"architectural metalwork"

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

Canal Architectural were approached to design, manufacture and install luxury feature staircases, balustrades and screens for a commercial space in Bond Street. A leading commercial design company collaborated with the Technical Sales Team to engineer bespoke architectural metalwork for this world class project.The 14,500 sq ft of commercial space in the heart of London was developed to connect its employees and working spaces together over 10 floors. The Zig Zag profile staircase structure and flat bar balustrade featured hidden structural steelwork supports with a site applied bronze effect paint finish. The fully cantilevered stair structure spanned over 6 floors and featured flat bar balustrades and underside soffit panels, all site sprayed in a contemporary bronze effect finish. Another staircase structure spanned over 2 floors and featured hidden structural steelwork supports, wall panels and mild steel flat bar construction.Canal Architectural worked closely with the team to engineer various bespoke items for the development including bespoke planters, balustrades and screens. The entire development was transformed into a contemporary co-working space for the specialist real estate firm.The Canal site team worked closely with the contractor throughout the entire installation process to ensure smooth delivery in line with current building regulations. Canal Architectural are proud to have worked on this extensive redevelopment programme to engineer exquisite architectural metalwork designs for this landmark commercial space.

Canal Architectural were approached to design, manufacture and install a feature staircase for an iconic art Deco building in London. The commercial development is home to an array of international businesses and features a large interconnecting staircase and large terrace.The 35,000 sq ft development featured a large helical, mild steel staircase in the central atrium. The posts were fixed through the timber treads and featured 8mm steel tread plates and a satin polished handrail. The entire staircase site sprayed to suit the client specifications and blend with the avant garde surroundings.The Canal site installation team worked closely with the contractor throughout the entire process to ensure smooth delivery in line with current building regulations. Canal Architectural are proud to have engineered exquisite bespoke architectural metalwork on this iconic project.Photo credit: Signature London

Canal Architectural were approached to design, manufacture and install a luxury feature staircase for Gresham Street. A leading workspace design company collaborated with the Technical Sales Team to engineer a four flight staircase for the atrium of the building.The 50,000 sq ft of commercial space in the heart of London was developed to connect its employees and working spaces together. The mild steel structure featured oak timber box treads, painted stringers, bronze metallic balustrade and a wrapped brown leather handrail. The entire development was transformed into a contemporary co-working area for a modern and innovative space for the specialist investment firm.The Canal site team worked closely with the contractor throughout the entire installation process to ensure smooth delivery in line with current building regulations. Canal Architectural are proud to have a long-standing collaborative relationship with leading design and build firm. Canal has worked directly with the workspace design company to engineer exquisite architectural metalwork designs for some of the UK’s most prestigious projects over the years including Gresham Street.

Architectural fabrication specialist Metalline worked closely with Associated Architects, Glassolutions and United Anodisers to produce a range of bespoke rainscreen panels in anodised silver and a striking two tone striped anodised bronze to enhance the brick and glazed façade of the new centre. The two tone bronze effect is a first for the UK and one that Metalline rigourously tested and trialed in conjunction with partnering anodisers. Over 3000m2 of aluminium rainscreen panels were supplied in varying lengths up to 4000mm length x 2000mm wide. The panels were then individually referenced and then installed together to achieve the desired effect. In addition Metalline also supplied fascias and soffits together with their range of perforated rainscreen panels, finished in a black polyester powder coating that added a further dimension to the finish of the building’s façade. With over 30 years experience and an enviable reputation nationwide, Metalline have successfully developed into one of the leading fabricators of specialist architectural metalwork in the UK. Their latest state of the art manufacturing equipment and extended production capability allows a highly skilled workforce to deliver precision engineered metalwork on time and to exact specification. This expertise coupled with an ability to react to even the most challenging of design criteria, has led to Metalline’s architectural fabrications being specified by architects and contractors on a wide range of prestigious projects throughout the United Kingdom. Their relationship with specialist suppliers within the coatings and finishes sector has enabled us to develop unique and exceptional finishes to meet almost any design criteria. This coupled with our new 3D design offering is bringing a whole new dimension to what designers and architects can achieve.

Canal Architectural recently manufactured and installed a grand sweeping staircase structure to the iconic, Regents Crescent in London. The Grade I listed building houses 67 luxury residences, 9 Garden Villas, including private gardens and 5-star amenities. The centre of the Crescent features a magnificent double-height entrance lobby with three helical staircases. The grand, sweeping helical staircase design created a real connection between the floors and every spindle unique in design to create fluidity and movement in the installation. All three staircases were site sprayed and featured an anolok bronze finish for a contemporary look. The overall design aesthetic reflected the elegance and grandeur of the Regency period. This project was a remarkable accomplishment for the team at Canal Architectural, the increased creativity and precision in metalwork fabrication means the most complex architectural designs such as Regents Crescent can be brought to life.

For one of the world’s largest self-service bag drop zone in Gatwick North Terminal SAS designed a bespoke, hand-formed 45° angle bulkhead to surround the SAS200 islands. Presenting a clean finish, the 'knife-edge' feature provides a precision-engineered and dramatic aesthetic. This architectural metalwork solution frames the ceiling islands and stands out against the dark grey ceiling. SAS600 rafts were specified over walkways to guide visitors from the entrance to the main check-in area. This design aesthetic and the ease of integration with signs fulfilled the client brief to improve airport ‘wayfinding’.

The ChallengeA residential development exclusively for the over 55’s, Quantock House in Taunton, Somerset features a series of contemporary one and two-bedroom apartments set over the eight-storey building. The latest development from Platinum Skies, part of the Affordable Housing and Healthcare Group (AHH), Quantock House includes a bistro, bar, activity room and private, landscaped gardens. Designed with comfort and luxury in mind, each apartment features a modern glass balcony offering stunning views over the surrounding hills.Appointed by AHH, AMI was tasked with developing a fire-rated glass balustrade solution. Working closely with Pyroguard’s technical team, this collaboration resulted in the development of AMI’s Fire-Tek Balustrade system, featuring Pyroguard Balustrade fire safety glass. The system, fully backed by site specific structural calculations, is compliant with all the latest building regulation requirements for residential buildings over 18 metres tall (11 metres in Scotland).The SolutionDesigned specifically for balcony and balustrade applications and suitable for installation on buildings over 18-metres high (the first of its kind and patent pending), Pyroguard Balustrade is a toughened fire safety glass, manufactured to classification A2-s1. In addition to its fire reaction qualities, Pyroguard Balustrade also offers excellent light transmission and is certified to the 1B1 impact resistance rating (according to EN12600) – both key factors for the application.Quantock House is one of the first UK projects to have an NHBC accepted A2-s1 glass balustrade system installed on its apartment balconies – the result of a close working partnership between fire safety glass manufacturer Pyroguard and Architectural Metalwork Installations Limited (AMI), the architectural metalwork specialist.

Sherwin-Williams, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of powder coatings, has helped transform London’s skyline with a stunning new look guaranteed to last for decades.The multimillion pound refurbishment of Great West House in Brentford – one of the capital’s landmarks – demanded a finish that had guaranteed reliability and matched the bold ambitions of its owners, CLS.Market-leading Syntha Pulvin coatings from Sherwin-Williams had a proven track record on the UK’s most prestigious developments, with a 30-year guarantee – making it the obvious choice for the Great West House’s refurbishment. Powdertech (Bicester), a Sherwin-Williams approved applicator, applied nearly 4.5 tons of Syntha Pulvin powder coatings in silver metallic to the two-building development (named GW1 and GW2), covering every inch of its metalwork.“This was a particularly large and impressive job, but it’s the kind of complex, intricate powder coating work that we specialise in,” said Peter Hudson, Commercial Manager, Powdertech (Bicester). “The Sherwin-Williams Syntha Pulvin coating is one of the prime products in the market and we use it on almost every project, as the coating’s inherent quality and long guarantee appeals to our prestigious clients.”These powder coatings are 100% recyclable and can be applied to aluminum and galvanised steel window frames, cladding panels, curtain walling, roofing and most architectural metalwork. All products are fully weather resistant, prevent UV fade and offer thermal shock resistance. The Syntha Pulvin matte coating’s durability was also successfully tested in Florida for five years – the equivalent to more than 30 years in Northern Europe.Project DetailsClient: CLSContractor: Powdertech (Bicester)Coatings Provider: Sherwin-WilliamsProducts: Silver Metallic Syntha Pulvin Powder Coating

With the goal to create one of the most prestigious residential addresses in the North East, the £38 million Echo 24 project demanded a powder coating solution with unrivalled durability and a finish that was second to none. Following its impressive track record on other high-profile jobs, the metalwork fabricator on the project handpicked the Sherwin-Williams approved-applicator, Architectural Powder Coatings, to deliver the perfect finish.In total, a ton of metallic silver Syntha Pulvin powder coatings from Sherwin-Williams was applied to all external metalwork on the residential building, including windows and the curtainwall – covering almost 10,000 square meters of metal.As well as giving this Sunderland landmark a stunning look, the Sherwin-Williams highly-durable polymer coating came with a 30-year guarantee – five more years than its previous warranty. This made it one of the most reliable coatings available in the industry.

Powder coatings from Sherwin-Williams helpeddefine Sunderland’s exclusive Echo 24 development– built on the site of the historic Sunderland Echonewspaper building.With the goal to create one of the most prestigiousresidential addresses in the North East, the £38million Echo 24 project demanded a powder coatingsolution with unrivalled durability and a finish thatwas second to none. Following its impressive trackrecord on other high-profile jobs, the metalworkfabricator on the project handpicked the SherwinWilliams approved-applicator, Architectural PowderCoatings, to deliver the perfect finish. 

A lovely example of our CGA01 cast iron grilles, these classic heritage designs are in keeping with the shop fronts in this beautiful Georgian street in central London. Britannia Metalwork grilles can be powder coated in any RAL paint, or a bespoke colour as seen here to match the setting. They can be used to disperse heat or set into steps or walls on the outside of houses to act as air vents for ventilation in cellars and basements covers, or set into the flooring of external or internal balconies.Providing an elegant and decorative solution to a practical application, please see the full range of designs on our website or contact us to discuss our bespoke service.

OverviewThe Mayson, a new boutique hotel in Dublin’s regenerated Docklands, consists of two protected buildings on the city’s North Wall Quay – a traditional dockers’ pub and a 19th century timber warehouse. Features include Ryleigh’s rooftop restaurant, and a boutique barber shop set in a traditional pub, The Bottle Boy.Project criteriaA critical aspect of the design was to restore and knit the two buildings together in a way that preserved their industrial character. The hotel is a landmark feature in the Dockland area, sitting on North Wall Quay overlooking the River Liffey, a testing marine environment for architectural metalwork, making their protection paramount. A Corten-like finish had been suggested for the exterior metal fins, to look like rusted steel, but the designers wanted to avoid run-off from storm water drainage staining surrounding structures.The SolutionPowdertech Evolution™ finishes emulate metal patination but with no run-off and staining. A range of ‘rusted’ ‘Corten’ finishes is included in the Evolution range, all of which conform to ISO 12206 and Qualicoat specifications.The client chose one of the brightest – ‘Sahara’. As the images show, the colour changes depending on the light, and looks particularly stunning in full sunlight, complementing the red brick of the former dockers’ pub. Powdertech coated 2,100 linear metres of box-section aluminium to form one hundred and fifty vertical fins of 14m in length extending on the upper storey of the building. A marine-grade epoxy polyester primer was applied after a high etch-rate pre-treatment and before the Sahara coating in order to ensure excellent protection. The building retains its heritage and brings a distinctly warming glow to the entire area, even on a dull day.BenefitsThe Evolution range has up to a 25-year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion.Colour, tone and texture are our passion and we have the expertise to develop bespoke finishes.Powdertech has over 30-years’ experience in professional architectural powder coatingPowdertech's rigorous non-chrome pre-treatment system offers the best preparation for architectural aluminium.Powdertech’s flexible plant can coat a wide variety of shapes and sizes of architectural metal work and fabrications.

With both areas viewed up close by tourists and visitors every day, the striking finish of Syntha Pulvin coatings from Sherwin-Williams were perfectly matched to the job and offered a marketleading warranty.Even after three decades, previous Syntha Pulvin applications were still going strong. This prompted an extension of the guaranteed warranty, from 25 to 30 years – providing one of the most reliable coatings available in the industry. All Syntha Pulvin products offer exceptional weather resistance, prevent UV fade and deliver thermal shock resistance. The durability of Syntha Pulvin matte coatings has even been tested successfully in Florida’s hot climate – the equivalent to more than 30 years in Northern Europe.There are more than 100 colours available in the Syntha Pulvin matte and metallic ranges, all manufactured under carefully controlled conditions. These finishes are 100% recyclable and can be applied to aluminum and galvanised steel window frames, cladding panels, curtain walling, roofing and most architectural metalwork.The full range complies with BS6496, BS6497 and BS EN 12206-1, is BBS Certified and conforms to Qualicoat Class 1 and GSB standards. Syntha Pulvin products are also only supplied to approved applicators.“Syntha Pulvin was the ideal product for the Spinnaker Tower,” said Chris Mansfield, Commercial Director, Metalion Ltd. “Not only is the colour matched perfectly to the large amount of render used on the project, but the 25-year warranty offered at the time effectively closed the deal.”Project DetailsArchitect: HGP Greentree Allchurch EvansApplicator: Metalion LtdCoatings Supplier: Sherwin-WilliamsProducts: Bespoke Mix Syntha Pulvin powder coating

Britannia Metalwork worked with building contractors Gilbert-Ash and Architects Hawkins/Brown in designing, fabricating, and fitting bespoke decorative floor grilles to replace the damaged originals in the Orangery at the City of London Freeman’s School.It was a project that we were thrilled to be commissioned for and work that we are extremely proud of - the grilles were manufactured, delivered and fitted within the project timeframe, despite pressures of the ongoing global pandemic of 2021.The 168-year-old City of London Freemen's School is set in 57 acres of Ashtead Park in the heart of Surrey. The masterplan scheme included the renovation works to the Grade II listed Main House (including an energy centre), and some new buildings including junior school, dining hall and assembly hall as well as landscaping and car park works. The total cost of the project was £15 and won a place as a Finalist in the 2022 Conservation & Regeneration Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards.Britannia was commissioned to design and make a total of 33 bespoke cast iron grilles, with bare metal finish, to be placed within the marbled floor of the historic and beautiful Orangery. The focus of the work was to complement the heritage of the iconic building while ensuring good ventilation to allow the building to become a flexible and useful large space for school events.Frequently referred to as Cathedral, Ecclesiastical or Victorian decorative floor grilles and as seen here, often placed over channels holding heating pipes, they provide a practical and decorative heating vent. Originally designed for churches they are increasingly popular in private houses, greenhouses, and commercial building developments. Our grilles can be ordered in cast iron or cast aluminium and finished in a wide variety of options. We also work in association with Gunning Heating, making decorative cast iron grilles that fit seamlessly into their underfloor trench heater units.  See our website for a full list of our grille designs or contact us to discuss your bespoke requirements.

The architects ORMS of London tasked the team at Canal Architectural to design a commercial helical staircase that was completely unsupported from below. The challenge was to create the right combination of strength as well as achieving simple lines. Without compromising the integrity of the design the upper floor needed to be decked out with architectural steelwork; creating a circular opening strong enough to support the load of the floating staircase.

Canal Architectural worked closely with James Darwent Architecture to design and manufacture a bespoke curved cantilevered staircase for a property in the Peak District The mild steel staircase structure incorporated 16 timber treads with 20mm spindles and handrail, incorporating an all wax finish. A handrail was added to the staircase in American White Oak as part of a safety and architectural feature. The result was a minimalist structure that blended perfectly with the contemporary and rustic elements of the property. The talented project team worked closely with NAW Reynolds Building Limited to install the staircase in line with current regulations.

Originally opened in 1863 and voted 'Best UK National Treasure' at National Geographic Traveller Magazine Reader Awards, the Grade 1 listed, iconic British landmark, The Temperate House at Kew, reopened in 2018 after a major five-year, £41 million restoration. Comprising five pavilions and showcasing over 10,000 new plants from all over the globe, this glass cathedral is the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse, protecting the often rare and tender plants throughout the UK’s cold winters. Commissioned in 2017 by renowned architects Donald Insall Associates - heritage and historic building specialists - and working with ISG, the global construction and engineering company, Britannia designed and manufactured 146 bespoke cast iron floor grilles - a total of 73 linear meters - to house part of the vast new sunken trench heating system. The original inadequate and inefficient heating, ventilation, and irrigation systems were no longer in adequate condition or sufficient for the purpose, and a new biomass underfloor heating system was added to produce ambient temperatures for the plants without impacting the integrity of the building. The finished bare metal design CGA03, meticulously created by our highly experienced pattern makers, echoes the original traditional Victorian grilles found elsewhere within the glasshouse complex and has since become Britannia’s signature grille. We are exceptionally proud to have been chosen and trusted to complete this award-winning project and are equally proud of our teams to produce it – from design, to manufacture, to installation.Frequently referred to as Cathedral, Ecclesiastical, or Victorian decorative floor grilles and as seen here, often placed over channels holding heating pipes, they provide a practical and decorative heating vent. Originally designed for churches they are increasingly popular in private houses, greenhouses, and commercial building developments. Our grilles can be ordered in cast iron or cast aluminium and finished in a wide variety of options.We also work in association with Gunning Heating, making decorative cast iron grilles that fit seamlessly into their underfloor trench heater units.  See our website for a full list of our grille designs and finishes or contact us to discuss your bespoke requirements.

Canal were approached to manufacture and install an exclusive feature staircase for a private residence in Derby. The Cantilever staircase structure was manufactured in mild steel and features American Black Walnut box treads with a laminated glass balustrade.The upper floor featured structural glass balustrading with a stainless-steel slotted handrail that connected to the staircase structure. The handrail was fully welded, satin polished and featured a floating balustrade. The treads underneath the staircase featured strip lights to create ambience and blended perfectly with the contemporary and minimalistic features of the property. The client commented that the finished structure ‘looked superb and was pleased with the overall result’At Canal Architectural we take on board all specification requirements to ensure that the finished staircase design is functional, practical and aesthetically pleasing. The Canal site team worked closely with the contractor to ensure smooth fitting in line with current UK building regulations.

News that The Curve in Slough has won an LABC award in the “Best Public Building” category, has delighted Metalline who supplied a wide range of architectural aluminium fabrications on the project. At the heart of a £450m regeneration scheme, The Curve is Sloughʼs premier cultural centre. Now complete, it houses a new library, café, museum, performance venue and learning rooms. The iconic project features a bespoke cladding system curved on plan and in section. The complex geometry involved to the North, East and West elevations meant that Metalline were involved from an early stage with contractors Colorminium, who took responsibility for the detailed design and delivery of the full building envelope. Once Colorminium had specified their requirements for the project to Metalline, the architectural aluminium was supplied promptly and to the exact measurements and detailing. The bespoke cladding system features a range of Metallineʼs curved and straight fascia panels, Secret Fix soffits and curved Secret Fix hook on Unity rainscreen panels complete with welded studs to the rear and curved carrier system. All panels and soffits were finished in a polyester powder coated RAL 9006 metallic silver finish to give the building a modern and high quality appeal. Metallineʼs aluminium rainscreen cladding now has CWCT certification which has provided architects and specifiers with limitless possibilities for their projects enabling them to use unique and elegant rainscreen designs.

Architect/Designer: PRPLocation: ManchesterProject Overview: 30 Brown Street is a four-storey brick office building originally built in 1985. The brief was to retain and refurbish the building to provide circa 50,000sqft of adaptable contemporary workspace. ServiceFull hardware scheduling & bespoke finishProject DetailsThis exciting design in the heart of Manchester steers away from using traditional finishes such as stainless steel or brass and instead incorporates a bold use of white RAL9010 PPC ironmongery. Architect David Sharpe explains why‘The building has a lot of exposed raw finishes, including concrete soffits and grey terrazzo flooring, partly inspiring the name, CORE (also referring to the location in the heart of Manchester's office core). Doors and main structural elements were painted a very dark grey to provide a clear contrast with the concrete structure. The inspiration behind the choice of white ironmongery was to provide a high quality counterpoint to the darker raw exposed concrete and painted finishes, and any small part metalwork - eg the lighting, brassware and glazed partition framing, were also specified to be white to match.The contemporary interior was a key ingredient for the brief and although we started with the concept of a mixture of grey and white ironmongery to work with the overall feel of the building during our close work with the architect this was pulled back to a predominantly white scheme with grey pull handles being used for fully glazed doors to create greater contrast and to fulfil the contemporary brief.The choice of specific ironmongery took into account the desire for a minimalist aesthetic, relating to the choices in lighting and brassware.’To find out more about this project visit www.prp-co.uk/project/30-brown-street.html

GEC Anderson stainless steel worktops were specified in the complete refurbishment of the Bartlett School of Architecture in UCL's Bloomsbury estate. A series of Teapoint worktops and splashbacks feature prominently across several levels in the Hawkins\Brown project.

Architect/Designer: MCM ArchitectureLocation: Cannon Place, LondonProject Overview: New office fit-out for Top-10 global law firm CMS, open plan environment with shared cellular support. Scope included a complete ironmongery package for all new full height timber and glazed doors.ServiceFull hardware scheduling & Bespoke Design.Project DetailsTo help create an outstanding quality to CMS' new innovative law office 3v worked closely with MCM architecture to develop a full hardware specification that worked with their simple, clean design.Across the 3 large floors there are a mixture of door types, full height timber doors provided by Dealerward alongside Optima double and single glazed doors. Our experienced team co-ordinated all requirements for each door working closely with MCM and both door manufacturers throughout the design and construction process. With client experience being central to this design, ironmongery was chosen from the high end of our Vieler range including tailor made pull handles to suite the full height glazed doors.We are delighted that this project has been awarded the British Council for offices (BCO) Award for Fit-Out of Workplace 2016 for the london and South-East region.

Canal Architectural were approached to design a bespoke staircase for the homeowner of a luxury apartment in the Liverpool area. The property owner worked closely with the Canal technical sales team to design a contemporary staircase that provided access to the upper balcony area of the apartment. The final result was the design and supply of a minimalist Cantilever staircase. The intelligent piece of engineering anchored in at only one end, allowing the the protruding construction to overhang. Finally, dark stained oak treads were added to the Cantilever structure in line with latest design trends of natural and urban finishes.

Metalline have been involved with the Quartermile project from it’s very beginning, producing high-quality aluminium fabrications from building to building. The project is due to finish in 2019, and Metalline are continuously providing a variety of products for the remainder of the development’s lifespan. Quartermile is a development in the heart of Edinburgh, located on the site of the former Victorian Royal Infirmary. Neighbouring the University of Edinburgh and famous Meadows Park, Quartermile is one of the most sought-after pieces of land in the Scottish capital. Development over the last 10 years has seen the UNESCO world heritage site transformed into an iconic piece of Edinburgh architecture. Metalline’s aluminium products feature heavily throughout the Quartermile development, most prominently with our specified Feature Beam and copings. The innovative production department was able to manufacture deep Feature Beam pressings through a combination of press braking and routering techniques. The coping profiles also provided challenges as they were particularly large with complex corner details, of which Metalline were able to assist at the design stage and manufacture the products to exact specification.

The School of Architecture and Built Environment (SoABE) is the latest addition to the University of Wolverhampton’s investment in a new super-campus at the site of the former M&B Springfield Brewery, now transformed into a magnificent venue for learning and research.

Whilst good design is about creating a balance between aesthetics and functionality, great design evokes emotions. Historic architecture and interior design represent a place in time that people connect with; a historic building has charm whilst modern designs have the ability to inspire.

Hunter Douglas Architectural supplied the steel interior ceiling and aluminum exterior ceiling for the new conference center (BMCC) in Bruges

Designed by architects Studio E, the BREEAM Excellent rated building features over 2,000 Ultima aluminium insulated panels in varying lengths and depths up to 4500mm and 800mm respectively, finished in four different RAL colours The company also supplied a range of ventilated Bird’s Beak style panels, pressings, copings and cills that further added to the overall aesthetic of the building’s façade. The Ultima aluminium insulated panels were designed, supplied and manufactured by Metalline Architectural Fabrications. Metalline has become one of the UK’s leading fabricators of specialist architectural fabrication in the UK, developing innovative solutions for a range of flagship projects. Finished in four different RAL colours – reed green, pastel green, light green and mint turquoise – the overall effect of the multi coloured, multi-dimensional panels is one of inspiration that sits perfectly with the ultimate goals of the Academy’s vision for its pupils future. Metalline’s Ultima aluminium insulated panels are extremely versatile and possess excellent acoustic, thermal and fire performance ratings. They are typically produced using class A1 non-combustible insulation core and can be adapted to fit a variety of facade details, which include the ability to be glazed into a standard curtain walling or structural glazing system. The panels can also be perforated and manufactured into a variety of shapes to meet the most challenging design criteria. Ultima aluminium insulated panels can be fabricated up to an impressive 6000mm in one length.

Number One Valentine Place is a new grade A office building and winner of the 2013 New London Architectural Award for an office building. The external façade of the property features a range of aluminium pressings, glazed in Ultima aluminium insulated panels and Feature Beam, Metalline’s renowned aluminium beam, along with fifty aluminium fins specifically designed to offer solar shading for the building’s south facing position. All pressings and panels were finished in a specialist blue grey anodised finish where Metalline’s superior application and expertise are becoming renowned with architects and contractors throughout the UK.

Located within easy distance of the University of Edinburgh, this six-storey development provides 52 studio apartments for the city’ vibrant student community.Designed by Yeoman McAllister, the stone clad building complements the existing architecture of the area, while the high-performance aluminium fenestration package from Senior Architectural Systems provides a modern and compliant solution.Senior’s thermally-efficient SPW600e aluminium windows, installed with Louvre Guards in front of the opening lights, have been used throughout, combining a robust and secure construction with slim frames to frame far-reaching views of the city and ensure effective levels of daylighting. The main and communal areas benefit from Senior’s slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and low U-value PURe® Commercial Doors.Senior worked closely with main contractor Clark Contracts and fabricator partner GG Glass to deliver the scheme which has received wide praise for the quality of its accommodation and convenient links to several of Edinburgh’s main university campuses.

We’d never heard of the Williamson Tunnels in Liverpool. Now they’re truly ‘etched’ on our minds, thanks to an innovative architectural façade design. More than 2,000 perforated panels clad the car park with a design that represents the network of 200-year-old tunnels beneath Liverpool’s streets and rainscreen cladding on the stair core protect against the elements.“The façade looks great,” said Morgan Sindall Construction’s Senior Quantity Surveyor, Graham Golding, who singled out Maple for praise during what was a challenging build. “We had the Covid pandemic, weather issues, little bespoke changes and a myriad of other problems but Maple fitted in. Accommodating is the word I would use – they were one of the best (contractors) on site.”

Project:Ast+Dagdelen Architects approached Surespan to manufacture a glazed walk-on basement skylight for use at ground level to bring light and a means of delivery access for materials and goods to their model workshop which is situated beneath their architectural practice. Product:The single leaf 500 (19.5?) x 2400mm (95.5?) electrically operated and thermally broken access hatch featured TripleLite 34mm double glazing with a 1.4kN concentrated pedestrian load. The hatch was finished in a polyester powder coating to match Valspar Bronze.

Designed by Leonard Design Architects the Waterside Apartment scheme is a luxury residential development on the banks of the River Trent, and a pivotal part of the wider regeneration of the area. It comprises 121 luxury apartments and duplex penthouses, with offices and leisure facilities on the ground floor. To make the most of the breath-taking views, an extensive high performance fenestration package was specified from Senior Architectural Systems. This included thermally enhanced SF52 Curtain Walling and SPW600 Windows plus Senior’s patented PURe® SLIDE aluminium doors renowned for their innovative thermal break and outstanding energy efficiency.

The new sixth form college located at the site of the city’s former Masonic Hall has been sympathetically restored and extended to provide a number of new facilities, whilst maintaining the building’s architectural grandeur. The construction materials for the new build elements were carefully specified to both complement and enhance the existing Italianate Villa style. Doors, windows and curtain walling from Senior’s innovative Hybrid range, which features aluminium on the exterior to provide a durable and low maintenance solution and engineered timber on the interior for a natural look and feel, provided the perfect solution.

There has always been a relationship between design and the marrying up of form, function and aesthetics. While popularity of materials and styles comes and go over the years, how products look, feel and perform is constant. This interesting interplay is explored in the latest online theme from Troldtekt A/S, the Danish manufacturer of acoustic panels. Comprising expert articles, white papers and interviews, the ‘Architectural Beauty’ theme looks at the concept of architectural beauty and the importance of aesthetics in leading certification schemes for sustainable building. It acknowledges that it is not always possible to harmonise the aesthetic with the practical but that there are some ways in which they can be combined to provide value to a building while enhancing its beauty. Australian artist and designer Jay Dee Dearness sums it up well - “Beauty is the melding of functionality and aesthetics in just the right proportions to achieve the desired result.’ Acoustic product manufacturers, such as Troldtekt, embrace this relationship and are at the forefront of practical, aesthetic and high performance products and design. Troldtekt’s wood wool panelling is a perfect canvas allowing architects and designers to realise their most creative schemes, safe in the knowledge that acoustical performance will not be compromised.Since 1903, Copenhagen has presented annual awards for beautiful buildings, landscaping and urban spaces within the city. The Copenhagen Building Award comprises four categories - new buildings, restoration, refurbishment and urban environments. “We present the awards to honour the architects, engineers and developers behind the projects. Also, we’re keen to support projects and urban spaces that are of particular benefit to the city and its citizens”, comments Camilla van Deurs, City Architect of the City of Copenhagen and chair of the building award jury.Copenhagen’s Grøndalsvængets School (pictured), is one of the winning projects chosen by the Copenhagen Building Awards 2020. The school has undergone thorough renovation and expansion, all designed by JJW Arkitekter. It now has a fully modern learning environment where the original qualities have been preserved – and where the indoor climate is exemplary. Like most schools, it used to be noisy by nature from the exuberance of children. Now, this stunning example of architectural beauty shows how large bright spaces, natural daylight and interesting design works well with aesthetic high performance products. It also shows how wood wool acoustic panels make such designs possible while dampening ambient and reverberated noise which would otherwise be unbearable for users.  Many buildings have unique challenges relating to acoustic issues but all can benefit from acoustic panelling to help contribute towards improving the interior environment. Specified throughout the UK and Europe, the benefits of 100% Troldtekt natural wood wool panels include high sound absorption, high durability, natural breathability, low cost life cycle performance and sustainability. 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). In addition, information on Troldtekt’s Architectural Beauty theme can be found at https://www.troldtekt.com/news/themes/architectural-beauty or https://bit.ly/3jvFmV2