"architectural salvage"

In the picturesque town of Dungloe, a newly refurbished 4-star hotel stands as a testament to the timeless beauty of McMonagle Stone's high-quality materials. Among the standout features of this project are the Grit Sandstone Stoneers, manufactured by McMonagle Stone. This case study explores the distinctive characteristics and applications of these materials, showcasing their ability to elevate the aesthetic appeal and functionality of various architectural elements.The Grit Sandstone Stoneers are meticulously crafted at McMonagle Stone’s state-of-the-art Production Facility in Mountcharles, Co. Donegal. Boasting a captivating golden-brown hue, these flats exude an unmistakable charm. The surface texture resembles granite with its gritty composition, which adds depth and character to any design. The popularity of Grit Sandstone Stoneer extends to both internal and external applications, making them an ideal choice for enhancing the beauty of house facades, fireplaces, porches, and boundary walls.In the meticulous refurbishment of the Dungloe Hotel, McMonagle Stone's Grit Sandstone Stoneers played a pivotal role in transforming the establishment's aesthetic appeal. The Grit Sandstone Stoneers, with their golden-brown tones and granite-like texture, added a touch of warmth and sophistication to the hotel's internal and external spaces. The captivating hues and gritty surface texture created an inviting ambiance, elevating the overall guest experience.xquisite setting where natural beauty, durability, and timeless elegance converge, thanks to the outstanding materials manufactured by McMonagle Stone.

Surespan designed and manufactured Glazed Roof Hatches with fixed glazed sections and a vertical end door for the 79&Park residential.The projectOscar Properties commissioned BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) to design and construct 79& Park residential building. The building is located on the edge of Gärdet, a treasured national park. The architects made conscious decisions throughout the process to provide a sensitive, respectful building with exceptional residences with spectacular views.All Oscar Properties projects aim to add value to the city and the surrounding environment.  79&Park architecture appears like an extension of the park, a gentle hillside seamlessly blending into the nature around it. The project was named Europe’s best housing project in the Internationally recognised real estate competition The International Property Awards.ProductSurespan designed and manufactured multiple glazed roof access hatches in various sizes including 2200 x 2115, 3160 x 1553, and 4175 x 1025.  As part of the glazed roof hatches a vertical door was designed for easy access to the roof spaces. The final glazed hatches were finished off with a polyester powder-coated finish.  Features:These glazed roof hatches feature a specialist sensory control panel. A 1-minute warning sound is activated when rain is detected, and a movement sensor prevents the closing of the hatch. Other features include opening in case of a fire and a keycode pad for exiting.

The Brewhouse, formerly known as Farsons Brewery was one of the first and finest examples of concrete-reinforced Art Deco buildings on the island of Malta. The building was founded and designed by Lewis V Farrugia and William Binnie and originally opened 73 years ago in June 1950.Now a Grade II listed building The Brewhouse has been part of a €86 million redevelopment project, reimagined by world-renowned London based ritchie*studio. Covering over 7,000 sq m of industrial space, the building now includes a unique mix of office, food and beverage, retail, visitor experience, and events space over seven floors.In a building of such historical and architectural significance the new windows not only had to look as close to the originals as possible, but also meet stringent requirements for thermal efficiency, as the building was designed to meet the strictest of environmental codes. Clement was thrilled that over one hundred white Clement EB24 steel framed windows were specified, featuring T bars and multi point locking.Robert Abela, the Prime Minister of Malta, was among around 400 people who attended the inauguration ceremony of Trident Park and The Brewhouse, one of the most iconic regeneration projects in Maltese history.ritchie*studio director, Ian Ritchie said: “Clement Windows provided the perfect steel window profile and workmanship solution to help restore this beautiful and iconic Maltese industrial Art Deco building."

The buildings around Clerkenwell Green in London feature a mixture of architectural styles. The area is designated a Conservation Area and some properties are listed. During the nineteenth century it was a busy centre for specialised crafts and manufacture and the buildings at No 10-11 were originally constructed as warehouses.The Uniform Clothing & Equipment Company (Uniquip) occupied the two buildings from around 1910 to the 1990s and was a well known supplier of band uniforms.Stagg Architects obtained planning permission to refurbish and extend the original 13,000 sq ft building by an additional 7,000 sq ft. The renovated building comprises a new roof extension, flexible spaces on the ground and lower ground floors and offices at the upper levels.A four storey side extension infill was constructed and Clement Windows Group were selected to manufacture the new and replacement steel windows and doors throughout the building. It was very important that the new windows were in keeping with the original building and did not detract from the character and appearance of the surrounding Conservation Area and adjoining Listed Buildings.Windows and doors from the Clement EB20 steel window range were chosen and powder paint coated in black with the accompanying hinges and handles painted to match the frames. The huge wall of steel windows to the side of building includes a patterned glass which allows light to enter while also providing privacy for the neighbouring properties.Photographs taken by Matt Chisnall, @mattchisnall

Armourcoat polished plaster creates a stunning entrance for the refurbishment of Greater London House in Camden’s Mornington Crescent. The building, owned by Lazari Investments, is a striking example of Art Deco Egyptian revival architecture formerly the Carreras Cigarette Factory. The hand-applied Armourcoat wall finish forms part of the interior design by Forme UK, which pays contemporary homage to the style of the façade and befits the scale, importance and heritage of the building. An entrance ‘portico’ creates subtle references to Egyptian style, shapes and motifs, finished in a dark anthracite coloured polished plaster finish. A silhouette outline of the famous bronze cat sculptures which flank the entrance was incorporated into the surface. The image of a black cat was also a branding device for Carreras, used on the packets of their Craven A cigarettes and is a repeating logo across the front of the building.The Smooth polished plaster finish is similar to the marmorino stucco used extensively in northern Italy during the Renaissance period. Armourcoat Smooth finish resembles natural stone and consists of a natural mineral material composed of hydrated lime and crushed marble combined with special additives to control working characteristics. The final appearance of this finish is dependent on the hand of the individual applicator, making it possible to achieve anything from a plain lightly polished surface to a more highly burred marbelised effect. Photography: © David Barbour

Located in Edinburgh’s prestigious Charlotte Square,these former National Trust for Scotland offices havebeen refurbished and redeveloped into commercialaccommodation.Originally designed by Robert Adam in 1791, the restorationof these 6 A-listed townhouses sees the architecturalintegrity of these neo classical facades, fully restored. Aswell as restoring the buildings exterior and interior, MorganMcDonnell Architects have also redeveloped the areabehind these old Georgian houses, linking the 3 centraltownhouses to a contemporary lightweight glass and ETFE(a fluorine based plastic) covered courtyard to provide32,000 ft2 of grade A office space.The balanced contrast between the old exterior andmodern interior is reflected throughout the building’s fabric,especially it’s ironmongery. A traditional oval design wasapproved for the knob handles as it provided the mostgrip available. A polished chrome finish was chosen asMorgan McDonnell Architects wanted a modern feel to thehardware whilst being traditionally sensitive to the age ofthe building. Initially Morgan McDonnell Architects wantedto use lever handles, but due to the listed status of thebuilding and the design of the doors (many of the originaldoors were refurbished) a knob handle was deemed themost suitable.Working with Morgan McDonnell Architects, Allgood Plcprovided a combined ironmongery and access controlpackage that included: hinges, door closers, locks, kickplates, signage and concealed electromagnetic locks. Allitems Allgood provided were delivered on time and withinthe clients budget.

When designing a new music department for BirminghamUniversity, Glenn Howells Architects faced the challengeof creating a new construction to fit in with the surroundinggrade II listed buildings, whilst meeting contemporarystandards of accommodation and acoustics.The Bramall Music Building provides a home for thedepartment of music, with a 450-seat auditorium,a domed rehearsal room, various studios, offices andteaching rooms. Working in conjunction with the architect,Allgood created an ironmongery specification that wasclosely aligned to the design concept of the building;classically designed whilst meeting contemporaryperformance standards. The choice of FSB bronze doorfurniture throughout the public areas compliments theaesthetic of the interior but also links the building to themore traditional materials associated with the design of theexisting buildings.The architect wanted to extend the bronze aestheticthrough to the mechanical hardware which provided achallenge as options are limited for fire rated mechanicalhardware in a bronze finish. Allgood were able to applythe unique, simulated Bronze finish to satin stainless steelhardware, continuing the bronze finish throughout thebuilding. Not only did this complete the visual aesthetic butit meant that the hardware would meet all of the fire andbuilding regulations.In addition, Allgood provided electromagnetic holdopen units, signage and door furniture to allow the maincirculation doors through to the auditorium to be held openin pockets. This created a clean, architectural detail thatprovides clear opening widths for visitors to enter through.

The ChallengeThis purpose-built, cutting-edge medical research facility forms part of the Karolinska Institutet and is now one of Europe’s largest laboratories.Home to over 1,600 scientists and support staff and with such a high footfall, the safety of individuals took centre stage in the design and construction of the facility.Additionally, ensuring a design aided world-class medical research was of utmost importance. This meant creating inviting, collaborative meeting spaces which were flooded with natural light, as well as rooms that could achieve the correct acoustic and impact performance requirements to contribute to the accuracy of the laboratory’s critical research.To achieve all of these requirements, specifying the correct materials was crucial to achieving the architectural vision of the building, centered around a spectacular glass atrium that connects the outside with the inside. Pyroguard was approached to deliver a solution that would ensure compliance with safety regulations.The SolutionWith glass playing a crucial part in the building’s design, it provided a practical way of delivering adequate fire protection, making Pyroguard Firesafe ideal for the project.With EW-classification, the solution protects against flames, smoke and radiant heat for between 30 and 120 minutes, while also providing additional radiant heat control to deliver greater fire protection.The structural integrity of the product further ensures it can be handled and installed in the most challenging applications, including Biomedicum’s beautiful glass atrium.

We designed, supplied, installed, and surfaced this new playground in East London, with the project completing in December 2023. The customer was looking for strong, durable, and attractive looking equipment, and our stainless steel range from Spiel Bau was perfect for the requirement. Spiel Bau equipment comes with lifetime guarantees on stainless steel elements, and has been designed to provide excitement and challenge for children of all ages.The centrepiece unit, the Beeskow multiplay, features two decks linked by an inclined rope bridge, monkey bars, a fireman’s pole, traditional slide, rail slide, and an overhanging climbing wall. The stainless steel uprights combined with hardwood robinia decking and panelling gives a beautiful, architectural finish. The large size and wide variety of play features ensures a high number of children can use the structure at any one time, making it a great piece for parks in high use areas such as this.The multiplay was complimented by two stainless steel climbing frames, the first a crow’s nest look out tower and the second an linear, obstacle course style structure. A stainless steel rope end swing, Stainless Steel seesaw, Zip Wire, and two springers rounded off the equipment, all of which was surfaced by our inhouse surfacing teams with black and green fleck wet pour rubber. We loved working on this project, introducing high quality equipment and surfacing to a park in much need of redevelopment.

Stowford Mill, built in 1787, is one of Devon’s oldest historic industrial sites to still be expanding.Because of its iconic features and characteristic atmosphere, Stowford Mill has long been established as one of the trendiest places to work, eat and shop, bringing commerce and prosperity to the surrounding area, and forcing the town to expand to make room for tourists who just never wanted to leave.Part of this expansion will eventually include Burrington Estates’ eight-acre vibrant community of contemporary new homes. This new development, for which the main contractor is URBN, is due for completion in 2023.Started in March 2018, the existing homes already include Alumasc Rainwater Infinity Steel gutters and downpipes, specified to provide eco-friendly, discreet and resilient water management that will last. Crucially, this system was favoured to the use of plastic systems, to meet the demand for a readily available product that was both environmentally- and price-conscious.As the new development creates a unique new environment in which to live, work and relax in the midst of the historic area, the most important part of the project was to keep the best of the stunning architectural heritage already there, whilst finding innovative ways to incorporate the latest modern building design. Helping to bridge this gap between the historic and the modern, AWMS offered a solution.“Alumasc systems were chosen as it was the project’s requirements to specifically use steel for gutters and downpipes,” David Loader, Key Account Manager at Alumasc, explained.

Woolton House stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the past. Constructed during the 18th century and remodelled in the 1930s, this magnificent estate exudes an air of elegance and grandeur. Reading-based Herridge Decorators undertook removal and reinstatement of areas of deterioration, replacing failed cement render with lime render. One of the key advantages of lime render is its breathability, allowing moisture to evaporate from the building's walls and preventing the accumulation of dampness and subsequent damage. The use of lime render in conjunction with the vapour permeability of KEIM Mineral Paints ensures restored areas remain structurally sound and free from the detrimental effects of trapped moisture. The application of impermeable acrylic-bound coatings over historic limewash had contributed to delamination and required removal back to a sound edge prior to redecoration. Surface breathability cannot be restored unless impermeable coatings are removed, however if sound and well adhered to the underlying substrate, redecoration using KEIM Mineral Paints remains possible. KEIM Mineral Paints chemically bond to bare mineral substrates and chemically bond to sound existing paints, providing surface protection and UV stable pigment. Following recent wet weather, organic growth has become more apparent on surfaces retaining moisture which are unable to dry out. Green algae can cultivate on any exterior surface retaining moisture, including elevations of a property and particularly at lower levels. Fortunately, removal is straightforward using a mild detergent and reoccurrence can be prevented by treating surfaces with fungicidal primer, KEIM Algicid, 24 hours prior to paint application.  Polymer and acrylic-based repair materials are unsuitable for use with mineral paints, therefore minor cracking and repair work was completed using KEIM Spachtel, a ready-mixed and easy-to-use paste filler with mineral fibres. Patch repairs were blended with the surrounding substrate using KEIM Contact Plus, a lightly aggregated paint also suitable for disguising surface imperfections and filling hairline cracks. Application of KEIM Contact Plus is suitable onto isolated areas up to a natural breakline or over entire elevations. The high porosity of lime render needs to be equalised without compromising breathability before painting. Also suitable for consolidating previously limewashed substrates, KEIM Soldalit Fixativ, a potassium silicate primer, was applied to prepare surfaces where required. Redecoration was completed in bespoke colours to match the historic scheme using two coats of KEIM Soldalit-ME, with added protection against airborne contaminants typical of rural locations, in addition to the reduction of toxic gasses and A2-s1, d0 fire certification. David Herridge of Herridge Decorators commented; “We've been using KEIM products for many years and knew how suitable they would be for a project of this nature and scale. The products were easy to apply and the colour consistency over large areas is very impressive. The client was really happy with the colour choices and finishes.” Preserving our heritage buildings is a responsibility we should all embrace. By entrusting the restoration work to professionals like Herridge Decorators, we can ensure that these architectural treasures continue to stand tall for generations to come.

Turning it up to 11The Hard Rock brand is synonymous with rock music and the stars who made it famous. The new Hard Rock Hotel in London is no exception, with an incredible memorabilia collection paying tribute to former residents such as Jimi Hendrix, Diana Ross, Bob Dylan and Buddy Holly. The raucous lifestyle these musical icons pursued will live on as the hotel doubles as a live music venue. With this in mind, architectural practice Scott Brownrigg, knew it would need a premium acoustic product, and turned to Oscar Acoustics.The brief was to renovate the public areas of the Marble Arch hotel, which included opening out the entire ground floor, to create a welcoming space for arriving guests. The lobby, reception, GMT bar cocktail bar, Hard Rock Café, shop and lounge were all part of this, creating the perfect atmosphere for recreation. The challenge of opening up the space, is that while removing walls suits certain aesthetic sensibilities, it also removes a room’s acoustic barriers. This can cause noise to reverberate the now-cavernous area.The challengeThe question posed to the architects was how to keep background noise in check to provide a lively buzz for guests without becoming cacophonous? Getting the acoustic balance right is crucial in a building that holds both live bands and sleeping guests. Scott Brownrigg have worked with Oscar Acoustics on previous projects so knew their products and what would work for the situation.The solutionA mixture of Oscar’s SonaSpray fc and SonaSpray fcx was specified throughout the bar and café areas, providing a seamless and decorative solution. The spray absorbs excessive noise, creating a pleasant ambience by giving clarity to speech and music, transforming what would otherwise have been an incessant din.The trowelled, seamless, SonaSpray fcx finish also made sure the acoustic treatment would not intrude on the overall design, and instead blended into the background. In line with Hard Rock’s signature style, the GMT bar used the idea of a 70s record player as inspiration, where the vinyl is held aloft and then drops into place. To accommodate this design choice, SonaSpray fc was applied in black.The results - superb hotel acoustics“Our experience over the years teaches us that architecture and interior design are so much more than just looks. We consider every factor with each project we work on, and acoustics is no exception. We knew we needed a premium acoustic product that would also work with our designs, which is why we chose Oscar Acoustics.”David Mason, director, Scott Brownrigg Ben Hancock, managing director, Oscar Acoustics comments, “This was such a wonderful opportunity to work with a world-famous brand on a brilliantly innovative and creative project. It’s always great to see a practice taking acoustics into account right from the start. Too often design is entirely focused on aesthetics, with noise taking a back seat. Thankfully this was not the case and Scott Brownrigg have skilfully designed an acoustically comfortable space perfect for live music, retaining its atmospheric buzz”.

As we strive to create optimal learning environments for students, innovative solutions that blend functionality with aesthetics are gaining popularity. Among the frontrunners in this domain is Twinfix, a leading manufacturer and installer of high-quality canopies for educational institutions. With a strong commitment to transforming school spaces, Twinfix has been spearheading remarkable projects in Welsh schools, providing students with covered areas that foster learning, play, and socialisation.One standout example of Twinfix’s exceptional canopy work is the transformation of Ysgol Bro Myrddin. Situated in Carmarthen, this primary school now boasts a stunning and practical canopy that has revolutionised its outdoor learning opportunities. By collaborating with the school staff and understanding their unique requirements, Twinfix manufactured, designed and installed a bespoke canopy solution tailored to the school’s needs.The results have been nothing short of transformative. The canopy provides a versatile space for various activities, enabling outdoor learning experiences regardless of the weather. Students can now engage in educational sessions, play, and socialise, all while being protected from rain or excessive sunlight. Twinfix’s innovative design has seamlessly integrated the canopy into the existing architecture, enhancing the school’s overall aesthetic appeal.Expanding Impact: Other Inspiring Examples:In addition to the remarkable work done at Ysgol Bro Myrddin, Twinfix has been involved in several other school canopy projects across Wales. Below we have listed a few more examples that showcase the diverse applications and positive impact of their installations:Ysgol Llanllechid:Located in Gwynedd, Ysgol Llanllechid is an exemplary bilingual primary school. Twinfix partnered with the school to create an inviting outdoor area that complements their commitment to holistic education. The school have continued to invest in utilising their outdoor space by adding five new canopies and extending one since the first canopy was installed. The new canopies have become a hub for creative activities, stimulating curiosity and imagination among the students.Ysgol Glannau Gwaun:Twinfix’s collaboration with Ysgol Glannau Gwaun in Pembrokeshire led to the creation of an expansive canopy that connects different areas of the campus. This architectural marvel provides a sheltered walkway spanning 40 sqm, providing sheltered passage and waiting area for the students.Ysgol Rhyd Y Llan:Twinfix’s canopy installation at Ysgol Rhyd Y Llan in Anglesey has revolutionised the school’s approach to outdoor learning. The versatile canopy space now serves as an outdoor classroom, enabling teachers to deliver engaging lessons in a stimulating environment.Twinfix’s dedication to enhancing learning environments in Welsh schools through their exceptional canopy work is commendable. By collaborating closely with educational institutions and understanding their unique requirements, Twinfix has successfully transformed outdoor spaces into dynamic hubs for learning, creativity, and socialisation.As we continue to recognise the importance of providing holistic educational experiences, Twinfix’s canopies have become instrumental in breaking down traditional classroom barriers. Through their innovative designs, they have opened up new avenues for outdoor learning, play, and exploration, empowering students to thrive in inspiring environments.

Cocoa Studios is a new commercial building at the heart of The Biscuit Factory, a bustling business centre on the former Peek Freans Biscuit Town site in Bermondsey, London. Architectural practice Allford Hall Monaghan Morris’s (AHMM) approach to the scheme referenced the historic warehouses of the area: narrow proportioned brick buildings with large-recessed openings and fine detailing. To achieve this design vision, Vandersanden’s 65mm Herning facing brick was chosen as an integral element of the building’s design.For 123 years, biscuits, such as the Garibaldi and the Bourbon, were manufactured in the Victorian factories on the site, which now consists of new build and refurbished buildings occupied by start-up businesses and small and medium enterprise businesses. The six-storey Cocoa Studios is L-shaped in plan and adjoins an existing building, completing an urban block and providing a new landscaped courtyard at its centre.AHMM examined the various options for the facade with building materials distributor EH Smith to ensure colour and texture requirements were met; it was also essential that the brick worked with a smaller than usual joint profile of 7.5mm. To achieve the batching measurements required when setting the building out, Vandersanden produced the bricks in a single firing to ensure the best possible consistency from the clay product.“We chose Vandersanden’s Herning brick because of its texture and variety of tones and colours. These complement its context while bringing its own distinct identity, helping add variety, interest and joy to the simple, well-proportioned volumes of the building,” explains Lon Luc, senior architect at AHMM. “The richness and depth of the appearance of the brick are especially apparent on the larger double height expanses of brick within the entrance hall interior that helps to emphasise the delightfulness of the space.”The dark brown-purple-blue multi-coloured Herning bricks define the building’s facade which is divided by deep vertical slots into a series of wide brick bays that follow the rhythm of the connected buildings. Within these slots are expansive window openings that are a minimum of one and a half bricks deep, with the heads and cill units produced using specials. The ground and first floor levels are delineated with a hand-laid, expressed brick-bond of soldiers, alternated with flush and projecting headers on a single course that are then stack bonded. From the second floor up, an uncomplicated stretcher bond emphasises the solidity and proportions of the bays; a recessed mortar joint adds a further delicate grain.“The facade detailing subtlety echoes the variety of brick patterns of the neighbouring Victorian architecture and follows the care and attention to detail of Peek Freans’ original design and engineering in a contemporary manner,” explains Lon Luc. “Every detail was carefully co-ordinated with the brickwork contractor, Grangewood Brickwork Services, and Vandersanden, along with EH Smith; the process included several pre-production visits to Vandersanden’s factory. The brick's quality, appearance and versatility contributed greatly to the aesthetic success of the project.”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 

Project Overview:Guttermaster Limited, a leading provider of bespoke gutter and rainwater solutions, partnered with an architectural firm and a construction contractor to supply and install a unique rainwater management system for a new development. This case study outlines how Guttermaster's collaboration with the architect and contractor resulted in the successful delivery of 300 meters of curved rectangular guttering and 90 meters of Slimline Flush Fix Security Pipe System that aligns with both aesthetic and functional requirements.Project Details:Scope of Works:300 meters of curved rectangular guttering90 meters of Slimline Flush Fix Security Pipe SystemClient's Requirements:The client, a forward-thinking developer, had specific demands for their new development that went beyond conventional rainwater management. They sought a rainwater solution that encompassed the following objectives:Custom Curved Guttering: The rainwater system needed to follow the curvature of the new building, providing a harmonious and visually appealing exterior.Slimline Flush Fix Security Pipe System: To meet the security and anti-vandalism requirements of the development, the rainwater pipe system needed to be flush-mounted for a clean, unbroken appearance. Insurance compliance for anti-vandal products was a key consideration.Integration with Design: The rainwater management system had to seamlessly integrate into the original building design, ensuring a cohesive and stylish appearance.Guttermaster's Approach:Guttermaster approached the project with its trademark attention to detail and expertise in bespoke rainwater solutions:Custom Design Collaboration: The Guttermaster design team worked in close partnership with the architect to create a unique guttering system that perfectly matched the curvature of the building, delivering both aesthetic excellence and functional effectiveness.Slimline Flush Fix Security Pipe Expertise: Guttermaster's Slimline Flush Fix Security Pipe System, ensures it meets both insurance company requirements for anti-vandalism products and the client's preference for clean lines and visual continuity.Seamless Integration: Guttermaster ensured the installation process was executed seamlessly, integrating the rainwater system into the building's original design without compromising its aesthetic appeal.Results:The collaborative efforts of Guttermaster Limited, the architect, and the construction contractor led to a project that exceeded the client's expectations:Aesthetic Excellence: The custom curved guttering solution seamlessly followed the building's curvature, providing an elegant and visually appealing exterior.Security and Vandal Resistance: The Slimline Flush Fix Security Pipe System met insurance company requirements and provided an anti-vandal solution that was incorporated into the building's original design, enhancing the development's security measures.Integration and Functionality: The rainwater management system's integration into the building's design not only met aesthetic expectations but also demonstrated Guttermaster's commitment to providing a functional solution that met the client's unique needs.Conclusion:The collaboration between Guttermaster Limited, the architectural firm, and the construction contractor in supplying and installing 300 meters of curved rectangular guttering and 90 meters of security flush fix rainwater pipe exemplifies the value of teamwork in delivering a tailored rainwater solution. This project showcases Guttermaster's dedication to creating exceptional rainwater systems that combine aesthetics, security, and functionality while adhering to strict insurance company requirements. It also emphasizes the growing importance of incorporating anti-vandal and anti-climb products in the original design of a building to meet modern security demands.

Birmingham’s Grade II listed Municipal Bank, a significant historical site, had sat unoccupied since 2006 before being purchased by The University of Birmingham which planned to convert it to a civic space that could benefit all.Built in the 1930s by T. Cecil Howitt, a refurbishment and extension of the building was planned to provide the University with a brand new city-centre based campus. The bank’s redevelopment has since created a learning space for students as well as exhibition and event spaces, meeting rooms and public areas, including a café.Architect, Glancy Nicholls designed the extension and refurbishment. The build was complex, having to accommodate and preserve many heritage features. Main contractor, Galliford Try chose to specify Knauf for a number of internal elements, including Knauf Shaftwall and Knauf plasterboards, due to their experiences of using Knauf products. Drywall Contracts were responsible for the installation of Knauf products, which proved highly compatible with the build’s heritage elements. Honouring the Bank’s historical architectural standing was at the core of the project’s design and construction. “Working around historic architecture, there were a lot of bespoke elements to this project. It was key that modernisation didn’t take away from any historic features and working with Knauf products helped achieve the project with that mindset,” said Jon Jacznik, Director of Drywall Contracts.  For example, a technique called Ashlar plastering was used to create a tile affect that mimicked heritage designs on Knauf boards and partitions. Freddy Maxwell-Heart, Site Manager at Galliford Try, noted that “Knauf successfully worked with heritage plasterers to achieve this effect consistently.”Another integral aspect of the build was the need to bring the 100-year-old building up to modern specifications so that it could meet today’s building regulations. Several Knauf high performance boards were used on this project, their characteristics lending themselves to the practical and regulatory requirements of the build.Knauf Impact Panel, for example, was chosen for use in areas of The Exchange which are open to the general public due to its impact resistance and robust qualities.Being a mixed-use space with offices and events spaces, thorough sound proofing was needed in places. For this, Knauf Sound Panel and Shield Plus was used to ensure a suitable and comfortable environment throughout the building.Knauf Fire Panel also featured heavily in this project. This helped ensure the building’s fire standards met stringent regulations, especially given its Grade II listed status.Construction of The Exchange took place at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 during a nationwide lockdown. This was a challenging time for the industry, but Jon remarked that “Knauf continued to supply systems to ensure client requirements were met with as little disruption as possible.”Similarly happy with the level of support Knauf offered, Freddy observed that “Knauf were very helpful throughout and, Project Technical Manager, Tom Chamberlain was particularly helpful in addressing technical issues.”Jon agreed, adding that “Tom worked closely with the contract manager to overcome all the nuances and oddities the building threw at us. There was a lot of coordination between parties and frequent changes to the plans which Knauf responded to promptly.”Opened in September 2021, the re-developed Exchange offers a significant contribution to the heart of Birmingham and the city’s wider Arena Central masterplan.

The Darwin Centre cocoon creates a new architectural icon for the capital, ground-breaking in scale and breath-taking in its originality and creative brilliance.The design features a vast free-standing structure taking the form of an enormous cocoon within a glass atrium. The eight storey high cocoon houses a unique collection of 17 million insects and 3 million plants collected over the last 300 years by scientists including Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace and Sir Hans Sloane. The building completes the Museum’s life science complex, the Darwin Centre, following the first phase opened in 2002.Design TeamThe response of the architectural design team at C.F. Møller, lead by partner Anna Maria Indrio, was to create an engaging image reminiscent of an essentially organic form. The surface and texture also needed to reflect this, so the subtle sheen of the ivory coloured Armourcoat plaster was chosen. With an intersecting network of ‘silk threads’ that criss-cross the cocoon, the surface allows for movement and provides a visual framework for openings and niches. Armourcoat was specified to devise a unique creative solution combining both the insulation and the final decorative layers. The cocoon performs a genuinely protective job providing thermal mass to inhibit any fluctuations to the internal temperature – essential for the museum’s treasured specimens. The structure also houses state-of-the-art laboratories for 250 international scientists and an interactive visitor exhibition.ConstructionA sixty-five metre long skeletal structure was built by sprayed concrete specialist Shotcrete – the first above ground sprayed concrete structural element in the world. Expanded metal mesh was fitted to the steel re-bar framework and a 250mm thick layer of concrete was spray applied to create a 3,500 m2 raw concrete surface. Armourcoat then applied a resin modified render to the structure to minimize localized variations to the surface, before the polystyrene insulation layer was fixed. Using Dryvit Genesis adhesive and over 16,000 Hilti insulation fasteners, a 50mm polystyrene layer was fitted to the entire surface of the cocoon then covered with a layer of reinforcing mesh bedded into Dryvit Genesis basecoat. To create the silk threads wrapping the structure, a special cutting machine was devised which could cut an accurate slot and create the individual 340 panels which make up the cocoon surface. A total of 5.6km of edge bead was then fitted before Armourcoat’s unique AntiCrack substrate preparation system was applied. AntiCrack is a polymer and fibre modified gypsum skim-coat plaster which creates a first class substrate, keeping the Armourcoat plaster layer in peak condition. Two layers of Armourcoat keycoat were applied prior to the application of the final finish. The finished effect of a giant silk cocoon was achieved using ivory coloured Armourcoat Armuralia polished plaster - an exquisite, smooth finish with subtle tonal variations.The cocoon is a milestone achievement, a unique design and technical solution befitting the historic and social reference of the Natural History Museum. This also is a stunning example of the type of commercial projects now undertaken by Armourcoat, celebrating twenty-five years of creative excellence in 2009.Client: Natural History MuseumArchitect: C. F. MøllerMain Contractor: HBG Construction

Utilising several innovative Glazing Vision rooflight products combined with some insightful architectural design detail from Chiles Evans & Care Architects, along with bespoke high specification finishing from Terry Huggett Developments, this retro-modern home is simply stunning, and even featured on Channel 4's Grand Designs.The 1970’s were a revolutionary period of acceptance and moving forward as a society, with many important social movements being founded in this decorated time. Along with this, the 70’s also had a huge influence on the interior and exterior of buildings all over the world. 70’s vogue has also had a heavy effect on modern interior and exterior design. Ranging from complex designs of wallpapers, to simple yet effective patterns on rugs, retro designs are becoming more and more popular in present times.Solidifying this proposal is Ravine House, a retro-contemporary build where Glazing Vision, Chiles Evans & Care Architects (CE & C Architects) and Terry Huggett Developments have collaborated together demonstrating the enduring quality of 70’s design.The original house, built in 1967, adopted a mid-century American exterior; with large windows looking out at the surrounding gardens that were framed by wide eaves and a low-profile roof. Taking inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright, and other famous Architects from the mid-20th century, the house showcases a real ‘wow factor’. As conversations with the homeowner quickly progressed it became apparent how special this home truly was.The project was separated into three parts. Two stock sized Flushglaze Fixed Rooflights were the first port of call for the homeowner and the architect. It was imperative that any changes made to the original exterior of the house did not impact the simplicity of the roof lines, therefore the Fixed Flushglaze Rooflights were selected.The double pitched roof meant that it was not possible to set the rooflight into the roof pane without compromising the water-proof integrity of the roofing. However, the Flushglaze’s simple frame means that although they sit proud of the roof, they remain visually unobtrusive. The standard Flushglaze Fixed Rooflight is a very popular item in our wide range of products, with a minimum span and width of 400mm and ranging to 4200mm subject to area m2 limitations. In this case, the Flushglaze Fixed Rooflights were both 1200mmx 900mm. With a frame colour of RAL 7015 (Slate Grey), they bring a simple yet highly effective essence to the property. Deciding to purchase a stock size Rooflight, rather than a bespoke size can be a much more cost-effective option.The second part involved a singular stock sized Pitchglaze Roof Window. Adopting our pioneering ‘frameless’ design ethos, once installed, this product provides the building occupants sky only views through the aperture, something not usually found with a traditional roof window without requiring an upstand. As a roof window it is UKCA and CE marked and designed to be installed in pitched tiled roof applications flush with the tiling line and to be used at roof pitches between 15° and 60° and comprising of Qualicoat approved polyester powder coated aluminium framework. The Pitchglaze can also be supplied in either landscape or portrait orientations. In this case, the Roof window sat at a 22° angle with “vision area” dimensions 1000mm x 3000mm.The third part of the project consisted of a solitary Triple Glazed Flushglaze Rooflight, with three Wall Abutments. The homeowner opted to go “made to order” for this luxurious item, with a span of 1205mm x 2825mm. The Wall Abutment detail is part of the Flushglaze framework and is secured using suitable fixings, that depend on the structure being used. The Flushglaze range of Rooflights have been independently performance tested and approved by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) and are also classified by The Official Police security initiative, Secured by Design and tested to LPS2081/1 with certification by the Loss Prevention Certification Board. This helps to enhance resistance to opportunist intruders attempting ‘stealth’ attacks to gain entry, which are often carried out in residential areas.‘For me, this project is simply a once in a lifetime opportunity and I enjoyed every minute of it’ Terry Huggett, Terry Huggett Developments.The project brings with it a unique element of family. With the homeowner inheriting the house from his parents – Terry Huggett cites that his love for mid-century American architecture stemmed from family holidays to places like California, and other cities and states in western America. This connection with the project for both Architect and Contractor, along with their personal chemistry is obvious, as is the care and precision of the build exhibited everywhere within the residence! The home also boasts many different structural qualities that distinguish it from other houses up and down the country. From a heated driveway to a Borehole that provides ‘Evian quality’ water from tap, the home showcases many unique and desired aspects.Overall, the project took approximately three years to be completed. Now, Ravine House is gaining publicity up and down the country and has been nominated for various RIBA awards. It is visually clear that the home is something truly special that simply defines quality and displays an incredibly high level of Architectural and Contractual ability.

Cemfloor was chosen for this project due to its compatibility with the various types of high-end luxury floor coverings and for its reduced drying time which allowed the project to proceed with the installation of the flooring without any disruptions.Multiplex were the main contractors for this project, with the screed installed by Progressive Group Limited.The new ten-storey residential building features 221 apartments from studio suites up to four-bedroom penthouses, exquisitely designed by PLP Architecture. Lincoln Square features London’s unparalleled residential amenities space of 17,000 square feet (1600 square meters) by world-class designer Patricia Urquiola.Lincoln Square overlooks the LSE library, the former Land Registry Building, New Square Chambers and the Royal Courts of Justice opened by Queen Victoria in 1882. The views of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard and the Gherkin showcase the glorious London skyline.Cemfloor is a high-performance cement based liquid screed which provides the ideal solution for the domestic floor market. Its flowing properties make it easy and fast to install, and yet it is based on cement and therefore has none of the concerns inherent with other flowing screeds. There are no special measures required before applying adhesives or floor finishes to it and, it dries relatively quickly when compared to other flowing or “ordinary” screed materials.The limited space available on site was also a factor to be considered and was resolved by using Cemfloor Screed. It was delivered to the site ready mixed which eliminated the need of on-site mixing and storage of sand and cement on site

For us, creativity and sustainability in design and architecture are of great importance. We believe more and more people should be aware of the opportunities that new technologies can provide them, so we asked our partners to share more on the role of innovation in the pursuit of sustainable development, and guess what? Our carbon-neutral functional paints make it to the list. A smart home can also help reduce our carbon footprint. This can be done technologically - by integrating a variety of sensors (for indoor air quality, carbon monoxide and dioxide, proper lighting, temperature, etc.), as well as by integrating more innovative interior solutions - the use of carbon-neutral writable whiteboard paints, such with magnetic properties or interior paints that purify the air. One of the last such examples are our carbon neutral functional paints. ESCREO whiteboard paint gives people the chance to optimise unusable surfaces - which are otherwise so attractive, especially for the little ones! The creation of writable whiteboard surfaces frees us from the need to invest in other tools for organisation, planning and drawing, so we reduce our consumption of hard-to-renew resources and those that often cannot even be recycled. Soon we will be taking it to a new level by launching an air purifying paint - ESCREO Clean Air - a non-toxic environmentally friendly interior paint that purifies the air in any room. The ingredient in the paint is an enriched natural mineral that attracts and neutralises harmful air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odours, airborne chemicals and CO2.

An award-winning restaurant serving sustainable and ethical Japanese cuisine, has added a large outdoor terrace for diners to enjoy using a WoodBlocX seating and planter combination.The owners of MOSHIMO Brighton added the sun terrace to the already architecturally pleasing, modernist building, to provide an indoor/outdoor dining experience, with functional sliding screens that separate the two spaces depending on the weather and decorative evergreen planting around the edge of the dining area.We created a bespoke design which fitted perfectly into the deck space available. With bespoke seating featuring a planter border wrapping around the main seating area and one additional U-shaped planter disconnected from the main structure to provide two access points to the deck.The completed design was then painted in the restaurant’s deep charcoal brand colour to match the interior and exterior design. This dark shade is balanced perfectly with the bright red dining tables and chairs. We provide a Free Design Service to all clients to ensure they get exactly what they need for each project and make any necessary adjustments.The modular design of WoodBlocX means that we can create structures that fit into specific spaces perfectly. Not only can our unique timber system provide a great fit, it is also long-lasting and durable thanks to the way it is built. The combination of treated wooden blocks, dowels and internal buttresses ensures that our structures will not crack or warp. With a design life of 20 years, WoodBlocX is the perfect product to specify in your next landscaping project.

Bradstowe House is a fascinating opportunity to not only rescue a historic building but also do it in such a way that will make the property sustainable. When Comer Homes decided they wanted their piece back after experiencing one too many economic downturns under this roof (pun intended), what came up wasn’t anything short of astounding: The long-abandoned concrete frame had become nothing more than dust and decay; its glory days are forgotten — until now!Bradstowe House, designed by Comer Homes’ UK in-house architects is a contemporary landmark for Harrow. The building’s curving glass and steel form give way to ample underground parking as well the rooftop terraces which make this development an iconic example of modern architecture that can be found anywhere from London city all too small towns across England!Bradstowe House offers a diverse range of rental apartments that are designed to suit your needs. With modern kitchens and fully integrated appliances, our high-quality homes offer the perfect space for gatherings with family or friends alike!The old cladding of the building was very outdated and it required a lot of maintenance. The new planning permission allows for an aluminium panel (Valcan VitraDual) curtain walling system, which is much more durable than granite panels while also having better insulation qualities!Valcan supplied and delivered approx. 4100m2 of Valcan VitraDual in Cornish Granite & Riddle Grey.

Streamlight Tower is a residential skyscraper in London that was completed in 2012. The building has 24 stories and contains a total of 174 dwellings ranging from 1-5 bedroom apartments. The upper floors of the tower offer panoramic views of the city, and many of the apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows.The Streamlight Tower is a striking addition to the Providence Square development in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The slender, tower stands out against the brick and glass of its surroundings, and its simple form is punctuated by a series of recessed balconies. The tower has a signature angled roof, which provides a dramatic focal point for the development. The Streamlight Tower is an excellent example of contemporary architecture, and its unique design is sure to make it a popular landmark in the area.Just a stone’s throw from Streamlight Tower are restaurants, coffee shops, a gym, convenience stores and much more. A short drive is The O2 which is home to many shopping outlets, bars, restaurants and a Cineworld cinema. There are plenty of places to visit including Central Park and Crazy Putt London.The Facade has recently been updated with approximately 3400m2 of Valcan’s VitraDual which has been installed onto the building. VitraDual’s benefits from a A1 rating (to BS EN 13501-1 fire classification) which means the product non-combustible.As always, it’s been great working with MK Facades on this project who have installed the cladding panels. The team at MK Facades has worked hard on this project and we’re very happy with the progress, and look of this magnificent building.

The Sniezka Medica Spa, a multipurpose hotel with great urban appeal, is located in Łomnica, Poland. Atlas Concorde floors and tiles help shape the contemporary design of the large spaces of this hotel. Every detail of the project and the choice of materials have been designed to give the best reception to an international clientele.Marble-finish ceramic surfaces for scenic patterns and geometries in space Spaces are modern and welcoming. In the hall and in the area in front of the hotel’s reception, the star is Marvel PRO, which outlines the floors in scenic and practical interiors. Here, interior design plays with an alternation of light shades, such as Cremo Delicato, and dark shades, such as Noir St. Laurent. The honed finish of the Marvel PRO marble-effect stoneware gives unprecedented shine. In the Noir St. Laurent nuance, the stoneware surface resembles a kind of French marble with a dark ground, shades ranging from rich brown to deep black, outlined by white veins. It alternates with Cremo Delicato, which looks like a kind of Italian marble in a beige shade that verges on ivory, standing out for its delicate brown veins.Stone-effect stoneware for outdoor safety and aesthetic impact   In the hotel’s three entrances, stoneware surfaces celebrate a luscious, attractive nature with the Trust collection by Atlas Concorde. The ceramic surfaces of the Trust collection look like stone, with similarly rich details. Titanium was the colour of choice for this architectural project, as it takes inspiration from a precious split stone, embedding its scratches and elegant colour streaks.

This showroom is not your average showroom. As well as being a place to showcase their bathroom products, it’s also used as a meeting place for architects and designers alike to come together to share and exchange knowledge and insights. The Roca Gallery, London, also hosts exhibitions and events around a variety of topics including architecture, design, and sustainability.Roca is a bathroom manufacturer and supplier that originally started out selling cast iron radiators in 1917. The first Roca Gallery was opened in 2009 in Barcelona and is what they call their ‘commitment to society’ providing a ‘brand experience’ like no other. Other galleries around the world include Madrid, Lisbon, Shanghai and Beijing – with each one individually designed to suit the cultural and historic surroundings.The Roca London Gallery was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and is full of rich history and innovative culture throughout it’s 1100m2 floor space. A prominent theme of the design is the movement of water with ripples on the façade and a sculpted interior. There’s over 200 unique concrete panels and 1209 bespoke porcelain floor tiles which meant that our access panels also needed to be bespoke to compliment this design.Our concealed frame doors, Arriva & Innova were essential to the design, in order to create a smooth, undisturbed flow throughout the space. The doors also feature bespoke designs, such as curved cut-outs in the doors for the handle, mirroring the curved design that can be seen across the project. The Via access panels were also required to be bespoke, with some needing to be abstract shapes, while others had to fit with the curvature of the wall.

Ghelamco Arena CHALLENGE Ghent’s football club, KAA Gent, had big ambitions – having a big stadium was one of them. Its brand new home was built in order to seat more spectators and take the club to the top of the Belgian league. As the first newly-built stadium in Belgium since 1974, the multi-use Ghelamco Arena opened its doors in 2013. The stadium hosts - besides KAA Gent matches - a multitude of events throughout the year, as well a gym, supermarket, office facilities and a Guide Michelin restaurant. It’s located near the historical centre of Ghent, just outside the city. The arena, which seats 20,000 supporters, is one of Europe’s most modern stadiums. A stadium specifically designed for the ultimate football experience! How could RENOLIT help make the new stadium a success?SOLUTION The Ghelamco Arena is a real eye-catcher: impressive, fashionable in design and an architectural beauty. The stadium, however, is more than just design, it is above all environmentally friendly. The stadium was constructed with considerations towards its ecological footprint and as a result, the roof was made waterproof by means of the ecological, reflective RENOLIT ALKORBRIGHT waterproofing membrane. This completely white roofing membrane, together with the special protective coating on top of the membrane ensures a high reflection of the sunlight, which in summertime has a positive impact on the climate inside the building. With an initial reflection of 90%, the RENOLIT ALKORBRIGHT concept can consider itself to be at the absolute top of the “cool roof” roofing membranes. 

Horizons is one of the most recent additions to the skyline on the north bank of the Thames and offers 190 private apartments with stunning views from their substantial private terraces. Two luxury residential developments housed in connected blocks.One of the architectural challenges was to maximise the spectacular panorama and at the same time conserve the local heritage around. The considerable number of balconies involved throughout the development also demanded the minimisation of any possible structural or thermal bridging problems. The Schöck Isokorb® T structural thermal break comfortably met the specification and as the project involved precast balconies, specialists Marble Mosaic had a big part to play as well.The joint MD Dennis Vittle: “This particular project required the balcony units to be not only integral with the main structure, but also insulated and fire-stopped from it. The Schöck Isokorb® T type K was the natural solution. There was a requirement for 345 individual precast balconies throughout the two blocks and the project posed a number of new challenges to MMC’s and the Schöck design team. As well as standard insulated balcony to slab connections there were also a number of downstand and upstand connections required. Also the precast columns were supported off the balcony slab at one end only, so there was a heavy eccentric shear load transfer. The agreed design called for the use of a combination of Schöck Isokorb® T types K and Q to ensure structural integrity with the frame, whilst avoiding any clashes with the concrete frame reinforcement”.

Located in Anglesey and operated by Bangor University, Menai Science Park is the flagship building for Wales' first dedicated science park. The facility is built to BREEAM Excellent standards and comprises of 5,000 sqm of offices, laboratories and workshop space for up to 700 people - from start-up businesses to large corporate companies. The building's structure features a striking white continuous flowing ribbon that forms wall, floor and roof surfaces and wraps around the glazed facade to the front elevation. The two-storey entrance connects to the main three-storey, traditional brick cavity U-shape building,m which houses the laboratories and offices and features a facade that encloses an open courtyard. Aluminium curtain walling from Technal was installed and spans 74m x 11m. This had to follow the curvature and flow of the ribbon at the point of fabrication. The key area for this facade is the first floor horizontal and sloping ribbon - the curtain walling continues behind the Corian rainscreen. One particularly challenging detail is the 6m glazed linking walkway that connects the innovation area to the brick-built main building. Designed with a double-pitched roof, the curtain walling follows the long contours across the two pitches of the roof at an angle. This involved calculations and modelling to accommodate the difficult compound angles to ensure the desired architectural intent was achieved. Throughout the building, aluminium casement windows have been installed, some as inserts within the facade including automatic opening vents, and to the courtyard elevations. Completing this contemporary outdoor space, the windows are complemented with timber rainscreen panels.

London Square Bermondsey is a residential-led mixed use development in South-East London and comprises over 400 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes, both private and affordable, flexible workspaces for small businesses and art studios. To clad the façade of the building, it was decided to use DucoSlide BiFold architectural external solar shading.Overcoming challengesOne of the major challenges at the time of the development was the coronavirus, that had a major impact on fabrication, delivery of materials and project deadlines.Michael Brainbridge, Site Manager explains : «Despite the challenge with the coronavirus, we have overcome this smoothly and can now easily say the product we installed is to a good standard and every party concerned is happy with the result. »Quality-finishing in prestigious projectThe high-end, large-scale project, which was finished in the first quarter of 2022, is located in one of the busiest areas in London. The complex consists of residential buildings beside cozy squares and pedestrian paths and truly oozes luxury and prestige.The DucoSlide BiFold panels blend perfectly into these luxurious surroundings and accentuate the façade design of the building effortlessly. The panels are built into a frame that slides away completely. This creates a clear-cut aesthetic difference between the open and closed positions.Michael Brainbridge continues: “ The benefit of the DucoSlide BiFold sunscreen is that it is light, durable and very functional. The panels are easy to handle, easy to install and the finish of the product is of a high standard and quality. Thanks to the DucoSlide panels, the building's appearance has been raised to a higher level which perfectly matches the environment.”

Trent is a village and civil parish in northwest Dorset, in the beautiful Yeo Valley. The Trent Conservation Area was designated in February 1970. Many of its structures are listed due to their historical and architectural significance, including Medieval and Tudor buildings.  From 1835 to 1875, Reverend Turner and his wife occupied the village rectory. Together, they built a great number of the buildings that are still in the village today, including the Alms Houses. In 1862, the Turners constructed the National School which was to be for girls and infants. Throughout the years, the National School has seen many changes, including the introduction of boys and the expansion of the buildings. Unsurprisingly, the original metal windows at the school were not fit for purpose and the time came to replace them. This required sensitivity, as it was imperative the new windows looked similar to the originals. The Clement Brooking range was specified because the slim, strong frames could replicate the wonderful shaped heads of the existing windows and they could be fixed directly to stone. The 16mm krypton filled units offer the much-improved thermal performance required and, like all Clement windows, the frames could be fitted with restrictors, essential for safety.Ros Baker, the Deputy Headteacher said: “We are so pleased with the finished result! The transformation the windows have made to our school and local area is fantastic. Many local residents have also commented positively on the ‘new look’ windows. They have been sympathetically upgraded, in keeping with the original school building, and have had a positive impact on our school environment. Furthermore, there was no impact on the staff or the children during the refurbishment.”

St Paul’s Church in Leeds has been transformed with the addition of a large, bespoke steel door screen and feature steel window. The screen incorporates a pair of double doors, providing light and airiness. Both the new steel window and door set are made from Clement EB24 steel sections which include double glazed, argon filled glass units. Mark Harlow, the Vicar, said “St Paul’s Church embarked on a major refurbishment of their 60 year old building to make a warm and welcoming, adaptable space while keeping to the original architect’s ideas. A key part of the brief was to widen the entrance corridor and allow light into one end. This has all been more than achieved using Clement’s metal frame windows and doors. These have helped create an additional space for people to meet and mix. The narrow profile of the frames has allowed maximum light and visual access between the spaces, while the rhythm of the glazing bars both modernise and blend with the architecture of the main worship space.” Architect Tom Robbins of Pearce Bottomley Architects commented: “We have worked with Clement on a number of projects and have been very pleased with the service we have received and the quality of their products. They supplied the steel framed glazed screen and feature window at St Paul’s Church, Ireland Wood, Leeds and we couldn’t have been happier with the result. We also specify Clement’s conservation rooflights whenever we can, as we are of the opinion that they are the best on the market.”

Artform Urban Furniture was appointed by Seddon Construction to provide external furniture to a state-of-the-art new Veterinary School in Staffordshire. The Harper & Keele Veterinary School is a joint venture with Harper Adams University and is located on Keele University’s campus. The building is a modern take on the traditional surrounding redbrick architecture. Located in North Staffordshire, the rural campus location consists of extensive woods and lakes, an ideal location for the country’s future vets.To complement the building's distinctive raw umber colour the client opted for a range of corten street furniture. Corten Steel is sandblasted before proceeding with the oxidation process, designed to limit water consumption and achieve a more consistent finish. Pre-Weathering reduces the level of washout onto surrounding surfaces, units can be fully sealed with anti washout or wax protection treatment to eliminate leakage altogether.The street furniture package was to be positioned around the building's entrances and main thoroughfares. The selection of pre-weathered Corten Steel products includes Spencer T Litter Bins which have a modern tapered design, Cube bollards that can also be used as seating, and Vision Bollards that have an in-built LED light that provides a subtle ambient light for the walkways and entrance. Removable Stainless Steel Bollards were also supplied to provide restricted access for authorised vehicles to particular areas of the campus. The Harper & Keele Veterinary School is now a site that provides excellent teaching to aspiring vets, and has a safe and harmonious outdoor space for respite from the heavy workload. 

Opened on 3rd of September 2013, the Library of Birminghamoffers world class facilities and resources to transform livesthrough learning, knowledge and culture, providing an excitingand inspiring visitor experience for all.Designed by Dutch architects Mecanoo, the £186m building,was a key part of Birmingham’s “big city” regeneration plan.The new building is situated in the cultural heart of the city,comprising of performance spaces, rooftop terraces and alarge glass-topped central book rotunda that rises throughthe middle of the building, echoing the traditional great roundreading room of the British Museum. It shares an entranceway and performance studio with the neighbouring RepertoryTheatre, whilst the Symphony Hall and the National IndoorArena are situated nearby.The intricate steel lattice work that covers the outside ofthe building represents both the city’s industrial past andits heritage in jewellery making. It reflects and dissects thedaylight to create ever-changing shadows on the library’s wallsand floors. The golden rotunda at the top of the building sitsthe Shakespeare memorial room, housing the original carvedwood panels from the memorial room at the city’s demolishedVictorian Library.Allgood supplied a full Alite package that included doorfurniture, signage and mechanical door hardware, whileAllgood Trio supplied electronic locks and key switches. Dueto the specific requirements of the design of some of thedoors, Allgood had to supply bespoke products to match thespecification of the project.On 17 July 2014 the Library of Birmingham was nominated asone of the six short-listed buildings for the 2014 Stirling Prize,awarded for excellence in architecture

TRC Windows have been appointed by Bournville Village Trust for the first phase of a six year planned works program to supply and install bespoke sash and casement windows to 46 properties in the Bournville Village estate.The rented dwellings in Bournville Village consist of bungalows, maisonettes, flats and family accommodation.The estate also features a variety of special needs housing particularly for the elderly and people with learning disabilities.Two areas of the estate have been declared conservation areas and there are a number of buildings of architectural interest and historical importance.Window profile & thermal performanceTo meet conservation requirements, window profiles will match the style, configuration and visual appearance of the existing windows (including glazing bars, horn detail, beading, etc).For each building, they will be be supplied and manufactured in preservative-treated softwood.The thermal performance of all windows and doors will meet the requirements of the Building Regulation Part L1B and have a minimum Window Energy rating of 1.4u-value.Measurement and surveyThe process will involve the removal of existing windows and doors where necessary and installation of the new timber frames and glazing.All equipment, scaffolding and materials employed to fix and seal the windows and doors inside and outside the dwelling will be in accordance with the BS 8213-4 specification for surveying and installation.In instances where the structural box frame is to remain, allowances will be made for minor repairs and redecoration.Narrow cavity glazing (A rated)Narrow cavity insulated glazing units (IGU) will be installed so as not to compromise energy-efficiency and authenticity.These units will meet the requirements of BS EN 1279 and be manufactured by a Kitemark or similar accredited manufacturer.

This 7-storey, grade two listed building has every reason to become London’s most sought-after residence, in more ways than one.Aside from the internal luxuries with multiple gyms, a 16-seat cinema, hotel pool, multiple lounges, 9 restaurants, a spa, etc etc, it’s perhaps more famous for serving one of our most legendary prime ministers. Sir Winston Churchill.As a place where the Second World War was overseen, walking through the theatrical marble entrance is like stepping back into history. The restored mosaic floors and the old messenger rooms repurposed as a design feature are just two things that add to this architectural wonder, with Churchill’s old room itself being available for private dinners.And you know Ian Fleming? Author of the James Bond series? Well, it’s thought that he came up with the idea for Bond during his time at the office working as a British Naval Intelligence Officer. To keep the 007 idea authentic, three of the films were filmed at this very location, meaning it stars in more James Bond films than any other building. Talking of filming locations, it’s also starred in one of the most popular TV series currently, The Crown, which is rather apt given it’s located (approximately) 1.3km from Buckingham Palace.We supplied a range of Selo products throughout the OWO renovation including sliding pocket doors, riser doors, clad riser doors, automatic opening vents,

Re-designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Metalskolen conference centre on North Zealand, Denmark, has undergone a complete transformation. The new, contemporary interior features a total of 2,300m2 15mm Oak Classic plank flooring, fitted throughout circulation and breakout areas as well as in all conference rooms. Delivered unfinished, the solid oak flooring was finished on-site using Junckers’ Rustic Oil in White to create a pale floor which reflects a lot of natural light. True to architectural traditions commonly applied in the Nordic countries, SHL has created an inclusive and nurturing space, providing the perfect setting for learning, reflection and relationship building. Not only concerned with light and aesthetics, SHL base their work on democracy, welfare, sustainability and social responsibility, a commitment which results in buildings with a high degree of wellbeing. A light-coloured floor helps enhance lighting levels, reducing the need for artificial light and therefore saves energy. In contrast to a dark surface, which absorbs and holds heat and subsequently releases it back into the room, a pale floor will not contribute to overheating, reducing the need for air conditioning systems. With a perfectly smooth surface, a solid wood floor from Junckers cannot harbour dust or mites. As an all-natural material, wood contributes to an even and balanced indoor climate as it helps maintain temperature in a room and reduces static from any electrical equipment. Junckers’ floors hold the Danish Indoor Climate label and have undergone extensive degassing and odour testing to ensure there are no chemical substances in the flooring. Junckers also complies with EU legislation REACH.