"british gypsum"

Project: Vita CoventryLocation:CoventryMain contractor: Bowmer & KirklandProduct specification: British GypsumContract value: 3 millionProgramme duration: 59 weeks

Around 34,000 sq m of gypsum fibreboard has been installed throughout the internal walling of The Morgan Stanley Clinical building (Phase 2A), which will form one half of the £300 million Mittal Children’s Medical Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

F. Ball products have been used as part of the refurbishment of Grade I listed building, The British Library. Contractors had to install 800m2 of flooring in the second largest library in the world. When contractors arrived on the site, the old floorcoverings had already been taken up. Stopgap Fill and Prime was selected to fill in the gaps between the raised access panels and create a smooth, even, and primed subfloor. Styccobond F40 high tack dual bond adhesive, with its ability to provide a peelable bond for release underlays, was used to adhere the carpet in the library.

The garden, which grew out of the dark days following September 11th 2001, is helping to revitalize one of Lower Manhattan's most historic areas, celebrating the long-standing ties between the United Kingdom and the United States whilst honouring the 67 British victims of the World Trade Centre attacks.The British Memorial Garden is intended both as a living memorial and as a place of solitude, comfort and reflection, a truly British garden drawing from the many wonderful elements of the historic gardens of Britain.

Flooring by Welsh Slate features in a new gallery at the British Museum. Natural slate flooring by Welsh Slate was specified for the refurbishment of a gallery at the British Museum for a multitude of reasons. Some 172m2 of various sizes of Cwt-y- Bugail dark blue grey floor slates from Welsh Slate Ltd were used on the redevelopment of the museum’s “Middle Room”, one of the oldest rooms in Sir Robert Smirke’s Georgian museum. They were specified by Purcell architects, the museum’s conservation architects and lead consultants, based on their working knowledge of the product.

The decision by the British Museum to move a substantial part of its collection of historical artefacts from storage in London to a new state-of-the-art facility in Reading has led to a major fire-stopping contract for a specialist sub-contractor; featuring the use of the FIREFLY™ TITAN Lite™ 120:60 from the TBA FIREFLY™ range.The development at Cutbush Lane East, in the Shinfield district, has seen main contractor Graham Construction awarded a £30million contract for the erection and fit out of the new facility and while the original specification for the well proven and widely used FIREFLY product came from project architects, John McAslam + Partners, the installation and on site expertise was provided by St. Albans based Loftus Construction Solutions Ltd. in installing the 60 rolls of TITAN Lite™ in line with the manufacturer’s standard details and project specific guidance.The Project Manager for Graham Construction, Andrew Gardner, commented: “The British Museum is closing down its storage facility in central London and moving it here to the new research and storage building in Reading, which we expect to complete early next summer (2022). In terms of the fire barriers these have been designed with both life safety and asset protection prioritised: preventing break out of fire from places like plant rooms, and also the protection of dividing walls from both sides.“This has meant the use of in excess of 30 different details including bespoke ones which has led to TBA/Loftus assisting in further developing the initial specification by JMP to suit the unique site conditions. FIREFLY made several visits to site and offered a lot of useful technical guidance and assisted with alterations being made, while Loftus Construction Solutions Ltd has done very good work on the installation of these complex solutions.”Patrick Loftus, MD of Loftus Construction Solutions Ltd, added: “As an ASFP accredited contractor in conjunction with our FIRAS and LPCB Accreditation’s for Passive Fire Protection System we are familiar with the FIREFLY range and have, in fact been using another product from the range (PHOENIX) for three years in work at Whitechapel Station as part of the overall Crossrail Scheme. Again this has enabled us to be meet our Clients’ needs for multiple unique details on another complex project. TBA complements our on-site activities with their excellent technical support which ensures we can deliver on all aspects of projects to our Clients requirements.Combined with all the site reports, our operatives have undergone training from FIREFLY, including training delivered on-site. The work here in Reading is progressing very well in terms of all the compatibility of connection details and all stakeholders involved are pleased with the results and suitability of the products and installation work carried out.”As a flexible, woven material TITAN Lite™ is easy to cut and fix and is chemically treated to improve its cooling properties, meaning it will prevent temperatures rising in adjoining areas when used to create compartmentation. It is installed as a three-layer, staggered system to achieve 120 minutes integrity and 60 minutes insulation. The system has been fully tested to BS 476 Parts 20 & 22 and is third party certified by IFCC.

The British Horse Society headquarters is on a listed deer park with many protected trees. The building’s circular design posed key construction challenges. The single storey office building was constructed in a doughnut shape, to ensure that a mature oak tree on site was preserved. In keeping with its green surroundings Spectraplan SM120 Dark Grey, a polyester reinforced TPE waterproofing system was mechanically fixed to a composite metal deck, ready to receive a sedum blanket.

The King Edward VII Galleries is a Grade 1 listed structure and part of the iconic British Museum complex in London.Constructed between 1907 and 1914, the building sits above a series of tunnels and ventilation shafts, which serve to supply air to the gallery via an external ventilation unit.Due to water ingress in the tunnels, there was serious concern as to the quality of air supplied to the gallery, and the impact that this might have on the artefacts kept there.

Compartmentation, Protected Means of Escape and Boundary Protection were all required as part of the fire safety solutions and therefore Coopers FireMaster fire curtains and Coopers FireMaster Plus2 fire curtains were installed to ensure the fire safety requirements were met. In total, 113 fire curtains were installed, 96 with round headboxes and 17 with square headboxes. Round headboxes were engineered for The British Museum as a request from the architects. The headboxes of the fire curtains were going to be seen by the occupants so Coopers engineered a round headbox that looked in keeping with the design of the building.

Project: British Petroleum BP, Khazzan - Oman, Omanv

Here we have our Armscote British Interior Limestone installed in our three distinct finishes; honed, tumbled and pillowed.

Over 1,400m2 of RonaDeck Resin Bound Surfacing was installed at the British Racing School in Newmarket. RG Carter Group specified Lunar to create a decorative, low maintenance, hard-wearing surface dressing which is also wheelchair friendly.

Rockfon is very happy to have played its part in ensuring the team at premium British lifestyle brand Joules’ new Market Harborough HQ can work in an interior environment where beauty and acoustic control create the perfect space for collaboration.Founded by Tom Joule over 30 years ago, the Group had ambitious aspirations to create a new home that would support its continued growth over the coming years.  Edge vision melds contemporary with heritageEdge Architecture + Design were appointed to lead the project and chose to specify Rockfon acoustic systems. The result is a contemporary, eye-catching 60,000 sq. ft. new HQ, which brings the brand’s UK-based office teams under one roof for the first time. Amplifying the brand’s heritage and reflecting the site’s semi-rural setting, the campus resembles a series of interconnecting barn structures that appear to have evolved over time. The complex is surrounded by landscaping including wildflower meadows and a kitchen garden which enhances the natural feel of the space. Michael Fern, Principle at Edge, said, “This new space will enable a workplace strategy of nimbleness, agile working and wellness… We also wanted to create a strong sense of place that respects the natural surroundings of the site and have designed the scheme as a human scale experience with the building and the landscape interacting in a symbiotic way. We took the local farmstead vernacular as a starting point for the visual aesthetic and used sustainable materials.”Tom Joule, Chief Brand Officer and founder of Joules, said, “This has been a hugely exciting project for our company and our future. We are delighted with the new HQ which will support agile working and new efficiencies in an environment that will enable our growing business to continue to attract and retain world-class talent. Edge’s design embodies our brand and will help us preserve and support our heritage and culture as we expand.”Agricultural cues inform an 21st Century aestheticThe exterior of the campus looks sharp against the skyline whilst taking visual cues and inspiration from agricultural architecture. The interiors are a mix of single and two storey spaces encapsulating open plan and more defined rooms with levels reached by broad stairways. Structural steel and timber add visual heft to the predominantly white pallete which sees certain elements picked out in oxide red, deep teal and warm grey. It certainly delivers the wow factor and promises to nurture creative thought.Bailey Construction were the main contractor for the project, with Elmsmere Interior Systems responsible for the installation of the Rockfon acoustic systems. Gary Sturgess of Elmsmere spoke about the project, “This was an interesting project with Rockfon Mono® Acoustic used in a variety of roles and settings to help control sound while fitting in with the clean, pared down style of the interiors. Everyone concerned is very happy with the completed work which showcases Mono’s versatility.”Pandemic pause affects design choicesAppointed in 2019, Joules’ CEO Nick Jones joined the Group during the design and construction of the new HQ. However, when the pandemic struck and people shifted to working from home, construction was halted which allowed the company to revise its plans to best suit new methods of working and office culture. In response the company has expanded the central atrium and created more space between desks to promote spontaneous interaction. Meeting rooms are equipped with tech enabling remote workers to easily participate, while floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor features, including a bug hotel, help to connect the space to the company’s countryside heritage.Nick Jones commented, “With the opening of our new office, we have introduced a new fully flexible approach to how and where our colleagues work, and the space that we have is critical to that. Not only does our new office allow teams to better connect with one and other—whether in the office or working from home—but also brings the countryside in, to help inspire colleagues from across the business.”Rockfon Mono Acoustic – versatility and styleRockfon’s Matt Barratt, “The completed Joules HQ looks fabulous. Throughout its open plan offices Rockfon Mono Acoustic has been installed to great effect, bringing together the seamless, clean lines associated with traditional plastered surfaces and acoustic performance thought only possible with modular systems. Large windows, structural steel and other hard architectural elements can generate unwanted sound within a space. Mono provides Class A sound absorption (0.95αw) which significantly decreases echo and reverberation levels.”The current utility aesthetic is in evidence at ‘the Barn’. Air conditioning, heating, ventilation and other services are on show in several areas, with Mono installed directly above. It offers Class A2 fire protection and remains dimensionally stable at up to 100% relative humidity. It offers 87% light reflection and greater than 99% light diffusion. In common with other Rockfon acoustic systems, Mono is made with a core of naturally occurring inert volcanic rock stonewall, is non-combustible and will not harbour harmful microorganisms and bacteria. It can be installed using a suspended grid system or be directly mounted on to the ceiling soffit or and wall.   

After a £2m refurbishment programme, the British Motor Museum recently opened its stunning new hospitality and event facility. A showcase area, the Sky Suite boasts magnificent panoramic views over the Warwickshire countryside. Delivering flexibility to the suite, partitioning expert Style, was contracted to install two Dorma Hüppe Variflex semi-automatic, glazed moveable walls. Allowing the area to be quickly adapted to meet the needs of the day, the toughened glass panels are manually manoeuvred along a whisper-quiet tracking system. Once in place, powerful seals automatically expand to exactly the required pressure to ensure optimum acoustic integrity between the divided areas.

Sustainability was a key consideration when British Sugar decided to create a new headquarters to replace its old, tired office.Once the designs were finalised, our floor fitting teams installed RMG600 raised access flooring across the ground floor, first floor and top floor of the building, totalling an area of 4,800m2, utilising our PSA MOB PF2 PS/SPU Medium Grade RMG600 panels.Around the central atrium, we fitted our innovative Attiro architectural finish over the steel-encapsulated RMG600 access flooring system. Attiro is an innovative overlay engineered timber flooring solution that is designed to enable quick and easy access to a raised flooring void at any point in that floor.

The British Museum opened its doors in 1759. Now home to some 8 million works from a number of different cultures, the museum stands as an iconic London attraction. The Museum made the decision in November 2013 to replace the restaurant’s old flooring, as it could no longer handle the vast number of visitors. W B Simpson Ltd, was the chosen tiling contractor to complete the new installation. Marc Poland, Director at W B Simpson Ltd said “The architect consulting on this project specified we use ARDEX UK’s products. Their high performance adhesives are typically the preferred choice of architects.”

This beautiful Avonbridge Limestone was selected by our clients to complement the existing rustic timber beams and exposed brickwork throughout their traditional farmhouse. Colour and texture were essential when renovating this older property; the clients wished to create a cozy atmosphere that could withstand the rigors of a working farm lifestyle with children, dogs, and more!

For the basement laboratories, Planet used p100 demountable double-glazed full-height partitions with two layers of 15mm toughened glass to reach heights in excess of three metres. The partitioning framework was set within the steel grid structure, ensuring an industrial look and incorporating slimline single-glazed and SonoTec double glazed doors with integrated venetian blinds. Planet provided a full blackout option for lab work on sensitive ancient human remains. Planet AG was responsible for the full-height atrium glazing, using 19.5mm toughened laminated glass. It required carefully spaced holes for securing attenuators that control airflow within the building.

NORclad have been supplying the timber cladding on this project over the past couple of years, a mixture of Tongue and Groove boards, feature fins, and open rainscreen profile.Areas for accommodation and high footfall required to also receive EuroClass B fire treatment.A HomeGrown Larch was selected for this project, having a fair spread of knots and character to be in keeping with its surrounding, a great example of selecting a suitable timber species that fits. Potentially if a timber with a lower knot content, or less defined grain would not have worked as well as this, in these natural surroundings.With English Grown Larch only being classified as slightly/ moderately durable by TRADA, the decision was made to use a high pressure treatment on all of the timber supplied for this project. NORclad Lite preservative treatment was selected, which allows the timber to naturally weather down to the silver grey as you’d expect from timber after being exposed to UV light, the treatment also offers a 30 year warranty against rot & insect attack.

As part of continued commitment to product development Eagle are pleased to announce the successful launch of their second generation of commercial Bi Folding Speed Gates.

During the London 2012 Games, Frontier Pitts protected various Olympic sites including the Olympic Park, Greenwich Park, Old Trafford and St James Park. Three pairs of Frontier Pitts PAS 68 Terra V Gates were installed at Greenwich Park venue. VIPs to Greenwich Park during this time included members of the Royal Family. After the games, our client described the Terra V Gates as the ‘Best Security Gates of the London 2012 Games’. The Terra V Gates are a pair of bi-parting hinged gate leaves that were successfully impact tested to PAS 68 stopping a 7500kg vehicle travelling at 50mph.

Used car sales have dominated the automotive market in recent years, and this trend has subsequently boosted BCA ‘s business, creating the need to expand one of their popular auction grounds at Paddock Wood, Kent. Jacksons were approached to supply 56 metres of 2.90m high Barbican® vertical bar fencing in a standard galvanised finish.

Franke products were chosen for the transformation of the renowned Elstree film studios. The solid surface Ronda washbasins were chosen, the unique curved edge of the basins are designed with the highest quality solid surface materials. The pleasing design fits harmoniously into every washroom while providing generous basin space and the ultimate in style and design. Chris Kightley, Project Manager commented "Franke always deliver the highest quality of products and this was a key factor for such a prestigious washroom project. As well as quality their range of Miranit is highly stylish and fits perfectly in almost any washroom environment."

The museum receives 6.7 million visitors per year, many of whom use the Great Court restaurant. A complete refurbishment of the floor was required to handle this highly trafficked area. Products used: ARDEX PSRS, ARDEX A 35, ARDITEX NA, ARDEX X 77, ARDEX-FLEX FL

The Egyptian Gallery was the first of many projects at the Museum to benefit from a replacement duo-pitch rooflight using Lonsdale’s ThermGard Roof Light System.After having procured roof lanterns of varying quality and with disappointing results from different manufacturers, the Client was determined to establish a design that met their very high criteria for thermal performance and protection of the priceless exhibits from damaging UV light. Whilst wanting the benefits of modern aluminium systems, there was a requirement for a ‘heritage’ appearance so that any replacement roof lanterns mirrored the original timber construction. High performance solar control glass was also specified to reduce harmful UV light to the exhibits below. Solar protection was further enhanced by the fitting of external shading blinds to the overhead glazing which produce the slightly ‘eerie’ affect that can be seen in this image. Such was the success of this initial project, the Client has held Lonsdale as the benchmark by which other roof light manufacturers are measured and we repay this loyalty by ensuring a first class job every time.

This well known producer of bakery products was experiencing repeated damage and rising repair costs on their loading bay roller shutter doors. Beings a BRCGS accredited site, they could not afford to have their external doors damaged (or left open) for any period of time, as this creates an ingress point for rodents. Tekta were pleased to work with this site to create an effective solution. The Rapidor Impact high speed door was specified due to it's self-repairing feature and it's anti-rodent functionality. Click the "View More" button above to view the full case study.

DescriptionSMET One Coat Projection Plaster HC 9-20mm Hard Coat Gypsum Plaster is a factory-produced Hard Coat One Coat Gypsum Plaster designed for machine application produced to EN 13279-1. Manufactured from a controlled blend of selected gypsum and other components to give a high-quality, high-strength plastering product suitable for use in internal plastering.The unique properties of this render make it suitable for application on low, medium, and high-density blockwork substrates.Benefits of SMET One Coat Projection PlasterOne coat machine applicationHigh strengthPerfect workabilityPerfect smooth finish in one coatHigh whiteness indexSustainableApplication up to 20mm in one passDIN EN 13279-1, B1

English National Ballet and the English National Ballet School have moved to a brand new world-class home at London City Island. Designed by award-winning architects Glenn Howells Architects working together with fit-out and refurbishment experts BW, the new building provides 93,000 sq ft of unprecedented facilities. The enormous project for Harlequin Floors involved the completion of eight rehearsal studios. Harlequin Activity sprung flooring was installed with Harlequin Cascade vinyl performance surface.Completed installation of over 1900m2 of Harlequin Activity sprung floor and Harlequin Cascade vinyl surface and a further 200m2 of Harlequin Standfast vinyl performance surface in fitness and rehab facilities. Additionally, 225m2 Harlequin Liberty sprung floor panels were supplied for the Company to take on tour. Initially hired as temporary floors for the rehearsal studio space at Here East during the construction phase, these were then purchased for touring use. 

When Shakespeare’s Globe looked at floors for their new education and rehearsal centre, Sackler Studios, they chose a Harlequin Activity floor with a hardwood oak surface. “It’s a product I am particularly familiar with due to working in and creating different spaces over the years and was something our acoustic consultant was keen on using. From a look and feel as a working surface and as part of the sound separation between all the studios I’m tremendously pleased.” Andy Scorgie Head of Facilities Management Shakespeare’s Globe

Harlequin have worked closely with the Hippodrome and it's resident partners for many years. The venue holds a 1,800-seat auditorium, 200 seat Patrick Studio, and also the largest dance led campus outside of London, home to Birmingham Royal Ballet, DanceXchange, Dance Consortium, OneDanceUK and The Space.

Harlequin worked closely with the Royal Academy of Dance throughout the whole planning and development process. After working with Harlequin for After working with Harlequin for over 30 years, the RAD knew that they wanted Harlequin floors in their new studios. Harlequin supplied and installed over 1200m2 of Harlequin Activity sprung floor and Harlequin Cascade vinyl performance floor with BioCote antimic antimicrobial protection. Harlequin water cut the mirrors to fit the wall mounted ballet barres directly to the walls to create a seamless and neat finish. Along with the studios, RAD’s new home for dance has a 193-seat pe 193-seat performance space with Harlequin Activity and Harlequin Cascade to showcase the RAD’s dancing talent. 

The Royal & Derngate Theatre is a mult-purpose space which can be configured for a variety of performances. Harlequin’s stage refurbishment project was the first restoration undertaken since 2005 when the theatre was first re-developed.A comprehensive multi-layered Harlequin Stage System. Harlequin fitted new battens to strengthen the stage over which a further double-layer of wood ply was installed. The stage surface was finished with a black Harlequin Standfast vinyl performance floor. The complete refurbishment project covered the entire stage area incorporating wings, lifts, orchestra pit and retractable removable seating.

Rambert School of Ballet called upon Harlequin to provide professional standard dance floors for both additional areas. A high quality floor was essential as the correct dance floor makes an important contribution to the safe performance of dancers, reducing the risk of slips and falls, or longer-term stress injuries. Harlequin Cascade with BioCote Antimicrobial Protection was the perfect solution for both areas as it provided added reassurance in a time when it was most needed. Harlequin Liberty was also installed in the marquee.

Since 201, CAST in Morpeth, Northumberland, train 350 students a year in all aspects of performing arts. Their studios are equipped with over 130 square meters of Harlequin Flexity sprung panels with Harlequin Fiesta and Harlequin Engineered Oak. ‘Ever since training at Italia Conti and rehearsing in and around London, my favorite studios and performance spaces to work in were all kitted out by Harlequin! I knew I had to have Harlequin supply and install the mirrors, barres and flooring in my own performing arts school.’

In the three dance studios Harlequin supplied and installed a fully-floating Harlequin Activity sprung floor with Harlequin Cascade and Harlequin Standfast performance surfaces totalling over 330 square metres. Harlequin Ballet Barres and Harlequin Mirrors completed the dance studio facilities. In the Performance Teaching Space a Harlequin WoodSpring basket weave sprung floor system with a Harlequin Standfast top surface was supplied and installed to an area of over 180 square metres.

Over 1,600m2 of Harlequin Activity™ sprung floor system and Harlequin Cascade vinyl was used to create four stunning performance spaces at the new £145 million Central Saint Martin’s College of Arts and Design at the King’s Cross Campus in London.