"architectural glass"

250 Houston Street is a luxurious 13 story residential building in the vibrant Lower East Side of Houston, New York. The building is home to a number of one, two and three-bedroom residences where the occupants can enjoy a full suite of amenities including a serenity garden, fitness centre, and rooftop terrace which includes the iconic Tibor Kalman clock and offers beautiful New York views.The client was looking to inject some much needed natural daylight into their new fitness centre, and so Architects, Stephen B Jacobs Group PC, and Glazing Vision worked closely together to make sure the best rooflights were chosen to meet the brief.Considered an architectural feature as well as a rooflight, and an evolution of the traditional roof lantern, three of our Double Glazed Bespoke Fixed Asymmetrical Pyramid Rooflights were specified to help inject as much natural daylight into the fitness centre as possible. This was important to the client as natural daylight has been proven to help our bodies produce Vitamin D, improve our sleep, and help us focus.“For, Stephen B Jacobs, the inspiration for the pyramid shaped rooflights and the surrounding gravel court yard came from the Louvre in Paris.” Thorsten Foerster, Architect, Stephen B Jacobs ArchitectsThe rooflights were constructed of 4 panes with glass-to-glass silicone joints, minimising framework and therefore offering excellent light transmission. Our pyramid rooflights are straightforward to fit, and only require a raised upstand on your roof built to our standard specification. The units are supplied with high specification heat soak tested low e safety glass for optimum thermal performance and durability. The product is also robust and long-lasting, boasting excellent thermal performance and air tightness.

Northumbria University’s Grade II Listed Sutherland Building, home to its Architecture and Built Environment Department, now boasts a state-of-the-art architecture studios. Page\Park worked closely with ESH Group to deliver the new-build for which functionality and design were key. HERADESIGN®, a high-performance product which effortlessly retains ambient sound whilst reducing disturbing background noise, provided the acoustic and aesthetic solution required for the project. HERADESIGN® Superfine tiles are a versatile material and Page\Park were able to work with the tiles to deliver a distinctive, geometric herringbone design on the ceilings for maximum design impact.

An award-winning refurbishment at Birkbeck, University of London, has breathed new life into an almost 100-year-old building – and Hunter Douglas Architectural helped to bring it into the 21st century

Downer our original helping hand, aluminium rainscreen framing system, helps lead the way for this exemplary education sector project.In the words of leading education sector architects – Bond Bryan, The Broxbourne School is a beacon for excellence for modern education.Architectural Panel Solution's Downer rainscreen framing system - DCS031 was used extensively for this ambitious projects as you can see from the supporting suite of images.A vibrant and contemporary aesthetic was achieved thanks to the complementing, highly durable Swisspearl fibre cement facade panels – Vintago (Colours: VI 061, VI 091) fixed with Sika adhesive onto Swisspearl’s Sigma8 mechanical secret fixing system, and our original Downer DCS031 framing.Architectural Panel Solutions was extremely proud to have won an award for this project in last year’s Facade Awards, thanks to an excellent collaboration with SD Samuels (Special Projects) Ltd, Bond Bryan Architects, ArchitecturePLB, Mid Group Ltd LtdFind out more on our website and check out the photography on the architects’ and installers websites too.https://bondbryan.co.uk/project/the-broxbourne-school/https://www.sdsamuels.co.uk/broxbourne-school/https://downerframing.com/downer-framing-used-extensively-for-the-broxbourne-school

‘Elements of drama and delight’ Petrarch accents bring a sense of elegance and refinement… As the centrepiece of the magnificent £20 million Dylan Coastal Resort, the design brief for Milk Wood House Spa dictated the need for laid-back luxury. ‘Heralded by the luxury resort sector as ‘world-class,’ Milk Wood House Spa sets a new benchmark.’“We wanted to create a building that felt as though it was hewn out of the landscape, embracing and engaging with its setting. The design inspiration was both the immediate and distant setting on the edge of the River Taf Estuary.Lead architect and Associate Director of LP ArchitectsInspirational design “The building is contemporary and sleek, and we wanted the interior to feel seamless with the architectural design – so we worked closely with the architects and client to select the building cladding, which we then wrapped into the interior to unify with the exterior and enhance the connection to the outdoors.”Interior designer, Louise James of Blackthorn Design StudioWhy Petrarch? Created primarily from crushed marble Petrarch was a fitting choice in terms of the ecological ethos of the development. It’s lightweight nature and appealing aesthetic were also key reasons for its utilisation. https://www.prp-co.uk/what-we-do/architecture/milk-wood-house-499

Senior Architectural Systems has taken its aluminium fenestration solutions to new heights after being specified on the new Oaklands Rise mixed-use residential development in London, which is not only one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects but also one of Senior’s largest contracts to date.Designed by CZWG Architects and constructed by the Vistry Partnership, the £175m scheme comprises three major tower blocks which vary in height from ten to 27 storeys. Senior’s slim profile SF52 aluminium curtain wall system has been used to create the striking faceted curved elevation, with the smooth rounded corners of the balconies and corner apartments further accentuating the design. Senior’s robust SPW500 aluminium commercial doors were used externally and installed to the fire exits and main entrance, with SPW600 aluminium doors fitted internally throughout communal areas.With the need to increase energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of the scheme, Senior’s patented low U-value PURe® aluminium windows and PURe® SLIDE patio doors were also chosen for the scheme. As well as contributing to lower energy bills for the residents, the slim sightlines of the PURe® aluminium windows and doors perfectly frame the development’s far-reaching views over London and the attractive green streetscape below. The stylish PURe® SLIDE aluminium sliding doors also provide select apartments with access to individual roof terraces, creating a seamless link between the interior and exterior spaces.

Rushcliffe Oaks is a new crematorium situated in open countryside in Nottinghamshire. Partitioning specialist, Style worked with contractor, A&S Enterprises to increase the functionality of the space between entrance lobby and the chapel.A Dorma Hüppe Variflex semi-automatic glass moveable wall was chosen as the best option, allowing the chapel to be quickly closed off from the main entrance area whenever a funeral is in progress. Minimising possible disturbance, Variflex delivers an impressive 50dB acoustic rating, with further privacy being offered by the inclusion of automatic blinds that are integrated into the individual glass panels.Providing a sensitive and calming space to remember loved ones and say goodbye in a peaceful and tranquil setting, Rushcliffe Oak Crematorium is set in beautifully landscaped grounds. The environmentally conscious facility uses renewable energy sources and is one of the first in the country to invest in innovative all-electric technologies.Contributing to the facility’s drive for a low carbon footprint, the Dorma Hüppe Variflex moveable wall has an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804, making it a highly sustainable solution.“This is a perfect example of where a moveable wall can add so much more to a room than simply dividing the space,” said Steve Williams, Style’s sales director for the Midlands.“When not in use, the moveable wall can be stacked neatly away creating a large, open plan area. However, when in situ it plays an important role in ensuring ceremonies benefit from maximum privacy, helping to create an environment that is peaceful and free from outside disturbance.To ensure the room is fully accessible, Style increased the height of the pass door in the moveable wall to 2400mm, enabling a coffin to be easily manoeuvred into the chapel.

The new £100m Heatherwood Hospital in Ascot, Berkshire has been designed by leading architects BDP to put the wellbeing of patients and staff at its heart. The new state of the art building comprises a multitude of resources, from treatment rooms to operating theatres, day and out-patient facilities and specialist x-ray, MRI and radiology services. The overall design of the hospital has been greatly influenced by the woodland that surrounds it, with our aluminium fenestration systems framing the expansive views and maximising the use of natural light.The ’open’ design of the building has been created using our slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system, with the ground floor areas benefitting from our robust SFG shop front glazing system and integrated SD commercial doors. To provide safe and secure access, our SPW501 aluminium commercial doors were chosen for the main access points and our thermally efficient SPW600 aluminium windows were used throughout. All our aluminium fenestration products were expertly fabricated and installed by our supply chain partner Soundcraft for main contractor Kier.The use of our energy-efficient aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling complements the new hospital’s other sustainable design features which include photovoltaic solar panels and a green nature roof to manage rainwater absorption. Our technical team and locally based architectural advisor were also on hand to provide specification support and guidance, including help with U-value calculations and Part L compliance.The new-build hospital replaces the older dilapidated building that will be demolished to make way for a new housing development.

The Tianjin Juilliard School of Performing Arts located in the Yujiapu Financial District in China, is the outcome of the brilliant minds of architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro.Characterized by its four featured pavilions and five glass bridges, they all house classrooms, teaching studios, practice rooms, concerts and recital rooms that allow students to merge themselves with the visual and auditory environment during the process of studying music.The architects in charge of this project have been heavily involved in the selection of the materials and have participated in several encounters with the PARKLEX PRODEMA team to discuss the aesthetics they aimed to achieve. We have devoted ourselves to choose each and every panel in connection with their detailed criteria so as to attain the finest design.The exterior of the building deploys the PARKLEX PRODEMA NATURCLAD-W wood panels for architecture of rustic finish, which are highly resistant, durable, and sustainably sourced. The wooden paneling, with their earthy tones, synthesizes with the park surrounding landscape ensuing a harmonious junction with nature.

Leading insulation manufacturer, URSA, has been selected as the specifier of choice at the redevelopment of historic London building, The Whiteley. The former Whiteley's shopping centre in London's Bayswater is the setting for one of the most impressive property redevelopments in Europe, in a £1 billion project to convert the century-old shopping arcade into a high luxury residential, hotel, restaurant and retail complex covering more than 90,000 square metres. In one of the company’s largest single project specifications to date, contractors Laing O’Rourke and architects, Foster and Partners, have opted for over 5,000 square metres of URSA’s glass wool insulation. Ian Claydon, Technical Manager for URSA UK, commented: “This is undoubtedly one of the largest building projects in Europe and so being part of that is incredibly exciting. “We have worked closely with the scheme architects to ensure that they have the best possible specification for their project and that is undoubtedly URSA’s glass wool insulation, our premium insulation product. “Glass mineral wool is the most efficient and user-friendly thermal and acoustic insulation material, both environmentally and from a cost-effective point of view. It is suitable for use throughout a structure, providing the most efficient insulation solution available on the market today.” Ian added: “We’ll continue to work closely with both the contractor and architect to ensure products are delivered to site in line with the construction team’s needs. This is a long-term project and vast on every scale; we will continue to partner with distributor, Encon Insulation in Maidstone, who have been instrumental in this specification.” The 110-year-old historic shopping center has been closed for two years after a prolonged decline following the opening of the famous giant Westfield London shopping center nearby in 2008. The former shopping arcade, in one of the most influential areas of the City of London, at the northern end of Queensway and about 5 minutes' walk from Kensington Gardens, has become London's most fashionable development with the commencement of the building development behind the retained and refurbished Queensway and Porchester Gardens frontages. The development includes 139 one to five-bedroom luxury flats and townhouses, with a starting price rumored to be in the region of £1.5 million, complete with spa, pool and exclusive communal workspace. 20 luxury shops and restaurants and 110 hotel rooms in the UK landing of the Six Senses luxury hotel/spa chain. The project, which involves construction and engineering firm Laing O'Rourke and famed London contractors Lyons & Annoot, is based on an architectural project designed by Norman Foster's architectural practice, Foster and Partners. Mark Guest, Regional Sales Manager for URSA UK commented: “Talking through the initial enquiry from Lyons & Annoot, the client was impressed by our quick response and ability to provide swift technical reassurance with an open approach. Being able to supply products immediately by working with the Encon network enabled URSA to cut delays associated with Covid, that were previously thought inevitable and costly”. The redevelopment will retain the essence of the building, which at its opening in 1911 was the height of luxury at the time, with a theatre and even a rooftop golf course before being listed in 1970 and converted into a shopping centre in 1989. The works will respect the iconic façade, central courtyard and dome of the old building which will be restored as well as the majestic and historic interior staircase, which will form the centerpiece of the hotel's ground floor. URSA's state-of-the-art insulation materials are being used in the refurbishment work. The contractors have already used URSA CAVITY BATT 32 glass wool slab treated with water-repellent additives and glass mineral wool for first-class thermal and acoustic insulation. With a fit-out contract of around £111 million, the 139 luxury homes will occupy a unique space of almost 28,000 square metres and are expected to be completed in 2023.  

Heritage Vacuum Glazing: A Transformative Case Study for Renovating Listed Buildings and Conservation AreasIntroduction:Renovating heritage properties, including listed buildings and those in conservation areas, presents unique challenges in balancing preservation with modern standards of energy efficiency and sustainability. In this case study, we explore the application of heritage vacuum glazing as a solution for renovating a historic listed building, showcasing its transformative impact on architectural preservation and performance improvements.Case Study: Renovating a Historic Listed BuildingBackground Information:The case study focuses on a remarkable historic listed building dating back to the 18th century. Situated within a conservation area renowned for its architectural significance, the building exhibits exquisite craftsmanship and unique architectural details. However, the existing single-glazed windows posed challenges in terms of thermal inefficiency, noise penetration, and condensation issues.Challenges Faced:The architectural team encountered several challenges during the renovation process. Striking a delicate balance between preserving the building's historical charm and incorporating contemporary elements that enhance functionality was paramount. Compliance with conservation regulations was crucial to ensure the preservation of the building's original fabric and character.Selection of Heritage Vacuum Glazing:After careful consideration and collaboration with conservation specialists, heritage vacuum glazing emerged as the ideal solution for upgrading the building's fenestration. The slim profile of the glazing units closely resembled the original windows, ensuring minimal disruption to the building's architectural aesthetics. The vacuum glazing technology offered superior thermal insulation, acoustic performance, and condensation control, aligning with both conservation requirements and performance objectives.Installation Process and Considerations:During the installation process, the architectural team collaborated with specialist manufacturers experienced in heritage vacuum glazing. Meticulous attention to detail was crucial to seamlessly integrate the new glazing units with the existing window frames while preserving the historic fabric. Preservation techniques were employed to minimise any damage and maintain the building's authenticity throughout the installation.Benefits Achieved:The implementation of heritage vacuum glazing resulted in a multitude of benefits for the renovated listed building. The enhanced thermal insulation significantly reduced heat loss, leading to improved energy efficiency and reduced heating costs. The upgraded windows provided exceptional acoustic insulation, creating a peaceful indoor environment despite the bustling surroundings. Condensation issues were effectively addressed, preventing damage to the building's interior finishes and improving occupant comfort and well-being. Furthermore, the advanced security features of the vacuum glazing enhanced the protection of the building, safeguarding its historic fabric for future generations to appreciate.Testimonials and Feedback:Architects, specifiers, and building occupants expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the renovation project involving heritage vacuum glazing. Architects praised the technology for seamlessly integrating with the building's original design, while specifiers commended its compliance with conservation regulations. Building occupants enjoyed the improved thermal comfort, reduced noise intrusion, and enhanced visual clarity provided by the heritage vacuum glazing. Their testimonials underscored the success of the solution in achieving a harmonious balance between preservation and modern comfort.Conclusion:This case study highlights the successful application of heritage vacuum glazing in the renovation of a listed building within a conservation area. By effectively addressing the challenges of thermal inefficiency, noise penetration, and condensation, heritage vacuum glazing emerged as a transformative solution. Its ability to preserve architectural aesthetics, enhance energy efficiency, improve acoustic insulation, and safeguard historic fabric makes it a preferred choice for architects and specifiers involved in renovating heritage properties.Through careful consideration of factors like compatibility, authenticity preservation, compliance with regulations, collaboration with specialists, and professional installation, the transformative potential of heritage vacuum glazing can be realised, ensuring a harmonious blend of historic authenticity and modern performance.

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.

The £82 million redevelopment of Coventry’s rail station has seen the creation of a new entrance building and multi-storey car park, with Senior Architectural Systems playing a key role in its creation.Designed by AHR Architects, the West Midlands station is one of the busiest outside of London. The project is the latest to have been delivered by Senior and its long-term supply chain partners Elite Aluminium Systems and Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd.Senior’s slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system was specified for the main station building, helping to flood the concourse with natural light. Senior’s robust SD automatic commercial sliding doors were also installed to provide secure, safe and accessible access to the thousands of passengers who use the station every day. Additionally, the new-look station also features a footbridge to allow easier access to the platforms and bus interchange.Senior’s slim profile SF52 aluminium curtain wall system provided the ideal balance of aesthetics and performance by allowing copious amounts of light to enter the building and offering enhanced thermal efficiency. The aluminium frames were powder coated to boost durability and also complement the station’s feature grey and red cladding. Senior’s SPW501 aluminium commercial swing doors were also specified throughout to provide a safe and secure solution to such a high traffic environment.The extensive use of glazing on the building also pays homage to the original station building which is located nearby but owing to its Grade II status, could not be extended or developed to meet the increased demand on Coventry’s rail network. Ahead of the wider refurbishment of the original building, the large glazed panels have been used to frame various artwork from local artists and create another focal point for visitors to the city.

Social trends in sports are changing. Urban activities traditionally consigned to the urban landscape are now being embraced by the mainstream and incorporated into the interior sports environment. Sports such as parkour, street football and street basketball have been adopted by leisure companies to attract younger members and to keep people moving. This new encouragement in sports, movement and activity, has led to a new generation of buildings offering urban activities in a raw industrial environment and which require specialist architectural innovation. For example, Troldtekt wood wool panelling is frequently used to combat the effects of noise and reverberation around these large spaces while offering visual aesthetic appeal.  This trend is examined in detail by Troldtekt in its latest theme on sports and movement which can be found here https://bit.ly/2vR90l6. The theme includes expert articles and interviews with architects and sport science lecturers along with relevant case studies. A good example is the 23,000 sqm Holbaek Sportsby in Denmark which encompasses a swimming pool, racquet sports, multi-purpose hall and mountain bike trails together with a modern Health Centre. Here, Troldtekt acoustic panels offer robustness and strength and natural breathability from the wood. The panels. with their superior acoustic properties, dramatically reduce reverberation where physical activity takes place.  However, with cities having less space to build on new solutions have also emerged to integrate sport and movement inside the built environment itself. This involves innovative thinking to create the efficient use of existing facilities, such as schools which can have a major impact on children’s activity levels because it is easier and more convenient to be active in buildings you are already using. Even sports parks on city roofs and corridors turned into race-tracks are become more frequent.  The essential characteristics of a good activity environment is accessibility and flexibility, inviting and comfortable zones and movement areas which are green and sustainable. Troldtekt acoustic solutions are an important part of the design, especially where activity noise is increased and the space must accommodate everyone from keen football players to jubilant children. In addition, robustness and strength, such as impact resistance to balls hitting ceilings and walls, are vital. This is why Troldtekt is so widely specified where the focus is on movement. Specified throughout the UK and Europe, the benefits of 100% Troldtekt natural wood wool panels include high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability. Available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme  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 www.troldtekt.co.uk (tel 01978 664255) while information on Troldtekt’s CSR, Environmental and Sustainability can be found at https://www.troldtekt.com/News/Themes/Create-architecture-for-sports-and-movement or https://bit.ly/2vR90l6Photo Credit:Photo: Rasmus Hjortshøj/COAST Studio

Construction of Wolverhampton’s eye-catching modern office development i9 has been completed and marks a major milestone in the creation of a thriving commercial quarter at the heart of the city’s award-winning Interchange. The i9 project follows the success of the i10 complex on the opposite side of Railway Drive in the city centre. Both have been delivered by the council and leading property developer, Ion.Designed by Glenn Howells Architects and constructed by GRAHAM Group, the eye-catching i9 building pays homage to the industrial characteristics of the city’s red-brick Victorian architecture. Approved fabricator APiC UK Limited installed Metal Technology Ltd’s System 17 Capped 50mm and System 17 SP structurally glazed Curtain Walling. Opening vents are System 4-35Hi+ Casement, with System 5-20D Hi+ THERMAL Doors and 10-35 commercial framing system.i9 is already home to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – the first ministerial office with a regular presence outside London.The new office achieves a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating and incorporates the latest green technology and thinking to deliver low energy use, low resource use, flexibility and low impact on the surrounding environment. It is the first office in the Black Country to be awarded WiredScore Gold certification in recognition of its digital connectivity and infrastructure.

The zinc roofing and cladding of the social housing in Barchester Street echoes the sawtooth profile of the former factory.

Based in London, Mulroy Architects is an award-winning, RIBA-Chartered Practice. They are a small team of nine staff that works mostly on residential projects and projects such as Radley College's rowing centre and a hostel for backpackers in Tower Bridge.When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Mulroy Architects acted early and started working from home within 24 hours. With respect to writing project specifications, Director Andrew Mulroy said that the transition was ‘“seamless’” thanks to NBS Chorus. 12 months on, the team is still working from home, and all specification writing now takes place collaboratively using Chorus.  MOVING TO CHORUSThe practice had been using NBS Scheduler since 2009, but with the move to home-working and most of their other software becoming cloud-based, it made sense to move to NBS Chorus. ‘We had a demonstration of Chorus when the pandemic hit, and we were impressed with its feature set and how intuitive it was compared to NBS Scheduler. We also knew that Scheduler would be retiring later in 2021, so we wanted to make sure we were well prepared. With the help of our account manager and the NBS support and training, we were able to switch over Chorus quickly’, Andrew said. 'We realised that by moving to Chorus, we could reduce our hardware costs and switch to writing specifications on Apple Macs rather than on PC – this was not possible with the older NBS software. With the software being cloud-based, we can now work anywhere with it – another key benefit.'One of the other advantages of using a cloud-based specification platform is that it allows greater collaboration. Chorus enables internal and external collaboration by allowing specifiers to invite other team members into the project environment. This is one of the main features that Mulroy Architects has been utilizing. ‘Even though we’re a small practice, the way we run the office is by having teams of four working on a project; that way, everybody works on everything’, Andrew said. 'We’ve recently started on a project where we’re all collaborating on the same specification as a team. It’s great to be able to see changes that the team are making in real-time and be able to leave notes directly on the spec – it speeds up decision making and how long it takes to complete a project.'  A RANGE OF BENEFITS Greater collaboration also means a greater level of risk management – something that Andrew says the practice has ‘without a doubt’ benefitted from with NBS Chorus due to the latest industry standards always being up-to-date and available at the user’s fingertips. As well as the overall impact on the business, Chorus has also helped to build the business’ level of specification knowledge and skills internally. ‘The guidance and notes on Chorus are brilliant for updates’, he said. 'Standards are automatically updated within Chorus, and reading what's changed helps to improve your knowledge. The product information from NBS Source, that’s available in Chorus, is also useful - knowing which products have third party certification is essential to us when creating a specification, so having that information available saves everybody a lot of time at the design stage.'Andrew also believes that Chorus is helping the practice to specify sustainably.'If you’re working on a project which is BREEAM rated, some of the clauses start to address that. Throughout the guidance notes and product literature, the sustainability information is embedded, which is good.'‘The industry’s shift to digital is a mammoth task and what NBS is doing is great. Cloud-based systems are the way forward’.

Measurements made on a glass measuring table led to unusable results because the isolator used was unable to cope with the lateral stiffness of the products used. Only the low-frequency pneumatic isolators PAL 21 from ACE with automatic level control could provide a remedy. A special feature of these membrane pneumatic isolators lies in the level control valve, which has, by virtue of its construction, an above-average longevity. Relatively large acceleration forces can lead to horizontal movements and it is particularly in such situations that the robustness and durability of the isolation system make a significant contribution.

Architect/Designer: Norman Foster/Foster + PartnersLocation: The Robert Parfett Building, ManchesterProject Overview: New single storey building arranged around a central spine incorporating a mezzanine level, kitchen and variety of meeting spaces. Scope included a complete ironmongery package for all new glazed and timber doors.ServiceFull hardware scheduling & Bespoke finish.Project DetailsHere at 3v we were honoured to provide the ironmongery for the new Maggie’s cancer centre in Manchester that was designed by one of Britain’s most respected architects, Norman Foster, and engineered by his team at Foster + Partners.The first Maggie’s Centre opened in Edinburgh in 1996, there are now 19 Centres at major NHS cancer hospitals across the UK. The Centres have been set up to offer a non-clinical environment where anyone affected by cancer can stop by for advice or support. The timber frame creates a striking angular structure with tapered wooden columns and beams, however the use of warm wood and glass create a soft light-filled environment for people to gather in. What ironmongery do you choose to work with such a beautiful building? With timber as the primary building material and Nordic Bronze roof cladding we turned to our bespoke range and specified solid bronze ironmongery to compliment the natural feel of the buildings material palette. The simple design of our 304 model pull handle works in perfect harmony with the clean angular structure and homely aesthetic; functional while perfectly blending into the final design. Our most popular raw material is high quality stainless steel but increasingly our clients have been asking for something a bit different or unique. Stainless steel would not have worked in this design scheme, matching the bronze cladding added the perfect finishing touches to the warm and tactile materials used in this amazing structure. If you are thinking about specialist finishes for one of your future projects please contact our experienced team so we can advise you in more detail. To find our more about Maggie’s Manchester and to read Norman Foster’s interview on the design of the new centre follow the below link https://www.maggiescentres.org/about-maggies/news-and-publications/latest-news/designing-maggies-manchester/Photographs © Nigel Young/Foster + Partners

A leading manufacturing company with over 30,000 global employees, Hilti designs cutting-edge technology that powers the construction industry. Future-proofing their offices in the prestigious Circle Square development of Manchester, partitioning experts Style combined three Dorma Hüppe Variflex moveable walls, allowing either a small meeting room with separate breakout area to be created, or one single open-plan space. Two of the walls are fully glazed, maintaining natural light throughout, whilst the third is finished with Kvadrat fabric class C absorption panels offset by a practical whiteboard surface to the mid-section. Allowing easy access between separated areas, both glass moveable walls incorporate pass doors.With a 52dB rating on the glazed systems and 55dB on the solid moveable wall, meetings and events can take place undisturbed, delivering a stylish yet adaptable meeting solution.Relocating from Trafford Park, Hilti moved its 200-strong team into the second, third and fourth floors of No.1 Circle Square, taking 42,000 sq ft of premium office space. As part of the internal redevelopment, Style worked with main contractor, Cubic Works, and architect, TP Bennett, to create flexible space in the meeting and innovation suite.“This is a clever arrangement of three moveable walls that allow the space to be quickly adapted to accommodate the events or meetings taking place on any given day,” said Andy Gibson, Style’s director for the North.“Thanks to the high-end acoustic ratings of both the glass and solid moveable walls, meetings can be enjoyed without interference, and the combination of absorption panels and writeable whiteboards make the perfect environment for business meetings, training sessions and brainstorms.”Style is the exclusive UK partner to Dorma Hüppe, Skyfold and SWG offering an extensive range of moveable, folding and partitioning walls for all requirements and budgets.

Modular buildings are becoming a more popular solution as they demonstrate cost savings, shorter construction time and sustainability benefits. Go Modular Technologies (UK) Ltd manufactured ten flats constructed by nine large modules on three levels over the concrete commercial ground floor for this project in Poole. We were able to offer an affordable A2 fire rated solution to finish the building envelope which resulted in the facade being completed in Hardie® Architectural Panel. The planning approval was originally for render and buff brick so we were able to provide a similar look with our Smooth Sand texture which was chosen in three of our core colours to give this coastal location a modern and contemporary look.

An extruded aluminium baffle system was showcased in the UK for the first time, thanks to Hunter Douglas Architectural’s involvement in the refurbishment of a key Canary Wharf office building in London. 

The JV40Bis office building, located between Calle Josefa Valcárcel and Calle Telémaco in Madrid, features more than 8,700m² distributed across seven floors. Thanks to its architecture comprised of classic lines, this building by the architect Francisco Mangado provides a striking contrast to the glass facades of the adjacent office buildings.The main architectural goal was to create a healthy work environment, prioritizing the well-being of workers in terms of visual, thermal and acoustic comfort. This aim was achieved and the building was awarded LEED Platinum certification, issued by the U.S. Green Building Council. This certification classifies the project as a sustainable, energy-efficient construction with reduced emissions and a satisfactory indoor environment; in this case, this leads to comfortable workspaces.All this is, in part, thanks to the more than 700 Bandalux Premium Plus shades that guarantee optimal solar management given their minimum gap (space between the fabric and bracket). These technical shades integrate well with the restrained, timeless aesthetics of a large, diaphanous space that encompasses work zones, relaxation areas and leisure spaces in which the user adapts solar incidence to the requirements of any given moment.The Polyscreen® 550 fabric in White Linen can block up to 96% of sunlight and it provides the visual and thermal comfort necessary in the workspace. Its high energy performance leads to savings in terms of heating and air conditioning. It is fully recyclable, free from substances that are harmful to health, and it preserves the indoor air quality, having been awarded the Greenguard Gold certification.

Just off Deansgate, in the beating heart of the city, lies the hotel YOTEL Manchester. Expect innovative design, eco-friendly credentials and time-saving technology, in the rooms and beyond. Delivering experiences to Generation YO - 20 and 30 somethings who work hard, and love to socialise -  through creative use of technology and smart, sustainable design.  In order to carry through innovation and creativity into the building's façade and at the same time stimulate the experience of comfort indoors, it was decided to install DucoSun Linear 200 louvres on the façade.Architectural designThe DucoSun Linear 200 louvres are shaped as a parallelogram onto the façade, providing a particular attractive and architectural effect. From the street view, the sleek look and uniformity of the louvres are immediately noticeable. A striking design, which matches perfectly with the striking service the hotel offers to its guests.Sophisticated functionalityBy covering large glass surfaces, the DucoSun Linear 200 louvres combat overheating and deliver a comfortable and healthy indoor climate where guests will enjoy spending time, even during the warmest days of the year. The parallelogram-shaped louvre blades are designed this way they guarentee the maximum amount of diffuse daylight, creating a pleasant atmosphere inside the hotel at all times.In the vision and mission of the hotel lies the endeavour to conserve resources and develop spaces efficiently and sustainably. A better indoor quality and atmosphere and an eye-catching look with the DucoSun Linear 200 louvres definitely fit this purpose and will furthermore stand the test of time as sustainable and futureproof solar protection solution.

• The West Croydon Bus Station in London is a vital link for the millions of people every year commuting to work from the South and South East into London. The station forms a hub for over 150 buses per hour with the adjacent tram stop and West Croydon railway station providing routes to both East and West London as well as to the City and Docklands.• The redevelopment of the bus station forms part of a £50 million programme of the Main Street public pedestrianised space and transport infrastructure to transform the town centre by creating a more attractive environment in which to live, work, socialise and do business.• Designed by Transport for London’s in-house team of architects headed by Martin Eriksson, the project goal was to create a user-friendly waiting and assembly shelter to cope with a 20% increase in passenger numbers and provide a brighter more spacious environment to service the vast number of passengers using this interchange daily.The SolutionThe normal choice of construction for a translucent and weatherproof canopy would be to glaze the roof with glass. However the project team at TfL realised that Kalwall® offered a better solution in this location. It would not only solve the design requirements and contribute to a better design but would offer many other benefits over traditional glazing.For example, since Kalwall is much lighter than glass the supporting structure could be less strong and far less substantial. This meant the vertical supports were less obstructive and opened up a better view of the environment, including the very attractive St Michael’s Church located nearby which had previously been blocked from the view of waiting passengers. The corten steel (weathering steel) support could also be subtle and worked into arches and patterns meant to mirror and complement the church.Furthermore, Kalwall is visually far more attractive than glass while eliminating shadows, hotspots and glare and the stark contrasts of light and shade; all improving the experience for passengers underneath.As Kalwall diffuses natural daylight downwards and reduces vertical illumination and reflection upwards at night, it can control light pollution on the surrounding high-rise buildings while emitting a very attractive ethereal glow, making it a beacon for travellers.Maintenance-wise, Kalwall is also an effective choice. Soil and detritus are less obvious on Kalwall than on glass and cleaning is much simpler because access scaffolding is not required and maintenance staff can safely walk across its surface.The CommentsMartin Ericksson comments, “Transport for London has a long and rich design heritage. The approach to the redevelopment of West Croydon bus station has sought to build on this heritage and recognises that waiting for your bus should not just be a perfunctory experience, instead it should be a positive one enhanced by good architecture. Site constraints, high footfall and the poor design of the previous station, presented an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the difference good architecture can make through improved layout, better passenger movement and accessibility – whilst supporting the West CroydonMasterplan.Brick was chosen to connect the station to its urroundings, especially the adjacent listed church. Using Kalwall brought many advantages and benefits in relation to its lightweight yet strong structural qualities. It has helped enhance daylight transfer and protects from sunglare whilst reducing hotspots and solar gain. The material’s soft translucent qualities contrast beautifully with the building’s warmth and texture, providing a sheltered waiting environment with the added advantage of low maintenance and high performance.”

The Palm Tower, a new landmark from master developer Nakheel, under construction at the heart of Dubai's iconic Palm Jumeirah, promises that each of its luxury hotel rooms and apartments will feature one of the best views in the city.To achieve this, the 52-storey, 240-metre-tall hotel and residential building will be clad entirely in glass.Of course, Dubai’s climate means that preventing excessive heat build-up inside heavily glazed buildings will always be a priority. For this project, the architect chose to install 50,000 square metres of Pilkington Suncool™ One 30/21 solar control glass so that residents and guests enjoy both stunning vistas in cool, comfortable surroundings.Silver liningThe glass features a state-of-the-art multi-layer coating that incorporates a microscopically thin layer of silver to help reduce heat transmission to just 21 per cent, while maintaining a neutral colour balance in the light passing through, maximising the views.The building is clad in an area of glass equivalent to 192 tennis courts, but because of the advanced magnetron sputtering technique used to apply the coating, just eight kilogrammes of silver was needed to cover the whole tower. That’s a piece of silver approximately the size of a laptop.Pilkington Suncool™ One 30/21 was originally developed by Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, for Intraco UAE, which has used the glass on a number of projects in the past.Leo Pyrah, product manager at Pilkington UK said: “The view you will get from these hotel rooms and apartments is one of the major draws of this building, but clearly a fully glazed skyscraper in such a hot climate creates challenges from an energy management perspective.“The bespoke coating we have developed alongside Intraco lets the developer and its customers enjoy the best of both worlds – a stunning view with much reduced solar heating.”CentrepieceAs the centrepiece of the world-famous Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Tower is set to become a new landmark for Dubai. When completed, the mixed-use complex will feature 432 apartments and 290 hotel rooms, as well as a rooftop dining and recreation destination featuring a 360-degree roof top infinity pool, a high-end restaurant and a public viewing deck offering sweeping views of The Palm, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline.As well as creating a comfortable climate for users, the solar-control glazing will also significantly reduce the need for air conditioning, reducing costs and emissions.Leo Pyrah continued: “Dubai is a city that is pushing architectural and technological boundaries and we’re excited to have played a role in shaping the look of its iconic and ever-evolving skyline.”Project: Palm Tower, DubaiClient: NakheelGlazing distributor: Intraco UAE

Qbic Manchester, the fourth property in the Qbic portfolio, mixes striking design with admirable eco-credentials and affordability to deliver a truly eclectic destination hotel. Working with Qbic’s own interior designers and contractor, MY Construction, Style was specified to create flexible space in the hotel’s meeting rooms whilst also complementing the breath-takingly chic decor.Finished in a stunning steel blue, the two identical Dorma Hüppe Variflex glass moveable walls incorporate telescopic end panels, giving a truly aesthetic finish. With 52dB acoustic integrity and semi-automatic operation the walls can be quickly manoeuvred into place, dividing or opening out the meeting areas to meet the demands of the day.Combining a stylish crittall effect with a reeded manifestation added to the glass to match the room’s fixed glazing, these moveable partitioning walls not only add flexibility to the hotel’s space but also enhance the overall interior design.Qbic has reinvented the concept of affordable hotels, by focusing on what matters to its stylish, savvy, environmentally responsible guests. Located on the lively Deansgate strip, the Manchester hotel offers 261 pet-friendly rooms, boasts comfortable king-sized beds, has high-speed WiFi, plus water-efficient power showers and sustainable toiletries.“This hotel oozes the ‘wow’ factor,” said Andy Gibson, Style’s director for the North.“The moveable walls are effortless to manoeuvre, enabling hotel staff to create either three separate meeting rooms, one large and one small room, or open up the entire area."Semi-automatic operation ensures the acoustic seals are always applied to exactly the right pressure, offering high levels of privacy when meetings are in progress. The Qbic design team’s vision of a blue steel finish in this vibrant environment was truly inspiring and something we were proud to be able to deliver.”Style is the UK market leader in moveable, folding and partitioning walls and its glass range has expanded this year with a complete range of acoustic and non-acoustic solutions – each with manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic operation.

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

Chabrat Fish Market in Mina District, Doha is a luxurious seafood destination with stunning architecture and a beautiful interior. The market offers an impressive selection of fresh seafood, including local and imported varieties.Doha Port Mina District is a popular tourist attraction with a harbour for cruise ships, as well as cafes, eateries, retail stores, and hotel apartments. Chabrat Fish Market fits marvellously into the neighbourhood of buildings painted in striking, vibrant colours and surrounded by lovely green gardens. The overhead glazing, made with the laminated coloured/stained glass with evguard®  is exquisitely crafted and absolutely stunning. Beautiful lighting fills the space and it creates a mix of light and shadow and a reflection on the walls in a variety of color tones.Photo: Amazing design and hot climate and extremely high UV exposure application made by MEBG & Spectra Arts/Qatar.For more information on the project please contact:Issa OSMAN issaosman@gmebusiness.com+961 3 145 155Aline Daheraline.daher@gmebusiness.com+961 1 511081

MODERN COASTAL ARCHITECTURE CREATED USING TECHNAL SYSTEMSLayered recessed glazed facades, created using TECHNAL aluminium systems, maximise occupant views and deliver a sleek seafront architectural focus for new, luxury apartments overlooking the beach at Gorey in Jersey.Designed by Jersey-based Morris Architects, the development called The Beach comprises six apartments across four floors with undercroft car parking. Constructed by main contractor, Camerons, the glazing package was coordinated by installer Style Windows who worked with fabricator Bonam and Berry Ltd to develop the specification. “Using layered glazed balconies and recessed facades, the building takes on a stylish streamlined appearance. A sweeping corner provides an open, translucent structure, which minimises impact on the adjacent cottages and the beach. Secondary vertical columns have been used to help articulate the horizontal curved form of the balconies.”Ricardo Marques, architectMaximising the beautiful view for the building’s occupants using minimal profiles was a priority for the design team, without compromising the façade’s weather performance at this exposed location. This was achieved using a range of aluminium systems from the extensive TECHNAL range.  For easy access to the balcony area on the seaside elevation, the TECHNAL C160S Lift & Slide aluminium door system has been installed to each level, combining minimal sightlines and high thermal performance with a user-friendly slide action that glides, effortlessly. One of the door sets is an impressive 4.5m wide x 2.4m high, comprising only two panes, both of which are sliding. "Coastal developments always require a diligent approach to glazing specification. The architect had a clear vision for the building and the facade required a precision specification to achieve the right balance between aesthetic and performance in relation to the building's exposed location. Whilst installing beach-side was challenging, the finished facade looks impressive."Dave Sutcliffe, Style WindowsTo achieve the curved glazed corners at each storey level, TECHNAL Elegance 52 ST Curtain Walling has been fabricated to the specified quadrant, with an external radius of 1.9m, resulting in an impressive glass arc width of almost 3m. Combined with the 2.4m floor to ceiling height, the Elegance 52 ST system has allowed for a truly breathtaking sweeping curve to the building. Internally, the mullion of the curtain walling aligns perfectly with the adjacent Lift & Slide doors, giving the façade an elegant, continuous flow across the elevation."This is the beauty of TECHNAL systems. Even with the high wind loads of this exposed location, we have been able to create a sleek facade solution."Ricardo Marques, architectOther TECHNAL systems used on the project include four single doors and one double-set from the Dualframe Dualsecure 75mm range as well as its STII Doors to the entrance and escape doors. A selection of Dualframe 75mm SI windows in top hung, side hung and pivot configurations have also been installed throughout the building.Taking advantage of the dual colour facility and to combat the extreme weather conditions of this coastal location, externally the systems are anodised to Anolok™ Umber 543 in contrast with the white rendered walls. Internally, a white powder coat finish has been used to maintain the light bright design inside the apartments.To the north facing elevation, standard low-e toughened glass was specified with the rest glazed using solar control glass."Bonam and Berry has supplied TECHNAL architectural aluminium products continuously for over 40 years, and uses the complete range of systems for residential, commercial, educational and all public and private sector applications."Andrew Spencer, Commercial Director at Bonam & Berry

The Project.Mustard Wharf, in the heart of Leeds, is a Build to Rent development comprising of 247 boutique apartments and ground floor retail units across three buildings, situated close to the historic Leeds and LIverpool canal.  Architectural interior design company, Lister and Lister, worked closely with our client, Amron to design inspiring amenity spaces across the development. A central clubhouse was designed, providing residents with a variety of shared spaces connected by a dramatic steel plate staircase.Expanded metal meshes in Zircon 45 and Zircon 60 were designed by Amron, for the stair soffits, and for balustrades within the Atrium space. In order to retain the appeal of a metallic appearance, a shade was chosen from Powdertech’s Anomatch™ range which resembles the sheen provided by anodising. One of the advantages that Anomatch has over anodising is that it provides an homogenous finish across different metal batches and joined sections. There are over twenty Anomatch shades from which the client chose ‘Regency Gold’. The staircase soffits and the balustrades are a stunning feature within this residential development.Benefits of Anomatch.Fast turnaround.Consistent colour shade within and between batchesExcellent resistance against corrosion.Easy to clean.Sections can be drilled or cut without fracturing the coating.Unlike anodising material can be welded without affecting the subsequent finish

Combining various types of moveable wall within the same building is fast becoming the latest trend for architects aiming to create the ultimate flexible space solution. One recent example is the London offices of Anglo American, a leading global mining company, where partitioning experts Style installed a complex arrangement of moveable wall systems to divide a single large space into four individual rooms.To achieve the level of adaptability required, Style utilised both solid and glass Dorma Hüppe Variflex semi-automatic moveable walls, as well as vertically rising, fully automatic Skyfold Classic 60 moveable walls.This combination enables the entire space to be re-configured quickly into smaller or larger meeting rooms, with the 57dB acoustic rating of the solid moveable wall, 52dB of the glass moveable wall and 59dB of the Skyfold delivering such an exceptional sound barrier that all rooms can host busy meetings without causing any disturbance between them.Anglo American is a leading global mining company whose products are the essential ingredients in almost every aspect of modern life. Its portfolio of world-class competitive operations, with a broad range of future development options, provides many of the future-enabling metals and minerals for a cleaner, greener, more sustainable world.Style worked with architects, MCM, and contractor, BW, to create wide-ranging flexible space in the ‘Office Zone’ and ‘Innovation Hub’ located at Anglo American’s offices in London. Within the configuration, the Skyfold walls meet with Dorma walls in T shapes, turning this very large room into four individual rooms accessible via a corridor, created when the glass moveable walls are in position.By integrating four fully-glazed pass doors into the glass moveable walls, there is ease of access into each of the meeting rooms from the temporary corridor.“This is a superb example of how a range of complementing moveable walls can combine to deliver truly first class, flexible office space,” said Julian Sargent, Style’s group managing director.“The final configuration gives Anglo American so many options as to how to use the space and is a real showcase for anyone visiting the building.”

Chinmaya Mission exists to provide individuals with the wisdom and practical means for personal growth and development, enabling them to become positive contributors to society.  At Chinmaya Kirti, their home in London, a major renovation project was designed as a vision for future generations, rather than just an improved building.Working with architects, KJC, and contractor, Home Republic, Style was specified to be part of that vision, installing moveable walls to enable one large space in the classroom/bookshop area to be easily converted into six multi-functional rooms based on daily requirements. A combination of multiple Dorma Hüppe Variflex Glass and Variflex solid semi-automatic moveable walls were agreed as the best solution, with the glass moveable walls providing a 52dB acoustic barrier and the solid wall 55dB.With a standard anodised aluminium frame finish to the glass walls, and a melamine finish to the solid walls, the final installation provided a light and calm feel to the room design.“This is a great example of how using a combination of glass and solid moveable walls can transform how space is used,” said Michael Porter, sales director for Style South.“The glass moveable walls can combine to create a temporary corridor while the solid moveable walls then segregate the space into smaller individual rooms. Or the Mission can choose a whole range of combinations – from using one glass wall to simply divide the room in two, or to use the walls to provide varying sizes of rooms to suit the requirements of the day.“Such is the quality of the acoustic integrity that multiple events can take place within the segregated rooms without disturbing one another, which was an important factor at the Mission.“By including pass doors also means the moveable walls can remain in place for extended periods and the rooms can be accessed and used with ease.”

The Friedrichscarrée is a modern office and retail complex in the center of Stuttgart.Named after the former king of Württemberg, Friedrich I., it is characterised by its modern architecture and glass front. In addition to numerous companies, it now also hosts retail, catering businesses and event spaces. The good access to public transportation and the close proximity to restaurants and cultural institutions, make Friedrichscarrée an attractive location for businesses and visitors.As the general contractor for the expansion, Lindner carried out an extensive interior construction - ranging from drywall work to floor systems and wall cladding. In addition to high-quality floor coverings and also partly automated partition walls, the special construction of the hollow floor FLOOR and more® for the pedestal in the barista bar was a central element of the revitalisation. Lindner hallway ceilings LMD, heating and cooling ceilings and acoustic sails were also installed to optimise room acoustics.Furthermore, GiB mbH supported Lindner in upgrading the existing fire protection. The entire conversion was carried out during ongoing business, which required precisescheduling of noise-intensive work.

Designed by Shawn Hausman Design this hotel features a retro interior style which some may call kitschy or ‘hippie’ style. But there’s no doubt that this hotel is unlike any other, bursting at the seams with bright, vibrant colours and minimalist furniture and décor reflecting a somewhat 70’s glam style. While the interior might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the exterior is quite a sight to behold. With its brutalist-style architecture, it draws on the curved windows that cover the building as the main focus of the design. Originally built in 1974 as an office block and public library Orms were responsible for retaining this stark exterior. The hotel was heightened by a glass extension across the top of the building that holds a restaurant and club.Perhaps the coolest feature of the hotel, the red pill lift. A single external red pod, contrasting vividly with the plain white concrete frame, that transports its guests to all the 266 rooms and the rooftop bars.Selo provided simple, sleek riser doors that fit in perfectly with this modern look, and allow the eye to be drawn to the more important design features of the interior.

The ChallengeNearly 400,000 Forterra-supplied bricks have been used to construct a striking new nine-storey block of apartments in the Baltic Triangle area of Liverpool.Phase 2 of Norfolk House, on Simpson Street, is made up of 100 affordable apartments aimed at young professionals and students, and its architecture creates a link between the Georgian red brick warehouses of the area and the modern aluminium and glass buildings in the city centre.PROJECT INFOPRODUCT DETAILThe SolutionForterra’s recently launched high quality Farmstead Antique facing bricks were manufactured at the firm’s Accrington brickworks, and Norfolk House Phase 2 was the first large-scale project to utilise them.Architect James Tartt said “The Baltic is a trendy, up-and-coming cultural quarter of Liverpool set in the city’s historic docklands, and we wanted the design and brickwork of this scheme to reflect the renovated warehouses of the area, some of which date back to the 18th Century.“To this end, we had sample walls constructed at the site in the early stages before building work began, where we tested different types of brick and mortar to ensure they matched the surrounding architecture as closely as possible. Forterra’s Farmstead Antique bricks were ideal for this job.”The BenefitsIan Shard, Commercial Director of Lancashire Brick, who specified the job, said, “We knew we wanted quality new bricks which matched the area, and using Forterra’s handy online Brick Matching app we were able to find the closest brick type possible for our clients.”Forterra nominated the finished project for the 2018 Brick Awards, in the Large Housing Development category.