Where best to start and show off their visions? In their very own workspace.”

The design comprised of a three-storey-high, bespoke GRC concrete staircase with floating precast steps and landings, all in Rustic Grey finish.For the floors and landings we used Microconcrete coating in Lead Grey colour to create a contrasting effect with the lighter coloured walls and the imposing ceiling suspended fireplace surround was hand coated with Microconcrete in Metallic Bronze finish.

Lang+Fulton have supplied Terra-34 balustrade panels, open mesh flooring, stair treads and louvred screening for escape stairs at three new buildings at Milton Park, Oxfordshire.There were five stair towers in total, 10.7m and 15m high, also designed to provide access to service facilities. The stair treads were manufactured from a heel-proof open mesh grating EF-15x76; the balustrade panels were made using Terra-34 which is an anti-climb architectural grating.The Italia-80 louvres effectively screen all the service ducting and were supplied with demountable panels with D-handles for inspection points at each landing and ground level. The result was a smart solution in keeping with the high specification of the development.The balustrading, stair treads and flooring were hot-dip galvanized; the louvres were supplied with an additional polyester powder coating RAL7016.

The Tees Valley Hospital located on Church Lane in Acklam, Middlesbrough has used the Genesis NSL26 with a black insert for its staircase leading from the ground floor to the upper. The NSL26 is a slimline rakeback nosing that provides an excellent level of anti slip which is the perfect choice for a health care unit. The NSA stair edge trims have been used in conjunction with the NSL26 and they finish the staircase off perfectly by providing protection for the step ends whilst remaining aesthetically pleasing.

Extensive use of glass, and the careful articulation of forms, ensure a wonderful feeling of openness, whatever side you view it from. Q-railing’s Easy Glass 3kN glass balustrade system more than fulfilled the demanding safety requirements while still providing maximum transparency. In total, around 600 metres of glass balustrade were installed alongside stairs and landings. Attractive finishing touches were provided by wooden handrails and base shoes powder-coated in black.

CAT stair nosings have been installed into one of the Worlds first purpose-built meeting facilities based in Westminster, London.​AN69 was the main section to fit the rounded step edge, then aluminium extension piece ANEXT creating a wider tread connected to an ANRE25 ramp edge at the back covering the safety vinyl flooring. Finally, the robust Aluminium ATI49.5 aluminium inserts were inserted into the tread of the AN69 to conceal the screw head fixings and give an all-aluminium finish.​Opening in 1912, the Great Hall has an impressively long history for hosting various events, the first meeting of the United Nations in 1946, debates, concerts and shelter for Londoners during the second world war.​Situated in the venues undercroft, Wesley’s Cafe is a hot spot for visitors and especially popular with tourists, the cafe covers over 300m2 and also is adjacent to further event space. Due to the entrance into the cafe is via a staircase, the constant high footfall called for a stair nosing made up from a combination of our Aluminium products.

The restaurant at Edinburgh's Botanic Gardens features a Douglas Fir floor finished with Bona Traffic HD. The area was sanded back to bare wood using Bona’s ‘dust free’ system so no need to ‘tent’ the adjacent mezzanine area. Traffic HD was specified to provide the required level of durability in such a busy area. It's a very low VOC formulation which protects wood floors in highly trafficked areas. Its fast development time means busy commercial floors can be put back into full use just 24 hours after application.

As part of the iconic Manchester Central Library's three-year overhaul to make its facilities more accessible, a bespoke flooring solution was supplied of Resuflor Terrazzo and Resuflor Screed to complete this refurbishment and give the buidling a great new appeal. The terrazzo provided a super smooth decorative floor and the epoxy screed incorporated fine aggregate on the surface to the stairs and ramped areas of the building to promote an anti-slip finish.The multi-million pound refurbishment project saw public entrances of the Grade ll listed building restored to their 1930's appearance. New staircases and lift shafts were inserted to improve access throughout the building.The brief on this project was to provide a modern functional flooring solution that complemented the library's unique neo-classical style.The besposke design of Resuflor Terrazzo was supplied in a special colour pallet to complement the neo-classical design features of the library. The system was chosen because of its seamless properties, ensuring a flat, continuous floor surface with extreme durability for a long term solution.The product was also used as a pre-cast terrazzo system on some central stair areas of the library.Resuflor Screed was supplied and applied on the ramped areas as a semi-decorative finish with a special aggregate bead incorporated for improved slip resistance.The end result was a functional floor capable of withstanding heavy footfall that fitted with the aesthetic requirements of the overall design superbly.

Orbis OS211 Glass Infill Top FixThe Birkenhead Community Fire Station was completed in 2013, as part of the North West Fire PFI scheme, a framework of 16 fire stations across North West England. The client’s main objectives were to provide a safe and healthy environment with improved facilities for firefighters and other personnel.Following demolition of the existing fire station, the design and construction of this multi-appliance station, led by Balfour Beatty Construction, included community orientated facilities, training facilities, rest rooms, additional office space and two communal staircases. At early design stages, Delta Balustrades worked closely with Balfour Beatty to meet the client’s objectives of creating well designed facilities to a high architectural standard. The Orbis system was chosen as a cost-effective, high-quality tubular balustrade solution for both staircases.The main stair boasted a brushed stainless steel finish with unique Banjo glass fixings. Savings were made on the rear stairs by selecting powder coated uprights and D type glass fixings.

F. Ball and Co. Ltd.’s rapid-setting, ultra-smooth floor finishing compound has delivered a fast-track solution for refurbishing the iconic Nelson Staircase at Somerset House, London.As part of ongoing maintenance and improvement works, flooring contractor Carpet Culture was commissioned to restore the steps and one of the main landings of the historic Beaux-Arts staircase, which spans six floors and dates back to the late 18th century, when the Royal Navy occupied the building.Contractors began by removing old floorcoverings and adhesive residues from the steps and the 40m2 landing.The landing was destroyed by a bomb in the Second World War and subsequently restored with concrete, meaning that it would require raising in order for floorcoverings to meet the level of the original stone border, but less than the minimum application thickness of a smoothing compound. Additionally, work required completing over two nights, between the hours of 6-11pm, while the building was unoccupied, meaning there was not time to mechanically prepare the concrete area.Contractors, therefore, applied two coats of Stopgap Micro Rapid floor finishing compound to create a perfectly smooth surface for the receipt of floorcoverings.Stone effect LVTs were then installed on the landing and risers and treads of the stairs, and Stycco Flex rapid-curing, flexible tube adhesive was used to affix Gradus stair nosings. The high strength build-up and fast curing time of the adhesive means it can secure stair nosings and trims in as little as 60 minutes, without the need for mechanical fixings.Tom McCullough, senior flooring manager at Carpet Culture, said: “We were grateful to our F. Ball technical representative for suggesting using Stopgap Micro Rapid as an alternative to applying a smoothing compound so that we could complete the work out of hours, on time. It worked a treat, and we received compliments for how it looked even before the floorcoverings went down.”

Client: Grove Developments/Arora HotelsContract value: £362kProducts used:  0.74kN loading stainless steel with glass balustrade to stairs1.5kN loading structural glass balustrade to link bridgesThe dual-brand Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Express, which operates under Arora Hotels, is located at Heathrow Terminal 4 and opened in 2018. It consists of 300 rooms as well as business and meeting facilities. The building is directly connected to Heathrow’s Terminal 4 via an air bridge and also offers convenient access to the London Underground, Heathrow Express train service and nearby major motorway routes. We were instructed to supply and install more than 600 metres of balustrades, as well as over 300 metres of wall fixed handrails during the hotel’s construction phase. The balustrades used for the project were 1.5kn structural glass balustrades to bridges and 0.74kN loading stainless steel with glass balustrade to stairs. We provided approximately 300 metres of structural glass balustrades to the hotel’s link bridges. At the design stage of the project, we were advised that the bridges could deflect by 25mm, so our balustrade design had to accommodate this. The solution was simple but very effective – we left a 5mm gap in between each five-metre length of track, which was not noticeable when walking along the bridges but allowed for adequate movement in the structure with no damage to the balustrades or the finishes, and no compromise to the overall look. In addition, we adapted our handrail system to provide protection to the walls where guests wheel trollies and luggage into the hotel. By fixing handrails along the flooring close to the walls, it provided a functional yet attractive solution to avoid any marks or scratches that luggage might create.The overall result was a mix of balustrades to the hotel’s stairs and link bridges, plus handrail finishes to the high-traffic areas of the premises that all fit in with the building’s modern and clean design. 

AATi supplied a staggering 2500 metres (1.55 miles) of cast metal anti-slip stair nosings for the major re-development at London Bridge Station! AATi worked closely with Laing O’Rourke to develop a phased delivery schedule in order to hit key milestones during the projects construction from January 2016 right through to December 2017. Due to the unique ability to manufacture bespoke cast metal products, AATi were on hand to resolve an issue on the project by designing a bespoke nosing to fit around the handrail posts throughout the station.

Pure Design – Bolidtop 525 and Bolidtop 525 TFColour – S 3500 - N830m2Architect – HCC ArchitectsMain Contractor - Morgan SindallInstallation dates - 2018Hampshire County Council were building a new two storey block for this rapidly expanding secondary school. The project was to use modern and sustainable building materials, and Stratum were asked to provide a seamless resin floor to fit in with the scheme. With longevity and aesthetic both key attributes, Bolidtop 525 was selected as the ideal solution. The library, classrooms, reception rooms and circulation spaces were provided with our standard finish Bolidtop 525, and the WC’s and cleaners cupboards were installed with our Bolidtop 525TF to give a more positive slip resistance in the wet. An integrated 150mm skirting was also used in the wet areas to create a watertight detail and for ease of cleaning. Hampshire were keen to use the same product on the stairs, and we were able to provide an excellent solution with the addition of a proprietary nosing. The nosing was selected to provide adequate LRV differential with the resin, and also to give maximum slip resistance to the stair. Our joint free tread/rise detail created an aesthetically pleasing yet robust detail for both the main and escape stairs.  Challenge-      To select a single flooring solution that was suitable for multiple areas, including the library, classrooms, WC’s, circulation areas, office space and stairs.-      To carefully programme in the work with the main contractor to ensure that the building conditions are suitable (watertight/dry/correct ambient temp), and also that key programme dates are met to facilitate follow on works. -      Coordination with other trades.-      To enable flush electrical floor boxes to be seamlessly incorporated within the floor.Solution-      Bolidtop 525 is sound attenuating, making for an ideal solution for the library and teaching spaces alike. The addition of an anti-slip additive to the top coats means that wet areas can be seamlessly interlinked with dry areas, with a virtually indistinguishable difference in appearance. The stairs worked very well with the addition of a proprietary nosing installed flush with the finished resin. Collaboration with M&E to ensure the correct floor boxes are procured and installed at the correct level.-      Stratum worked closely with Morgan Sindall to ensure there was a successful phased install, navigating around the project whilst maintaining access to adjoining areas for other key trades.-      To arrange delivery of materials in ample time.-      To ensure deliveries were arranged for, and were unloaded outside of school drop off and pick-up times.  Benefits/Installation-      Hampshire County Council had worked with Stratum and used Bolidt products on several projects before, and therefore they knew they were getting a resin floor of the highest quality and installation service to match.Result-      A seamless and elegant floor throughout this very modern school building, with different solutions provided to suit different areas around the building. The longevity of the floor will be proven over time in this very highly trafficked environment. “James is a very collaborative person to work with. He spots problems in good time and tackles them in a positive way. James worked with the design team and main contractor on the installation. He has also provided excellent advice on maintenance to the users of the building.” Rebecca Galbraith | Senior Architect | HCC Architects

Architect: BDPInstaller: Houston Cox Ltd Product: Gustafs Panel SystemLSA are very proud to have supplied over 2 000 m2 of GUSTAFS Panel System® to the stunning Southmead Hospital which opened in Bristol in 2014.Oak veneer was chosen by the architect to contrast it’s tactility and visual warmth with the cool glazed and coloured elements elsewhere, SM8 mini slot perforations were used to add class B acoustic control to the 6 storey atrium space.Panels for the stair-cores were custom made and delivered fully assembled by Gustafs to achieve the gentle curve to the outside of the central tower. Chris Green, Architect Director at BDP had this to say: “The stair and lift cores centred in each of the colour themed atria spaces are key wayfinding points on a visitors’ journey to the wards and we wanted these elements to have the feeling of bespoke pieces of high-quality crafted furniture, bringing the tactility and visual warmth of a timber against the contrasting glazed and coloured elements elsewhere.The acoustic requirements and characteristics of the atria spaces are complex and the timber shroud surrounding to the stair and lift cores formed an ideal centralised location to act as a primary absorber.The extensive range of GUSTAFS panel perforation patterns, veneer finishes and jointing options enabled us to develop a precise and calming aesthetic to the high-performance absorbing and panelised skin, enhanced by the bespoke curved corner elements.We are extremely pleased with the final appearance of the GUSTAFS Panel System® which has helped deliver a stunning focal point to each of these primary public spaces within the new hospital.”

Albion Stone were able to supply the desired quality of finished product within the contract programme. The New Independent Whitbed specified for the main flooring provided the aesthetic qualities and character required for large areas of floor in a luxury development of this kind.New Independent Whitbed was selected for 1860m² of flooring, 454 linear metres of stair treads and 1,300 linear metres of skirtings. Two fireplaces were also produced using New Independent Whitbed as well as the bath surrounds and bath steps. Independent Grove Whitbed was selected for internal wall tiling and Bowers Roach for feature panels on the external facades.

This project involved a high-rise office being refurbished. Being in the Central London and nearing completion meant a busy site. Ultra fast and mess-free installation was essential. M-Tray®’s were delivered to site on pallets and quickly unloaded. The M-Tray®’s stackable design meant it was easy to transport through the (finished) building and elevator. The individual trays were then carried up the final flight of stairs to the rooftop. As the trays simply clip together they are quick and easy to install. In just 4 hours a the roof space was transformed into a green roof.

John Scotting, Managing Director of main developer Scott’s Developments Ltd, commented: “The restoration of Steel City House has created a thriving business hub in the heart of Sheffield. Gradus were able to provide a choice of colour and design options that allowed us to achieve a modern flooring scheme, whilst still complementing the heritage of this period building. “The Gradus products selected provide the perfect balance between practicality and aesthetics and we’re really pleased with the finished outcome.”

Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf is a tourist attraction at Bournemouth Beach. The 18 hole course is part of Bournemouth’s famous seafront, which has over 7 million visitors per year. For safety purposes, it was necessary to fit Stair Nosings onto a fire exit staircase at the site.

Timbered Flooring used Bona to finish a fumed oak floor at London's new Assembly London hotel The wirebrushed blocks were finished with Bona Craft Oil 2K (Frost) buffed back for a white limed effect. Bona Traffic HD lacquer was applied as a hard wearing top coat for this busy space. The fast curing time of both enabled the team to work within a tight timetable. Maintenance involves regular cleaning with Bona Cleaner and annual resealing with Traffic HD so the floor always looks good and the expense and downtime caused by sanding back to bare wood will be avoided.

The transformation and repurposing of an existing building into new serviced offices in Shropshire is using bespoke manufactured aluminium parapet capping from the Pendock Linea range to provide high-quality finish.Incorporating a slate grey PPC finish, to blend in with the existing column casings that support the canopy, the PC-F style flat parapet capping's are manufactured from 2mm thick aluminium, which resists weatheringPendock carried out all the site surveys, manufacturing and the final installation of the parapet capping's on this project, which involved the removal and re-fitting of the column casings to provide a water-resistant barrier for the brickwork.

Brunswick House is a superb new residential scheme of 251 bedrooms, incorporating a mixture of studios and cluster rooms. The scheme is designed to offer outstanding student accommodation for undergraduate, postgraduate and international students in the heart of Cambridge. The client required stair nosings for 7 staircases meaning a total of 296 steps that would be durable enough for high traffic student usage. There was an additional design restraint in that the staircases would be made out of cast metal and therefore no mechanical fixings could be used.

At Fishguard Primary School HEWI provided a safe environment for the children whilst blending aesthetically with the theme of the building. Coloured polyamide was chosen for the main staircase with clear safety glass infll, soft touch door handles where used throughout. Externally, Circum satin finish grade 316 stainless steel was chosen for all areas, including access ramps and steps from the car park, with post mounted handrails and perforated stainless steel infll. Safety glass panels, in clear and 5 differing colours was used on a balcony. Matching perforated stainless steel infll panels were incorporated on stairs.

The brand-new Skills and Innovation Centre at South Staffordshire College takes pride of place on the college’s town centre site. The architects envisaged a facade of long vertical fins giving the appearance of timber. Maple supplied the extensive vertical fin façade and Powdertech Wood Finish (PWF ™) was selected as the most appropriate powder coating. Wood Finish is formulated to match the natural variations in colour, grain density and grain pattern of wood. Importantly, Wood Finish meets fire reaction classification A2-s1, d0. We coated 4000 metres of aluminium, comprising mainly rectangular sections of extruded aluminium, of sizes 200mm and 100mm x 50mm. The stunning facade combines the strength and longevity of metal with the warm, natural appeal of a wood finish.Powder coating satisfies green credentials as it contains no solvents, no VOCs and produces no hazardous waste. Maintenance is simple – just a wash down with water every 6-12 months.

The project design included a car park solar shading system from Contrasol Ltd. The extruded aluminium profiles form feature solar shading ‘fins’ running vertically on the exterior of the multi-story car park, with galvanized steel plates behind the fins at each floor level to screen car headlights. By using Powdertech’s PWF 020 Wood Finish on the metal the large building could be brought into harmony with its environment, being less visible in the landscape. Unlike wood, PWF will not deteriorate or warp. It is also a benefit for the installer to be working with a homogenous material with good dimensional stability. The colour and gloss retention for Wood Finish is excellent and it will remain looking good for over 25 years with minimal maintenance required. The project in numbers: 9000 metres of 200 x 50mm extruded aluminium profiles 530 pre-galvanized plates, 1m x 1.5 m 7700 fixing brackets 5780 end caps

The task was to replace old wooden floor planks with modern, robust, weatherproof and slip-resistant steel flooring and stair treads that met all the customer’s requirements pertaining to load. In particular, the customer was keen to reduce the strain on workers during both dismantling and assembly. Furthermore, it was also necessary to reduce the noise pollution which occurred when working with metal against metal.The solutionIn cooperation with our customer, the customer’s assembly teams and our product development department, solutions were developed that met the above requirements.User safetyOne of the main challenges which had to be addressed in the customer specification was the requirement for a slip-resistant surface. Here we were able to incorporate a surface design based on our PcP OPTIMO® O2 surface, which has already been used for a wide range of projects worldwide. OPTIMO® O2 is certified according to R13/V10 slip-resistance and meets the strict demands to slip-resistance. OPTIMO® O2 grating discreetly improves safety for visitors during an event while also improving handling for the installation team.With a very small surface perforation of only Ø 5/9 mm, people frightened of heights are unable to look down directly through the platform on which they are standing, thereby guaranteeing a sense of security. Furthermore, this profiling solution offers perfect drainage, ensuring that the floors always remain dry.Combining aluminium and steel – a lightweight solutionFor the system flooring, a combination of aluminium and hot-dip galvanised steel was chosen to reduce weight without compromising capacity. For example, the gratings used for floors and treads were supplied in aluminium and screwed together with high-strength steel end pieces to form a complete unit. This reduced the weight of the components, and provided a significant ergonomic advantage compared to the wooden planks which had been used to date.Reducing noise pollutionDespite the considerable weight reduction from using individual components, another challenge presented itself. Some of the treads and platforms on the metal substructure produced considerable rattling noises. However, even this challenge was overcome with a slightly unconventional method. By installing small oak blocks in the steel end pieces, the fixing points were tightened on the substructure, which significantly reduced the rattling noises.The resultThe customised solution combined steel and aluminium PcP products to provide extremely safe gratings for system floors and stairs for mobile and stationary grandstands. The solution is more ergonomic, lighter and meets the high requirements for safety and load bearing.Furthermore, it meets the overall objective of ensuring safe events for visitors. A successful event relies on the successful implementation of grandstand systems.

Four residential blocks on Albert Road, North London, have recently undergone renovation, including removal of wooden screen shutters across the frontage of each apartment. The sliding shutters create an attractive appearance as well as performing shade from direct sunlight, but over recent years the wood has warped and deteriorated. Warping meant that the screens no longer travelled smoothly across the windows, and deterioration was causing the louvres to loosen with the danger that they might fall on people walking below. A refurbishment would also provide the opportunity to refit with materials conforming to current fire safety regulations. Considering the refurbishment, the developers were keen to retain the screens and felt that the appearance of wood was appealing, giving the apartments something of a continental appeal, albeit in north London. The blocks were developed and are managed by L&Q, a housing association that aims to deliver high quality affordable homes, and in their own words ‘better places to live’. The screens could easily be replaced using aluminium for the frame aerofoil blades and the look of wood could just as easily be delivered by using a shade from our Wood Finish (PWF™) range. PWF30, a dark shade, was closest to the original wood. In total Powdertech pre-treated and coated 9500 linear metres of extruded aluminium, each individual foil being 1.22m in length. Using aluminium brings the obvious benefits of strength combined with lightweight. The screens will not warp and need only minimal maintenance. Our Wood Finish conforms to the required reaction to fire specification for residential buildings of this type, A2-s1, d0, and the metal itself is non-combustible thus solving a number of issues in one, Wood Finish on aluminium is a winning combination.

Fire-rated smart parcel lockers (MySmartBox) and mailboxes (FR120MBH) in Bronze finish installed in a high end lobby in Oxford Street (London).

At the heart of Manadon Park, the site of the Royal Navy's former Engineering College, The Quarters is a development of 85 homes by Burrington Estates on the outskirts of Plymouth, in Devon. Although blending harmoniously, subtle differences have been introduced to each of the homes and 40 plots feature elevational treatments in Vandersanden’s Roxton and Corum multi-coloured bricks.Burrington Estates has established a reputation for building high-quality, design-led homes in the West Country. Completed in late 2020, The Quarters enjoys a peaceful ambience with mature trees creating a leafy vista. Energy efficiency is at the forefront of the scheme: the homes benefit from smart central heating, high-performance windows, excellent insulation levels and integrated PV panels to selected plots. Externally, The Quarters has a contemporary feel with classical elements. Stone detailing is incorporated within the red or buff brick elevations of some homes; others have creamy, rendered facades brought alive with features such as brick cills and brick arched window heads. Extended brick plinths further define the aesthetic.The scheme’s design was inherited by Burrington Estates at the planning stage, explains Steve Fowler, the company’s technical director. “The consented scheme included brick treatments to certain plots. In line with our core values as a business, we wanted a brick which was superior in finish to a run of the mill ‘standard’ brick typically used by more mainstream developers”.Vandersanden’s Roxton and Corum bricks are both stock facing bricks with sanded-coated and creased structures that are ideally suited to residential schemes. Roxton offers an attractive, orangey-red, multi-coloured aesthetic for an authentic, timeless look. The yellow buff base colour of Corum is augmented by shades of grey to create a varied, multi-coloured and high-quality textured appearance.“The Vandersanden bricks provided the perfect aesthetic and finish for the homes at The Quarters and were superior to alternatives on offer at the time of specification,” explains Steve Fowler. “The finished product looks good and works well with other elevation treatments used on the development.”To find out more about the bricks used in this project or to see the wide range of high-quality bricks available from Vandersanden, click on the 'View more' link

The StoRend Flex external render system, which utilizes the StoVentec carrier board, has been applied as a finish to the upper storey of this new contemporary house, designed by Ström Architects of Lymington.

Extensive upgrades to the distributed heating system at two low-rise housing blocks by Camden London Borough Council, have chosen Pendock bespoke metal pipe boxing to conceal and protect exterior pipework.The 3 storey Ludham block and 6 storey Waxham building provide more than 200 dwellings, which are occupied by both tenants and leaseholders. Following the installation of the heating system pipework to the exterior of the buildings, the Pendock aluminium and PPC coated boxing was installed to provide a uniform and more aesthetic finish to the project while also providing weather protection.

Powdertech Wood Finish (Roughwood R047) is being used for a prestigious sustainable logistics development in Milton Keynes, built by Glencar Construction for client Baytree Logistics, a pan-European company. BREEAM has specified the development scheme as “Excellent”. It is also “WELL” ready – the WELL Building Standard is the world’s first building standard focused exclusively on sustainability, human health and wellbeing. The building, on a 10.4-acre site at Fenny Lock, will feature the latest in technology-enabled sustainable design features providing an environment beneficial to the health and wellbeing of the building users. Wherever possible, “Cradle to Cradle” (circular economy) principles have been adopted meaning that materials used can be repurposed in the future, being returned into the construction cycle for re-manufacture with no detriment to quality.The Benefits of Powdertech Wood FinishWood Finish on aluminium fits this approach perfectly. Aluminium itself is endlessly recyclable and our powder coatings do not affect the process. The finish can be removed, and the metal returned to its original bare state. Powder coatings are also free of VOCs, halogens and heavy metals – all compounds which are damaging to health. We are very pleased that the sustainability of Wood Finish on aluminium, and the ‘clean’ qualities of the product have been recognised as such. It is also the case that the use of Wood Finish on external features is in harmony with the aesthetics of the building design.Wellbeing for people and planetRoof garden terraces, and onsite water attenuation form part of a sustainable drainage system which includes harvesting of rainwater for re-use on site. Wood Finish in Roughwood shade R047 has been used to coat eleven enormous aluminium drainpipes which form part of this scheme; they stand 13m high with a 600mm x 600mm top section tapering to 150mm square at the ground. The scheme also includes outdoor gyms and training areas, edible vegetation and reclaimed timber seating. Internally, sensors constantly monitor air and water quality.Baytree intend that this should be one of the most sustainable logistics developments ever built in the UK and we are very excited to be a part of this ambition.

The Caudwell International Children’s Centre (CICC) is an award-winning £18 million development located at Keele University Science & Innovation Park, and the UK’s first independent facility dedicated to the diagnosis, support and research of autism. The awards won by the project include; RICS® Project of the Year 2019, Design in Mental Health Project of the Year 2019 and Healthcare Estates® IHEEM Awards Project of the Year 2019.

Located at the university’s Colchester campus, the £12m innovation centre is part of the Knowledge Gateway research and technology park. The Innovation Centre houses the new Studio X area and will showcase technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality.

Baptist Health and MD Anderson have partnered to create a new $184 million cancer centre in Jacksonville, Florida, focused on treating all forms of adult cancer. The building is situated overlooking St John’s River in a beautiful and serene environment. The new nine-storey 332,000-square-foot center is designed to provide state-of-the-art care and will also host clinical trials for new drugs. The facility has a contemporary design enclosing a central courtyard. With open views to all aspects, abundant natural light streams into the interior, creating a warm uplifting atmosphere. The frontage of the L-shaped structure, facing south, is flooded with light, requiring extensive passive solar shading. The teams involved in the project design and construction, which included HKS Architects (Dallas), adopted an holistic approach ensuring that all aspects of the design, both exterior and interior, reflected the goal of creating a positive, calm and caring environment focused on the individuals who inhabit it, namely the patients, their families, and the staff. Levolux elliptical aluminium fins form the horizontal bands of solar shading running across the front of the building. In keeping with using materials to create a calming feeling of warmth and comfort, Powdertech Wood Finish™ was specified for the solar shading. Back in the UK Powdertech coated 2000 linear metres of 150mm by 50mm extruded aluminium in PWF 31, Black Walnut, a “warm” finish, which were despatched to Florida as a single delivery.

A1 Retail Park near Biggleswade has a curved canopy supported by steel columns. Metal columns would not suit the look of the shopping park and wooden posts would require frequent maintenance. 22 aluminium casings up to 8 metres high made from 78 semi-circular sections were coated in wood effect finish were produced to enclose the canopy supports. PWF replicates the appearance of wood with variation in colour, grain density and grain pattern. By using PWF, designers can combine the look of wood with the strength and practicality of metal. Expensive timber need not be used, an environmentally sound decision.

The Solar Campus development will see both the first team and academy training at the same venue for the first time. It has a total of eight football pitches. Anthony Roberts, Product Manager for Gradus, commented: “The Tranmere Rovers facility required a package of products designed to withstand a large amount of footfall and provide safe access in a building where flooring contamination is common. The products specified work in conjunction with each other to help prevent dirt and debris being tracked around the building and ensure slip accidents are reduced.”