"architectural glass"

A range of Ultima aluminium insulated panels incorporating an eye catching perforated outer skin have been specified on the new Reflector residential development at Chambers Wharf in The Southwark district of London. Designed by Simpson Haugh Architecture the properties featured over 1500 sq metres of Ultima aluminium insulated panels glazed in to the structural glazed system across multiple buildings on the development. Each of the panels were finished in a distinctive Basalt Grey PPC colour, that featured a unique perforated outer skin which stood proud of the glazed in panel. These were fitted via a toggle system together with an internal channel surround that added to the distinctive appearance of the building. Ultima aluminium insulated panels are a highly versatile façade panel that can be adapted to fit a variety of external applications. Available in sizes up to and including 6000mm x 2000mm, Ultima panels are fire tested to BS476, provide excellent thermal performance and are supplied with A1 non-combustible insulation materials. They are available in a wide range of high grade anodised colours and PPC finishes.

Working in close co-operation with the building envelope and façade contractor Colorminium, Metalline have produced a range of bespoke 3D twisted fins that will when complete take centre stage on the exterior of the redeveloped Minories Hotel in the City of London. This stunning feature was the brainchild of ACME architects who in collaboration with The Murphy Façade studio have designed a series of full storey aluminium fins that clad the existing precast frame and create a bridge between that and the unitised glazing. Fabricated offsite at Metalline’s state of the art manufacturing facility in Cannock, these 42 metre height fins were produced in 3.5 metre lengths with a depth of over 800mm. Manufactured in 2 parts, each element was assembled using a combination of aluminium stud welding and bonding techniques developed by Metalline. The fins were then fitted to the glazed panels using an aluminium bracket support system to ensure structural integrity. Finished in dark and light bronze PPC to mimic an anodised effect, the fins will create shading for the hotel’s occupants as well as an iconic architectural vista for this stand out landmark project.

Skyfold has launched a pioneering, fully automatic, moveable wall solution into the UK.The Skyfold Prisma, which is exclusively available from leading moveable wall specialists, Style, is a new and streamlined glass vertical partition which not only allows light to shine in but does so without the use of any wall or floor tracks, rendering it completely invisible when stored in the ceiling.“This is a real breakthrough in moveable wall technology from our global manufacturing partners, Skyfold,” said Style’s group managing director, Julian Sargent.“As a fully automated, acoustic glazed moveable wall that stacks into a ceiling cavity, its slim metal frame, clean lines, and sleek design will add elegance and an abundance of light to a wide range of rooms. We see demand being very strong in the corporate, hospitality, education, healthcare, religious and public sectors.”Skyfold Prisma's glass panels combine with a minimalist frame to allow light penetration into otherwise dark rooms and corridors, creating an open plan feel to any area, positively impacting both mood and productivity.With an impressive 52 Rw dB acoustic rating, Prisma also delivers privacy between divided spaces, allowing confidential meetings, classes, and collaborations to occur simultaneously. With space always at a premium, the panels of this innovative new partitioning wall cleverly ‘taper’ down into position, making it suitable for restricted areas or where there is potential for obstructions. Further maximising space, when not required, the partition can be quickly retracted into the ceiling cavity where it is neatly stored, completely out of sight. Skyfold has announced that Prisma is available in a variety of materials including glass, frosted glass and solid panels, with almost any combination being possible. Solid elements can be finished in fabric, vinyl, paint, laminate or even marker-board, allowing a true showcase feature to be created that is both superbly aesthetic as well as highly functional.

SCW curtain wall. SPW300 windows. SD commercial door system. Leicester’s latest newly built school has been creatively designed and fitted with a suite of aluminium doors, windows and curtain wall from Senior Architectural Systems’ high performance ranges, which collectively account for around 60% of the building’s facade. The building is simple and functional, yet the impressive result is a reflection of the school’s aim to inspire and reflect the rich and diverse community it serves.

The head office of PRS for Music has recently been relocated to the impressive Hay’s Galleria development, London Bridge, putting them firmly at the epicentre of the UK’s vibrant cultural sector. Delivering a dynamic interior, partitioning experts at Style worked with Space Invader architects and contractors, 21 Construction, to create a variety of flexible meeting rooms using a combination of glass and solid Dorma Hüppe moveable wall systems.Style is the only moveable wall specialists able to include fully glazed pass-doors into glass operable walls, as opposed to solid doors, giving the PRS for Music’s offices a light and spacious aesthetic throughout. PRS for Music protect the value of music by licensing music usage and collecting royalties globally for its members. The new ultramodern headquarters and collaboration “hub” provides an inspiring facility in which teams can connect and work together. Style’s adaptable space solution gives staff and visitors highly flexible meeting areas that can be easily opened-up or divided to create smaller rooms, all in a matter of minutes.A Dorma Hüppe Variflex glass moveable wall was installed in an L-shaped configuration in one of the meeting areas. Featuring semi-automatic operation for ease of use, the operable wall also boasts 52dB acoustic integrity for complete privacy and a unique, fully glazed pass door, helping maintain natural light and a sense of space.In a separate meeting area, two solid Dorma Hüppe Variflex moveable walls were installed, each with 59dB acoustics and a contemporary Kvadrat fabric wrap finish.“The arrangement of glass and solid moveable walls works really well at PRS Music,” said Michael Porter, sales director at Style South.“Glass is growing hugely in popularity as it offers an open plan feel, with lots of light, whilst still providing the required level of privacy.“We’re also incredibly proud at Style of our glass pass doors, as it is an entirely exclusive feature in the moveable walls sector. Customers really appreciate the seamless finish to the interior décor we can deliver.”

Delivered at a cost of £46.5 Million the scheme comprises four 6-17 storey accommodation blocks housing 864 student units. Acoustic performance was key for the glazing in noisy roadside areas and lower levels. The solution was Senior’s energy efficient SPW600e windows fitted with acoustic energy efficient insulated glass units to achieve a sound reduction index (RW) rating of 43.   A light and welcoming space, was created in communal spaces using Senior’s thermally enhanced SF52 fully capped two-storey aluminium curtain walling, whilst perimeter capped silicone glazed SF52 was chosen for the link bridge between accommodation blocks. 

Aluminium and Equitone rainscreen cladding, cast glass panels, terracotta tiles and vertical aluminium fins give the new 1,200-space multi-storey a bright and modern look. In fact, it’s hard to believe the building (which also houses a new bus station) is really a car park. “There were a few challenges, which Maple addressed really well – ten out of ten for communication,” said Galliford Try’s site manager, Tom Wright. “When you look at the finished product, it’s all been worthwhile. The mix of feature fins, laser-cut and terracotta panels looks great – very close to the architect’s impression.”

One of the largest self-supporting display greenhouses in the world Following the renovation of the Grand Pavilion (das Große Tropenhaus, first built in 1906) at Berlin’s Botanical Garden, daylight enters through hundreds of small, heat-insulating yet highly light-permeable glass panes onto one of the world’s most significant collections of rare and endangered tropical plants. The inner panels used in the double-glazing for the overhead sections of the pavilion are made of laminated safety glass using stiff and strong SentryGlas® ionoplast interlayers. For the first time in Germany – following its “special approval” – a special “UV-transmissible” grade of SentryGlas® is used for this application, thereby sustaining the active growth of the plants and safeguarding their preservation

The new £65 million, Science, Engineering and Environmental Building (SEE Building) at the University of Salford was designed under the concept of incorporating high sustainability credentials. This supports the university’s pledge in reducing the environmental impact, as part of the wider Salford Crescent and University District masterplan. The SEE building promotes innovation, environmental protection and excellent educational opportunities and offers students state-of-the-art facilities with the aid of the LAMILUX Glass Roof PR60. A stunning skylight measuring an incredible 44 metres long and 9 metres wide, as well as three other Glass Roofs PR60, were installed onto the roof of the four-storey building, illuminating the lecture halls and common areas. This results in enhancing the natural daylight, whilst also allowing for natural ventilation, creating an inspiring environment for learning and development. To avoid overheating and glare inside the building, special 60/30 high performing solar glazing was used. This innovative technology ensures a comfortable indoor climate whilst providing an optimal learning environment.LAMILUX worked with the architect from the early planning stage of the project to design, supply, and install the four rooflights. “Just-on-time” deliveries were planned to enable offloading of the materials, with a crane, from the vehicle to the roof, to minimise loading out as space on site was very limited. Integrated ventilation panels were installed within the three smaller PR60 Glass Rooflights to provide the ideal solution to provide natural ventilation into the building alongside natural daylight.The largest rooflight was glazed with an impressive total of 120 fixed glass panels to make up the impressive 44 metre length and complete the installation. The glass panels were specified with Class 1 Fragility, suitable for walking on for cleaning and maintenance loads, according to CWCT TN 66 /TN 67 & TN92. Before the final handover of the project, extensive water tightness testing was carried out. On site CWCT hose tests were passed successfully, as testament to the quality and durability of the installation led by the LAMILUX installation team. The University of Salford is passionate about sustainability. LAMILUX are proud to be involved with a building project that not only contributes to the progressiveness and commitment to sustainable architecture, but is also considered a BREEAM Excellent-rated facility.

Take a look at Fulham Reach, our most recent commercial project!Situated in a prime London location, close to Kensington and the West End, Fulham Reach offers luxury riverside living with panoramic views. Its contemporary architecture was designed to reflect its surroundings, resulting in a stunning glass façade exterior.This faceted façade was achieved using Reynaers frameless curtain walling systems, with integrated Reynaers sliding doors. In addition, bespoke curved Brise Soliel and balustrade solutions were used to emphasise the perception of a curved building.We're proud to have been involved in a project that is so technically and visually fantastic. Well done to all involved!🙌Contractors: M Price LtdDesigned by: JOHN THOMPSON & PARTNERS LLP.Built by: ST GEORGE DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED

An award-winning, luxury home in the beautiful Hampshire countryside, 4 Views is designed to make the most of its location, also makes its own bold statement thanks to an imaginative combination of materials, including lass, timber and bricks created by the innovation-led, manufacturer, Vandersanden. A remarkable new build with a distinctive architectural design from Winchester-based firm, AR Design Studio, 4 Views incorporates Dark Vandersanden Morvan brickwork which creates tonal contrast with cedar cladding and floor to ceiling glass doors and windows to set this home apart, giving it a balanced, calm identity, at one with the landscape.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 

Durability, sustainability and innovation underpin the design of the Aspen Art Museum, located in the state of Colorado, USA. The building’s most striking feature is its exterior facade made of NATURCLAD-W panels, which provides it with protection against Aspen’s cold weather. PARKLEX PRODEMA worked closely with the architectural team to produce a mock-up of the facade prior to construction.The woven NATURCLAD-W exterior and timber support frame for the roof diffuse the light that enters through the glass walls and skylight. This innovative concept maximises the natural light of the interior whilst minimising its exposure to direct sunlight.The design concept of the building mimics the ‘thermos’ principle, whereby interior rooms are kept at a constant temperature by protective exterior spaces. These so-called ‘wrapper’ spaces support air circulation and serve as a visual connection to the outdoors.

Brett Martin delivers a gold standard performance at Dublin National ArenaBrett Martins’ Marlon Clickfix VF polycarbonate glazing system is delivering exceptional natural daylight inside Dublin’s National Indoor Arena. The system has been used to create a bright, appealing interior that will help provide the perfect environment for sports, whilst providing exceptional aesthetics.This 18,480m2 multipurpose facility features 2,300m2 of the Marlon Clickfix VF glazing system specified in clear and blue glass polycarbonate for the roof gables and as part of the triangular-patterned façade on the front elevation, a key architectural feature of this multi-sport arena. With aesthetics, light and U-values a vital consideration for the design of the arena, Brett Martin’s daylighting solution offered optimum light transmission, minimal installation time and an ability to accommodate building movement. 

With their proficient knowledge and background in conservation and working with listed buildings, 4 S Architecture (4SA) have completed numerous successful residential and workplace refurbishment projects around London, but this year the rising firm has proficiently completed the renovation of the striking Grade II listed 100 Pall Mall building. The design for new interventions is based on the original construction’s paired back ‘stripped classicism’ style by the renowned 1950’s architectural practice McMorran & Whitby geometry and materiality.  4SA’s approach was one of respect for the historic fabric while simultaneously updating the design to suit today’s modern office occupier.  In Hamson’s words: “Our practice’s design methodology starts with understanding the DNA of a building: what are the forms, materials, patterns and shapes that already exist [...]  Rather than introducing new forms and colours, those already present in the building were used to develop the design of the new interventions.  For instance inspiration for the green reception area wall panelling takes its queues from the prominent green marble arches, while the barrel vaulted ceiling informs the arched seating niches and tenant signage recess.Julia Hamson, founder and Director at 4SA, spoke highly of John Holmes’ attention to detail when it came to developing the bespoke ironmongery package for this project which features a combination of brushed brass and a patinated bronze ironmongery. “John asked us about our architectural concept for the design proposals at our first site meeting, which was a refreshing change when speaking with suppliers. We talked about how the existing barrel-vaulted ceiling and the arched green marble portals in the reception were two of our key design drivers in terms of generating what shape we chose for seating niches and tenant boards in the reception. Hearing this, John suggested that the top of the push plates could be arched to match.  At 4SA we firmly believe that paying attention to the smaller details is just as important as getting the big gestures right,  and it is this meticulous focus which can really distinguish a project. John’s suggestions with the ironmongery package throughout really helped to elevate this project.”Julia worked successfully with John at 3v, thanks to their shared design ethos and understanding of the existing building fabric. They worked closely together to develop a tailored hardware package; including the replacement of all existing stainless steel fittings with patinated bronze ironmongery for more utilitarian functional ironmongery elements such as hinges and push plates on smoked oak doors, and brushed brass for new decorative ironmongery elements.Julia recalls that “we received great feedback from client on the project and they were so happy with the design approach to the refurbished staircase with its new carpet, paint, lighting and ironmongery from the ground to first floors, that they rolled it throughout the rest of the building right up to the seventh floor.”Coordinating ironmongery schedules, when every door has an individual requirement, can be difficult, but according to Hamson, “John made me feel comfortable that nothing was going to get missed; this is what you want as an architect. Ironmongery schedules can be complicated and time consuming, and if there is someone who can do something better than you can in-house, then its best to take advantage of that skill and expertise to get the best result.”Photography: Neil Kenyon

Hale Brown Architects were appointed to redesign 6 Middle Street with the brief to redevelop it into a modern office space that incorporates new sustainable design elements.Set within the narrow cobbled streets along the eastern boundary of the Smithfields Conservation Area this refurbishment included demolition of existing roof structure and replacing it with a feature glazed roof, creation of a mezzanine floor and installation of a cantilevered staircase. The concept was to open up the space to create free-flowing natural light throughout all floors, open up views, create natural ventilation and maximise ceiling heights while incorporating a timber slatted raft concealing service.3v provided a full ironmongery service for this project which including a mixture of brass and matt black products. Black products were used on timber doors and bespoke textured brass pad handles on black frame glass doors, the pad handles were chosen to compliment the detailing in the timber slatted ceiling raft and wall panelling. We think they work seamlessly together! Photography: Neil Kenyon

A global leader in world finance, the UK head offices of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon), located in the prestigious 160 Queen Victoria Street building (160 QVS), London, have been recently refurbished. Partitioning expert Style was contracted to inject a high level of flexibility into the space, encouraging a positive environment by allowing the easy creation of personal work areas, divided meeting rooms and brainstorming hotspots. In the Thames Room, a large C-shaped Dorma Hüppe Variflex glass moveable wall offers 52dB acoustics, fully glazed pass doors and a stylish crittall-effect. Whilst Style’s unique working walls are installed in the Innovation Centre. Finished in a striking blue painted glass, the individual panels spin and slide along ceiling tracks, allowing freedom to segment the space into a wide variety of configurations. Elsewhere, a 59dB semi-automatic Dorma Hüppe Variflex solid moveable wall finished in contemporary fabric-wrapped panels, abuts a fixed glass wall that matches the crittall-effect of the glass Variflex, providing seamless interior design.As the world's largest custodian bank and asset servicing company, BNY Mellon is the main occupier of 160 QVS – a building which occupies an entire block and which actually has four separate postcodes! The newly refitted corporate headquarters comprises of both offices as well as a trading floor, delivering a flagship workplace fit for the future.Working with architects, T P Bennett and contractors ISG, Style was specified to create flexible space at BNY Mellon’s London offices using a blend of solid moveable walls, glass moveable walls and Style’s innovative working walls – designed for agile, collaborative space.“This is a great example of using various types of moveable and working walls to give different types of flexibility in various meeting areas and collaboration zones,” said Michael Porter, sales director at Style South.“It also highlights Style’s key strengths in the market in terms of our working walls and fully glazed pass doors, which are unrivalled and highly unique.”

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

Named after Francis Crick, the scientist who helpeddiscover the structure of DNA, the institute is an ambitiouscollaboration of six founding research partners: the MedicalResearch Council, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome Trust,UCL (University College London), Imperial College Londonand King’s College London.The world-class biomedical research facility aims todiscover how and why disease develops in order to findnew ways to prevent, diagnose and treat conditions suchas cancer, heart disease and stroke, as well as infectionsand neurodegenerative conditions. Located in centralLondon, the steel, glass and terracotta clad buildingoccupies a full city block and creates strong architecturallinks to historic local buildings. Large cantilevered baywindows and tall glass atria reduce the building’s impact atstreet level and maintain natural light in workspaces andpublic areas. The challenge for Allgood on this project wasto create an ironmongery specification in keeping with thefacility’s elite standards.The Contego range is an antimicrobial copper product,made from a copper alloy, giving it the appearance ofstainless steel while incorporating the bacteria fightingqualities of copper.Killing 99.9% of bacteria within minutes of exposure, therange offered a unique functional capability to the researchcentre, while still matching the interior aesthetic. Contegolever and pull handles were supplied to glass doorsincluding: office and lab doors, while push plates weresupplied to the auditorium and back of house areas.Additionally, Allgood Secure supplied automatic dooroperators to the main entrances of the labs, with fobreaders fitted for Contego lever handles in higher securityareas.

Working with architect, Sheppard Robson, and contractor, Overbury, Style was specified to install two Dorma Hüppe semi-automatic Variflex glass moveable walls in Wellington Place, a group of prestigious, mixed-use developments in Leeds city centre. Separating the catering facility from meeting areas in a key office building, the glass operable walls deliver an impressive 52dB Rw acoustic integrity, providing outstanding privacy for meetings and gatherings whilst maximising the use of natural light. Addressing the ongoing need for social distancing, moveable wall systems can be effectively utilised to create discrete employee ‘bubbles’ by dividing office space into smaller areas.

Lightweight but very strong mounting profileCHALLENGEStraight lines, maximum light and a unique, remarkable design. This is how independent architect Lieze Vandael saw her own home. Due to the numerous voids and imposing windows up to 9 meters high, a traditional construction method was certainly not an option. A suitable alternative had to be found. Moreover, Lieze Vandael wanted to see the elegant, minimalist architectural style with straight lines envelop the building: a roof and façade finish in the same material - preferably timber - and moreover, seamlessly blending into each other. To have the building completely wrapped in wood. Definitely a real challenge! A neat and watertight connection between roof and façade is not an easy job at all. Besides, timber is never completely waterproof. So, the challenge for Lieze Vandael was to combine the roof and the façade into one uniform surface, ensuring a perfectly watertight roof.SOLUTIONArchitect Vandael wanted to step away from the traditional lightframe wood structure, and opted for an alternative mass timber construction: a load-bearing construction formed from tongue and groove stacked solid wood beams. After all, this type of construction creates a lot of possibilities and is, besides, a more durable and ecological solution. For the exterior finish of the building the architect chose thermowood Ayous, a knot-free, clear-grade exotic hardwood providing excellent durability. The façade was finished with thermowood in a traditional way. Finishing the roof, however, was a more complex task. Cladding a roof with timber, particularly a highly sloped roof poses a substantial risk. How to achieve a watertight roof?

Located within the historic market town of Alnwick, Willowburn Retail Park is a new shopping destination with easy access from the A1, boasting 37,405 sq.ft. of retail floorspace, plus 200 parking spaces.The distinctive modern design by Projekt Architects uses a bold mixture of sustainable materials including energy-efficient glazing plus sustainable timber Accoya for the cladding, soffit and eaves. Senior Architectural Systems provided the entire glazing package including thermally-efficient SF52 curtain walling for the full-height glazed frontages and robust SPW501 doors, Certified to PAS24 and Secured by Design standards, to provide secure access throughout the development.

Glass loft hatches are an attractive period feature and offer a source of natural light into otherwise dark areas of a home. However, they are often the only way to access the home’s loft and finding a suitable loft ladder for a glass loft hatch is not easy. Premier Loft Ladders were able to offer an innovative solution for this very problem, allowing the owners of a traditional Victorian home the benefit of easy access to the loft, as well as maintaining period features and not obscuring the natural light.Learn more about this case study and the versatile Piccolo Premium Vertical loft ladder...

SentryGlas® interlayer provides mproved load bearing strength and stiffness of glass façade for the Enzo Ferrari Museum. Engineering the façade was a considerable challenge. Lighter façade panels enable more subtle supporting structures. For decades, interlayers made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) have been the industry standard when producing laminated safety glass. Architects are well aware of the possibilities and limitations of such glass when used extensively in façade engineering, for roofing and window panels. In contrast, SentryGlas® enables an entirely new approach because the interlayer is over 100 times stiffer and five times stronger than PVB.

Vertical city, a study in complex facades for tall buildings

Completed in 2020, One Braham, designed by Wilkinson Eyre, delivers 18 storeys of Grade A office accommodation aimed at tech, telecoms and media clients.The 20,000m² fully-glazed unitised facade, installed by Focchi Spa, combines AGC Stopray Vision-50 and Stopray Smart energy efficient coatings together with vertical brise-soleil on the east, south and west facades.

Stainless steel sinktop with drainer-recess, integral back upstand, lipped front and side edges (GEC Anderson edge 3) and cut-out for stainless steel hob.Continuous stainless steel worktop with upstand and bespoke shelving.

Pyrobel Vision Line, frameless fire-resistant glazed partitions

Developer Manchester Life is transforming the residential market in the city of Manchester and Senior Architectural Systems is proud to have partnered with them to create a number of apartment schemes including Cotton Field Wharf, Weavers Quay and New Little Mill. Lampwick Quay is the fourth and most recent project to have been undertaken by Senior as part of this successful repeat business relationship.Located in Manchester’s thriving new community in Ancoats, the new Lampwick Quay development comprises 213 apartments across three blocks of five, six and ten-storeys, with ground floor retail units and communal facilities including a gym and residents club room. A mix of Senior’s aluminium windows, commercial doors and curtain wall solutions have been used extensively throughout the development and installed by supply chain partner Aire Valley Architectural Aluminium for main contractor John Sisk & Son Ltd.To help reduce heat loss and energy costs, Senior’s low U value and Part L compliant PURe® aluminium casement windows have been installed to each of the apartments to create a comfortable living space. The stylish window system also provides the perfect frame for the development’s views of Manchester’s New Islington Marina.Energy-efficiency has also been addressed in the communal, retail and ground floor areas through the use of Senior’s thermally-enhanced SF52 aluminium curtain wall system which maximises the controlled use of use of natural light.To meet the scheme’s stringent safety and security requirements, Senior’s robust SPW501 aluminium commercial doors were installed to the main entrance and exit points. The SPW501 commercial door system is ideally suited to high pedestrian use and meets the requirements of Secured By Design. Key elements of the fenestration package have also been designed to work as part of the scheme’s overall passive fire protection strategy, with the use of Senior’s SPW600 automatic opening ventilation (AOV) aluminium windows in the communal areas and stairwells. Although visually similar to Senior’s popular SPW600 system, these AOV windows are fitted with a smart actuator which allows for quick and automatic ventilation in the event of a fire, helping to remove smoke from the air.The development’s low pitch sawtooth roof design pays homage the area’s industrial heritage, with the slim aluminium frames of the fenestration package further complementing the main façade of zinc cladding, brick and coloured panels. Initially designed by CallisonRTKL, the Lampwick Quay development was delivered by jmarchitects.

When it comes to freedom of movement for people of all mobilities, a Stannah Piccolo was the passenger lift of choice in RIBA North, the Royal Institute of British Architects’ new national architecture centre on the Liverpool Waterfront. Dark, sleek, dramatic – a ship’s prow slicing through the skies, the new building is housed in the Broadway Malyan-designed Mann Island, a RIBA award-winning, mixed-use development which reconnects Liverpool’s city centre to its historic waterfront. The centre is an inspirational resource for RIBA members and public alike.

Rhodes House is set in a large garden on Oxfords South Parks Road, it was designed by Herbert Baker in the 1920s and is the base for the Rhodes Trust – a charitable trust founded by imperialist Cecil Rhodes which offers scholarships to the University of Oxford.To enable the trust to more forward and offer more scholarships Stanton Williams’ set about “architecturally liberating the building, to unlock its potential as a diverse and inspiring platform for ethical, creative and courageous people across geographies, cultures and disciplines.” The project included restoring the original building as well as creating 40 ensuite bedrooms, improved office accommodation, a range of meeting spaces and a hall for 300 people in the basement.3v worked in partnership with Stanton Williams and Beard Construction to develop the perfect Ironmongery scheme to work with both the old and new elements of the building using a mixture of antique brass for refurbished areas and stainless steel for new accommodation. We also undertook an extensive review of all existing doors and hardware and upgraded hinges, closers and signage to meet current UK fire regulations. Our products work seamlessly with the architects design aspirations helping to create a wonderful collaboration of old and new.Photography: Neil Kenyon

Created as part of the wider regeneration of the former industrial area of Ouseburn Valley, Lower Steenberg’s Yard is a four-storey development comprising ground floor commercial office space and 28 residential apartments on the floors above. Benefiting from stunning riverside views of the Ouseburn, a small tributary of the River Tyne, the scheme has been designed by Xsite Architecture and constructed by Esh Construction for developers PfP igloo.The architectural style of Lower Steenberg’s Yard has been informed by both the neighbouring Victorian-era industrial buildings and Scandinavian design elements, with the latter inspired by Mr Richard Steenberg, the Danish industrialist who established a number of businesses in the area throughout the 1850s. As a result, clean lines and the extensive use of natural light are key features of the scheme. This has been achieved to great effect using Senior’s slimline aluminium fenestration systems which have been fabricated and installed by Crown Doors and Shutters.Each of the apartments feature Senior’s low U-value PURe® aluminium windows, specified as triple-glazed tilt and turn style units to provide safe and secure ventilation and ease of maintenance. Senior’s thermally-efficient PURe® SLIDE and PURe® FOLD patio doors have also been installed to provide access to private terraces which overlook the river. As well as helping to maximise the use of natural light, Senior’s fully Part L compliant PURe® aluminium windows and doors will also help improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel costs and contribute to lowering the overall carbon footprint of the building.The ground floor retail units also benefit from Senior’s PURe® casement aluminium windows, with further daylighting achieved through the use of Senior’s slim profile SF52 aluminium curtain wall system to the main entrances. Senior’s robust SPW501 commercial doors have also been installed to provide safe and secure access.

The project, designed by Uno-A, welcomes 110 flats in three different types of buildings linked by several planted areas; and various common areas, such as a coworking space and an equipped gym.The façades use GRC (Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete) panels and coloured glass panels to provide architectural identification.Bandalux worked closely with both the architect and the real estate Iempa Immobiliare to provide shading solutions depending on the location and type of building. Z-Box, B-Box Systems and Cofre style awning are place externally, being three different options to management sunlight.Polyscreen® 403 and Trend Light BO fabrics configured these systems according to the lighting needs: visual contact or perfect occultation. On the other hand, Premium Plus roller blinds s are installed inside, providing optimal solar control and comfort.

A large expanse of Junckers’ solid hardwood flooring has been installed in the Paul Hamlyn Hall at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. The light-filled space is the ideal partner for the dark grey Spicy Pepper Oak floor, adding an elegant backdrop to the smart interior. The magnificent glass and iron structure was originally built as a flower market and now houses a restaurant and champagne bar, where events and performances also take place. A busy public area requires a hard-wearing floor which is able to withstand heavy usage. The choice fell on Junckers, whose floors are reliably durable and easy to maintain, ideal for high traffic areas. The naturally occurring structural grain patterns in oak bring a sense of warmth to the large and open hall, complementing the many original architectural features. The flooring contractors were Junckers’ Approved Contractor PICA Floorings Ltd. 

The new YMCA Community and Activity Village in Newark, Nottinghamshire is the first project of its kind to be constructed in the UK. The innovative community and activity centre provides a mix of facilities from sports and hospitality to training and childcare, with the building ranging in height from two to three storeys and comprising some 59,000 square feet of usable space.The core services available have been separated into three distinct zones – hospitality, education, and activity. The first area includes a café and function room, with the educational facilities available including classrooms and teaching areas for both adults and children. The activity zone features a gym and multi-purpose activity space as well as the Climbing Hall. This includes a 15m Olympic standard climbing wall that rises to the full height of the three-storey building and is the largest of its kind in the UK.The building also features a range of aluminium fenestration solutions supplied by Senior.Close collaboration and early engagement within the supply chain was key to the successful delivery of this multi-purpose building. The project saw Senior’s architectural advisor Michael Reynolds work alongside Rayner Davies Architects and main contractor R G Carter Construction to design and provide suitable aluminium doors, windows and curtain wall solutions which were fabricated and installed by Acorn Aluminium.The striking main entrance of the building has been created using Senior’s SF52 aluminium curtain wall system which incorporates SPW501 thermally broken doors complete with automatic swing operators. A key feature of the north elevation entrance is the extra-large PURe® commercial door measuring 2920mm x 3045mm. Across the remaining elevations, Senior’s curtain wall system has been further complemented by the incorporation of SPW600e aluminium windows, specified as both insert vents and fixed light windows. Senior’s versatile SPW501 commercial doors have also been used throughout and on the west elevation, Senior’s patented PURe® SLIDE aluminium doors provide additional access.

Senior Architectural Systems has had a starring role in the creation of the new Arc Cinema in Daventry.The new cinema’s welcoming frontage has been created using a combination of Senior’s thermally-efficient slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system, alongside the company’s robust SPW501 aluminium commercial doors and stylish low U-value PURe® SLIDE doors. Designed to offer the perfect balance between daylighting and thermal comfort, Senior’s fenestration package was fabricated and installed by supply chain partners Acorn Aluminium for main contractor Willmott Dixon.The cinema has been designed by Marchini Curran Associates and the extensive use of glazing floods the main entrance, restaurant and bar areas with natural light during the day, and creates a show-stopping effect at dusk. The dark grey powder coated frames of the doors and curtain wall systems also perfectly complement the exterior façade design of grey and white cladding with feature multicoloured panels. The new Arc cinema in Daventry has been created as part of the wider £12.5m regeneration of the town centre.Senior has played significant roles in other cinema projects over the last few years, delivering the aluminium fenestration packages for the new Savoy cinema complex in Doncaster as well as completing work for the national chain Everyman.

With a proven track record of successful work in the education sector, Senior Architectural Systems was more than qualified to deliver the fenestration package for this new secondary school in Brighton.The new Chailey School in South Lewes has been designed by leading architects Jestico + Whiles and features a full range of aluminium fenestration solutions including Senior’s thermally-efficient, slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and robust SPW501 aluminium commercial doors. The new school has also reunited Senior with main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland, with whom Senior has an established supplier framework agreement. The two companies have collaborated together on numerous projects, with Bowmer & Kirkland being the first contractor to specify Senior’s patented low U-value PURe® aluminium window system when it was launched back in 2015. The main contractor has gone on to work with Senior and specify its aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall systems on many other education projects across the UK.Chailey School is itself part of Department of Education construction framework agreement to modernise educational facilities and improve the environmental efficiency of this sector. Senior worked closely with specialist contactor RKN Aluminium to design, fabricate and install the fenestration package for the new school building which comprises some 85 windows, 14 section of curtain wall and 12 door sets!