"building frames"

A former brownfield site on Ascot Road, Watford is undergoing a transformation to provide a new residential-led quarter with much needed new homes and retail space.This project, by development and investment company, Orion, will comprise of buildings between six and eight storeys, with 489 new homes for the private sector of which 35% will be affordable homes, in addition to two lower floors of retail space.Orion is leading the development process at Cassiobridge Quarter, which centres on regenerating under-utilised land and buildings, making them into landmark destinations and improving the local community with enhancedinfrastructure and aesthetics.RCM was appointed to supply its high-performance sheathing board, DensGlass which will make up part of the through wall system to an RC frame with a lightweight steel frame infill.DensGlass consists of a fibreglass mat with a gypsum core, designed to provide a high degree of protection from the elements in external cladding constructions.Widely recognised by the GOLD colour, DensGlass fiberglass mat gypsum sheathing board, has an exemplary track record that spans more than 30 years.Thanks to its ability to protect the building envelope against incidental moisture damage during and after construction, DensGlass Sheathing is a preferred substrate under brick, stone and rainscreen cladding and suitable for lightweight steel frame, timber frame, modular / offsite and concrete frame construction types.In addition to the above features, DensGlass is A1 non-combustible, CE marked, lightweight with easy scribe and snap properties.On completion of the project, Cassiobridge Quarter with its modern design will provide a stylish appearance to the area with much-needed homes and a new community for residents to enjoy.

Pyroguard’s range of toughened fire safety glass was recently installed inside this prestigious government building in New Delhi, India with framing partner M/s. Sukriti Doors.

BackgroundLocated in a prominent location on the Morecambe seafront, the Broadway Apartments project was large new build steel frame apartment block.A challenging project to be involved with, as M H Stainton Homes wanted to create an iconic building on a corner location. The steel frame was key, combined with curved glazing on the corner elevation of the building. Then a lightweight cladding solution was required for the rest of the façades.K Systems approved installer M & M Façades were contracted to complete the exterior wall insulation and rendering of the 8-storey residential building.Our ServiceWe worked in close partnership with M & M Façades throughout the duration of the project. The K Systems Technical team offered on-site technical and installation support throughout the build process and supported the M & M Façades team at all stages of the project.As the building is over 18 metres, a bespoke specification was produced to ensure compliance with the current building safety regulations.A direct fix system suitable for steel frame structures and all building heights was specified, ensuring the safety of both the building and future residents.Technical Project DetailsAfter numerous design meetings the K Systems Direct Fix M (Mineral Wool) EWI system with a Silicone Render (TC 15) finish was chosen, meeting the requirements of M H Stainton Homes.This system provides high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility bringing the apartments in line with mandatory Government requirements for buildings over 18 metres tall.We specified the use of multiple thicknesses of insulation boards (50mm, 100mm and 170mm) to allow for the line and level of the steel frame. A U-value of 0.28 W/m²K was achieved, meaning the residents will enjoy thermally efficient homes.For the finish Silicone TC 15, our high-performance thin coat render, was used. With the coastal location, this durable, weather resistant finish offers an eye catching, clean design, creating a modern and crisp aesthetic. Its hydrophobic properties provide a low-maintenance finish.We delivered a safe, thermally efficient, eye-catching design with a long-lasting finish that residents will appreciate for years to come.

The world’s first iron-framed building, the forerunner of the modern skyscraper, will enjoy a new lease of life in the capital of England’s largest inland county, thanks to Historic England and Welsh Slate.

Hannah Cecil-Harden is a director at de Gournay, a family business which was founded by her father, Claud Cecil Gurney. De Gournay makes the most beautiful hand-painted wallpapers and fabrics and the company’s work is found in some of the finest buildings around the world. As you would expect, every room of Hannah’s London home has been exquisitely decorated. The property has undergone many transformations in the time that Hannah has lived there, but the most recent changes were needed to accommodate her expanding family. Hannah and her husband wanted their house to work better for life with their four young children.All the floors of the house have been updated, but perhaps the biggest change was turning the existing basement into a playroom with adjoining utility and bathroom. Having worked with Hannah and the team at de Gournay on a previous project, Clement was delighted to be asked to manufacture the new steel doors that were included within the designs. We were excited that the new steel doors were to be painted in unique vibrant colours to match the stunning wallpapers that adorn the new space and we worked closely with Hannah and her team to find just the right match. We always say that our bespoke steel products can be painted in specialist hues from across the entire colour spectrum – these doors demonstrate what is possible!Hannah said: “I thoroughly enjoyed working with Clement Windows on this exciting project which was for a children’s playroom. I wanted to go with bold and bright colours and they were so accommodating about this, everything about the project was handled professionally and with utmost care from conception down to a flawless install. It was an absolute pleasure to work on such a personal project with a business I have collaborated with before and I look forward to hopefully crossing paths again in the future!”

SMET Supported Partner, Brendan Doherty Screeding Services supplied Südanit 280 Alpha Hemihydrate Screed and SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed for the floor solution in this self-build in picturesque West Donegal.The ground floor was prepared with 280 Alpha Hemihydrate Screed at 50mm with UFH, maximising the clients’ insulation. The first floor was completed at 50 mm SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed poured on UFH on timber joists.The 280 Alpha Hemihydrate Screed self-levelling liquid screed is remarkably quick to walk-on – applied at 500m² per day and walkable within 6 hours thus ensuring the follow-on trades were not delayed. it’s particularly suitable for use with UFH, fully encapsulating pipes and services, providing excellent heat transfer – and with thinner floors and more insulation – this increases the performance of underfloor heating.SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed used on the first floor of the timber frame house is ideal where loading is an issue. SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed is a high-quality, innovative, pumpable factory-produced, CE marked, self-levelling screed based on calcium sulphate.German-made LiteFlo® is unique, in that it’s the first pumpable lightweight flowing screed. Made from specially selected aggregates, makes it 30% lighter than conventional flowing screeds and therefore 70% lighter than traditional sand & cement – ultimately this means less is required per m2. LiteFlo® complies with EN 13813: 2002, is CE-marked, and is available in 27Kg bags or bulk silos.TDS SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing ScreedAftercare SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing ScreedSMET Floor Screeds and Compounds Product SelectorHave a look at the Northern Builder MagazineTop 5 Liquid Screeds Article.  Read about SMET LiteFlo® in the Irish Construction News.SMET delivers another innovative, showcase flooring solution to their Smet Supported Partners.

Based in the poplar region of the LondonBorough of Tower Hamlets, the Streamlight Tower is a 24-storey high-rise building comprising of 90 flats.Higgins Partnerships was appointed by Swan Housing toundertake reclad works to bring the building in line withmodern building regulations.For this installation ROCKWOOL Steel Frame Slab non-combustible stone wool was used.

The Moorings is a high-end, self-build project in an area of outstanding natural beauty in Anglesey, Wales.This collaborative project, between MBC Timber Frame and WM Design and Architecture, consists of a three-bedroom, 250m2 detached private residence that has been designed and constructed to achieve the airtightness and thermal performance targets required to meet Passive House standards. The timber frame home has been built incorporating a range of low carbon building solutions from Partel including high performing breather membranes ECHOFOIL EXO and EXOPERM MONO 150 and also the phA Class Passive House Certified components IZOPERM PLUS vapour control layer and CONEXO MULTISEAL airtight tape.

Construction of Wolverhampton’s eye-catching modern office development i9 has been completed and marks a major milestone in the creation of a thriving commercial quarter at the heart of the city’s award-winning Interchange. The i9 project follows the success of the i10 complex on the opposite side of Railway Drive in the city centre. Both have been delivered by the council and leading property developer, Ion.Designed by Glenn Howells Architects and constructed by GRAHAM Group, the eye-catching i9 building pays homage to the industrial characteristics of the city’s red-brick Victorian architecture. Approved fabricator APiC UK Limited installed Metal Technology Ltd’s System 17 Capped 50mm and System 17 SP structurally glazed Curtain Walling. Opening vents are System 4-35Hi+ Casement, with System 5-20D Hi+ THERMAL Doors and 10-35 commercial framing system.i9 is already home to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – the first ministerial office with a regular presence outside London.The new office achieves a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating and incorporates the latest green technology and thinking to deliver low energy use, low resource use, flexibility and low impact on the surrounding environment. It is the first office in the Black Country to be awarded WiredScore Gold certification in recognition of its digital connectivity and infrastructure.

TDS SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed Aftercare SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing ScreedEPD – LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing ScreedWe supplied our Smet Supported partner, Floor Screed Ireland with SMET LiteFlo® Lightweight Flowing Screed for the Our Lady of Hope special school in Crumlin. The job was completed by Floor Screed Ireland on behalf of Vision Contracting for the Dept of Education. This lightweight screed is ideal for renovation projects where loading may be an issue. This is a high-quality pumpable, factory-produced, CE marked, self-levelling screed based on calcium sulphate. German-made SMET LiteFlo® is unique because it’s the first pumpable lightweight flowing screed available. Made from specially selected aggregates - means it’s 30% lighter than conventional flowing screeds and can be laid in reduced thicknesses. The screed offers a high yield, 43kg per m2 @ 40mm.Innovative SMET LiteFlo® is absolutely ideal for application in high-rise buildings, over timber-suspended floors, timber-frame houses, and in new builds and renovations.LiteFlo® complies with EN 13813: 2002, is CE-marked, and is available in 27Kg bags or bulk silos.Have a look at the Northern Builder MagazineTop 5 Liquid Screeds Article.  Read about SMET LiteFlo® in the Irish Construction News.Check out SMET lightweight screed, lightweight flooring systems, and aggregates (void fillers) suitable for any building project. We demonstrate best practice in construction partnerships - providing a superior level of customer service to our Smet Supported Partners during the installation process.Whether your job is – self-build, retro-fit, floor renovation or repair, design floor, commercial or shop, sustainable build, historical renovation, ECO build, Lightweight, or an industrial flooring venture – SMET has a flooring compound or ready to use product suitable for your application.

A requirement in Corstorphine Wright’s design brief was to avoid horizontal movement joints in the finished façade, which would have been the result had a traditional SFS Infill to concrete frame approach been taken. Working with Willmott Dixon at the early design stages of the contract, Metsec’s in-house design team proposed a continuous walling solution formed from SFS to support glazing and rendered elements that would form the external skin of the façade. Metsec’s solution included the use of fixing cleats to connect the SFS continuous walling to the structure’s concrete frame.

Our client, One 17 Design, acted as Architects, Interior Designers and Project Managers for this superb project with involvement from inception through to completion. Their brief was to create a home office / garden room in the grounds of an existing detached home, which was done by extending the detached garage.The material palette for the garden room predominately featured oak and steel. Blackened oak cabinetry and steel fenestration provide a striking contrast against the natural oak frame and cladding. Clever detailing in the relationship between the oak frame and steel doors adds a contemporary twist. The bricks for the outside of the building were selected to match the brickwork of the existing bungalow. Bespoke Clement steel windows and doors from the W20 range were chosen for the project, including an interior door, fitted with reeded glass that leads to the bathroom. All handles were powder coated black to match the steel frames.The project won “Best amazing space” at the 2022 Northern Design Awards.Freddie Garside, Partner and Director at One 17 Design, said:“We and our client were delighted with the finished doors and screens. The narrow framed black steel doors complement the natural oak frame perfectly. Clement were very professional, efficient and responsive throughout the whole project.”Photography: Joe Cotterill

Project: Graven HillDate: 2020 Background:·        APL were engaged with the project consultant to assist with overcoming design issues with their chosen support structure (by others)·        APL designed a custom sub-frame due to the extreme tolerances on the chosen substrate·        APL provided all structural calculations Systems:·        1,000m² of APL SnapLoc™ traditional standing seam system in steel with a RAL 7016 PUF coating·        APL Tritherm™ GALV sub-framing to APL SnapLoc™ areas·        All flashings, fixings and accessories Building Location:·        Oxford

Project: Innovation Centre, Marlborough CollegeDate: 2020 Background:·        APL were specified by the architect at an early stage in the project, providing a number of samples with different perforations and in different colours·        APL’s engineering team designed a bespoke aluminium sub-frame to minimise any window obstruction Systems:·        1,600m² of AP45HR-Airwall™ perforated profile in aluminium with a Class 2 PPC coating to both sides·        Bespoke-design APL aluminium sub-frame coloured-matched to the Airwall™·        All fixings and accessories  Building Location:·        Swindon

Fresh Wharf is being developed by Countryside, in partnership with housing association Notting Hill Genesis on a 10-acre, former brownfield site situated along the banks of the River Roding. Demolition of old premises on the site started in early 2018 and Phase 1 of the construction project commenced later that year. After this, construction of the new properties commenced in earnest, with the apartment blocks and townhouses being constructed. Installation was undertaken by sub-contractor, Stanmore, with Metsec using Revit to create the construction level design for the framing system at the early stages of the project’s conceptualisation.

Nestled in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, over-looking the Shannon Blueway and River Shannon, Drumhierny is a unique development of high-end holiday lodges situated in a 100 acre woodland estate. This multi-unit project, consists of sixteen lodges, in four distinct architectural styles, each nestled within their own private area of woodland. The lodges have been designed, manufactured, and constructed to achieve an A-rated Building Energy Rating (BER). To help achieve a thermally efficient building envelope a number of products from Partel have been used.The buildings were constructed using an offsite fabricated Light Gauge Steel (LGS) frame. As part of the frame construction a number of Partel’s low carbon building envelope solutions were used. This included EXOPERM MONO 150, a high performing breather membrane, IZOPERM PLUS, a phA Class Passive House Certified vapour control layer; and CONEXO MULTISEAL, a phA Class Passive House Certified airtight tape.

Sector:     EducationArchitect:  Innes Associates Specified for: ·      Sustainable construction·      Inner timber frame ·      Durable external aluminium·      Design versatility·      Competitive pricingDesigned by architects Innes Associates, the latest addition to Cromer Road Primary School is a distinctive, L-shaped red-brick classroom building which wraps around a newly landscaped play space. VELFAC slim-framed windows and doors are a key feature of every facade, with dark grey external frames emphasising the pattern of shadows created by textured brickwork and inset window apertures. The VELFAC system has also helped architect Corrie Rounding meet challenging regulatory and sustainability targets while maximising usable space, increasing natural light and improving ventilation. ‘We pushed the contractor to specify VELFAC as we knew the composite frame was the right fit for the Cromer Road project,’ says Corrie. ‘The sustainability of the VELFAC system, and its low energy performance, met Department of Education requirements, while the robust external aluminium frame is ideal for a busy school environment. The design of the windows and doors also met our aesthetic brief, especially the inner timber frames. These are clear lacquered to emphasise the wood, provide a link with the trees surrounding the new building, and to deliver a less ‘sterile’ finish than aluminium or uPVC.’The VELFAC system could also meet key ventilation, daylighting and budget targets: ‘To manage costs, and maximise daylight in the right places, we concentrated our glazing allowance at the areas of most activity,’ explains Corrie, ‘but we also used windows to maximise the usability of the interior. For example, we used tall slim VELFAC units to illuminate the staircase but placed larger windows directly under the stairs to create an additional and useful breakout space.’The Cromer Road building is naturally ventilated, unusual for a Department for Education funded primary school project, with VELFAC units carefully configured to support an efficient flow of fresh air: ‘We wanted to make sure the building could stay comfortable without the need for mechanical cooling, even through the hottest summer,’ says Corrie. ‘This meant the placement of smaller windows on south facing facades, to manage solar gain, and the specification of multiple opening units across the building, including high level teleflex-operated lights. These are especially important in the classroom window screens where ventilation is guided by CO2 monitors.’ To ensure the security of children and staff, all windows also feature restrictors, with finger guards fitted to doors as an additional safety measure.Corrie was also pleased with the support provided by the VELFAC team, especially in the early stages: ‘VELFAC provided the estimates and performance data we needed to convince the contractor that VELFAC was the ideal solution for this project,’ she says, ‘and the school was certainly very happy with the end result’.

The next generation of CS 38 is now available from Reynaers – Slim Line 38 (SL 38) is a highly insulated inward and outward opening aluminium window and door system, that combines elegance and comfort with a unique design. The special slender steel look offers the perfect windows and doors for modern architecture and the renovation of steel-frames, respecting the original design but offering a thermally improved solution. Large-framed Crittall Windows complement the industrial aesthetic and gives the building a unique character and identity of its own. The fabricator on the project was AWS Turner Fain Ltd, part of AWS Group.

Job:Wilton House BelfastSmet Supported Partner:Kelly Bros Contracting for Poplar Investments LtdProducts:bauprocalc KG – Hydraulic Lime-Based Skim Coatbauprocalc 830 – Hydraulic Lime-Based Render/PlasterRelated DownloadsTDS CASEA bauprocalc KG – Hydraulic Lime-Based Skim CoatTDS CASEA bauprocalc 830 – Hydraulic Lime Based Render/PlasterEPD – CASEA bauprocalc 830SMET and Haldane Fisher NHL BrochureCLEAN WALL® BrochureDescriptionbauprocalc KG – Hydraulic Lime-Based Skim Coat and bauprocalc 830 – Hydraulic Lime-Based Render/Plaster was selected for the internal plastering and external render in the renovation of this important historical building in Belfast. Principal building contractor, Kelly Bros. on behalf of Poplar Investments Ltd was tasked with this mammoth renovation project which comprised 15 Luxury Apartments, in-situ concrete frame, brick and render & Zinc standing seam Facade, completed with a flat roof.WHY USE LIME-BASED RENDER AND PLASTER?SMET’s bauprocalc products are CE-marked, factory-produced hydraulic hardening skim coat plasters and render based on lime, specially designed for hand and machine application produced to DIN EN 998-1. bauprocalc KG and bauprocalc 830 contribute to a healthy internal atmosphere. They are an excellent alternative to plaster and renders containing gypsum or patent cement that have less vapour permeable qualities.They are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and rooms where high humidity levels are expected. bauprocalc KG produces a mortar that is softer than cement mortar. After the initial set, stability and strength gradually build up over time, allowing enough flexibility to cope with minor settlement or movement in the building during this period, thereby reducing the risk of cracking.bauprocalc 830 has unique properties, making it suitable for application on low, medium and high-density substrates, especially suited for the renovation of old /listed buildings and ecological new builds. Good vapour permeability performance allows an unhindered transference of excess internal moisture through the building to the outside, thereby contributing significantly to a balanced and healthy internal atmosphere.SMET is delighted to have supplied its bauprocalc plaster and render for the lime rendering and plastering of Wilton House, helping Poplar Investments Ltd & Kelly Bros transform the 19th-century Belfast city centre building into unique, hotel-like, serviced apartments. Michael Brannigan from Poplar Investments said, “Historical features are preserved not only in the appearance of the building but also in the actual buildup, which was exemplified by the use of lime plaster as it was done 200 years ago to ensure wall breathability” (Source: NB 32-4).Check out SMET’s range of lime and lime-based products available from Smet Building Products Ltd.

Situated to the North West of Lincoln, Riverside Enterprise Park is a 5.8 acre (2.3 hectare) development, just five miles from Lincoln City Centre and close to the village of Saxilby.The site comprises of both new build units and existing portal frame buildings, which are stripped back before being re-clad and refurbished to a very high standard.

The University of West England has added high-quality accommodation to its Frenchay campus. The buildings on Coldharbour Lane consist of townhouse-style accommodation and 23 self- contained flats. RCM were appointed by Unique Envelope Façade Solutions to supply over 1,000m2 of Rockpanel Metallics in order to add a special effect façade to the timber frame buildings.

The White City project consists of a 35 storey tower and two 19 storey towers. Two of the buildings are set within a lagoon water feature which cascades towards the lower landscaped gardens surrounding the site. The project is due for completion in 2022. The development will provide 526 private apartments.Quadra is the most complete high-performance metal riser doorsets.Perfect for concealing fire-rated riser doors, access panels, and internal doors in corridors, landings, and other access areas; Quadra+ is supplied as an integral, four-sided frame and door system, pre-constructed to form a single robust unit. Ideal for hidden commercial access solutions, Quadra+ is designed and manufactured to the highest standards.A design innovation – Quadra+ is the original riser doorset from Selo, now featuring an Adjustable Frame to enhance installation speed and fire compliance. The screw-operated adjuster bolts allow for simple and secure Quadra+ frame installation.

The SIPs Cladding Panel has been included as part of the innovative design for the Research Acceleration and Demonstration (RAD) Building at The University of Nottingham.The ProjectThe RAD Building has been designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent and will include Passivhaus measures to reduce energy requirements, providing a comfortable space for users whilst maintaining outstanding energy efficiency.The £7m development, funded by Innovate UK, houses many of the UK’s leading academics in its laboratories, offices and breakout spaces. The 142 mm SIPs Cladding Panel was used in the walls of the iconic 2000 m2 building, in order ton restrict energy demand.The original specification indicated both SIP and, space saving opportunities and quality delivery by qualified installers.Rising to the challengeA multi-disciplinary approach was taken to meet the project’s challenging performance targets including input from building fabric engineers, specialist designers and BREEAM consultants. The use of the SIPs Cladding Panel was essential to maximise space in the laboratory building, whilst maintaining excellent levels of insulation.High performanceIn addition to their excellent thermal performance, the combination of the panel’s OSB/3 facing and unique jointing system also help to limit air loss from the building. This allowed the project team to limit air-leakage to below 0.6 ach@50 Pa.The RAD Building development offered the opportunity for creating a building with a dynamic appearance and unique identity, consistent with the aspirations of the ERA initiative.The use of the SIP Cladding Panel was essential for maximising space in the laboratory building, whilst maintaining excellent levels of insulation.The RAD Building development offered the opportunity for creating a building with a dynamic appearance and unique identity, consistent with the aspirations of the ERA initiative. The use of the SIP Cladding Panel aligns perfectly with these aspirations, due to the panels’ FSC® (FSC®-C109304) certification, which demonstrates sustainable sourcing of construction materials.University of Nottingham RAD Building | Lewis and Hickey Architecture4Awards2019 – Winner | Sustainability Award 2019, East Midlands Celebrating Construction Awards – Celebrating Construction Excellence2019 – Winner | LABC East Midlands Awards Winner & Highly Commended2018 – Winner | EMPD – Sustainable Project of the Year, constructing excellence

Flat Glass rooflights immerse Belfast Lough residence in natural lightFlat Glass rooflights were supplied as part of a new build private residence located on the shores of Belfast Lough. Details of the specification were important due to the exposed location and Flat Glass was selected due to its high thermal efficiency delivered by a thermally broken frame and double glazing.4 fixed Flat Glass rooflights were manufactured to meet a variety of size requirements which overlook corridors, a stairwell and a dressing room and the aesthetic appeal of the elegant aluminium frame was enhanced by Marine powder coating to harmonize with the surrounding environment. 

Monk Bridge is new build-to-rent residential scheme in Leeds introduced in 2023. Aspex supplied - PAS24 entrance doorsets – primed doorsets with grey frames, matching internal doorsetsstainless steel ironmongery Novista concealed timber risers.Contractor - Galliford Try

Unit 25 Cambridge Science Park is a state of the art facility providing laboratories and office space for Bio tech and Med Tech companies. This BREEAM Good facility was built by SDC and features an external façade of glass, metallic panels and fins for solar shading. At each corner of the building a chamfered picture frame feature of curtain walling and panels, adds to the modern design. Metalline who manufacture a range of architectural fabrications worked closely with MTW Architectural the specialist façade contractor to ensure that all materials were delivered on time and to exact specification. They supplied in excess of 1000m2 of A2 Ultima insulated panels, Unity interlocking rainscreen panels, interlocking soffits, copings, pressings and cills for the project.The picture frame finish to the corners of the building were finished in a slate grey polyester powder coating. The horizontal rainscreen panels used to break up the expanse of glass shown on the front of the building were finished in tiger drylac 068/70764 PPC This finish mimics an anodised finish and features on all four sides of the building 

This elevated balcony project in Taunton is a great example. The goal of the project was to make the addition of large balcony areas to the rear of two adjacent houses, with large steel frameworks to be designed to provide the balcony level to the first floor.

This year, the playgrounds in Kazincbarcika are being beautified again. The refurbishment across the city's 22 playgrounds began this spring with the replacement of rubber coatings and the refurbishment of sandboxes, followed by the necessary repairs to equipment and structural elements. The work is expected to be completed by autumn.With the arrival of spring weather, many are eager to spend time outdoors, and families with young children enjoy spending time on playgrounds. Among the city residents we surveyed, many consider the area around the Boating Lake a prime destination due to its proximity to nature and the presence of a playground nearby.It is important that children can play in the safest, well-maintained environment possible. Barcika Park Nonprofit Ltd. is responsible for the operation of 22 playgrounds, which include 220 play equipment. The company's staff continuously repair any detected faults and deficiencies, and they annually review the condition of the playground equipment. Some of the equipment is repaired on-site, while others are taken to their workshop for repairs after transportation.Parents can also assist the professionals with their observations through the city's official mobile app, KolorApp. Thanks to these reports, it was discovered that the rubber coatings on the playgrounds were worn and damaged, prompting the company to replace all of them for the safety of the children. Additionally, they regularly rake the sand surfaces, disinfect and refill the sandboxes, and refurbish or install new playground equipment, as communicated by Márton Rosza, the construction group leader at Barcika Park Nonprofit Ltd."The major replacements and repairs, for example, are taking place at the Barátság Square playground, the Völgy Street playground, the Instrument Technician Street playground, and in the Völgy Park. Currently, the replacement of spring toys, balance swings, and swinging swings is underway. We strive to show the residents potential innovations," stated the expert.Márton Rosza added: His colleagues also take care of emptying waste containers, managing green areas, caring for vegetation, and cleaning sandboxes, shock absorbers, and coatings. Safety is also ensured by a regulation that mandates a triennial review of the playgrounds, which is always performed by an expert company. Thus, everything necessary for uninterrupted and high-quality relaxation is available in Kazincbarcika. However, during the maintenance work, they ask for the patience and cooperation of the children and their parents.

Contractors building new offices and warehouses in Staffordshire have used Nullifire’s SC902 to complete the passive fire protection of the exposed steel frames successfully despite harsh winter conditions. Main contractor, McLaren Construction, is building the new Redhill Business Park in Stafford for Staffordshire County Council. The 40-acre greenfield site comprises seven plots earmarked for industrial, manufacturing and warehousing development.

THE PROJECTRoché were asked with helping refurbish the Critical Care Unit at Aintree University Hospital by providing a suitable shading solution for their critically ill patients who rarely get chance to leave the ward. The project was part of a £35 million development and marked the completion of the project.THE CHALLENGEThe key design concern for the awnings was ease of use as well as keeping the area aesthetically pleasing for patients and visitors.THE SOLUTIONThe Markilux Syncra Uno Flex freestanding awning frame was installed outside the Trust’s Critical Care Unit. This particular solution is used in cases where fixing options are limited with boxes at the base to stabilise the frame. Larger bases were specially designed to create weighted flower boxes for a unique outdoor effect. The Markilux 6000 full cassette awning was then secured onto the frame keeping the fabric completely enclosed when retracted. Grey fabric was chosen to suit the modern aesthetic of the building with the added benefit of UV protection and water resistance.

In conjunction with specialist commercial fabricator Dempsey Dyer and on behalf of Fairview Homes, this £1.3 million new build project feaures: 2500 frames Deceuninck 5000 Series Tilt and Turn Decoroc White with Iron Grey RAL 7011 Metsec incorporating full EPDM U Value 1.2

This new-build house was in a remote location and off-grid for mains gas, the house was to be heated by a heat pump and so efficiency was a major consideration for the project. The Lewis Deck system was chosen for the 1st floor of the building to provide the same efficiencies for the underfloor heating as the concrete ground floor as well as providing a high level of acoustic separation for this quality timber frame project. The build-up included the Lewis flanking and resilient strips, Lewis Deck, Anhydrite liquid screed and underfloor heating pipes.

This 19 storey building incorporates high quality office accommodation commanding magnificent views of the river Thames. Location: LondonContractor: MaceArchitect: Allford Hall Monaghan Morris Aspex supplied: Ironmongery with stainless steel handles and doorsets with flush glazing beads and a shadow gap frame detail

Gustavelund Hotel is family-run business offering lodging, food, activities and a wide range of services, all set against a backdrop of Finnish art, architecture and design. Given that the hotel is a protected building, it was important to select an accessibility lift which preserved the structural frame and was in keeping with the interior design of this architectural gem.

As part of an exciting regeneration project in Cardiff, Lowfield Timber Frames specified SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT panels alongside a supply of their timber kits for a development of 12 two-bedroom houses in Heath, Cardiff.As part of an exciting regeneration project in Cardiff, Lowfield Timber Frames specified SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT panels alongside a supply of their timber kits for a development of 12 two-bedroom houses in Heath, Cardiff.The homes are built to strict Passivhaus standards, offering improved health and wellbeing conditions for occupants whilst requiring very low levels of energy for space heating or cooling. Additionally, using timber frame for the construction lowers the carbon footprint of the development.The major benefit of a Passivhaus build is the reduced energy consumption during the operating life of the structure. This will ultimately lead to reduced energy costs, heating bills, and even lower carbon emissions for the planet.The average air test result for the 12 homes came in at below 0.5 ACH. A Larsen truss panel (a lightweight wall extension which creates extra wall space to a house insulation) was also used in the project. It was 330mm deep with the finished wall make-up being closer to 500mm.Darren Jarman, Managing Director of Lowfield Timber Frames, commented: “The Highfields scheme in Cardiff was just one of several passivhaus schemes we have completed over the past 2 years. We now have an external wall build-up that not only meets the passivhaus standards, but also has extremely low embodied carbon credentials.“The external wall has been fire tested and achieves the airtightness required, all in all, reducing the heating requirements and the running costs of the property.”SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is an airtight OSB/3 panel with integrated vapour control and air barrier properties for use as structural sheathing in timber frame structures. The airtightness is engineered into the OSB panel substrate, whilst the factory applied specialist surface finish technology provides increased and constant vapour resistance on the warm side of construction. The panels are suitable for both new build and renovations.The distinctive green layer of SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is a UV cured coating providing increased and constant vapour diffusion factor. In addition, it provides a smooth and durable surface for taping the connections.The panels made to OSB/3 grade, are moisture resistant and can be used in humid conditions (service class 2). The hygroscopic nature of the OSB panel acts as a humidity buffer to help prevent interstitial condensation within the timber frame structure in limited cases of reverse diffusion.Jarman concluded: “Whilst there are other products available which will achieve the airtightness, we feel SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is the most robust solution available and eliminates the possibility of accidental damage, resulting in a failed test.”The ambitious project is part of the ‘Cardiff Living’ programme, a 10-year partnership between Cardiff Council and Wates Residential, which will deliver 1,500 new homes at sites across the city.Discover more about SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT and its applications here: https://mdfosb.com/en/products/smartply-airtightFind out more about Lowfield Timber Frames here: https://www.lowfieldtimberframes.co.uk/Twitter: @LTFltd

The new generation of M-Tray® modules were used on this office building in Poklington, Yorkshire. This project was in the heart of the Vale of Yorkshire, within and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and planning sensitivities dictated a green roof was needed on the office building. The clients wanted the existing farm buildings, which had been converted into offices and storage space, to blend into the hillside with the structures having the very lowest impact on the surrounding countryside.The timber framed building meant a low weight solution was required so the 100mm deep pre-grown modules were ideal.