"beam"

The UK's most exclusive and largest bungalow provider needed a refurbished space to tell their story. Vtec was excited to support the designers with a premium and modern ceiling beam design with the MaxiBeam system. The ceiling beams were 39mm x 85mm tall and the decorative ceiling was coffered, creating a sunken rectangle in the space. The ceiling carries occupiers on a journey in the large open areas achieving both visual and functional benefits. Learn more about how the Click Fix installation system made it easy for the beams to be removed for access to M&E services.

A new entertainment hub had a bold and striking creative design brief that celebrated fun, family and togetherness! The Vtec Team swung into action, by providing beautiful feature beams created using our MaxiBeam system to add to the design's uniqueness and modernity. Find out how we ensured perfect integration of the geometric beams and made it easy to install.

Gradus has supplied and installed a range of bespoke wall protection solutions throughout the ground-breaking new Proton Beam Therapy Centre at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. Gradus supplied and installed its SureProtect Pure® hygienic wall cladding in White and Iceberg shades. Specially designed to create an impermeable barrier to moisture and bacteria it features a smooth, easy-to-clean surface to ensure a hygienic solution that meets ‘Health Building Note 00-09: Infection control in the built environment’

With this premium office redevelopment in London’s prime EC2 area, it warranted an especially exciting and dynamic design. Dramatic lightweight feature beams were the perfect option to show off creativity and ingenuity for our client’s project. Vtec’s MaxiBeams enabled exceptional design features and ceilings to be achieved with ease due to the adaptability of the system, it was also designed and 3D modelled to ensure a perfect end result.

Vtec’s MAXIBEAM is specified in the renovation designs of this popular hotel chain, across many sites in the UK and Europe. This recent installation project features MAXIBEAM in a Warm Oak Supalami finish. Ceiling rafts and vertical beams combine to create a fantastic flow throughout the space whilst maintaining effective zoning. The project showcases shaped ceiling rafts and different suspension methods within a very technical design. The design involved hundreds of bespoke, angled ends - all individually cut to size and factory-finished to fit around central supports and existing features and fixtures.

A bright contemporary hotel with a geometric beam ceiling design was specified for a new hotel in its large open space lobby, providing an embracing and welcoming appeal for business and leisure travellers. With a fun colour scheme, the expansive space was flanked by beautiful MaxiBeam ceiling designs adding to its quirky sculptural look that highlights the relaxing and enjoyable nature of the hotel.Explore how we achieved this free-flowing ceiling design with easy integration for other support services.

A recently completed 90,000 sq.ft office building at Prospero Ansty Park in Coventry is using bespoke designed and manufactured beam casings from the Pendock Linea building linings range, as part of the new structure’s full length glazed atrium.Manufactured from aluminium with a white PPC finish, the casings have a parabolic form and are used to conceal the atrium’s lateral structural supports to provide an aesthetic finish, which is in keeping with the building’s contemporary interior design. Pendock also installed the casings to ensure the final fit & finish met the high standards required.

The Christie was seeking a solution that would provide it with all the benefits of wall protection in terms of reducing lifecycle costs, while being as invisible as possible, creating a less institutional and more relaxing environment for its patients. To make this vision a reality, Gradus worked closely with the hospital throughout the process. Having worked with The Christie before, we were thrilled to continue our relationship on this prestigious and rigorous ProCure 21+ project. The project was an excellent example of our supply-and-fit service, highlighting how we work closely with clients and supply chain partners to deliver the project on time and exactly to specification

Our lightweight MaxiBeam System in a warm oak finish adorns the ceiling in a newly renovated 76,000 sq ft, multi tenanted commercial office building in Bristol. The design brief was to create a modern and welcoming reception space as well as an upgrade to lift core areas with the purposes of attracting new tenants to this centrally located office building. The ceiling design featured 40mm x 150mm MaxiBeams finished in a Warm Oak Supalami, FR Class 0, also incorporating a 12mm Black Acoustic Backing Board to provide further acoustic benefits. VIEW TECHNICAL DETAILS AND FULL PHOTO GALLERY...

Private house, Jersey CHALLENGE Glulam beams – or glued laminated timber – are an ideal light weight alternative for steel or reinforced concrete that allow for much longer spans, heavier loads and complex shapes. Over the years timber rot may occur to such a degree that renovation becomes imminent and irreversible. That’s exactly what has happened to the property of a Jersey customer of RENOLIT’s approved contractor Advanced Roofing. A solution was sought to “save” the existing Glulam beam structure without too many structural changes. SOLUTION The RENOLIT ALKORPLAN roofing contractor solved the problem as follows: For the first stage they removed the failed, rotten areas and treated the remaining areas for insect infestation. Then they covered the glulam beams at each change of direction with RENOLIT ALKORPLAN metal sheet. Over the metal the beams were completely wrapped in reinforced RENOLIT ALKORPLAN membrane. Nicely packed… and completely waterproof. It worked really well and actually quite an ingenious idea! The glulam beams can start a second life resistant to all weather conditions. Once the glulam beams were encased there was still the issue of the solar shading to be re-fitted. Preferably without having to penetrate the newly applied membrane! The brilliant idea of using RENOLIT ALKORSOLAR profiles welded to the top edges of the glulam beams as a safe and solid support for the solar shading evolved. This project is again an excellent proof of the versatility of our RENOLIT ALKORSOLAR mounting system.

Some 92,000 Cwt Y Bugail slates feature on a ground-breaking new/old roof. Formerly a seedy area worth avoiding, London’s Kings Cross has now been transformed into a go-to destination for office workers, students and tourists. Developer Argent’s regeneration of the area has sensitively re-purposed the early Victorian railway buildings into variously, a college campus, supermarket and offices, in which the interior changes are radical but the exteriors have been left largely unaltered. Not so for Coal Drops Yard, a pair of elongated Victorian coal warehouses originally built to distribute coal from the North of England across London. Here, the pitched roofs of two almost-parallel buildings, 150m and 100m in length and 39m apart, have been reconfigured to curve up at their northern ends and gently kiss each other. Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the roofs peel upwards and extend into the middle of the space between the two buildings. A new floorplate sits below the roof structure, with glazing filling the gap between the two, creating a third level of retail. The new roofs of the ornate cast-iron and brick structures have been slated with 92,000 new versions of the original Welsh Slates – 500mm x 250mm Cwt Y Bugails from the manufacturer’s Llan Ffestiniog quarry in North Wales – by Banbury-based specialist sub-contractor Attleys Roofing. Attleys already had some Kings Cross experience, using 6,400 500mm x 300mm Heather Blues from Welsh Slate’s main Penrhyn quarry for the re-roof of the nearby German Gymnasium - the first purpose-built gym in England - which is now enjoying a new lease of life as a designer restaurant. Coal Drops Yard was a whole new ball game, testing Attleys to the limit, but the result is an extraordinary reinterpretation of the canal-side site. Main contractor BAM Construction was responsible for the structure of the new roofline. More than 50 new steel columns were carefully threaded through the existing structure to support the roof independently of the building, a point cloud survey being carried out to help calculate where to put the columns without clashing with the existing building fabric. Primary support is provided by a set of large cranked beams supported on cores in each building which join in the middle over the yard. There are four primary beams, two on each building. These dip down towards the centre to create the valley between the two roof structures and have been nicknamed “giraffe beams” in reference to their angled neck and head - the structure looks like two giraffes rubbing noses together. Tie beams at floor level take the tensile loads generated by the weight of the roof. The giraffe beams support two ribbon trusses that define the upper and lower edge of each roof structure and connect in the middle over the yard at the lower edge. These are 7m deep in the middle and taper to 5m at the ends where these join the existing roof. Tubular steel sections were used to create the trusses because of the complex geometry. The new floorplate below the roof is suspended from above using macalloy bars and is tapered towards the perimeter to minimise the impact on the view. More than 60 panels of full-height structural glazing between the floor and new roof are stepped rather than curved or faceted for aesthetic reasons and has the added benefit of hiding the macalloy bars. Temporary trusses were erected to support the giraffe beam assembly and ribbon trusses during construction. The giraffe beam assembly was erected first. The ribbon trusses were brought to site as components, bolted together on the ground into fully-assembled sections complete with rafters, craned into position and bolted together where they meet in the middle. The whole roof structure was then de-propped. Visually, it was important to maintain a seamless transition from the existing roof to the new section so the original timber roof trusses were retained where possible, with some localised strengthening required where the timber had been damaged. The gap between the existing and new roof structure was then boarded over ready for the new Welsh slates.The two roofs are bolted together where they meet in the middle. Heatherwick Studio chose to position the new roof element at the northern ends of the two buildings as the eastern building had been devastated by a fire in 1985. Used more recently for warehousing and nightclubs, they were largely abandoned in the 1990s. Group leader Lisa Finlay said: “Our challenge was to radically remodel this Victorian infrastructure to meet the needs of a modern urban development without losing what made them special. To do this, we focused on understanding their original function and how they were adapted over time so we could appreciate how best to preserve and reuse the existing fabric, whilst also introducing new elements. One of which is an entirely free-standing new structure threaded through the historic buildings, from which a spectacular new third level is suspended.”  Attleys were on site for a total of almost 18 months. The roof pitch of the original sections of roof was 28° but as the curves swept around and met in the middle this changed to 47°. Thereafter the length also decreased from 8.4m to 6.9m at the kissing point where the two curved roofs met but the same number of courses of slates (44) had to be maintained. This meant Attleys had to decrease the gauges and not only cut the sides of the slates to take them around the curve but also the tops of the slates to maintain the same number of courses. No clever nailing or hidden bibbing was required to stop rainwater flowing diagonally at this point as the pitch was so steep. Attleys’ managing director Shaun Attley met with Heatherwick Studio and BAM’s design team up to two years prior to commencement on site to discuss the design issues and how to achieve the aesthetics requested while using the products selected.  Shaun advised the project team that the Cwt Y Bugail slates could not be used for their initial roof design which exceeded a 90° pitch so it was re-designed to ensure that where the eaves met it was at a pitch commensurate with Welsh Slate’s fixing recommendations and warranties. Due to space being at a premium, all the Cwt Y Bugail slates were cut off-site at Attleys’ depot in Banbury. To do this, Attleys had to calculate how much of the slates needed cutting off. This was done by taking measurements from the steel work underneath - from steel to steel at the eaves and steel to steel at the ridge which was generally over 10-15m depending where you were on the curve (on the internal curve or external curve). The kissing point determined how the slates were cut to ensure the perp lines and side laps were maintained.  And because the roof pitch was increasing while the rafter length was decreasing, Attleys also had to cut the tops of the slates down so they suited the decreasing gauges. A total of 32,000 of the 90,000 slates used on the project had to be cut with hand guillotines so the dressed edge could be maintained around the curve which comprised 1,600m2 of the total 4,600m2. Shaun Attley said: “Our timescale for the sections of roof was provided to BAM Construction and this was put into their overall programme with all other sub-contractors but unfortunately our commencement on site was delayed due to previous issues in the construction of the steel frame prior to us starting.  “This meant we were up against the clock in trying to pull back time to ensure the overall programme was still met and we were asked by BAM to find ways of doing as much as possible off-site and increasing labour and production on-site to pull back the time lost. By working together with other sub-contractors and the main contractor we managed to finish a week earlier than our anticipated 43-week overall programme.” He added: “The project was challenging at the beginning to ensure we set the roof out properly but as the contract progressed it became easier. Welsh slates are easy to work, and we work with them all the time, but in this case it was challenging getting the slates to course all the way round. Attleys’ SMSTS-trained supervisor ran the day-to-day safety, conducting Toolbox talks every morning and attending daily safety briefings by BAM Construction staff and supervisors from all trades on site to brief each other of any risks and ensure trades were not disrupting one another.  The team of 10 Attleys operatives, which included two NVQ Level 2 apprentices, carried out daily visual inspections of tools and all power tools were PAT tested every three months. Shaun Attley visited weekly to inspect the job for workmanship and production and also to gather feedback on any safety issues or to see if any safety measures could be instigated to improve the overall safety for their and other operatives on site. “We found some of these measures not only improved safety but also helped improve production,” said Shaun. Attleys also had an independent safety inspector (from The Health & Safety People) visit site monthly to see if there were any safety improvements they could recommend. Far from handling eight million tonnes of coal a year, Coal Drops Yard is now forecast to pull in 12 million visitors a year.

Product:1no. Bespoke Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy: 74.26m x 3m – 3.5m2no. Standard Coniston Wall Mounted Canopies: 8m x 2.1m and 8.9m x 2.1mCanopy Frame Colour: Light Blue RAL 5012, matt finishInstallation Date: August - September 2019Contractor: Morgan SindallArchitect: Miller Bourne ArchitectsThe BriefIn September 2018, an invitation to tender was received by Able Canopies from Morgan Sindall Construction Ltd for a number of canopies at the brand new two-storey, primary and nursery school for which they had been awarded the contract to build to form part of the Hailsham Community College Academy Trust.After reviewing the tender documents we put our recommended products forward, which was a large Kensington wall mounted canopy and two Coniston wall mounted canopies.The architect then contacted us directly to detail that the main building frame was made up of large timber SIPS panels and the large steel posts were required to support the roof. However, they were also decorative in essence and played a significant part in the building aesthetic appeal, and they required Able Canopies to supply and install them as part of the package as they would run through the larger canopy.The original design and price we submitted did not require the inclusion of the steel posts, however we were then asked to include in our canpy costs. We therefore went back to the drawing board to come up with a canopy design which would fit the aesthetic and structural features required.The SolutionWhilst in talks with the architect, they explained that they favoured our Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy system and also requested the NBS spec for the product which wasn’t a problem as our products are all listed on the NBS National BIM Library.We therefore looked at the Coniston system and worked with the structural engineer to ensure the steel beams could be incorporated into the canopy. This enabled us to supply the contractor and architect with an estimate so we could secure the works as an early package enabling them to cast the foundations required within the main slab.Because the bespoke Coniston would have the required large steel beams through the roof, we designed a solution to ensure the canopy would still be a fully waterproof system. This was easily achieved with the Coniston because we were able to comfortably flash/dress around the roof support columns, to create a seamless walkway with a watertight roof.However, the large steel beams and underside required a lot of design work, we diligently designed bespoke connections for the posts to the beams, bespoke connections for the roof bar to the steel beams and bespoke guttering & gutter connections. This replaced the Coniston’s standard integral guttering system with an external gutter system that worked with the design perfectly.Click the link to continue reading..... https://www.ablecanopies.co.uk/c/wall-mounted-canopy-case-studies/hailsham-community-college-primary-academy-case-study.html

Jubilee Bridge was constructed in 1977 - chloride contamination was causing corrosion of the suspended and cantilever reinforced concrete support beams, half-joint elements and the soffits of the beamsICCP was used to protect cantilever beams, half-joints and suspended slab elements. Over 8,500 anodes were drilled in and are controlled in 20 zones with separate control of the beams and the half-joints.

The Sports Hall and Activity Studio were installed with the DYNAMIK Flexi-Beam Plus and Flexi-Beam Elite sprung floor systems. They chose a Tarkett Sports Linoleum which is a solid synthetic playing surface ideal for multi-use areas as used in busy schools. The Activity Studio was installed with Flexi-Beam Elite in European Oak.

Bespoke twin goods lifts enhancing space and time in Holland and Barrett’s warehouse in Staffordshire, EnglandLödige Industries installs two reliable goods lifts to increase production efficiency in the warehouseHolland and Barrett’s pick, pack and dispatch warehouse in Burton upon Trent has multiple levels. Previously goods were transferred between levels with forklift trucks and pallet gates. However, the a huge spike in orders made the forklift trucks and pallet gates inefficient and impractical. In addition, the number of forklifts operating in a congested area were a cause for concern. To meet the growing demand, Lödige Industries installed two SHERPA goods lifts with multi-level and multi-directional stops, including one for a future mezzanine level yet to be installed, thus future proofing the solution. As a result, H&B has been able to support the increase in its online processes business growth by enabling a higher throughput in its warehouseby operating in an efficient warehouse. The health and wellness market leader benefits from the advantages of quick, safe and reliable SHERPA goods lifts to stock and distribute their goods when required.SHERPA goods lifts maximise storage space in the warehouseThe rising demand for Holland and Barrett’s products meant that the company needed to store and move more goods in the existing facility. The existing lifting processes via forklifts were no longer expandable. By installing twin SHERPA goods only lifts with free standing shafts, all three floors of the warehouse can now be accessed safely and efficiently. As the SHERPA can be installed into any building without any alterations such as pits, there was limited impact during construction.A potential third mezzanine level has already been taken into account and the highest level served has a lifting height of 9.05m. The lifts now enable fast transportation between all floors and open up the possibility of further storage space. Cabin size has been tailored to Holland & Barrett’s goods to ensure the most efficient transportation processes.Integrating with Holland and Barrett’s work routines to ensure uninterrupted processesThe warehouse is a fast-paced and hard-pressed working hive of activity. Avoiding any negative impact on throughput, delivery times and processes was therefore imperative. Lödige Industries team worked closely integrated with Holland and Barrett’s operations team and partners to adjust installation work to daily warehouse routines; the experienced team of engineers were able to adjust their installation to their production times. Therefore, the installation could productivelywas accomplished without impacting warehouse performance go ahead. Fast installation and delivery ensured continuous production and early gains for the customer. Despite the challenges of COVID-19 and its impact on supply chains, Lödige Industries completed the installation ahead of schedule.Enabling construction in an existing facility- a temporary scaffold meets special customer requirementsThe existing warehouse posed a few challenges in the installation of the new lifts. Many lifts require a temporary lifting beam during installation, to facilitate multiple lifting points. However, like many modern warehouses, the facility in Burton upon Trend did not have a lifting beam. As this was required for both lifts, Lödige Industries developed a concept for an extended load bearing beam, that was created and installed by one of Holland & Barrett’s partners in this project.SolutionIntegrating with Holland and Barrett’s daily routines ensured continuous production to address the rising demands and orders.The SHERPA goods lifts are transporting goods over four floors. This allows the customer to maximise its warehouse space and move their goods quicker and more efficiently.To facilitate multiple lifting points and transport unstable loads, Lödige Industries provided a temporary scaffold platform.

BACKGROUNDThrough the OJEU process, cfes were appointed by the Royal Free Hospital to design, build and maintain a Central Sterilisation Services Department (CSSD) on a brown field site in Enfield. The site incorporated 16 endoscopy reprocessors, 11 washer disinfectors, eight sterilisers, two large trolley washers and associated drying cabinets.BRIEFCfes required a modular hygienic partition system to create the process and support areas around the key equipment whilst achieving the HTM and fire rating requirements. In addition to the walls, the system also needed to support the distributed services and ceiling systems, as no load could be added to the building structure.SOLUTIONThe MIDDAS M100/M200 partition system was selected with associated structural framework, to meet all the hygienic requirements for the project. The M100/M200 severe duty framework was modulated around the key process equipment to provide the fixing locations for the beams. All beams were designed to support the distributed services with clear spans up to 10m, negating the need for secondary steel work. Hygienic ceiling tiles were suspended from the MIDDAS beams in all clean areas with acoustic ceiling tiles fitted in the support areas. The M100/M200 system benefits from full independent fire testing, where MIDDAS partitions have been tested with its proprietary flush glazing and integrated door sets as a system. This ensures the complete facility is fully compliant with the fire strategy for the project and is backed by our comprehensive test data. A further benefit of the system was that the structural framework allowed M&E services to be fitted before the finished partitions. The ceilings were then simply hung in place with factory formed cut outs to suit the service penetrations.

Vtec was specified to provide feature ceiling beams using our MaxiBeam raft above an informal seating area in the large social space. Finished in a special Oak laminate, the raft’s interesting geometry follows the shape of the building and draws the eye. No two beams are the same; each was individually shaped and sized to perfectly fit the perimeter. Our Technical Team provided detailed set out dimensions to ensure correct positioning of the MaxiBeams for smooth installation, with the outcome that every single one of the feature ceiling beams is fully removable using our Click-Fix method.

Bodrum Caresse Hotel Technowood pergola roof covering. Pergola sections spanning over 12 metres, Technowood systems have solved an Architectural problem that been around for decades.Hotel Pergola with unsupported spanHardwood timber has been used for many years. Creating roof structures for both interior and exterior applications. Its well known that with timber, the further you need to span means the larger the timber section required. Only to a certain point where steel flitch beams are required. Then the Architect may consider using Glulam beams in a similar arrangement. The sight of steel plates and huge fixing bolts may not be acceptable to the design and so Architects and designers need something else.“From centre stage and into the lime light shines Technowood… Tah Dah…”Technowood is normally fabricated with Aluminium and timber, this is usually acceptable length to 7.5 metres span. In this instance, the fabrication was with GRP and real timber. Glass Reinforced Polymer is able to span up to 12.5 metres.The exterior terraces, designed with massive pergolas; unsupported throughout their length and signed off from the Structural Engineer for conformance.Swimming Pool PergolaThe swimming pool is also covered with an extreme pergola system. The span here is enormous and impressive nonetheless. It provide the vertical structure exactly as the design intended and provides dappled shade across the whole area. There are no upright support pillars to obstruct the walkways or vista.These sections like exactly like huge timber beams, they maybe GRP in the inside but they are certainly real wood on the outside.Brise soleil for terraces and balconiesYou can see from the images that the Technowood has been used to match the design of the pergolas to create brise soleil arrangements on the balconies. These are normal quite small affairs in small spans and not normally in timber, these are different. They are massive in section, huge in length and still in timber.Architects often specify raised timber structures to create shade from the sun. Technowood enable the design to become reality somewhat easier than first imagined. The sections can be moveable, house lighting and speakers too.Installing a Technowood PergolaEach project design must go through the design team at Technowood for approval; They advise on all fixing details. The team have designed and delivered thousands of projects over the last 2 and more decadesInstead of many hands, cranes and dangerous work environments, Technowood systems for Pergolas and Brise Soleil arrangements are lightweight. The fixings, usually hidden from sight resulting in cleaner lines, no flitch plates or nuts and bolts.Contact Technowood to realise your design into the unimaginable…We also have a showroom at The Sky House Design Centre please get in touch to book an appointment.

Insworke Mill was originally built in 1590 and survived as a working Mill until the First World War. After falling into disrepair it’s now undergoing a major refurbishment to convert it to its new life as commercial properties to the ground floor with a luxury residential dwelling above. To the first floor a Lewis® Deck/screed solution was used to provide acoustic separating floors with timber beams left exposed, replicating the original beams. On the ground floor; Lewis® was used as part of a warm floor solution above the cellar areas. U/F heating was incorporated in all floors.

Artist Ruurd Hollema designed an iconic piece of art for a roundabout on Reggesingel Street, Rijssen, The Netherlands. At 8.5 metres high and 11 metres in width this inspirational design is called “Fingers” due to the large interlocking timber beams. The structure is manufactured using 20m3 of Accoya wood in dimensions of 38mm x 150mm glue-laminated together. The customer, joiner and contractor De Groot Vroomshoop Gelijmde Houtconstructies b.v. constructed and built the eye catching structure with no coating except for an end sealer. The large glue laminated beams measure 0.18m x 6m x 11m.

Aberfoyle Primary School – Stirling, ScotlandProduct: Denver Timber Cycle ShelterSize: 6.2m x 1.6mTimber Frame Stain Colour: Light OakContractor: AKP Scotland Ltd.Architect: Wardell ArmstrongInstallation Date: May 2021The BriefAKP Scotland Ltd. are an award-winning principal contractor based in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. They were working on a project at Aberfoyle Primary School in Stirling which required a complete refurbishment of their stunning gothic style, 151-year-old listed building.Part of the project included the requirement for a cycle shelter within the school’s nursery playground. The Architects, Wardell Armstrong specified our Denver Timber Cycle Shelter in the setting out drawings, which were then sent to us to us an invitation to tender by AKP Scotland Ltd.The Solution Because the product had already been specified, this was a simple case of sending over our costs for the size required which was 6.2m x 1.6m.The Denver is constructed from stunning curved Glulam timber beams which are manufactured by gluing together laminates of timber under pressure and heat that are then perfectly planed. The resulting beams are strong, stable, and corrosion proof with significant advantages over structural steel and concrete.This makes the Denver Timber Cycle Shelter a great choice for this project; because the school building was a very old, listed building, the aesthetics of a curved timber structure would fit in perfectly, keeping a traditional, natural appearance.The Installation An order was placed in December 2020 with the installation planned for May 2021 as set out in the contractors’ building programme. The contractor installed a concrete base and the installation of the shelter went ahead as scheduled on 24-26th May 2021, taking just two days to install.The contractor supplied and installed the cycle hoops themselves once we had left site.The end result is a striking curved timber cycle shelter that fits in flawlessly with the recently refurbished Early Year’s playground area, finishing the project off perfectly.

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

The designers for the new offices in Atherstone, Warwickshire focused on creating a building that would be in tune both with its rural surroundings and also with the inventive and artistic profession of the occupants. The premises are the headquarters and design studio for a well known video game development company.The design of the building is based on a large barn with attractive contemporary wooden panelling and external posts and beams. Running alongside these posts and beams is dramatic bespoke aerofoil solar shading and weather louvres.As a perfect colourful contrast for offsetting the wood, ‘Copper Mine’ - gives the effect of patinated copper or Verdigris. The project comprises of 475 linear metres of 170mm elliptical aerofoil blades.The final effect of the blue/green aerofoil fins set against the wood is stunning as the images show. ‘Copper Mine’ is a textured finish and will give a pleasing variation in shade as sunlight moves across its surface

Built by Lindan Homes, Longboard Products was proud to be featured and involved in this beautiful design. With drawings completed by Keystone Architecture this project was first to feature our new Link & Lock Battens, the versatile design was made simple with our interlocking beam product and gave this office space a modern and welcoming design. Our Link & Lock Battens featured in this project are built for easy install, and creative adaptability. Safe for interior and exterior use, can be used as beams, battens, fins, ceilings and more. Available in all finish options and 4", 6" and 8” batten sizes.

When the Harvey Group were looking for Multi Service Chilled Beams for Sheffield Hallam University Lindab's Indoor Comfort products were the natural choice. Lindab provided a proof of concept proposal based on Multi Service Beams and worked closely with the customer ensuring the best possible solution. Lindab as a supplier and manufacturer were able to offer the client a solution backed by our research and test facility in Farum where the customer witnessed the product first hand and signed off pre manufacture samples. Eurovent certification gave added piece of mind to the client and completed the quality assurance.

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

DWB Hull, a licensed MiTek roof truss and Posi-Joist manufacturer, recently supplied specially designed Posi-Rafters to form the roof for a large domestic extension. Bespoke end details were incorporated into the Posi-Rafter design to make installation straightforward and to provide solid bearings on to the steel beams and walls. The build had two steel ridge purlins and a central steel at ceiling level, forming a large vaulted ceiling internally. Posi-Rafters were the ideal choice, with plated end blocks sitting directly on to the steel beams with no need for hangers.

Schöck solution combines architecture with horticultureThe striking facade of this building in Berlin is the concept of Sergej Dott, a locally-based pop art painter who chose medicinal herbs to represent the building's use as a major medical centre. The Treptow Medical Centre, named after the district in which it is located, is a 19th century listed building and recent refurbishment work has seen the interior transformed into twelve surgeries and a pharmacy. The final flourish of the restoration activity is the addition of the pop art herbs, each one metre in diameter, up to twelve metres high and 600kgs in weight, all grouped around three sides of the building.To incorporate them into the structural design, additional steel beams had to be installed inside the building at varying floor levels and Lorenz Linnhoff, whose engineering firm carried out the structural planning for the building comments: "The optimum solution for fastening the giant flowers to the building envelope was the Schöck Isokorb® T type S, which made it possible to transfer the load of the flower installation via the steel beams to the load-bearing building".The Isokorb® T type S has been developed to create thermal breaks in steel structures, where the modules are used to transfer tensile forces and pressure/shear forces. With this application the product is used only for the latter purpose, as on this occasion it has to perform a structural function rather than ensure thermal partition. Each flower is connected by two T type S modules at the top of the stalk and their modular capability meant that off-site pre-fabrication was possible, helping to reduce on-site costs. Two head plates were welded to the stalks off site and another two head plates attached to the main steel structure with the T type S modules bolted to them. Then flower stalk was then lifted into position and the two plates simply bolted to the exterior connections of the T type S units. The community arts and culture scene in Treptow will benefit too, as each of the herbs is to be sponsored, with the proceeds donated to various art institutions.

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

This was a large-scale wall and ceiling project in a 3-storey atrium of a major university reception. Vertical MaxiBeams were specified for the walling, including parts of the stairwell, because of its adaptability. It could accommodate the complex demands of the diverse elevations, with the additional technical challenge of spanning over the large windows. The vertical beams flowed down the inner faces of the atrium and wrapped under the soffit. The ceiling benefitted from our discreet Click-Fix installation method, which ensured beams could be removed individually, as required.

Architect: Healy PartnersInstaller: John Paul ConstructionProduct: Gustafs Linear Ribs and Gustafs Panel SystemClose to 400m2 of Gustafs Linear Ribs and Gustafs Panel System in natural Walnut veneer were used to clad the walls and ceiling beams of the Padel Courts in the new leisure facilities at the Adare Manor in early 2020.The new Padel courts are a facility unique to the activity centre at Adare Manor. Padel is a hybrid sport between tennis and squash, traditionally played with 4 players and suitable for the whole family. Part of the larger expansion and restoration project the Padel Club also houses studio space for yoga as well as gym and swimming facilities, sauna and steam room.Gustafs Ribs were installed to the upper walls within the court area, 34mm deep ribs with 38mm gaps were used for 50% open area achieving class A for acoustic absorption, perfect for controlling sound levels in the sports hall.In addition to the ribs 171m2 of Gustafs Panel System was used to clad the steel ceiling beams in complimentary Walnut veneer. Specialist Gustafs capax profiles were used for their signature invisible fixing.

What are curved and cantilevered pergolas?Curved and cantilevered pergolas are intricate designs of raised structures that can be free standing or fixed to an existing building or structure.They are complicated elements of a project and aren’t usually something designed on site. Manufactured in a workshop by skilled professionals, then taken to site in kit form for a rapid installation.Depending upon the design, the curves are manufactured from simple fins or box section and curved to a radius during manufacture. The design may call for the curved arrangement to be manufacture from straight pieces, this does reduce price but can look facetted.Cantilevering raised structures and pergolasFor years, these raised structures have been designed with a cantilevered design. This causes complications for the structure due to the weight, bending moments and behaviour of solid or laminated timber. The solution has been to create flitch plates and stiffening beams in steel which would then be wrapped in the timber. This is a costly affair and required Structural Engineers to provide detail and calculation for these structures. They then take excessive time on site to install and can sometimes be cost prohibitive.Technowood solves pergola problemsThe use of Technowood for complex pergolas is now an integral material for modern structures. Technowood can span up to 7.5 metres in the normal production of these structures, this would be for an unsupported form. If design requires dimensions over this then Technowood can use GRP to then create lengths of up to 12.5 metres.“There are also other benefits by using TechnoWood”It can be A2 fire ratedMuch lighter than solid timberUp to 60% quicker on installationNo flitch beams nor unnecessary reinforcingNo visible fixingsWarranted for 20 yearsFSC and Environmental Product DeclarationAnd it looks like timber … because it is wrapped in real timber veneer.How to design a perfect PergolaOf course, designers and Architects don’t need us to tell them what to design… We do help with the connections and advise on how the whole package is assembled. Do give us a call and we can send over the DWG’s, DXF’s and SKP’s, these will have all of the elements on the Technowood portfolio of you to use in your design.Technowood do have in-house designers that offer solutions should you require. You can visit their office and showroom which is based in the Sky House design Centre, Amersham. Top of the Metropolitan line on the tube…

Artform Urban and the Bailey Street Furniture Group continue their ongoing partnership with contractors Renaker who have, over recent years, single-handedly transformed the Manchester City Centre Skyline. Following their collaboration with furnishing the roof terraces at the now-iconic Deansgate Square and Crown Street buildings, Artform has provided an array of high-quality external furniture for the Canalside terrace at Castle Wharf.Castle Wharf is the epitome of boutique waterside living.Castle Wharf is a modern and contemporary development of 188 apartments and penthouses in the heart of the Castlefield Conservations in Manchester's city center.The Building is designed by OMI Architects and reflects the area’s industrial heritage. Inside features high-end amenities; a gymnasium, spa, and lounge spaces.The exterior terrace has been designed by TPM Landscape and features sandstone to mimic the sandstone outcrops that are visible in the Castlefield Basin. To coordinate with this distinct colour pallet and style, Artform has provided a package of complementary street furniture elements. Large aged oak beams mounted on steel frames, as well as inset into the sandstone planter walls, create a plethora of seating options for dining and socialising. Bar stools, benches, and tables - as seen at Deansgate Square and Crown Street have been selected here. The range combines a minimal aluminium frame and hardwood clad toppers to create durable, stylish and lightweight products that offer ease of manoeuvrability and longevity.Finally, the popular Spencer litter bin clad in premium quality hardwood timbers have been placed around the terrace as well as the entrance to the building. The Spencer litter bin is a versatile design available in a variety of materials sizes and shapes - here the quality timbers harmonise alongside the sandstone. The Spencer bin has been used on all 3 projects that Artform has completed to date with Renaker.Artform’s world-leading products combined with their knowledge and experience within this sector has resulted in a unique and inviting outdoor social space for residents and guests.

In partnership with leading global investment firm KKR, Regal London recently completed a strategic new site at 340a Clapham Road, SW9, situated between Stockwell and Clapham North. Previously a brownfield site (tool hire depot), the site has been completely transformed into a vibrant mixed use, residential-led development, totalling 94,740 sq ft and will deliver 62 one, two and three-bedroom apartments spread over nine floors. The ground and lower ground floors also comprise approximately 18,250 ft2 of flexible commercial space. Planning permission was granted in June 2017 following a collaborative working relationship with the London Borough of Lambeth and the project reached its completion in 2021.With a high quality and contemporary design, both of which are hallmarks of Regal London schemes, the development perfectly complements the surrounding streetscape of new build and period properties, featuring a subtle interplay of façade materials including brick, aluminium and glass installed by Buildtherm Services. Ideally located for commuters, an established network of transport links is within easy reach of the development, with Stockwell Underground Station just 0.2miles away, as well as Clapham North Underground Station and Clapham High Street Overground Station both within a short walk. A thriving social and leisure scene is also nearby, led by the bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes, as well as a selection of amenities, in situ along the lively Clapham High Street and its surrounds.The undeniable kerb-appeal of this luxury residential development is testament to the design capabilities of the modern methods of construction used throughout the build and the quality of workmanship involved. The architect’s ambitious concept design called for a modern and sleek interpretation of the surrounding vernacular to satisfy planning requirements. The vision is clearly represented by the multiple challenging interfaces; including large expanses of glazing, cantilevered balconies and rooftop garden spaces which represented an important consideration within the design of the main structure and supporting steel frame systems. In order to comply with the latest building regulations for residential buildings over 18m in height, topping out at 9 storeys, Regal London also needed to ensure that all façade materials met with the requirement for non-combustibility, with a minimum EN13501-1 rating of A2, including the balconies.Over 3000m2 of A1 rated NaturAL-X brick cladding has been installed across several new elevations, with the architect having selected 3 different brick finishes to satisfy planning requirements, specifying subtle and muted tones including a textured dark, smooth off-white, and glazed white. As well as varying the colours and textures of the brick cladding, hundreds of bespoke cut and bonded return bricks were manufactured to suit the angular interfaces at balcony levels. The project design also called for elements of flexibly orientated brick coursing, with soldier courses, stack bonded and soffit return sections featuring at ground level and interspersed within the columns and beams stretching across the front elevation. The adaptability of this BBA certified innovative brick cladding system allows for modern interpretations of brickwork design to be easily integrated using standard components, without any requirement for additional structural support and with the added reassurance of all relevant system testing.Set back from the main brick façade, the top two floors featuring luxurious penthouse apartments are clad in VariAL-CF2 Concealed-fix 3mm aluminium cassettes, with a powder coated finish produced to Qualicoat standards. This CWCT tested, A2 rated rainscreen system is designed to accommodate large format vertically orientated modules, as well as complex details such as soffits, verges and goalpost details; making it eminently suitable for the balcony fascia areas too. Concealed fixings located in the panel joints are colour coated to match the panels, delivering an uninterrupted aesthetic. With long-term maintenance in mind, VariAL-CF2 allows for individual panels to be demounted, removed and replaced if required, without causing any detriment to the surrounding areas.

Angel Central is a popular shopping destination in Islington, London. Famous for its beautiful Angel Wing sculpture that is situated at the entrance. Artform were invited to provide a selection of street furniture elements that would complement each other and the new improvements. The Strata Beam Bench and Seat has subtly faceted concrete legs that create an interesting play between light and shadow, the timber slats match the flooring chosen for the bridge.

It’s not everyday you get a phone call from an architect asking for help on a grade 2 listed mill building, but that is what happened to us back in April 2017 when Stephenson Studios contacted us with a problem they were having with floor to ceiling heights on their Brownsfield Mill project in Manchester.Their design criteria was for the existing 75mm thick timber mill boards to be retained and each of the apartments in the building would have these as an exposed ceiling. The idea was to keep the building as rustic and to retain as much of the original look and feel of the listed mill building as possible. Because of this all of the acoustic (Part E.) and fire Building Regs. (Part B.) requirements would have to be installed above the existing floor.The drawings we were sent through identified a floor build up, on top of the mill boards, at nearly 300mm thick. This started with a self levelling compound on top of the mill boards, to level them to, and then a timber on timber solution with a final layer of cement particle board prior to the oak flooring being installed.This thick floor section was causing a problem due to the original oak beams that were in place meaning the floor to ceiling heights weren’t as high as they needed to be. This design was compounded flowing the removal of the bitumen floor covering. When the mill boards were exposed and then levels were taken across each of the floors it was clear that the original design was no longer suitable for the project.With the age of the building some of the mill boards were beyond repair and each of the floors needed levelling up so the use of self levelling compound and a timber/ cement board solution also became a very expensive solution. We were asked if we could come up with a solution that was able to reduce costs and time and also to be able to achieve the required acoustic and fire requirements for this type of conversion project.Our initial thoughts on the project was to use timber ferrings, 100mm wide at 600mm centres, to lay our Lewis Deck system onto. This was reducing the number of ferrings by 50% (these were originally at 400mm centres) and it also removed 4 layers of timber/ cement board as well as the self levelling compound from the project. Following a meeting on site however, and after being able to fully talk to the design team and developer about what the Lewis Deck system can do we agreed that we would look at putting the ferring strips at 1400mm centres with the Lewis Deck being laid across at these centres. Rubber granulate acoustic strips would be installed on top of each of the timbers and mineral wool insulation would then be installed between. This would allow more material to be removed from the project but crucially still hit both the acoustic and fire requirements of the project.A test floor was commissioned, by the acoustic engineer, and built in August 2018 which passed all tests. You can see from the photos below the Lewis Deck laid at 1400mm centres for the middle section of the test with the 15mm thick rubber granulate acoustic strip laid on top of the timber ferrings. These timbers, due to the nature of the mill boards below, had to be installed individually to differing heights.The first full delivery of Lewis Deck arrived on site at the beginning of June 2019 following on from the steel strengthening works that were being carried out on site.The deck was quickly installed across the whole first floor in just a couple of days and the first screed pour was scheduled for the following week. The whole floor was poured using an anhydrite screed in just a few hours.The project continued on and the last main section of floor was poured on 19th December 2019, exactly 6 months after the first of the pours.This grade 2 listed mill building was a great project to work on. One that gave us a lot of challenges to overcome from the outset and one that helped overcome a number of issues that kept dropping up as the remedial works on the building progressed. We are delighted with the final result.Developer: Urban SplashFloor Installer: Trent Construction Services Ltd.