"architectural metalwork castings"

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

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

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. 

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.

ASF were approached with a very much open book brief to offer a solution for a church square in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire. The area needed a wall top parapet, some glass balustrade, seating and tree grilles.ASF specified a wall top quayside post and rail, but using materials that offered the minimum interference with the view for people using the square whilst still meeting the needs of building regulations and parapet requirements. Uprights were from thinner, laser profiled materials with no T piece to make them as unobtrusive as possible and the rails were intermediately staggered with tension cables for the same reasons. Once installed the whole post and rail system was fully welded together on site to increase rigidity and strength. The job was then fully polished to offer a sublime finish quality.A small area of glass balustrade was installed at one end of the square where ground levels dropped away. A seat was paced in this area to allow people to sit and observe the river and wildlife through the glass.ASF 6012 seats were used all around the site offering seating for up to 36 people at one time.ASF 100% recycled cast iron tree grilles were also installed, and finished in a simple clear lacquer which maintains the gunmetal look of a new casting with just slight areas of oxidisation that are used as a feature of the finish.

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.

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.

When it comes to showcasing prestige cars from the likes of BMW, Maserti and Mercedes, it’s vital to find the perfect setting and at the new Pure Cars premises in Wakefield, the slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system has helped create a building as impressive as the stock inside.The flexibility of the SF52 curtain wall system has brought the vision of architects The Harris Partnership to life, from the crisp lines of the showroom’s entrance to the smooth curve of the main façade. The eye-catching building boasts a prime location on the approach to the city centre, with the slim sightlines of the curtain wall highlighting the cars on display and offering panoramic views of the surrounding areas for the enjoyment of staff and customers within.The thermal-efficiency of the SF52 system will also help to prevent heat loss from the extensively glazed building which is a flagship dealership for the Pure Cars brand which specialises in the sale of used luxury and prestige cars.With a proven track record of work across the retail sector, Senior has been involved in a number of other car showroom projects across the UK. Senior curtain walling and glazing systems have been designed to help specifers working in this market meet the required environmental requirements by creating high-visibility shop frontages that minimise solar gain to create a comfortable consumer experience.Senior Architectural Systems’ stylish SF52 aluminium curtain wall system has been used to great effect at a new luxury car showroom in Wakefield, creating an eye-catching and thermally-efficient façade that maximises the use of daylighting. The flagship Pure Cars showroom has been designed by The Harris Partnership, with Senior’s fenestration systems fabricated and installed by Vision Aluminium Systems for main contractor Glass Walls and Doors.

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.

ASF were approached by Maxwell Pierce Architects to supply a bespoke illuminated cast iron post and rail system for a causeway linking golf courses at the Lough Erne Golf Resort. Previously, this post had not been used in conjunction with any lighting so the brief became a bespoke project.ASF worked with our lighting partners LPT Lighting (part of the PIA Group) to develop not only 100% bespoke lighting modules but also a machined aluminium carrier to host lights themselves.As part of WB White Foundry ASF were able to adapt the post pattern in house to have a custom inlet to house this aluminium carrier.The outcome is an LED lit causeway that allows multi use - cars, golf buggies and pedestrians. The pedestrian areas are lit to 2m into the causeway to task standards (ie; meeting lighting standard requirements).

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’.

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

Project Overview:Guttermaster Limited played a pivotal role in the meticulous restoration of Manor Farm, a historical building. This case study highlights Guttermaster's key contributions in preserving the heritage aesthetics by supplying a number of solutions, including cast aluminium guttering, extruded rainwater pipe, and cast hoppers. The primary objective of this heritage project was to retain the timeless charm of Manor Farm while ensuring effective rainwater management.Project Details:Scope of Works:Supply of cast aluminium guttering, extruded rainwater pipe, and cast hoppersClient's Requirements:The restoration of Manor Farm aimed to preserve its historical charm while addressing the need for efficient rainwater management. The client's key project requirements included:Historical Preservation: The need to retain the authenticity and heritage aesthetics of Manor Farm during the restoration.Functional Rainwater Management: Effective rainwater drainage and collection without compromising the visual integrity of the heritage site.Collaborative Design: A collaborative approach between Guttermaster and the restoration team to seamlessly integrate modern functionality with timeless heritage aesthetics.Guttermaster's Approach:Guttermaster Limited approached the Manor Farm restoration project with a meticulous blend of historical preservation and modern functionality:Bespoke Solutions Selection: Guttermaster's expertise led to the selection of cast aluminium guttering, extruded rainwater pipe, and cast hoppers for their durability, classic appeal, and ability to seamlessly complement heritage architecture.Functional Integration: The extruded rainwater pipe, designed for optimal rainwater flow, and the cast hoppers were chosen to add functional elements without compromising the visual integrity of the heritage site.Fine Texture Powder-Coated Finish: Guttermaster's commitment to maintaining the authenticity of Manor Farm was evident in the fine texture powder-coated finish applied to the supplied components. This finish enhanced durability and ensured seamless integration into the heritage environment.Results:The collaboration between Guttermaster Limited and Manor Farm resulted in a successful restoration project:Harmonious Blend: The cast aluminium guttering seamlessly complemented the heritage architecture, achieving a harmonious blend of historical preservation and contemporary efficiency.Functional Elegance: The extruded rainwater pipe and cast hoppers added functional elements without compromising the visual integrity of Manor Farm, ensuring effective rainwater management.Fine Texture Powder-Coated Finish: The applied finish enhanced the durability of the supplied components and seamlessly integrated them into the heritage environment, contributing to the overall visual appeal of the project.Conclusion:The supply of cast aluminium guttering, extruded rainwater pipe, and cast hoppers by Guttermaster contributed to the successful restoration of Manor Farm. This case study exemplifies the importance of expert collaboration in heritage projects, where attention to detail and a commitment to preserving historical aesthetics are paramount. Guttermaster's role in providing both functional and visually complementary rainwater management solutions underscores the significance of maintaining heritage integrity in architectural restoration.

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. 

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’.

This straight feature stair and glass bridge is located in a spacious office in the heart of London. The mild steel structure accentuated the urban feel of this commercial space. The laser cut risers came complete with brass nosing inserts for a contemporary appearance and completed with a wax finish.

Canal were approached to manufacture and install an exclusive feature staircase for a private residence in Fulham. The staircase structure was installed from the basement to the ground floor and then leading upto the first floor and master bedroom. The staircase was manufactured in mild steel, featured oak box treads with a laminated glass balustrade and stainless steel handrail. The team added a high build deep black finish to each of the treads to blend with the contemporary and elegant staircase design.

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

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.

Set on the former site of a pub and a fish and chip shop, the stunning new Clifftown Shore residential development has breathed new life into the Western Esplanade in Southend-on-Sea in Essex. The development boasts a stunning location close to both the seafront and the nearby Conservation Area, which encompasses some of the coastal city’s most celebrated local architecture including the 1912 built Cliff Lift funicular railway. In addition to the 51 luxury one, two and three bedroomed apartments, the development also features a ground floor restaurant and cocktail bar and a host of aluminium fenestration systems.Taking inspiration from the Art Deco style of the neighbouring buildings and the beauty of the natural landscape, the undulating ‘waves’ of the white concrete framed building have been further accentuated by the curved installation and slim sightlines of Senior’s thermally-efficient SF52 aluminium curtain wall system.The stunning views from the individual apartments have been framed using Senior’s patented PURe® tilt and turn aluminium windows, with PURe® SLIDE aluminium doors providing access to the outdoor terraces. The thermal efficiency achieved by Senior’s PURe® aluminium system has been further enhanced with the use of energy-efficient triple glazing.The main entrance to the development features Senior’s aluminium PURe® Commercial Doors to provide safe and secure access. As well as contributing to a more energy-efficient building envelope, with all of Senior’s aluminium windows and doors comfortably meeting the new lower U-value targets of Part L of the Building Regulations, the use of the PURe® system also offers improved acoustic performance.Owing to the coastal location of the development, Senior’s aluminium fenestration systems were powder-coated in marine grade Matt Black to offer additional protection from the elements and provide an attractive contrast with the white building design. The installation of aluminium brise soleil, also powder-coated to match the aluminium windows, is both an attractive and practical feature, and will provide solar shading and protection against solar gain.Designed by LAP Architects and built by Cura Construction, all of Senior’s aluminium fenestration solutions were fabricated and installed by supply chain partner Glass & General.

All AATi designs include a cast profile with encapsulated silicon carbide in the wearing surface. This ensures the pedestrian has the very best antislip foot contact on the stairway, both at initial contact as full body load is put on to and leaves the step. Casting the profile means that product design features are not constrained by the extrusion process and therefore standard or bespoke features can be designed into a final product, often with the benefit of 3D CAD visualisation. These two facts above allow a unique product to be developed with an architecturally functional and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Product: Interpon D2525 Pyrite YW207F Parts Coated: Various External Aluminium Metalwork Architect: Populous Fabricator/Aplpicator: Argonaut

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.

An environmentally-friendly hard landscaping material was absolutely essential for this project and Tobermore provided the perfect solution. The University won a RIBA East award for its architectural excellence following this scheme.

Sandwiched between a retail unit and some 2000 square feet of office space, the seven storey shuttered façade reflects the historical military tailors that used to occupy this part of London. Their tailoring techniques, forms of embroidery and bronze detailed shop fronts were an inspiration for the architects Squire and Partners, whose detailed design of the bronze panelled façade, included glimpses of deep red in the shutter reveals with 45mm diameter punched holes intended to replicate the stripes on a Sergeants uniform. Fabricated on a CNC turret punch press using high grade J57S UP aluminium, the exterior featured hook on Unity rainscreen panels finished in bronze anodised and aluminium infills in a red polyester powder coating. The balcony detail was enhanced with impressive folding shutter doors designed to offer, security, shading, ventilation and noise control from the streets below. The outer skin to the shutters was finished in bronze anodised to match the exterior panels. They also featured a regency gold anodised finish to the side plates and a red polyester powder coating to the interior screen that when folded added to the aesthetic design of the building.

The project aimed to faithfully reproduce the original design while incorporating a 25-year warranted non-combustible façade system for long-term durability and reliability. Metalline’s Unity A2 Secret Fix rainscreen system, known for its non-combustible cassette design and easy installation, was chosen to fulfil these objectives. The system offered numerous benefits, including excellent fire performance, UV resistance, and seamless appearance.

The team at Canal were approached by the client and design team at Collins Construction to manufacture an impressive bespoke staircase for the WD40 European headquarters. The client requested a feature staircase that connected three floors and reception desk inside the main central building. The technical sales team at Canal worked closely with the client to address the finer details including building regulations, existing constraints, structurals, logistics and overall aesthetics. The client requested the staircase to be manufactured in mild steel with a raw oiled finish to blend with their brand identity. .

To create a Blob... CHALLENGE For the design of a Texaco service station on the highway near Antwerp the architect decided he wanted to create a Blob (Binary large objects) architectural design. The service station consists of three functional lobes that together look like an oil stain. The actual gas stations are covered with 4 lobe-shaped canopies. To accentuate this futuristic design the architect wanted to create liquid formed shapes in a metallic look. As the walls of the main building were planned using a polurea metallic finishing coating the architect sought a suitable compatible material to finish the rest of his Blob roof surfaces. SOLUTION Synthetic roofing membranes are the most flexible materials on the market and are suited to waterproof almost all possible roof shapes. For this particular project the silver coloured RENOLIT ALKORPLAN membrane was the best solution. This silver membrane is produced with a protective coating creating a roofing membrane that is easy to clean. The RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Metallic membranes combine excellent durability with added aesthetical appearance.

Capturing all the glamour and splendour of the roaring twentiesthis latest scheme takes to the spotlight. For the restoration of this magnificent building, St. George and TP Bennett turned to a rainscreen which would not only project the right image, yet stand up to the most demanding requirements.For a building with such status and heritage, bothSt. George and TP Bennett opted for a rainscreen solution which would not only project exactly the right image, yet stand up to the most demanding requirements. As a mixed-use development, comprising 209 new homes overlooking a central square, lined with bars and restaurants, and an impressive double-height entrance foyer to the eight-screen Picturehouse Cinema, 'the biggest outside London’s West End,' it was vital that the chosen rainscreen could withstand numerous vying challenges. Thanks to a comprehensive list of intrinsic qualities; including extreme weather resistance, durability, longevity, impact and graffiti resistance, as well as BBA, CWCT and NHBC 2021 certification, Petrarch ticked all the right boxes and exudes pure elegance with its smooth Alabaster finish.Petrarch enrobed Filmworks wins Best Refurbishment project at this year’s Facade AwardsWe’re extremely proud to share that The Filmworks has won the Best Refurbishment project at this year’s Facade Awards. This is the first year that Architectural Panel Solutions has personally entered the awards and we’re thrilled to have debuted as award-winners. We cannot, of course, take all the credit for this project; it is the result of a highly successful collaboration with Richardson Roofing, and talented architect tp bennett for our client Berkeley Group, St George.The Ealing Filmworks by Berkeley Group, St. GeorgeFor a building with such status and heritage, both Berkeley Group, St. George and tp bennett turned to a rainscreen and framing solution which would not only project exactly the right image and retain the splendour of a bygone age, yet also stand up to the most demanding requirements. Blending elegant aesthetics and exacting technical standards; our Petrarch engineered stone rainscreen facade offered the perfect balance.As a £100m mixed-use regeneration scheme comprising: 209 new homes, a central square, lined with bars, restaurants, and featuring a double-height eight-screen Picture-house Cinema (the biggest outside London’s West End) the demands and rigour demanded of the chosen building materials were to be immense.About The Filmworks, in the words of the architect tp bennettGiven the delicate restoration and the fact that this was a conservation area, it was important that the chosen facade retained an elegant and natural aesthetic.’A careful infill within an existing urban block, the scheme has been designed by tp bennett as a contextual response to the surrounding buildings in the conservation areas. Each perimeter facade is designed in a subtly different language, depending on the character of the particular street it is facing. The architectural language changes towards the interior, where the contextual red brick and stone have been complemented with a more contemporary materials palette, including dark blue brick with contrasting green-glazed brick inserts and bronze-coloured cladding laser cut with a distinctive, three-dimensional geometric pattern.‘tp bennett are dedicated to ’creative reuse‘ as a practice – ’our ethos is to re-animate and adapt redundant historic buildings to reinforce a unique sense of place within each project. With our in-house skills and experience to draw from – as well as access to a strong network of conservation specialists – the practice is in a prime position to animate the past and inform the future.‘Here’s what our esteemed installer, Richardson Roofing had to say about Petrarch panels and our level of customer service:‘APS were very easy to deal with during the purchase and logistics process, of getting the Petrarch engineered stone to site. They are very responsive to queries, helpful and went out of their way to assist in any way they could. The team really do know their products well and were very helpful. Despite this being a somewhat difficult site with delivery booking requirements, APS worked with us to optimise logistics for just-in-time deliveries.’Krissy Dawson (Contracts Coordinator)

Kings Cairn is a bespoke residential property situated in a unique and prestigious development in East Lothian. Taylor Maxwell worked closely with the client, architects and main contractors Prime Property Ventures to specify and supply facing bricks, Pro Clad brick cladding, Anvil metal cladding and wet cast stone (manufactured by Vobster Architectural) to the property.

Designed to manage and guide the flow of visitors, the Webnet balustrade plays a key role in the organisation of pedestrian traffic during and after the 2012 Olympics hosted at the Queen Elizabth Olympic Park in Stratford, London.The balustrading infill had to accommodate the multitude of curves that were a feature of the balustrade’s design, and the pliable characteristics of the Webnet wire mesh made it the perfect choice.  The Webnet system can adapt to most forms and shapes, making it perfect for creating curves. Featuring high translucency, the Jakob Webnet system is also a discreet and elegant choice for balustrading. The Jakob Webnet wire mesh balustrade infill went through an exhaustive series of tests to ensure it could cope with the large crowds and fulfil a vital security function.Created using marine grade 316 stainless steel, Jakob’s Webnet wire mesh infill continues to provide a robust, weather resistant solution, designed to last for years to come.MMA Architectural Systems (JAKOB's sole UK distributor) also supplied Webnet wire mesh frames for the London Stadium at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. 

The refurbishment has turned a dilapidated 1970’s office block into a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ building with a bright and airy interior and a visually stunning exterior that has created an iconic landmark within Eastleigh city centre. Metalline’s glazed in Ultima aluminium insulated panels have provided the finishing touch to the external façade of the recently refurbished council offices in Eastleigh, Hampshire. The refurbishment has turned a dilapidated 1970’s office block into a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ building with a bright and airy interior and a visually stunning exterior that has created an iconic landmark within Eastleigh city centre. The exterior façade featured a range of horizontal, corner and vertical Ultima panels glazed in on all four sides to a Kawneer structural glazed system. Each of the 50 vertical panels were manufactured by Metalline in aluminium in 3150 mm lengths and joined together to form an impressive 6300mm long aspect. The Ultima flat panels were finished in a grey Syntha Pulvin, whereas the Ultima feature panels complete with a 76mm projection were finished in both green and white Syntha Pulvin, these added a stylish and modern appearance to the building envelope. 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 as in the Eastleigh project, a structural glazing system. The panels can also be perforated and manufactured into a variety of shapes to meet the most challenging design criteria. Unity aluminium insulated panels can now be fabricated in an impressive 6000mm in one length.

The Bourne Business Park in Weybridge Surrey has recently completed two new attractive office spaces totalling over 90,000 square feet. This smart office space built for La Salle Investment Management by Volker Fitzpatrick features new thinking in office design and features a range of metal fabrications on the external envelope manufactured and supplied by Metalline. Using high grade J57S UP aluminium, Metalline manufactured and supplied a range of aluminium pressed components. These included a specialist fascia panel that incorporated bespoke internal supports to ensure that the front face of the panels remained extremely flat together with heads, jambs and cills, for the window pods. To accentuate the flat clean lines of the building, Metalline produced a special secret internal dual toggle, which guaranteed that each panel was aligned correctly and there was uniformity across all the panels. Designed to attract the eye these smart office spaces feature panels and pressings finished in a specialist Regency Gold 2 anodised finish together with glazed in panels in RAL 7035 light grey that were also supplied by Metalline.

Metalline’s glazed in Ultima aluminium insulated panels have provided a specialist touch to the recently completed Weybridge Business Park in the Borough of Runnymede. The commercial office park features a number of office buildings that have been refurbished as part of a redevelopment for Standard Life Investments. The bespoke glazed in panels which feature on the window surrounds to the 1st and 2nd floors were coated in PPC golden beach metallic and feature a fluted design that met the architects vision for the external envelope of the building. The aluminum outer face was fitted with extruded box sections to give the fluted appearance. The aluminium section was then sealed using specialist rivets designed by Metalline for this specific application. Each of the 2 metre panels were then vacuum bonded using Metalline’s new 6-metre vacuum bonding press. Ultima panels are traditionally specified in aluminium with either an anodised finish in natural silver, bronze, black or blue-grey or in a range of polyester powder coated RAL and metallic colours. They can also be provided with a noncombustible A1 fire rated core. Alternative facings such as perforated aluminium, stainless steel or can be incorporated to create a truly bespoke panel.

Architect/Designer: BenedettiLocation: London Project OverviewFront of house refurbishment including developing bespoke signage and hardware to meet the client and architect’s requirements. ServiceFull hardware scheduling service. Bespoke signage & ironmongery. Project Details 3v worked alongside Benedetti architects to provide a full interior hardware package for the beautiful refurbishment of the British Academy of Film & Television Arts headquarters at 195 Piccadilly. This project included development of bespoke signage panels and hardware designed to complement the overall design aesthetic for the refurbishment of this Grade II listed building.The Expansion includes new top floor by raising & restoring two large Victorian rooflight structures & decorative plasterwork considered ‘lost’ for 40 years, from the original 1883 Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours Gallery, built in ‘opposition’ to the Royal Academy across the road.Facilities include: doubled capacity, two cinema theatres, banqueting hall, multipurpose event and exhibition spaces, members’ bars/restaurant/club, roof terraces, judging/meeting rooms and offices.