"architectural metalwork castings"

Aston House is a collection of thirty-two apartments in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.The one and two bedroomed interiors are complemented by a mix of classic protruding balconies and Juliet balconies, as well as terraces for the top floor homes. The external envelope has a brick-work skin up to the 4th floor and the fifth-floor penthouse apartments have metal rain screen cladding panels. There is also rain screen cladding around the ground floor entrance lobbies.Popular earthy, natural shadesThe architects wanted a warm, natural shade to complement the pale sand coloured brick work. ‘Rusted steel’ from our Landscape/Terrain range was chosen to coat 850sq metres of mild steel forming the rain screen cladding. All the powders we use conform to fire reaction rating A2-s1,d0 and have a 25-year guarantee for gloss, colour and adhesion.BenefitsPowdertech has years of experience in applying additional coating where needed to protect vulnerable metal surfaces. We call this our Plus+ service.Powdertech’s flexible plant can coat a wide variety of shapes and sizes of architectural metal work and fabrications.Powdertech has over 30-years’ experience in professional architectural powder coating.Powdertech has a very wide range of both standard and unusual powder coating shades and textures.Powdertech's rigorous non-chrome pre-treatment system offers the best preparation for architectural aluminium.

Working with Kier Construction, BOYCO successfully transformed this secondary school's changing room spaces.Project ScopeNorth Chadderton School in Oldham, is renowned for providing a supportive, and creative learning environment. The school was challenged with needing to create additional space for students, sparking a new construction project.Team BOYCO proudly worked with Kier Construction, to help transform the newly developed learning spaces at the secondary school. Part of the Oak Trust, BOYCO supported the school’s expansion project with the design, manufacture and install of a range of changing and cloakroom furniture.The BOYCO WayBespoke DesignTeam BOYCO’s in-house design and project management teams worked closely with the Architects drawings, designers at Kier Construction, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the task at hand. We collaborated closely to create designs that showcased a range of BOYCO’s market-leading changing and cloakroom furniture that seamlessly integrated with the school's aesthetic.Our Peg Rails, Island Bench Units, and Wall Fixed Bench units were carefully chosen to maximise space, whilst meeting the practical needs of both students and staff.Quality ManufacturingFrom our factory in Greater Manchester, we ensured that every piece of furniture was crafted with precision using high-quality materials. The durability of the furniture was a key consideration to withstand the daily demands of a bustling school environment.A bespoke requirement from North Chadderton, was that Oak timber was used. This was a symbolic request from the Secondary School, as they wanted showcase being part of the Oak Trust.BOYCO also acknowledged that the cloakroom furniture would be a frequently used, with placement in a high touch point communal area.Therefore, as per all BOYCO timber, the Oak is coated with anti-microbial lacquer which is formulated to stop bacteria from surviving on the surface – preventing the spread of 99% of known bacteria. This is a suitable fit as it supports a clean and safe learning environment.All metalwork to the Benches, Units, and Peg Rails are coated with our unique ‘Hot Dip’ nylon. This also provides anti-microbial protection and is 500x more abrasion resistant than the next powder coating, a great match for the school’s changing room.Expert FittingBOYCO provided a full fit out service to complete this project. Our expert team of fitters worked to exceed expectations and meet tight timescales, completing the full fit out of all spaces during the schools Christmas Holidays. This ensured that the new learning spaces were ready for when students returned in the New Year.Project Success99% satisfaction score from Chris Gregory, Project Manager at Kier Construction.

The Spa facilities and rooftop bedroom suites at London’s Dorchester hotel underwent a £3.2 million refurbishment. Architecturally the design of the seven bathrooms in the three exclusive rooftop apartments needed to be crisp and contemporary, with the fixtures inspired by 1930’s and 40’s era (the Dorchester was built in 1931) - dashing, exquisite and exclusive.

Colchester’s Visual Arts Centre is a stunning, crescent-shaped building that treads lightly and shouts loudly. The elegant roof and façade are 100% waterproof thanks to FOAMGLAS® cellular glass insulation. The insulation is covered in Tecu gold sheets seamed and fixed into position, giving this architectural marvel a golden glow.

Stone Cladding: Moca Crème Limestone - natural stone rainscreen cladding on this Berkeley Homes Development. ARCHITECT: Scott Brownrigg MAIN CONTRACTOR: Berkeley Homes INSTALLER: Architectural Aluminium PRODUCT: AlterStone Moca Crème Medium Grain Limestone CLADDING AREA: 900m2 START ON SITE: February 2016

BCM provided GRC to the façades of two new buildings that formed part of the Hornsey Town Hall redevelopment in 2021 and 2022.Both the Ayres Building and the Uren Building contained high-end apartments situated in blocks that complimented the architectural style of the neighbouring Grade II listed Town Hall and library.

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

The 'HOOLA' in Tidal Basin Road in East London, gateway to the soon-to-be regenerated Royal Victoria Docks area, has transformed a brownfield site into two rippling 23 and 24 storey glass towers, that offer 360 apartments with a mix of studios, along with one, two and three-bedroom units.The buildings are super-insulated and the concrete frame will act as a heat sink – absorbing heat on warm days and releasing it back into apartments when it cools. An innovative link-up with the neighbouring ExCel Exhibition Centre will also see excess heat piped directly into the two towers. This will provide all the necessary heating and hot water requirements and significantly reduce maintenance costs by doing away with the need for individual boilers. A critical design requirement for such a super-insulated building was the avoidance of any risk of thermal bridging at the many concrete-to-concrete balcony connectivity points – so highly efficient structural thermal breaks were required throughout. The preferred solution was the Schöck Isokorb® T type K for cantilever balconies.Luke Smerdon-White, Technical Director at Thorp, takes up the story: "We had to design, manufacture and deliver 1410 precast concrete balcony sections that had to then be cast integrally with the in situ concrete structure." "The exposed front-face is curved, with almost 50 different dimensional configurations, while the internal face has a facetted line that had to correlate with the glazing line and opening doors."

The Höllentalanger, at 1387m, short of halfway during the initial ascent from Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze, is a 'hut' millions of climbers have found shelter since 1893. Despite modernisation over the years however, the building had to be closed in autumn 2013.A replacement building was needed – and quickly too. Stephan Zehl, an architect from Munich, won the tender with his three-level, stepped building design. It has pent roof borders, which protects against avalanche risk from the eastern side; and meets all necessary current standards in providing dining facilities, equipment rooms, drying and shoe rooms and comfortable accommodation to sleep 100 people.During autumn and winter, all paths to the Höllentalanger are closed-off, as the Alpine climate makes it impossible to work for eight months of the year. Even in good weather, there are only walking tracks to the Höllentalanger, with no road access at all – so everything had to be flown in by helicopter. Rapid assembly and efficient transport costs were therefore critical to the budget and a combination of timber and pre-cast element walls were the chosen method of construction. Core-insulated prefabricated element walls were supplied for the ground level building. Due to the extreme temperature fluctuations, the concrete is subjected to pretty extreme expansion and contraction conditions. To counter this and to combat thermal bridging, it was important to install Schöck Thermoankers.

EnviroBuild provided over 200m² of Hyperion Pioneer Granite decking for the incredible penthouse apartment balcony and walkway. For the Centre Point development commissioned by  Almacantar. This ambitious project to revive Centre Point’s iconic 34-storey tower. Constructed of pre-cast concrete segments in the 1960s, the 117 metre (385 ft) Grade II listed tower still dominates the West End skyline today, providing panoramic views across the city.A collaboration between Conran + Partners, Rick Mather Architects and Multiplex Contractors, the brief was to transform the office space into 82 high-end residential apartments ranging from 80 sqm homes to a spectacular 600 sqm double-level penthouse apartment valued at £55M.The refurbishment of this London icon is at the forefront of the current regeneration focused on Tottenham Court Road Station, which will be a major transport hub with the opening of Crossrail in 2018.The EnviroBuild technical team worked closely with SMS, Multiplex and Conran to overcome some difficult design and drainage features, ensuring the finished product was to the exacting standards of one of the capital's most exclusive properties.Project DetailsSize: 200m²Colour: GraniteProduct: Pioneer Range – Hyperion DeckingSubstructure: Manticore Plastic LumberLocation: LondonClient: AlmacantarArchitect: Rick Mather Architects & Conran and PartnersContractor: MultiplexSub-Contractor: Structural Membrane SpecialistsAll images courtesy of Rick Mather Architects & Conran and Partners

One of the first residential developments created and offered for sale by Westminster City Council, Cosway Street, in Marylebone, London is a collection of 49 contemporary homes set around an attractive communal garden. Vandersanden’s Cayenne, Woodland Mixture and Lima bricks are integral both to the pre-cast Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) panels, forming the facades, and the traditional hand-laid brickwork lining the balcony spaces. This landmark building was inspired by the area’s Georgian terraces and Victorian mansion blocks. From the choice of materials to the precise proportions and the gentle curves of the scalloped panels, every element of the architecture has been considered to help stitch the scheme into its setting. David Miller Architects took over the project post planning approval. The design intent was to craft the building as if it had been carved from brick. A key decision was to employ pre-fabricated DfMA brick panels for the main facades, alongside traditional hand-laid brickwork for the inset balconies. Using this approach allowed the construction team to build quickly to a precise, high quality and efficient standard in a controlled manufacturing environment, using less energy and carbon and creating less waste. The idea was to split the building’s mass using the materiality, colours and textures of the three different bricks and the scalloped form of the panels to respond directly to the context of the site. The choice of bricks was incredibly important and had to meet the planning design intent explains Sundas Rohilla, project architect at David Miller Architects. “It was essential to ensure we were picking up the right tones of reds, yellows and greys from the existing buildings; Vandersanden’s Cayenne, Woodland Mixture and Lima do this perfectly. They also harmonise with the pigmentation of the concrete sills and copings, as well as with the window and balcony railing colours.” “We’d used Vandersanden products on a previous project for Westminster City Council and we’re now using them to deliver two other projects in the same area, Ashbridge Street and Ashmill Street. It comes down to the hues and the textures that the bricks offer and the company’s commitment to sustainability.” The mass of the building is reduced not only by the different blocks of brick colours but also by the gradation of the mortar colours across the façade. In all, there are five mortars with the darkest at the base of the wall and the lightest at the top. Using mortars in this way meant that there was no need to use different brick types to achieve the same effect, but it did mean that it was essential to have bricks of the right texture and consistency. The brick panels were pointed off-site in the factory. With such a complicated design, off-site construction meant that precise tolerances could be achieved, and the quality of the brickwork could be seamless. In all, 285 precast panels were manufactured by Decomo in Belgium to create 3.500m2 of finished facades. Dueto the façade’s differing curvatures, Decomo had to cut and bond the bricks to various sizes with 117 different shapes for each of the three brick colours. The bricks used by Decomo in Belgium exactly matched those being used on-site by the bricklayers, with Vandersanden working closely with the design team and directly with Decomo to manage this process. “Vandersanden was incredibly helpful and responsive from the start, providing samples and initial quotes during brick selection,” notes Rohilla. “The company’s approach to sustainability and collective wellbeing resonates with ours as an architectural practice. Knowing that Vandersanden has Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) that are super open means that we can easily compare against other products. It feels like sustainability is really embodied into their culture.”  “Our experience with Vandersanden has been great and their products have helped us deliver top quality housing. Everyone involved is very proud of the building’s aesthetic and that is due to the bricks. It’s been a very good experience and we hope to keep working with them.”The design for Cosway Street was by Bell Phillips, realised by Osborne and David Miller Architects as their delivery architects. To find out more about the bricks used in this project or to see the wide range of high-quality bricks available from Vandersanden, click on the 'View more' link

Architectural practice, dMFK, attract staff back to the office with Oscar Acoustics market-leading SonaSpray acoustic ceiling spray.In 2022, award-winning architectural practice dMFK, in collaboration with architects Sher + White, embarked on refurbishing dMFK’s HQ in Fitzrovia, London, to create a collaborative space for its workforce. They enlisted Oscar Acoustics to help create an acoustically balanced environment which would also work with the aesthetics of the interior space.SonaSpray K-13 was applied in a stunning pale grey colourway to the ceilings of the areas with the greatest potential for excess noise – the communal areas, large meeting rooms, and co-working spaces.On the finished project, De Metz commented: “We’re thrilled with how the office looks and performs. Oscar Acoustic’s SonaSpray is the single most noticeable and effective material in our office and directly contributes to day-to-day comfort and the ability to work without bothering others.”

Area: 1200m2Year: 2023Location: Frisco, TexasProduct: CladdingFinish: MustardArchitectural solutions: Overlapped installation systemProject type: EducationGensler’s adaptive reuse project of the Frisco Public Library transforms an old Texan manufacturing building, formerly utilized for food and aerospace products, into a center for public knowledge. The library design draws inspiration from the ecological history of the state’s Blackland Prairie and aims to establish an environment that fosters active learning for both visitors and staff.The outdoor facade employs PARKLEX PRODEMA panels in Mustard, a hue that harmonizes with the indigenous flora chosen for the landscape design of the project. The cladding boards were custom-fitted to create an overlapping siding system that gives character to the 1200 square meter facade while paying homage to the vernacular architecture. The technical attributes of PARKLEX PRODEMA products assure the longevity of the installation, providing great resistance to severe weather conditions while needing no upkeep.

Year: 2015Location: Croydon, UKProduct: CladdingFinish: PaleArchitectural solutions: Architectural panelsProject type: ResidentialThe Woodview Mews residential complex, in the Croydon district of London, is a unique housing concept with a unique design. It is a 1,337m2 development that can be configured as flats, duplexes, family homes or even offices and commercial units.The three-floor units can be modified to suit the demands of both the property owner and the housing market. For example, the top two floors of a family home could easily be reconfigured to be let as rental properties. Or, each unit could be let as separate commercial spaces.The complex’s PARKLEX PRODEMA Rustik cladding offers protection against UV rays, atmospheric agents and inclement weather. The panels are maintenance free and sustainably sourced, which helps the project meet high design standards, including Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 as a minimum.

The former Marlow Railway Station dates back to 1873 and stood at the junctions of Station Road and Lock Road. The Old Coal Yard, adjacent to a station platform now only present, has been developed and designed by Bellwood Homes on the concept of three converted Victorian railway terraced buildings.Broadsman House, Palatine Place and Fenman Court consist of three 2-bedroom houses, eight 2-bedroom apartments and one 1-bedroom apartment providing commuters stylish suburban living. Keystones brick slip feature arch lintels and special segmental arch lintels encompass the traditional and contemporary balance of the housebuilders architectural vision.ChallengeThe fashionable commuter town on the Thames has been well preserved, limiting modern styled developments to maintain its original character and historic fabric of heritage buildings. Bellwood homes wanted a sense of purpose for their regeneration project – reconnecting people with what really matters to them, property location and design. The vernacular architecture provides both. A prime location for commuters to ride the branch line into London, renown as the ‘Marlow Donkey’, and fits subtly within the notable context of Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian styles of architecture in Marlow.SolutionKeystone’s technical engineer designed extra heavy-duty brick slip feature arch lintels for ground, first and second floor openings with a 1085mm span and 543mm rise. Over forty brick slip arches were manufactured by Keystone’s production team to a high quality and consistent finish. Each Hoskins Maltings Antique brick was cut to size and bonded using a BBA approved construction adhesive to the load bearing lintels. The patented perforated lintel design allowed the adhesive to squeeze through the perforations and form a ‘mushroom’ on the inside, providing a mechanical lock between the steel lintel and the brick slips.The offsite economical solution did not require skilled bricklayers on site to replicate each traditional arch. This saved approximately labour costs of one bricklayer per arch per day and ultimately weeks of the project build schedule. All prefabricated lintels were delivered to site and ready for final pointing in line with the phased construction plan of the three buildings being erected. The arches produced in a factory control environment were unaffected by torrential weather and winter reduced day light hours limiting productivity. This can often occur on other build schedules which lead to further delays in creating architectural features with real significance to the landscape.The offsite construction method facilitated onsite construction further by supporting bricklayers to recreate window tax designs, bricked up window spaces seen in buildings from the Victorian period. The detail of the façade is prominent most through the repetition of window arches positioned symmetrically on elevations facing the Marlow station. Keystones heavy-duty special segmental arches measuring a 2400mm span, with either a 600mm or 450mm rise provide a modern contemporary twist which feature above glazed bedroom windows and are in complete contrast to the smaller traditional arched windows striking a balance between old and new architecture.Testimonial“From R&D to installation we found Keystones prefabricated lintels very efficient. They reduce brick wastage approximately by 5%. Typically, traditional built arches would require one bricklayer for approximately six hours work. Therefore, this reduced labour costs on site whilst supporting bricklayers to achieve the desired architectural design.”Matthew McGillSite Manager at Bellwood Homes

Hailed as a biomedical research landmark, the state-of-the-art Francis Crick Institute is located next to St Pancras Station and was designed by HOK / PLP Architecture. The INTRAflex XT Heavy Duty Entrance Matting was selected for use to ensure effective removal of foot borne soil and moisture, keeping floors safe and clean.

he Expo Group Interior Architecture team decided to utilise the wonderful wood laminates available in Polyrey's Origine collection, particularly those decors with strong personalities such as ‘Teck Massif’ . The finish selected was FA as they felt this would best compliment the teak design and highlight its natural characteristics such as the grain and texture.

The Clarges Estate is a 193,500 sq. ft. mixed-use development situated in the heart of Mayfair’s Conservation Area. Designed by award winning prestigious London architectural practice Squire and Partners, the development replaces the current 1960’s scheme with premium residential apartments and commercial space, spread over numerous buildings.

Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in South Africa, offering unique accommodation alongside a unique food and wine offering.The traditional Cheshire freestanding bath has been specified in a number of rooms and suites at Babylonstoren, and is perfectly in keeping with the architectural style of the farm and the luxury on offer.Designer: Karen Roos

A 22 and 17 storey development offering 286 apartments and penthouses at the heart of the city.The modern glazed facades utilise 2 seperate metallic finishes across the aluminium shadow box panels. The design seeks to complement and reflect the surrounding Victorian and industrial architecture.Finishes: Y2208I Sumela and Y4307I Djibouti Sable

Twinfix have been working their magic to help Network Rail restore Kettering Railway Station to its former glory. They have been helped in this project by the Railway Heritage Trust (RHT). The Railway Heritage Trust was created in 1985 by British Rail on the advice of railway heritage campaigners following the destruction of Derby Midland Station. The RHT is an independent company which assists the operational railway in its preservation and upkeep of listed buildings and structures. Network Rail and National Highways (Historic Railways Estate) sponsor the work of the RHT which currently holds an annual budget for restoration work, ensuring that high quality and the best materials are used to restore and preserve assets. Kettering station was opened in May 1857 by the Midland Railway, on a line linking the Midland to the Great Northern Railway at Hitchin. The Midland later gained its own London terminus at St Pancras Station. In 1857 the leather trade was in recession with over half of Kettering’s population on poor relief. The railway enabled the town to sell its products over a much wider area and restored the town’s prosperity. Originally the station had a single platform but in 1879 the station was quadrupled, and three new platforms were built. The Midland Railway commissioned waiting rooms, cast-iron columns, spandrels, and canopies for the new platforms to match the original 1857 design by Charles Henry Driver. In the 1970s, the glass canopies became a maintenance headache for British Rail, who proposed removing the glazing along with the cast-iron column heads and replacing it with sheeting. Thankfully, Kettering Civic Society intervened and saved the canopies and columns. 50 years later these important architectural elements needed some refurbishment but faced another threat. The Midland Mainline electrification programme meant that structural changes would be needed to the canopy structures to allow the overhead line electrical equipment to be installed above the tracks. Once again, the canopies were under threat but this time it was Twinfix which came to the rescue. Twinfix, the Warrington based pioneers of polycarbonate were the specified experts in the Network Rail business plan for the station refurbishment. Having already helped bring new life and importantly light into old stations as part of refurbishment work, Network Rail stipulated using Twinfix’s polycarbonate roofing panels and their mounting system to keep the overall aesthetics of the station but add a much-needed resilience to the canopies.  Twinfix recommended their Multi-Link-Panel glazing with 6mm solid clear polycarbonate to help the restoration project. The Multi-Link-Panel is an innovative, modular system that is incredibly quick to install and outperforms more traditional systems in terms of cost, performance, and appearance. Multi-Link-Panel canopies consist of pre-assembled modular glazing panels, manufactured to size for each individual project. Each panel comprises aluminium structural bars that are glazed with lightweight, yet tough, solid polycarbonate. The aluminium can be powder coated to a range of colours for a rust and maintenance-free life. As panels are pre-assembled in a controlled factory environment possible contamination and errors in installation caused by on-site cutting of the glazing sheet are avoided. These properties can result in saving two thirds of the time taken to install traditional split bar glazing systems. This can save on labour costs and drastically reduce any necessary premises shutdown time required while work is carried out overhead.  The team at Everlast roofing who installed the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel were a great partner in this installation process and this partnership resulted in a great finished roof.Handling during installation is easier and safer than with traditional glass systems as panels are constructed from materials that are both strong and light in weight. The reduction in weight compared with glass systems has the added benefit of lowering the overall weight of the roof construction, decreasing the stresses on the existing fabric of a building, especially important where a roof refurbishment is being undertaken. It is this weight reduction that removed the need for reinforcement of the original columns and resulted in the restoration remaining faithful to the original design. As Twinfix manufacture the multi-link panel system they are in an ideal position to be able to help with designing out potential problems. Each roofing system is unique and bespoke, so Twinfix took advantage of their deep understanding of their product and the legislation covering such projects and added access hatches to the canopies which allow access above the glazing for maintenance, finally curing that 50-year-old headache. Vicky Evans, Director at Twinfix said; “The result of the restoration is truly breath-taking. Kettering Station is now awash with natural light and the platforms are a light airy place to wait for a train and shelter from the elements.” Tim Hedley-Jones, Director of the Railway Heritage Trust, says of the project: “It’s a great example where the use of modern materials helps to protect and sustain a truly beautiful historic station. Our grants have helped Network Rail to preserve Kettering Station using Twinfix technology, to continue to make it fit for purpose for today’s rail passengers.” So, if Charles Henry Driver were able to see the station today, he would instantly feel a sense of familiarity and be proud of the restoration work on this piece of railway treasure. CREDIT: Photographs taken by Paul Childs, Spheroview

Chestnut Way in Repton, Derbyshire, underwent a remarkable architectural restyle, which included the installation of a complete external joinery package featuring floating corner bifold doors. These doors, crafted from Accoya wood, create a captivating and seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces without the need for a supporting post.Gowercroft Products used from the Classic Range:Tutbury Bifolding Door - MoreMelbourne Timber Door - moreHardwick Timber Flush Casement Window - moreThe Concept of Floating Corner Bifold Doors:Floating corner bifold doors are a stunning architectural feature that adds a touch of awe-inspiring elegance to any home. The absence of a corner support beam creates an illusion of a wide open corner, offering uninterrupted views and a unique living experience. Lesley Shaw-Wall, the homeowner, recognized the transformative potential of a floating corner patio room in completing the overall renovation of her property in Repton.Unmatched Design and Functionality:Typically, open corners require additional support, but with a floating corner, integral steel beams hidden within the structure provide the necessary stability. The result is an expansive corner opening, perfect for alfresco dining and creating an airy living space. The floating corner at Chestnut Way showcases the ingenuity of architectural design, enhancing the perceived spaciousness of a relatively small sitting room even when the doors are closed.Craftsmanship and Testimonial:Gowercroft's floating bifold doors at Chestnut Way were meticulously handcrafted from Accoya wood, finished in pristine white paint. Lesley Shaw-Wall expresses her satisfaction with the windows and doors, noting the impressive standard of joinery and recommending Gowercroft without hesitation.Additional Enhancements:The external joinery package at Chestnut Way included a walnut-stained Accoya front door from the Melbourne range. Flanked by winglights, this stylish entrance creates a grand impression and allows more light into the entrance hall. Furthermore, the property was fitted with wooden flush casement windows, taken from the classic Hardwick range. These tall, understated windows complement the unique architectural elements of the house, providing ample natural light without detracting from its distinctive charm.Invest in Accoya Windows and Doors:Gowercroft's commitment to quality is evident in their use of Accoya wood, a durable and weather-resistant timber. Accoya is guaranteed for 50 years in normal applications and can be maintained through Gowercroft's TimbaCare program for a lifetime of maintenance-free service. The Chestnut Way package, finished in white paint with sleek chrome ironmongery, harmoniously blends with the modern, uncluttered style of the interior.Elevate your architectural designs with Gowercroft's floating corner bifold doors and premium joinery solutions. Experience the seamless fusion of indoor and outdoor spaces, exceptional craftsmanship, and timeless elegance.

The Natural History Museum in London is a museum that exhibits a vast range of specimens from various segments of natural history. It is one of three major museums on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, the others being the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The Natural History Museum's main frontage, however, is on Cromwell Road. The Natural History Museum in London stands as a revered institution, renowned for its priceless collections and historical significance. Ensuring the protection of both its artifacts and the safety of its visitors is of paramount importance. This case study highlights the successful collaboration between the Natural History Museum project and Rapid Access Ltd, a trusted supplier of Riser Doors equipped with Fire Door Keep Lock Shut Signs and advanced 3-Way Locking Systems, bolstering fire safety and security.Challenges:1. Fire Safety and Security: Preserving the museum's invaluable collections and ensuring the safety of its visitors demanded robust fire safety measures and enhanced security.2. Architectural Sensitivity: The project necessitated access solutions that respected the museum's architectural and historical significance, ensuring minimal disruption to its aesthetics.3. Advanced Locking Systems: The museum sought advanced security measures to protect against unauthorized access and potential threats.Solution:Rapid Access Ltd, known for their expertise in access solutions, was selected to address the specific requirements of the Natural History Museum project. The solution included the installation of Riser Doors featuring Fire Door Keep Lock Shut Signs and advanced 3-Way Locking Systems, designed to meet the following key criteria:1. Riser Doors: Rapid Access Ltd provided riser doors that seamlessly integrated with the museum's architecture while offering secure access to utility areas.2. Fire Door Keep Lock Shut Signs: Prominent signage was installed to ensure that fire doors remained locked shut when not in use, promoting fire safety awareness within the museum.3. 3-Way Locking Systems: Advanced locking systems were incorporated to provide an extra layer of security, protecting against unauthorized access and potential security threats.Implementation:The installation of Riser Doors with Fire Door Keep Lock Shut Signs and 3-Way Locking Systems by Rapid Access Ltd was carried out meticulously, ensuring that the security measures were seamlessly integrated into the museum's architectural framework.Conclusion:The collaboration between the Natural History Museum project and Rapid Access Ltd exemplified the successful integration of fire safety and security measures into a historically significant and culturally important institution. The installation of Riser Doors with Fire Door Keep Lock Shut Signs and 3-Way Locking Systems not only met the museum's fire safety and security needs but also preserved its architectural integrity. This case study underscores the importance of selecting the right access solutions provider for projects that require a sensitive and integrated approach to safety and security in a historical setting.

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

Project Overview:The iconic Hampton House, located in the heart of London, consists of three striking towers known as "The Corniche." Rising to heights of 85 meters and spanning 15 to 27 storeys, these towers house 253 apartments, office spaces, a restaurant, cafe, bar, gym, pool, and spa area. The towers offer breathtaking views of prominent landmarks such as Westminster Palace, Tate Britain, and the London Eye. The distinctive architectural design with arched structures allows for panoramic views and an abundance of natural light. Guttermaster Limited played a significant role in providing Concealed Rainwater Pipes, Soffits, and Bespoke Fabrications to adapt to the building's unique arched layout, offering custom solutions to meet the project's specific requirements.Project Details:Scope of Works:Concealed Rainwater PipesSoffitsBespoke FabricationsProject Challenges:The primary challenge of the project was to adapt all aluminum profiles to the arched layout of the building. Given the distinctive architectural design of The Corniche, a number of custom solutions had to be developed to ensure that Guttermaster's products were seamlessly integrated with the building's structure.Guttermaster's Approach:Guttermaster Limited embraced the project's unique challenges with a focus on custom design, precision engineering, and innovative solutions:Custom Fabrication Expertise: Guttermaster's team developed a Concealed Rainwater Pipe system, Soffits, and Bespoke Fabrications that could seamlessly conform to the arched layout of the project.Adaptive Engineering: Innovative engineering techniques were employed to ensure the concealed rainwater pipe joints could expand with floor-to-floor concrete movement and also provide efficient rainwater management.Balancing Form and Function: The challenge of maintaining architectural integrity while delivering effective rainwater solutions was met through the creation of custom profiles that were both visually pleasing and functional.Results:The collaborative effort between Guttermaster Limited and the project team resulted in the successful integration of Concealed Rainwater Pipes, Soffits, and Bespoke Fabrications at Hampton House:Architectural Synergy: The custom-designed Guttermaster solutions seamlessly integrated into the arched design of the building, preserving its distinctive form and allowing for an abundance of natural light while efficiently managing rainwater.Enhanced Aesthetics: The project showcased Guttermaster's ability to balance form and function, ensuring that the concealed rainwater pipes, soffits, and bespoke fabrications contributed to the building's exterior aesthetics.Innovative Engineering: The custom solutions demonstrated the innovation and adaptability of Guttermaster's engineering team, creating profiles that met the specific needs of the project.Conclusion:The success of Guttermaster Limited in providing Concealed Rainwater Pipes, Soffits, and Bespoke Fabrications for Hampton House, The Corniche, exemplifies the company's dedication to delivering tailored, aesthetically pleasing, and functional rainwater solutions. This project underscores the value of precision engineering, custom design, and the ability to adapt to unique architectural challenges, resulting in a harmonious and iconic addition to London's skyline that seamlessly integrates aesthetics with rainwater management.

This architectural and engineering consultancy office feels calm and relaxed thanks to tones and textures of Milliken's Wireframe modular carpet. The biophilic design is installed in rich, brown Hazel and lighter tones of of Fawn. The product's Comfort Lite cushion backing absorbs distracting noise by up to 32dB helping to manage the acoustics in this beautiful workspace.

The 5 year, £500 million restoration of the London King’s Cross Station roof completed circa. 2012 contains a 150 metre free spanning roof flooding the concourse below with natural daylight - an architectural achievement created using BB/BB grade Riga Ply birch plywood in 9mm, 12mm and 18mm.

The California is a charming, quirky, 60 room hotel stretching across four large Georgian townhouses, less than a minute from the iconic St Pancras station. While inside the hotel is modern and chic, the owners have made a point of emphasising the original Georgian aesthetic by retaining as much of the original architecture as possible.

In 2014 a new development consisting of 7 luxury beachfront apartments with uninterrupted sea views was built. The Beach Retreat is positioned on the marina esplanade along the beautiful east Kent coastline. The roof design is of particular interest as Ramsgate seafront and Marina Esplanade is a designated Conservation Area and area of special architectural and historic interest.

Previously accommodation for the Armed Forces, The Edge at Abbey Park in Colchester has undergone an extensive internal and external refurbishment to create 80 new apartments across four blocks. Taylor Maxwell worked with Marfleet Contractors and Datum Group to supply Hardie Panel and Hardie Plank cladding to the project designed by Front Architecture.

Hamburg architect Jan Störmer's design of The Fontenay luxury hotel is an homage to the Hanseatic city. The sculptural and organic circle-shaped architecture successfully achieves a balance between the urban character of the city and its natural surroundings. Situated directly on the Alster, it is an island of tranquillity in the middle of Hamburg. The exquisite structure makes it possible to experience the Hanseatic slogan "modern classic" first hand: an open-minded outlook together with a cosmopolitan lifestyle, but with a marked penchant for the classical.  Because of the way the bright, curvy and light-flooded architecture is designed, all 130 rooms and suits face outward, and many offer a view of the Alster. The interior design of the guest rooms by Christian Meinert of the architectural firm Aukett + Heese in Berlin employs perfectly coordinated colours that harmonise wonderfully with the surrounding waterside park landscape. Light beige tones, green onyx walls, warm white nuances, and turquoise and royal blue accents faithfully mirror the natural surroundings. In the hotel bathrooms, light natural stone is used. Here, too, the products and materials chosen with special care ensure an overall impression of refinement and complete harmony. The furnishings, which include KEUCO cosmetic mirrors, stools and accessories with brushed nickel finish, are ideal – a perfect synthesis of the classical and the modern – simply a "modern classic". The refined and matt shine of nickel, its extreme durability, and its solid value are what makes this finish so special and attractive, and the first choice in The Fontenay hotel. Particularly in a hotel, the bathroom furnishings must always meet the high expectations of guests and management. Lasting brilliance is guaranteed by the first rate "made in Germany" workmanship and the strict controls on quality.  Because of the careful attention given to the choice of products, time spent in the bathroom is a special experience for every hotel guest. For beauty care, the illuminated cosmetic mirror is a coveted utensil, and the bathroom stool with wooden seat invites you to stay a bit longer. With their pronounced design the accessories round off the bathroom setting perfectly. The Fontenay hotel in Hamburg is an architectural masterpiece par excellence. The meticulously thought-through concept and the stylish attention to detail resonate consistently throughout the entire premises. With their brushed nickel finish, KEUCO's accessories are the perfect complement and emphasize the exclusive and modern character of the bathrooms even more.  

Park Quadrant Residences presents a collection of timelessly classic yet contemporary apartments, duplexes and penthouses combining bold, modern designs with a graceful sensitivity to the area’s celebrated 19th Century architecture and landscaping.  Contractor: PQ ResidencesArchitect: Holmes MillerProducts supplied: Intruder alarms, CCTV, Access Control and Video Intercoms

Landmark Pinnacle is a 233-metre skyscraper comprising of 75 floors - it is one of London's tallest residential towers.Location: LondonProducts supplied: Aspex have supplied exclusive Novista Riser Steel doors, apartment entrance doorsets, communal doorsets, as well as architectural ironmongery. Contractor: MJ HillsonArchitect: Squire and Partners

Upon inspection of this property, Sharmans found the existing gutters corroded and extensive cut edge corrosion to the existing roof sheets. Delamination of the existing roof coating was also present so Sharmans recommended a full gutter and roof refurbishment using the Plygene Gutterline system, Seamsil for cut edge corrosion and the Delcote architectural roof coating system.

Secondary glazing designed and installed by Granada at Eden Locke Hotel, a design-led aparthotel in the heart of Edinburgh, means guests can enjoy a quiet and comfortable stay.Located on George Street, one of the city’s busiest streets, the Victorian building is also Category B listed by Historic Environment Scotland, marking it as of special architectural or historic interest.

Set in the Highland capital of Inverness, Solasta House is at the heart of the thriving life sciences quarter, Inverness Campus. Threesixty Architecture required a natural, low maintenance product that would give a consistent appearance. The client selected Russwood Accoya® A1 grade timber, made up of 150mm x 50mm boards on modular panels.