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The ChallengeStoke Football Club (FC) launched a project of investment and modernisation to achieve first-class facilities at its Clayton Wood training ground and reach the coveted Category One status in the Premier League-driven Elite Player Performance Plan.The site, which is the main training ground for the first team squad, will include modern and technologically advanced facilities on a par with other Premier League clubs and top-flight European teams, which will aid Stoke FC in attracting new talent to the club.The SolutionThe 1,800-square metre site incorporates a full-sized indoor pitch, so players can train throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions. It also offers nine spacious changing rooms, office accommodation, a medical centre, gymnasium, hydrotherapy suite, dining area and press room.The addition of classrooms to the building means the site can now become home to the Club’s football academy where future footballing talent is trained.Forterra supplied their Dark Multi Smooth Butterley Bricks for the development of the club’s training building.Manufactured in the UK at Forterra’s Wilnecote brickworks, this 150-year-old brand provided a perfect, smooth finish and clean lines to complement the building’s glass panels and metallic cladding.The BenefitsStoke FC’s investment and regeneration of its facilities has earned it two construction awards: The Local Area Building Council (LABC) Business Excellence Awards for 2014 for the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire.

Client: Matthew AlgieLocation: Glasgow, Scotland, UKYear: 2023Project size: 300 m²Vebro systems: vebrocrete MFA high performance PU concrete flooring system was required to deliver a hygienic, durable, easy-to-clean flooring solution for a Glasgow-based coffee roastery.Matthew Algie, established in 1864, began life selling its own blend of tea to wholesale customers across Glasgow, before beginning coffee production after the second world war.Today, the Scottish company supplies its famous coffee blends as well as other peripheral goods and equipment to cafés, restaurants and hotels throughout the UK and beyond.Matthew Algie’s award-winning Glasgow roastery is in the heart of the city and close to the banks of the River Clyde.The slab in the facility’s production facility was in need of some attention, requiring mechanical preparation and exposed repairs before being overcoated.vebrocrete MF was chosen to transform the 300 m2 area. vebrocrete MF is a HACCP International certified medium duty, easily-applied, polyurethane concrete screed offering excellent chemical and wear resistance.vebrocrete MF is best suited to use in dry and semi-wet food processing and preparation areas subject to moderate temperature swings, chemical spillage and medium duty traffic.The system, which is resistant to temperatures up to 70ºC, also provides excellent cleanability and features a seamless hygienic finish.The food-safe, solvent-free, odourless, non-tainting and non-dusting system complies with HACCP food safety management guidelines.

Wanangkura Stadium is Port Hedland new multi‐purpose recreational centre. The name for the centre was chosen from hundreds of local submissions and means ‘whirlwind’ in the local Kariyarra language. The title pays tribute to the centre’s design, which architect Sophie Cleland likened to a cyclonic pattern, creating a ‘shimmering, rippling effect on an otherwise flat landscape’. Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett called the Centre ‘… a spectacular piece of architecture that will become a landmark for Hedland’.ARM Architecture’s approach to the design considered this building as a mirage – a shimmering, rippling effect on an otherwise flat landscape. Using a ‘halftone’ pixelated technique, the building's entry façade acts as a clear visual image from long distances, whilst being highly agitated on closer inspection. The opposite side faces the Kevin Scott oval, accommodating related facilities along the oval, including a spectator’s stand, change rooms and spectator suites. Thanks to The Fairview Group’s extensive colour range of VitraNamel, ARM Architecture were able to create stunning effect they wanted. VitraNamel was chosen over VitraBond due to its extremely robust and durable properties which is essential for such a building which has heavy traffic and extreme wear. VitraNamel is a decorative high strength architectural panel with an incredibly tough, almost indestructible finish. It consists of a vitreous enamel coating on a decarbonised steel panel, with a honeycomb or calcium silicate core. Vitreous enamelled architectural panels are routinely specified for commercial, institutional and infrastructure projects around the world; perfect for high impact areas such as train stations, shopping malls and tunnels.

South Queensferry School received an express service from Yeoman Shield to complete staircase wall refurbishment works during the February half term holiday period.With the requirement to protect 3 staircases and stairwells, Yeoman Shield were able to facilitate the supply and installation of 375 metres of FalmouthEx wall protection panels to suit the 4-day window allowed for the work to be carried out.Fitted to 1250 mm high along these areas, in 3 different colours to identify different departments, Yeoman Shield experienced installers were able to accommodate faultlessly the rake angle of the staircase walls, as well as removing and then reinstalling the original handrail when the panelling had been completed.South Queens Ferry School’s Business Manager commented “Yeoman Shield’s team of installers made an excellent, professional job of the wall protection project and we are very pleased with the results.”The implementation of wall protection to school interiors prevents impact damage caused by the movement of pupils, staff, bags and equipment. Stopping scratching and marking will result in reduced maintenance and redecoration costs in the future whilst serving to extend the lifecycle of interior walls.The easy to clean, inherently hygienic properties of the rigid PVCu wall panels ensures a high standard is maintained around the school enhancing the interior design and the welfare of pupils and staff.For more information on how Yeoman Shield can help schools reduce costs on re-painting and repair costs go to www.yeomanshield.com or call 0113 279 5854.

A hard-wearing durable levelling screed was required for a major redevelopment project at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife. Originally opened in 1967, the facility is one of two main hospitals in the county, serving the town and mid-Fife area.  Extended in 2012, the hospital features an East, West and South and a main tower block, housing an accident and emergency department; maternity unit, an ENT unit, anaesthesia, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatric surgery, mental health services, infectious diseases and operating theatres.   When complete, the latest expansion to the Edinburgh hospital, representing a £33m investment that was approved in early 2021, will see the hospital gain 140 additional parking spaces in a new parking facility, as well as 3 operating theatres, a supporting inpatient ward and associated outpatient facilities.Vebro Polymers has provided v-Cem – a rapid-drying, high-strength, shrinkage-compensated screed that can be applied prior to the installation of commercial floor coverings, including carpet, titles, laminate or hard-wearing resin finishes.Laid at depths between 10.0 mm and 55.0 mm and beyond, v-Cem can be used to form screeds that are bonded, unbonded and floating screed applications, and is suited to use in both internal and external applications — ideal for the in-progress construction site of Victoria Hospital.The expansion of the hospital has included many phases and trades, each keen to maintain momentum to deliver the finished facility in good time. v-Cem will dry in as little as 4 days to receive resin finishes and other resilient floor coverings.

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.

We worked with Squire Sanders, the global law firm, and their architect Jacobs Webber, to design their contemporary headquarters. Based in Central London at 7 Devonshire Square, their space needed to be professional, functional and fit with the aesthetic of the rest of their offices located in various countries around the world.In their building, we fitted secondary doors – for cupboards and storage spaces – that were full-height and designed to discreetly hide the casing of sliding folding walls to create a smooth and sleek interior. They worked perfectly with the architect’s plans so that the company had to make no compromises on the design they wanted within the space that they had.We also spent time drawing up a completely bespoke design for their fire extinguisher cupboards, factoring in aesthetics, function, and safety. The end result consisted of cupboards with a concealed frame, a stainless steel wrapped door, and a vision panel to see within the unit from the exterior.In terms of the doors themselves, we worked with the architect and the law firm to select the Arriva, Innova, models and bespoke SS-Faced Arriva models. These choices allowed us to create designs that worked perfectly for their use and allow the design to flow throughout their headquarters.The end result is effortlessly modern, and the design is consistent with their global branding. The functionality is improved for both employees and clients or guests, and the interior has a timeless professionalism that suits the ethos of the company.Browse the images to see exactly what we did or, if you think your commercial space needs some expert help with contemporary, functional doors, get in touch with our team at Selo, and lets get chatting.

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.

Elevating Luxury Living at University Arms, Cambridge.University Arms, Cambridge, a quintessentially British hotel, embarked on a transformative journey to redefine luxury and sophistication in its 189 rooms and suites. As part of this ambitious project, Selo Doors was entrusted to supply bespoke riser doors, seamlessly blending classic Edwardian interiors with modern aesthetics while meeting stringent fire-rated and concealed requirements.Selo Doors took on the challenge of providing bespoke riser doors tailored to the unique requirements of University Arms. The emphasis on customization ensured that the riser door sets seamlessly integrated into the overall design, offering a concealed and flush appearance. The metal riser doors were crafted with precision, aligning with the hotel’s commitment to quality and aesthetic excellence.Recognizing the critical role of fire safety in a luxury hospitality setting, the bespoke riser doors supplied by Selo Doors were meticulously engineered to meet rigorous fire-rated standards. This not only prioritized the safety of occupants but also underscored the commitment to compliance with industry regulations.The collaboration between University Arms, Cambridge, and Selo Doors resulted in the creation of a luxurious haven where bespoke riser doors play a pivotal role in elevating the overall aesthetic and safety standards. The fusion of British elegance, bespoke craftsmanship, and fire-rated excellence underscores the commitment to offering guests a memorable and secure stay. This case study serves as a testament to the seamless integration of bespoke riser doors in a prestigious hospitality setting, where attention to detail and quality craftsmanship are paramount.

The Project – Global HQ.This new build was a joint project between Leicester County Council and Loughborough University Science Enterprise Park (LUSEP). Together they delivered this stunning building which is to be solely occupied by The Access Group as their Global Head Quarters.Bathgate Flooring were engaged to manufacture, supply and install PSA grade BGM600 steel encapsulated panels throughout to provide the Access Group with Category A finish.Now completed – it will be home to more than a third of the global workforce for this leading technology company.Products UsedThe panels were specified to PSA Standards. The BGM600 Steel Encapsulated panel is medium grade PSA panel which suits most applications. This was used extensively in the installation.Testimonial“It was handed over to a very happy client and client team with some great feedback too. They think the building is great and are very pleased not only with the end product quality, but with the overall approach as a whole from start to finish– well done team LUSEP past and present, great work!  On behalf of the Wates Site Management team, I would like to thank you all for your proactive approach through all the difficulties that the past year has given to us all, you should all be immensely proud of the quality and passion that your workforce put into the project.Mike Martin – Site Manager,Wates Construction Midlands.Architect: Perfect CircleOwner: Leicester County CouncilContractor: Wates ConstructionLocation: LoughboroughSystem Size: 5664 sq. m.Completion: December 2020

Hundreds of homes have been refurbished as part of a multi-million pound revamp of housing association properties.Tristar Homes spent £8m on the scheme at Kennedy Gardens in Billingham where they carried out work on 225 properties across the three housing blocks as well as creating 12 new one and two bedroom homes which have been made available for rent.The development, completed in September 2014, includes the fitting of new windows, new bathrooms and improved living space due to the new balcony extensions.The roof area before its refurbishment had a U-value of 0.4 W/m²K. This existing build-up would not have met the requirements of the current building regulations Part L.The lower roof had been overlaid at least twice since its original construction. In all but one core sample, the existing insulation was wet through and therefore it was apparent that 90% of the existing roof build up needed stripping to the original asphalt. A further inspection was needed when the asphalt was exposed to ascertain the condition and depth of the asphalt. The asphalt was deemed in reasonable condition so the new system could be installed onto the original asphalt.IKO worked with installing contractors BriggsAmasco to refine the roof specification and recommended IKO Mach One single layer bituminous membrane system, installed to the recommendations of wind uplift calculations and performing to a 0.18U value as per requirements.IKO Mach One membranes are a robust, flame-free, single-layer roofing system with added fire-retardancy. IKO Mach One can be mechanically fastened, ballasted or bonded with polyurethane adhesive.A 20-year insurance-backedfire retardancy guarantee was issued to cover all materials, design and workmanship covering contractor insolvency.

Located just off New York Street in Manchester city centre, Manhattan is a seven-storey development comprising 42 one and two-bedroom apartments. In a New York loft style, each property features floor to ceiling windows and private terraces set into a multi-level garden wall. On the seventh floor, there are duplex penthouses offering views over King Street and across the city. The ground floor also offers 2,000 sq ft of retail space.During several site visits, the original red brick was examined, and the requirements for a blue/black finish was discussed. Using KEIM’s Brick Colour Range, Nicola Young, KEIM’s Senior Colourist, conducted trial applications of KEIM Restauro Lasur, using different opacity ratios, to ensure colour consistency.Once the colour required had been achieved a specification was produced for a four coat KEIM Restauro Lasur system, comprising of two coats of diluted bespoke black base colour in a fairly opaque finish, followed by two further coats of a combination of two differing colours, more heavily diluted.The original red brick front façade of this five storey building was retained and enhanced to reference a more industrial feel. To fulfil the design brief, the client wanted to change in colour of the bricks to blue/black, without the bricks appearing painted.KEIM Restauro Lasur, a low pigmentation silicate colour wash, which acts as a stain that penetrates the surface of the brick, was used to change the colour of the façade, retaining the look and feel of the original bricks. KEIM Restauro Lasur is a breathable, colourfast system, which retains the original brick appearance and increases light reflectivity, whilst retaining a natural looking finish. The beauty of the KEIM Restauro Lasur system is that it can be used to achieve almost any effect without the surface appearing painted.

Dual finish wooden windows and doors were used in the renovation of this delightful 1900’s Arts and Crafts style property. The family chose from the Lomax + Wood made-to-order range of timber flush casements and doors.42 Double glazed fully weather-stripped flush casement windows, French doors and entrance doors.Dual colour factory finished paint colour. White internally and Squirrel grey externally.Engineered timber for stability and durability.Espagnolette locking for security.Faceted bay windows.Polished chrome ironmongery.Creating your dream home is not always easy and finding the right plot and location is half the battle. So when the proud owners of this beautifully renovated 1900’s Arts and Crafts style property found it, they recognised the potential. They have taken a period property and renovated it to exacting standards to create a stunning family home with luxury features to maximise their use of it all year round.Lomax + wood timber window and doors were in keeping with the required Arts and Crafts style, while also providing thermal, acoustic and security performance. This country residence is an excellent example of the highest quality craftsmanship. The materials used on the property such as the green oak, clay tiles and bricks reflect the local traditions and are in keeping with the local architecture.This stunning property boasts a feast of traditionally styled timber windows and doors. An excellent use of projecting bays helps to add space and light to the rooms. Dormer Windows with traditional patterned tile hung gables adding arts and crafts character. Juliet balconies help maximise the green views from the master bedroom. The perfect choice of colour allows these windows to blend in with the external traditional materials on this property, while the white interior prevents the rooms from appearing too dark.

THE PROJECT: Recticel Insulation supplied the high quality insulation solution for an old school in Oxford. The main aim of this project, carried out by Touchstone Lofts, was to convert an uninsulated historic school building originally constructed in 1860 into a modern, energy efficient four-bedroom residential unit. The contractor endeavored to create a two storey dwelling and hoped to minimise headroom loss with insulation in both the floor and pitched roof, therefore selecting the right product was paramount.THE SOLUTION: Eurothane® GP, a low-thermal conductivity PIR insulation panel for use in multiple building envelope applications, was the obvious choice for The Institute’s ground floor and loft insulation. The product's thermal performance of λ = 0.022 W/mK enabled an appropriate thickness selection, so the desired minimum headroom loss was achieved giving the completed build an energy efficiency rating of B. The contractor was thrilled with this given the constraints associated with retrofitting insulation into a period building.Paul Johal, Owner of Touchstone Lofts explained:"Recticel’s insulation provided us with a thermal solution that achieved the required U-value targets whilst keeping the overall thickness to a minimum. The quality of the product is excellent and at a competitive price. The extremely proficient technical team of Recticel Insulation were very responsive with U-value calculations, meaning we could move forward with the project more efficiently. Having the right advice and products from Recticel certainly played a crucial role in achieving our aims. We are delighted with the final outcome."About Eurothane® GP:Eurothane® GP is a high performance PIR insulation board that is light weight, easy to cut, handle and install. Whether it’s a pitched roof, framed wall or floor, Eurothane® GP is the ideal solution amongst contractors and installers

Newton System 500 provides a complete waterproofing solution for a boathouse situated on the River Thames, installed by Newton Specialist Basement Contractor Stonehouse. Newton Waterproofing Systems were contacted to provide a solution for a delightful boat house on the River Thames.The property originally had a wet dock but this had been back filled and capped with a concrete floor. The client wished to use the ground floor as a bedroom, but during a recent flood the water level had reached 500mm internally.Newton System 500 provided the ideal solution, as it works by redirecting the water, rather than trying to hold water back – which would be impossible under such pressurised conditions. Newton 508 Mesh was chosen for the walls, Newton 520 to the floor with a Newton Basedrain ring around the perimeter. Two Newton Titan Pro pump systems were used, which included a battery back up system.Newton System 500 was installed to this property by Newton Specialist Basement Contractor Stonehouse BasementsRather than holding water pressure back, therefore, it was accepted that the river would penetrate the structure and would be pumped out. The system is designed so that ingressing water is depressurised by the Basedrain and then moved around the Basedrain ring to the two Titan sump chambers. The chambers each had 40mm discharge lines exiting the structure. Both pump systems had non-return valves so if the river rose over the level of the pipe the pumps would still be effective.The full waterproofing system was installed in a little over a week. The major test came when the River Thames rose against the property to a depth of over one metre! The Newton System 500 waterproofing system coped with the water ingress as designed. At the height of the flooding, all three pumps in each sump chamber were operational. The system proved to be fully successful.

1100sqm of Optima FC+ in 3.0mm Aluminium Polyester Powder Coating finished in RAL 9006 has been used in the completion of West End Quay, situated in the heart of London.West End Quay, a mix of 1 and 2 bedroom luxury apartments, provided a new challenge for Sotech – with working to a curved panel requirement. Optima FC+ was chosen as it allowed fully welded and dressed units, that were both robust and aesthetically pleasing.The existing panels were curved horizontally around the slab and vertically around the window, with very little information on the existing structure. A2O used a 3D scan of the building to determine datum levels. With no ‘as-built’ drawings being available to assist in the remaking the panels, the team started again with new information supplied by A20’s design team.A20’s site team worked with Sotech to supply corex templates of existing curved panels to check the radius. Sotech also agreed to manufacture one of each panel type, before starting full production of the project to ensure the panels fit the complex curves. This gave the design team the opportunity to make modifications if required.Close collaboration was imperative by all parties to complete West End Quay on time and on budget. Work was carried out on a live residential area, meaning deliveries to site had to be carefully co-ordinated and palletised effectively for installation.Jamie Brown, Business Development Manager at Sotech, said:“As the works were carried out on a live residential area, it was vital our deliveries to site were carefully co-ordinated and palletised efficiently for install. The curved panel remakes had to be within millimetres of the templates provided from site to ensure they fit within the existing apertures. This is another fantastic example of how close collaboration between all parties gets the job done on time and on budget.”

Transforming Small Spaces with Rooflights.In the heart of the English countryside, you’ll find lots of quintessential cottages, often with thatched roofs, just like something you’d find on a postcard. Whilst these cottages are beautiful on the outside, they often lack light and space on the inside.This was the issue a homeowner in Salisbury, Wiltshire ran into when it came to renovating an ensuite shower room in a cottage. The space runs the length of the adjoining bedroom but due to the size of the property, it’s only a few feet wide. The other problem was, it was incredibly dark, with no existing windows or the wall space to install them. The homeowner would need to put their thinking cap on, because this challenge would be the focus of their renovation. Natural light was a top priority to create the bright and airy ensuite space the homeowner imagined for their renovation.With the room not having the wall space to install vertical windows, and because it was in the eaves of the building, there were no floors above it. Thinking creatively, the homeowner opted to use the ceiling space and install rooflights to allow an abundance of natural light to flood into the small space. However, this wasn’t as straightforward as you may think because of the very nature of the homeowner’s quintessential cottage nestled in the English countryside. Being a Grade 2 listed building, planning permission is strict and so the homeowner needed to find the right rooflights that would be in keeping with the property and not upset its overall aesthetic.The Planning Officers themselves were able to help the homeowner with their renovation, pointing them in the direction of the Rooflight Company’s Conservation Rooflight, the Victorian-style rooflight, engineered to modern specification.With their advice, two CR10-2 rooflights were installed to the ensuite bathroom. The finished result is the beautifully light and airy ensuite bathroom that the homeowner had envisioned from the inside, and a period Salisbury cottage still quintessential from the outside.

With their delicate nuances, Atlas Concorde concrete-look porcelain tiles define the contemporary esthetic of a Spanish residence. Explore the project.The elegance of contemporary architecture with its clean lines and spaces that communicate with each other is the central theme of a home in Sant Quirze Des Vallès on the outskirts of Barcelona. Warm colors that evoke the cozy ambiance typical of Catalonia give the residence a modern flavor, where every piece of furniture faithfully does its part to reinforce the overall style.In this context, concrete-effect porcelain tiles from Atlas Concorde were selected to clad the building's interiors and exteriors. The warmth of a lived-in space and the authenticity of places reborn to a new life are the values evoked by concrete-effect porcelain floors. Applied in an ivory color, Atlas Concorde porcelain tiles give the rooms a relaxing yet dynamic vibe.In the kitchen, concrete-look tiles were the ideal choice to visually enlarge the space, increasing its depth and making it more welcoming. The ivory shade of the porcelain tile also matched perfectly with the minimalist style of the bedroom, bringing out the space’s contemporary character.The sophistication of this contemporary style is also evident in the outdoor spaces of the residence, where the patio and pool area recall a luxury resort. Indeed, the wide selection of Atlas Concorde outdoor porcelain tiles allows for coordinated indoor-outdoor projects, ensuring the esthetic continuity of the various spaces. Furthermore, porcelain slabs with a 20 mm thickness guarantee non-slip performance and high resistance to weathering.Homes with contemporary-style architecture are treasure chests of elegance, expressing a solid bond with the surrounding nature and rejecting all glitz and superfluous frills. With this in mind, Atlas Concorde's ceramic solutions are able to perfectly satisfy the precise, timeless demand for style.

Shingler Homes is an independent housing developer keen to provide individual, attractive homes sympathetic to their surroundings.Their development at Perry View, near Shrewsbury, is such a development. With thirty houses ranging in size from 2 to 4 bedrooms, Shingler Homes offers a quality, personal approach to housing development.Direct Roofing Services (DRS), who are a long-standing customer of ARP, approached Shingler Homes to quote them for the Mustang® Seamless Aluminium Guttering System as it is a high-quality, cost-effective gutter system, which is quick, easy and safe to install, and requires no maintenance.The Mustang® Seamless Aluminium guttering system was the obvious choice, as it is produced on-site from coated aluminium coil, roll-formed in continuous lengths of up to 30 metres. Brackets stop ends and outlets are installed at ground level before the finished section is raised to roofline level for the final fixing. As the gutter lengths are cut to size on site, there is no waste, and the aluminium coil is made from recycled aluminium, which, once it reaches the end of its useful life, can be further recycled.Mustang® Seamless Aluminium Gutter system is the ideal solution for housing developments as it is a strong, sustainable, leak-free, no maintenance option, which has a life expectancy in excess of 30 years.Mustang® Aluminium Seamless Guttering is a unique joint-less system and is the only seamless gutter system approved by the British Board of Agrément (BBA).By meeting the strict BBA guidelines, both ARP and their approved installer network are audited and assessed twice yearly to ensure that the product and installers maintain these high standards.Jeremy Shingler, Managing Director of Shingler Homes, said, “DRS provide an excellent service supplying and fixing aluminium guttering, which our customers like due to its low maintenance”.

BackgroundBelfast City Council designed Walkways Community Centre with the local community in mind, providing them with places to both work and play. In this £1.37m project, the original portable modular building was demolished and replaced with a new 575 square metre build. The two storeys include a creche and soft play area, a 250sqm sports hall and a series of multipurpose rooms for meetings and courses aimed at the local people. Main contractor, McKelvey Construction led the project and worked alongside Michael Whitley Architects to design and deliver the most appropriate solution for Belfast City Council and the local community. K Systems provided on-site technical support and installation guidance throughout the build which resulted in delivery of a modern, aesthetically pleasing facility that achieved the target U-value of 0.18W/m ² K. Our ServiceHaving originally specified rainscreen cladding, K Systems technical team worked with the architect to design a bespoke engineered system with the drained cavity to suit the metsec frame. Regular site visits from our team ensured support was available throughout the build. The Centre is located on a busy street with limited surrounding space, so we had to manage a very congested, condensed site with deliveries planned and arranged by appointment only. We worked closely with McKelvey Construction to manage such challenges and ensure that local access for residents was uninterrupted, as well as ensuring the overall safety of the site area. From design advice through to installation, we offered a partnership approach which ensured a smooth installation process with minimal disruption, and the delivery of a fantastic community centre for the local area to enjoy. Technical Project Details Originally rainscreen cladding was specified for the Walkways project. However during the construction process, due to spiralling material costs and budget restraints, this was deemed too expensive so alternative solutions had to be sourced. It was decided an external insulation system would be used and a ventilated cavity system was required, as this provides a secondary defence in commercial buildings like Walkways. The K Systems Exicco E drained cavity façade system was specified as it ticked all the boxes. Exicco provides excellent protection and can offer an excellent fire rating of up to A2-s1,d0, providing high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility. The drained cavity behind the insulation in the Exicco system will ensure that any interstitial moisture will escape without detriment to the performance of the system. As EWI was not originally specified for the project, no metsec frame had been designed. This is a crucial element for the Exicco system, which meant a bespoke metsec frame had to be designed specifically to suit our system. The Exicco E system for Walkways used Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation boards that were mechanically fixed and attached to 12mm BBA Approved sheathing boards to create a 25mm drained cavity. EPS boards are extremely light-weight and the system offers a great fire rating of B-s1,d0. It is a high performing, economical system that generates high levels of thermal performance and ensured the target U-value of 0.18W/m ² K. was achieved. For the finish, Silkolitt+ silicone renders ensured a clean, crisp contemporary finish that offers protection to the exterior of the community centre. The flexibility of this finish provides resistance against cracking and increases the durability, ensuring a long-lasting finish for Walkways. 

Heighington Hall | Helping To Restore A Grade II* Listed HomeMr & Mrs Anderson’s period home had some sash windows and a period door that were cold and draughty, and some windows that were completely stuck shut. But as the owner of a stunning Grade II* Listed property in Heighington, Darlington, they were only too aware of their responsibility to protect their home’s heritage. So, when they saw Ventrolla recommended by Sarah Beeny on the television about her home, Rise Hall, they got in touch.This was back in 2017, and we’ve continued to work on their beautiful house ever since, phasing the work over the past five years.Phase oneThe first project we completed was for the sash windows in two of the bedrooms. Both were sealed shut, so following a survey, we completed renovation works including sill repair and replacement, incorporating our innovative Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System to eliminate draughts, and our Sash Removal System (SRS), so that any future decorating or repairs could be completed effortlessly. Both windows were completed with antique brass hardware, to complement existing fittings in the property.Phase twoIn 2018, The Anderson’s contacted us again. This time to complete work on their master bedroom window. This 6 by 6 pane Georgian sash window required extensive repair work, rail and sill replacement, and again we incorporated our unique draught-proofing and SRS systems.We also surveyed a pair of French doors for restoration – in the end, Mr & Mrs Anderson decided that they would prefer replacement doors made, rather than repairs carried out. As these were an exact, like-for-like replica of the existing doors in their home, Listed Building Consent wasn’t required. We crafted stunning timber French doors to mirror the originals, creating a seamless look and feel ­– including glass specially chosen to blend strength with the subtly ‘distorted’ look of old, heritage glazing.Following the works carried out, Mrs Anderson went on to review Ventrolla on independent review website, Trustpilot, rating Ventrolla 5-stars and commenting:“Excellent workmen. Pleased with product and will recommend.”Ventrolla replicated the existing Georgian timber doors, hand crafting new versions in their workshop.Phase threeWe were delighted to hear from The Anderson’s again in 2019 – and undertook restoration work on two of the property’s dining room windows. A complex project, due to foliage on the exterior restricting access, our team worked to release stuck sashes and restore them to their former glory. The works in this phase also included new joinery elements – replicating the existing single-glazed sashes with new versions, hand crafted by Ventrolla, in their Harrogate workshop.Phase fourMost recently, this year we were brought in to help Mr & Mrs Anderson again – to refurbish, draught-proof and craft new sashes for a sash window in a bathroom. Repairing the sash box and providing replacement sashes, we completed the window works with polished brass hardware.Mrs Anderson commented:“Once again, I was very pleased with all aspects of Ventrolla’s work. The team were reliable, polite and tidy – and my new windows look excellent. They’ve made the room warmer and less draughty.”Heighington Hall was thought to have been built in the early 17th century, and the home has many stunning Georgian features of the time, such as the twelve-pane sash windows, the sandstone front exterior and detailed stonework with fluted pilasters, dosserets and a scrolled pediment around the door. It became Grade II* Listed in 1952 to preserve these iconic and historic features.Can we help with your period window or door project?If you have a wooden window or door project to tackle, or require listed building renovation advice, you can find out more about our renovation services and speak to a member of our team on 0800 0277 454 or by contacting us here.