"cavity wall insulation"

Providers of world class investment solutions, Fidelity International recently moved to newly refurbished London offices. Style was contracted to deliver flexible space to the meeting areas, installing four fully automatic Skyfold moveable walls finished in a stunning Kvadrat Floyd fabric. Housed discreetly in the ceiling cavity, Skyfold units take up zero floor space when not required, descending gracefully at the touch of the button to quickly sub-divide an area. With impressive 59dB Rw acoustic integrity, events can run concurrently, entirely undisturbed on either side of the wall. Fidelity has installed nearly 50 Skyfold walls in offices across the globe.

Prefabricated Metz Non Combustible external corner unit from clients dims

Urban development within St. Helier, the capital of Jersey is gathering momentum with URSA seeing its specialist insulation products specified at one of the capital’s newest and most ambitious developments. The largest of the Channel Islands, St. Helier is a lively harbour town and has become one of the UK's most popular tourist attractions, creating a high demand for ongoing residential and commercial development. Both its commercial port and marina, as well as the centre and the main neighborhoods, are undergoing an in-depth study for the renovation of its building stock and the transformation of the urban landscape it offers. The ultimate objective is a profound urban regeneration carried out through the creation of a commercial heart open to the sea, in the city centre, and modern, sustainable and healthy residential developments on the outskirts to ensure the demands of future growth. It also aims to reduce traffic and create a walkable city for pedestrians and cyclists with green spaces and open spaces. In the north of the city is Ann Court, a large development located next to a large municipal park built on the site of a former car park that has been demolished. Being developed by Andium Homes, construction is nearing completion on the development of 165 new homes of different sizes and orientations (with internal and external courtyards), but with a common standard: the energy efficiency and sustainability of the whole complex. To support the sustainable objectives, architects have specified a ventilated façade that guarantees thermal and acoustic comfort, whilst preventing moisture penetration and condensation. A correctly designed ventilated façade system also guarantees a fire safe structure, prolongs the life of the building and enhances its energy efficiency. As part of the specification, 2,400 square meters of 220mm URSA Walltec Black 32 were specified. The choice of material was the direct decision of the architect Stephen Marshall of Axis Mason Architects, who decided on the glass wool slabs after learning about their performance and the knowledge provided by URSA's technical office. URSA Walltec Black 32 is a semi-rigid glass wool slab treated with a water repellent additive. The slabs have a black glass fibre tissue to one side only that helps to hide the insulation in ventilated façades with open joints. It is a non-combustible product that does not contribute to the spread of fire, is water repellent and has high performance to ensure the thermal and acoustic comfort of the entire residential complex. Once the insulating material has been fixed, the façade is completed with the installation of the cladding to create cavity that ensures the properties of the system. This imposing façade enveloping the courtyards of Ann Court facilitates a new building in the north of St. Helier where social interaction, tranquility, quality, comfort and healthiness are guaranteed.  Ian Claydon, URSA UK Technical Manager, said: “We first became involved in this scheme in June 2020. We were approached by the architect for recommendations on correct choice of product and the thermal assessment for the external walls.  “During the early stages of the project, we were in regular contact providing advice on the target U-value in the wall(a commendably low 0.18 W/m2K), as well as the impact on Jersey SAP energy assessment and the technicalities of rainscreen cladding. The team were particularly impressed with the speed of response and our wider technical knowledge, helping to support the perfect specification.” 

The Schuster Annex on the University of Manchester's main campus when built, was intended to become a catalyst for excellence in STEM teaching, and was linked to the circular spaces within the existing buildings. Designed by Hawkins Brown, constructed by sector specialist Wilmott Dixon and fabricated by Dortech, the Science Annex formed part of the universities master plan. James Sutherland, Managing Director of Dortech, commented: “We were awarded the contract for the Schuster Annex by Willmott Dixon, following a competitive tender process; with our package including a number of striking design features.“These included 1,000m2 Technal MX Thermally Broken Curtain Wall with 200mm extending face caps as well as the FY65  ‘punched-hole’ windows in RAL 7043 Traffic Grey, plus some 1,500 linear metres of aluminium flashings. The glazing units feature the use of SGG COOL-LITE® SKN 14 glass with digitally printed artwork.”While the 8mm COOL-LITE® outer leaf provides solar control, the thermal performance of the IG units also benefits from an argon filled 18mm cavity and a 10.8mm thick inner leaf of coated laminated glass. The glazing specification, along with the design of thermally broken framing system also deliver a sound reduction of 40dB or more without special enhancement. Referring to the success of the curtain walling and fenestration solution from Dortech and Technal, Willmott Dixon’s Project Manager, James Goodwin, said: “This was a challenging project, not least because of the building’s proximity to a main road and the MRI (Manchester Royal Infirmary) with ambulances and other emergency services going past all the time. In terms of the acoustics, the transfer of noise, it has performed wonderfully well. Also, the Technal systems meet all of the thermal insulation requirements whilst, aesthetically it looks fantastic. Everyone is pleased with the completed project.”Completed in 2018 at a cost of approximately £11m, The Schuster Annex provides 2,500m² of space across it's four floors with what has been named the "Ideas Mill" and break out spaces at ground level. 

Scandia Hus, the largest designer and supplier of Swedish energy saving timber framed homes in the UK, is using ACTIS Hybrid insulation on many of its projects.

Hush Acoustics has successfully addressed a party wall noise problem for a homeowner in north London through the installation of its slimline HD1041 acoustic wall system, improving sound insulation without significantly compromising the room size.The owner of the semi-detached house in Hackney, contacted Hush to find a solution that would enhance the acoustic performance of a separating wall, ultimately improving the quality of life for their neighbours.The properties suffered from inadequate acoustic control within their original construction, allowing everyday sounds to pass through the party wall and become clearly audible next door.The brick wall in this particular case lacked the necessary mass and density to block sound waves generated by speech and activities like children playing. As a result, the noise disturbance caused stress and anxiety for the neighbours.Key to homeowner’s wishes was a solution that would not significantly reduce the size of the room. While retrofitting the wall with acoustic treatment would naturally increase its depth, the client understood the trade-off between volume reduction and improved soundproofing.Hush proposed three fully tested acoustic wall systems, each offering varying build-up thicknesses and sound reduction levels ranging from good to better and best. After thorough discussions between the Hush team and the homeowner, it was agreed that the Hush HD1041 Acoustic Wall Lining System would deliver the optimal solution. This system utilises a combination of high-performing acoustic materials, resulting in a wall lining that is only 55mm deep.A local contractor completed the installation of the acoustic wall system, with Hush providing full technical support and supervision throughout the process.Expressing their satisfaction with the improvements delivered by the system’s installation, the client said:“We have completed the work on the wall, and the results are excellent. The neighbours can barely hear anything now, and they no longer get disturbed when my son is up in the middle of the night. A heartfelt thank you to you and the team.”

Schroders’ modern new headquarters at 1 London Wall Place provides an innovative and collaborative working environment for 2,500 employees based in the City. Adding flexibility to the meeting rooms and auditorium area, partitioning expert Style recommended installing seven, high-end Skyfold Classic 60 operable walls. Vertically-rising, the Skyfold fully automatic partition is conveniently concealed in the ceiling cavity, descending gracefully at the touch of a button to sub-divide rooms in a matter of moments. Divided areas benefit from the incredible 59db Rw acoustic integrity, allowing concurrent activities to run in peace.

Easy to handle, even for this incredibly large project.The Costco store in Wembley occupies a site close to the national football stadium. For the building’s flat roof, architects, Broadway Malyan, in conjunction with main contractors, JF Finnegan, required insulation comprising superb thermal performance and easy-handling ability - Recticel’s Eurothane Eurodeck more than fitted the bill.Ian Catterall from BC Contractors explained:"Eurothane® Eurodeck is a superb quality board. It’s really easy to install and presented no issues for what was an incredibly large project - the largest single-value project we have undertaken. It was an immense job, which required the highest-quality PIR. Eurothane® Eurodeck was just perfect.”About Eurothane® Eurodeck:Eurothane® Eurodeck is compatible with mechanically fixed single-ply systems, benefiting from high compressive strength and excellent dimensional stability that ensures the flat surface finish required for optimum performance in new build and refurbishment projects. It is faced on both sides with a multi-layer coated aluminum foil.

BackgroundThe BISF (British Iron and Steel Federation) constructed the Newarthill properties in the 1940’s, utilising steel-framed walls that were initially coated in cement render and vertical steel panels.In previous renovations overseen by the Local Authority, the upper level of the building was clad in PVC weatherboard, while the lowest floor had its exterior re-rendered. The building is characterised by its non-traditional construction style.The houses had extremely poor thermal performance and the flats were difficult and expensive to heat, especially with the rising fuel prices and current cost of living crisis, meaning some residents were in a state of fuel poverty.North Lanarkshire Council required an EWI solution that would achieve the following three key objectives:- Improve the thermal performance of the property portfolio- Specify a system that would achieve a U-value of 0.17 W/m²K and would involve as little technical detailing around the property as possible- Ensure the properties had a modern and aesthetically pleasing look as the current exterior was tired and datedUnderstanding and appreciating K System’s expertise in this sector and innate ability to deliver best-in-class refurbishments, North Lanarkshire Council appointed the partnership of K Systems and Ailsa Building Contractors to tackle the low rise refurbishment project.Our ServiceAs the Newarthill development was already occupied, a key element of this project was to deliver the refurbishment with minimal disruption to current residents and / or neighbouring houses.This is one of K Systems strengths, ensuring jobs are delivered in a timely fashion, without delay, without disruption, and with full disclosure of each phase given to residents throughout the project to build rapport, trust, and confidence.On this particular low rise refurbishment, which had limited access points for all traffic in and out surrounding its immediate vicinity, K Systems had to work closely with the contractor, main contractor, and local authority to ensure they were working in harmony to negate any unnecessary commotion.K Systems’ technical team also carried out regular site visits to make sure the system was installed to the highest standard, in line with specification, and to ensure all involved parties were delivering to time and budget.The refurbishment of the properties is a great example of K Systems’ unparalleled ability to deliver constructional excellence that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of its customers.Technical Project DetailsOn initial scope, the K Systems team identified that a major challenge for this project was going to be the technical detailing between the timber frame sheeted ply at the top storey and precast concrete slab at the bottom. Several U-value calculations were completed by the experienced K Systems team to support the Council’s request of minimal detailing around the property and the target U-value.To meet these requirements, the K Systems P EWI system was specified, which utilises phenolic foam insulation boards. This insulation is lightweight and has a high thermal performance, allowing for thinner sections of insulation to achieve optimal thermal efficiency - perfect for this project, achieving the target U-value of 0.17 W/m²K , up from 0.32 W/m²K.It is a suitable solution for buildings that are restricted in expanding their footprint due to pavements or nearby properties, and can be easily installed on masonry structures, as well as non-traditional structures - an ideal solution for the Newarthill properties.Addressing the request for a modernised aesthetic, a dash render finish was specified. This render is extremely robust, hard-wearing, and low maintenance, ensuring the properties’ refreshed exterior would remain for years to come. The dash render was also complementary to the existing local property portfolio which was something the Council wanted to achieve.This refurb completely transformed cold, weathered, distressed housing in a Scotland suburb into warm, comfortable, aesthetically pleasing homes that met the exact requirements of North Lanarkshire Council and reduced the energy bills for residents due to improved thermal performance.

The Londoner is the world's first super boutique hotel offering a collection of spaces, tastes and experiences brought to life across 16 elegant storeys. Delivering flexible space to cater for a myriad of impressive events, Style installed a six metre high Skyfold vertical-rising moveable wall in the main ballroom, as well as a combination of Dorma Hüppe Variflex sliding walls and smaller Skyfold systems throughout the numerous event areas. This focus on adaptable space, combined with Style’s expertise in delivering partitioning walls with impeccable acoustic performance, gives the hotel multiple options for opening out or dividing the available areas and maximising room hire revenue.Bringing an exciting new buzz to the south-west corner of Leicester Square, The Londoner boasts one of the world’s deepest habitable basements with six subterranean levels housing two cinemas, an expansive ballroom, as well as a swimming pool and spa facility. Above ground are 350 five-star rooms, workspace and meeting areas, restaurants and bars.UK partitioning specialists Style, worked closely with architect Woods Bagot, interior designer Yabu Pushelberg, and contractors Blue Sky Building & EE Smith Contracts, to deliver flexible event space throughout the hotel.The main ballroom is undoubtedly The Londoner’s centrepiece - an eye-catching statement of contemporary design for up to 850 guests. Allowing two events to run concurrently, the cavernous room is divided by a fully automatic Skyfold moveable wall. Discreetly housed in the ceiling cavity, the wall descends effortlessly into place at the push of a button and, with an incredible 59dB Rw acoustic rating, lively gatherings can take place either side of the wall undisturbed.In the hotel’s meeting rooms, Style installed semi-automatic Dorma Huppe Variflex double-glazed moveable walls with 52dB Rw acoustic ratings and fully glazed pass doors. For completed adaptability, the meeting areas are then additionally sub-divided using smaller Skyfold vertical-rising walls.“This is a spectacular installation,” said Style’s group managing director, Julian Sargent. “The main Skyfold is finished in a real oak wood veneer whilst the glass moveable walls feature chic black painted frames with reeded glass for enhanced privacy.

Gradus wall protection was chosen to future-proof the facilities of Nexperia, a global leader in Discretes, Logic and MOSFET devices for the Automotive industry. The majority of Nexperia’s manufacturing takes place in laboratories. As a result, a durable wall protection system was required that would be resistant to a variety of cleaning chemicals and that can withstand the rigorous maintenance cleaning regimes which will take place at the facility.

BackgroundWith stunning southerly views across to the Isle of Wight and also westerley along the Solent to Hayling Island, Portsmouth and the Millenium Tower, Marineside, a development of three-storey properties at Bracklesham Bay, is a dream location for anyone to live.However, whilst a prominent beachfront location comes with spectacular sunsets and unrivalled tranquillity, it does leave buildings highly exposed and prone to weather damage.This was the case with the Marineside development which showed signs of high coastal corrosion and were in severe need of regeneration both aesthetically and internally to address thermal underperformance.K Systems teamed with CBG, Envirorend SE, and Harrington Design to complete the low-rise refurbishment project, with three main objectives:- Remediate problematic substrate- Improve thermal performance for the benefit of residents- Revitalise a tired and unattractive exteriorAs with all projects, K Systems began a detailed scope and specification process with full involvement from all parties, including deploying digital technology to provide an inspirational viewpoint for the client to understand what the refurbishment would look like at completion.Our ServiceFollowing extensive planning, K Systems brought the client’s vision to life and created a beautiful collection of revitalised waterside homes on the banks of Bracklesham Bay.The refurbishment of Marineside wasn’t a straightforward project and required comprehensive scoping to ensure optimal delivery and 100% satisfaction levels amongst current residents.Therefore, it is a notable triumph for K Systems to have delivered a successful project, within budget, without delay or compromise on quality, that not only met but exceeded the requirements and expectations of the client.Each structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing dwelling boasted excellent thermal performance properties, achieving a U-value of 0.30W/m²K, allowing residents to benefit from more thermally efficient homes and experience a reduction in energy consumption.K Systems in collaboration with CBG, Envirorend SE and Harrington Design delivered beautiful, clean, crisp, aesthetically attractive properties, each with a protective exterior finish which will provide resistance to the elements for years to come.Technical Project DetailsOnce the existing façade was removed it was clear that the block substrate had high level corrosion due to the harsh coastal environment it had endured since being built in the 1940s.Multiple areas of the three buildings had to be completely removed and replaced using a medium density block that achieved superior pull-out test results. This was a recommendation by K Systems which enforced confidence with not just the client but the homeowners too as the best way to ensure longevity of the buildings.The removal also revealed that the substrate was uneven and unsafe. K Systems identified that extensive dubbing out was also needed with these buildings. Dubbing out meant the insulation boards were installed line and level giving a crisp and professional finish.The Marineside buildings were solid block construction making them extremely inefficient and presented an expense to the homeowners during winter months due to insufficient thermal performance.Utilising its years of unparalleled expertise, K Systems specified the industry-proven Mineral Wool insulation system for the project to address the aged façade and significantly boost the thermal performance of the building.K Systems Mineral Wool insulation (a mat of rock fibres which prevents the movement of air) has an industry-leading ability to generate exceptional thermal performance. That made it the perfect choice for the Marineside refurbishment as it would combat the heating issues faced by residents whilst retaining the solid foundations of the existing building.Other technical benefits which made the K Systems 110mm Mineral Wool system the ideal specification for this refurbishment include:- its level of fire resistance and non-combustibility, ensuring the building met all safety regulations required for residential buildings in England- its excellent acoustic properties, ensuring coastal noise absorption further enhancing the peaceful and tranquillity of the area- its environmentally friendly composition as it is free from gases with ODP (ozone depletion properties) or GWP (global warming potential)Due to the coastal location and exposure to the elements, it was vital that this refurbishment guaranteed total water tightness. K Systems worked closely with the roof installers ensuring that the parapet details were correctly detailed making the system as a whole watertight.The exterior finish was just as important as the internal construction and detailing. The Bracklesham Bay area has a level of prestige and the aesthetics needed to reflect that. K Systems finished the Marineside complexes with a silicone thin coat render, which is extremely breathable and resistant to the elements, in shades Limestone White and Granite. This completely transformed the aesthetic of the residential blocks making them much more appealing to potential dwellers.Envirorend SE commented:“ We secured the refurbishment works at Marineside , for a good client and works started in January 2022. The scope of works was to make the 3 blocks more energy efficient. Situated directly on the beach, the location made the install very challenging as the weather was not very forgiving at that time of year. The existing substrate was all over the place so a lot of effort was put in to get the walls looking line and level while staying within the remit of the specification. Works were completed in July 2022 and to a very high standard for all to see. “

Perfect for office spaces, our MG600 glass office partitions and movable glass walls offer several benefits to your workspace and your employees.The advantages of glass acoustic walls include excellent light flow in offices, low-cost installation, flexibility in the work environment, and the simple fact that they look classy and classy. Not only that, but they also provide excellent sound insulation, enabling privacy between clients or important internal meetings.These flush glazed movable acoustic wall panels are constructed from an aluminum frame with flush tempered glass panels mounted on either side of the panel for a flush glass look. They work especially well in office spaces, impressing everyone who sees them, be it stakeholders, important clients or business partners.Additionally, you can choose to tint the aluminum frame according to your own design or branding needs. These panels maintain the spaciousness of the room's proportions while maximizing light and clear sightlines. Really great office aesthetic.

Fitzwarren Court is of one the highest buildings in Salford at 23 storeys and was a major refurbishment requiring an aesthetic and thermal upgrade. The building had originally been earmarked for demolition as part of a wider regeneration of the area, but plans were halted when Salix Homes secured funding to modernise the block.The Casey Group were appointed as main contractor for the work. New kitchens, bathrooms, doors and windows have been fitted to all 135 apartments. Our approved installer Hamilton Building Contractors were contracted by The Casey Group to complete the exterior wall insulation and rendering which had a metamorphic effect on the building’s overall appearance and thermal performance.The 1970s building was a pre-cast concrete panel system. The panels were of a ribbed surface design and were fitted together creating a recessed detail which was a unique design feature. Alongside Hamilton, we worked to transform the façade aesthetically creating a modern building, with a safe, stylish and thermally efficient solution. A complete revamp which has given the building a new lease of life and delivered safe, modern and energy efficient homes for the residents.We worked in collaboration with Hamilton Building Contractors to ensure there was minimum disruption to the residents of Fitzwarren Court, who remained in their homes while the work was carried out.K Systems produced a bespoke high-rise specification which included various zonal wind load calculations optimising the longer-term safety and durability of the design. Various factors were taken into consideration throughout the installation process including a recessed windowsill and anti-perch detail (preventing birds from settling on the sills).Our focus throughout the project included safety, quality, thermal efficiency and service.Paul Turner, Director at The Casey Group, said:   “Successful EWI schemes, especially on high-rise tower blocks, demand the highest level of Project and On-Site Support from design through to inspections, with technical guidance and warranty support. K Systems are expert partners in this field.”Discover more on how the Fitzwarren Court transformation project won at the 2021 INCA awards here: https://k.systems/news/kilwaughter-minerals-wins-big-at-prestigious-national-industry-awards/

The developer behind a Victorian mill conversion in West Yorkshire has achieved superior levels of sound insulation for the building’s separating walls, floors and ceilings through a range bespoke sound insulation systems and products from Hush Acoustics.The redevelopment of the Old Town Mill in the Pennine hills close to Hebden Bridge was undertaken by Clay Developments, with the conversion work managed by its sister-company Clay Construction. Both companies have a strong track record in successfully breathing new life into heritage buildings, but this latest project presented its own unique challenges including how to soundproof each of the newly created individual two- or three-bedroom connected properties.The original mill building was built around 1851, initially for use as a cotton mill. The complex was developed with the construction of a second larger mill building and associated facilities in the 1880s, and it was used for a variety of purposes during its industrial life, including for the production of hosiery yarns, wool combing and sheepskin rug manufacture.Externally the converted building, known as Carding Mill, retains its external character with its distinctive coursed square gritstone walls and Welsh blue slate roof, complemented by high performance aluminium glazing and new features including perimeter walls created using natural reclaimed stone. Internally, however, the transformation has been substantial to remodel the building into residential units which comply with the high performance standards demanded by today’s Building Regulations.The new homes created in Carding Mill could have been designed and built to comply with the minimum acoustic requirements, but that was deemed insufficient to deliver the level of luxury the developer wanted to offer potential buyers. Hence, Clay Construction approached Hush Acoustics to explore the design options and available materials to go beyond what the Building Regulations require for material change of use projects like this.Hush Acoustics supported Clay Construction and the architect, Gagarin Studio, to achieve the optimum separating wall and floor designs throughout, with underfloor heating (UFH) also accommodated.Airborne sound tests in the separating walls revealed levels ranging between 52 and 61 dB DnT,w+Ctr, well above the compliance level of 43 dB. And for impact sound on the separating floors, two tests were carried out which registered levels of 35 and 37 dB L'nT,w, again surpassing the Approved Document E requirement of no higher than 64 dB.

Located along a winding mountain road in Queenstown, New Zealand, the Kingspan panels installed on this project have provided state of the art facilities for skiers at The Remarkables skifield base. The new addition to the centre is comprised of a three level base building that is home to numerous activities, including gear rental, a snow sport school and a restaurant.Due to the local climate and surroundings, the panels installed needed to be resilient to adverse weather conditions. Trapezoidal Wall panels deliver excellent thermal efficiency, providing the correct level of thermal and structural performance required in this extreme environment.

Higher Potential is a north London based charity that helps disenfranchised young people, with projects designed to divert them away from anti-social behaviour and embrace education, helping them to develop life skills and reaching their potential.Within the two-storey building the area was created for young people to express themselves through dance, drama and music video production.To achieve this, the building required a suitable acoustic treatment to avoid noise leakage whilst creating an acoustically neutral space for music production.ROCKWOOL Sound Insulation Slab and Acoustic RockFloor were implemented.

Many people have benefitted from Premier Inn’s guarantee of a good night’s sleep, which goes some way to explain why the Whitbread Plc hotel chain now have over 700 hotels in the UK.To help ensure that that a good night’s sleep is enjoyed by every guest, Premier Inn insist on the best soundproofing available. Chip Board Overlay was installed on the upper floor, giving a robust, high density monolithic floor with a remarkably shallow profile.The demands of the ground floor were a little more specialised. Soundis advised the main contractor, Key Property Solutions Limited, that a combination of 115mm thick XPS Insulation, together with a layer of chipboard together with a layer of chipboard would exceed the tight acoustic and heat insulation specification.

BackgroundK Systems’ retrofit of the REEMA non-traditional construction Properties in Swindon, South-West England, is a stellar example of the company’s ability to harness years of expertise with forward-thinking innovation to meet the needs of its clients.Swindon Borough Council had a development of 50+ properties in Upper Stratton all with aged facades and poor thermal qualities, some with U-values as inadequate as1.59W/m ² K.K Systems supported Swindon Borough Council, led by Projects Surveyor John Black, to completely refurbish this residential development and deliver on five primary objectives:- Improve the thermal performance rating of each home (SAP rating)- Deliver greater thermal comfort for residents- Choose a solution with acoustic benefits and non-combustable benefits- Reduce tenants’ energy consumption- Deliver an attractive aesthetic that would uplift the areaHaving a good reputation for matching systems with finishes to deliver its clients’ visions, K Systems partnered with approved installer, Rateavon Ltd, to scope out theproject and specification in fine detail, with particular focus on insulating properties and aesthetic.Our ServiceK System worked in collaboration with Swindon Borough Council and Rateavon Ltd to upgrade these poorly insulated houses and deliver a total revamp of the properties, resulting in thermally efficient homes.One of the primary requirements was to improve the performance rating of each home, with a target U-value of 0.30W/m²K. In fact, K Systems exceeded that in the project delivery by achieving a U-value of 0.29W/m²K.The project was completed with minimal disruption to existing residents, and due to forward planning and regular site visits by an experienced K Systems project manager, where processes and progress were monitored and evaluated, the project was completed within the agreed timescale.Digital technology was deployed from the very beginning to produce models and CGIs (Computer Generated Imagery) to not only assure Swindon Council the finished project would meet its specific requirements, but to also guide the design process and ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.Regular inspections and site audits were carried out alongside Swindon Council to ensure the same level of care and attention to detail that applied when specifying theproject was being applied during its implementation and delivery.Technical Project DetailsOn initial inspection, K Systems found a problematic substrate. The REEMA hollow panel non-traditional construction properties are constructed of a concrete frame with thin concrete panels to the exterior façade. This type of thin panel construction created a significant challenge for the team to find a suitable EWI fixing, but with the help from Rawlplug, one of our EWI fixings suppliers a robust and safe fixing solution was found, without compromising the existing REEMA construction.Harnessing years of EWI system design knowledge and unrivalled expertise in this field, K Systems worked closely with Rawlplug and a structural engineer to identify a suitable fixing detail and pattern which would not only be robust but also suitable for this type of substrate.With a structurally strong solution agreed, focus then turned to the appropriate insulation solution.After a comprehensive scoping process taking into consideration client requirements, project objectives, budgets and timeframes, K Systems specified the industry proven K Systems M, Mineral Wool EWI system to not only significantly boost thermal performance of the buildings but also reduce noise pollution for the tenants.K Systems 100mm Mineral Wool insulation has an industry-leading ability to generate exceptional thermal performance. That made it the perfect choice for the refurbishment as it would combat the increased heating costs faced by residents whilst retaining the solid foundations of the existing building and reducing the risk of condensation or mould damage.Other technical benefits which made the K Systems Mineral Wool system the ideal specification for this refurbishment include:- non-combustibility, A2-s1,d0 fire rated- its excellent acoustic properties, reducing noise pollution- its environmentally friendly composition as the insulation is free from gases with ODP (ozone depletion properties) or GWP (global warming potential)- its workability and easy to cut format, reducing labour time across the board for the team.Having identified solutions that improved structure and thermal performance, K Systems then offered the best quality finish for the properties – an aesthetically pleasing, cost effective combination of VBriQ+ clay brick slips and Silkolitt+ silicone render that both Swindon Council and the residents would be proud of.VBriQ+ is a lightweight, highly durable, clay brick slip system and a more cost-effective finish option in comparison to tradition brick systems without compromising on quality, weather resistance, workability and durability. This made it perfect for a project of this scale – a project which required maximum and long-lasting impact without incurring maximum costs.The Silkolitt+ silicone render finish rejuvenated the properties’ exteriors and massively enhanced the area’s overall aesthetic, making it a much more appealing place to set up home.Yet again going the extra mile for clients to ensure unrivalled workmanship and longevity, K Systems finished all 52 properties with K Pro - a water-based protective treatment used to provide long term enhanced water repellent properties to external render and other masonry surfaces, helping combat the problems associated with water intrusion including efflorescence, frost, water-soluble pollutants and algae growth meaning the substrate will stay clean and dry for longer.K Systems and approved installer Rateavon Ltd delivered an excellently designed and expertly executed refurbishment, that exceeded the expectations and requirements of the client, Swindon Council, and the residents of the newly improved homes.John Black, Projects Surveyor at Swindon Borough Council, said:“Throughout the project K Systems have supported Swindon Borough Council agreeing all detailing to ensure current day Building Control Regulations were met. They supported resolutions throughout the project lifecycle and were really reactive, visiting site and supporting when required. They carried out weekly detailed spot check reports with photographic evidence and also checked batch numbers of materials. They delivered a great service. A really successful project.”

baseTherm® PROJECT Contact your local team baseTherm® for these amazing floor insulation results:📞+353 (0) 87 333 0683📞+353 (0) 87 223 2456📩 sales@basetherm.com📲basetherm.comClick here to view more finished jobs on our GALLERY:https://lnkd.in/e9zh-nwxbaseTherm® is an NSAI Agrément certified BEPS liquid floor insulation, complete with its own EPD.It's produced and installed on-site by our local team using our Mobile Floor Insulation Factory - without waste or fuss.💡baseTherm® KEY BENEFITS:👉 Seamless, void-free poured floor insulation👉 Factory-produced on-site, without waste - using our Mobile Floor Insulation Factory👉 Rapid pumped installation👉 Non-combustible👉 Ultra-lightweight with acoustic benefits👉 Highly insulating, from 0.041 W/mK👉 National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Agrément certified👉 EPD Certified – available to download on Irish Green Building Council's platform EPD Ireland👉 Available for spec on NBS Source and as BIM Digital Objects

800 square meters of Black Webnet creating an innovative Webnet Green Wall ,providing shade and year-round temperature control for this contemporary office building.The innovative design features our Webnet stainless steel mesh system suspended from roof supports to create a strong, secure and long-life structure for plants to climb up. Planters at first floor level encircle the building to provide low level greening, as well as a base for the climbers.Bringing nature to this urban landscape, the green wall not only makes the office look spectacular, but also provides a habitat for wildlife and significantly improves the building’s carbon footprint. The shade and evaporative cooling of the plants also help to cool the building in summer and insulate it in winter, helping to improve thermal efficiency and save energy costs.

AboutThe Dubai Metro Red Line, at 52.1 km (32.4 mi), is the world’s longest driverless single metro line. The planning of the metro was in response to a rapidly growing population and severe traffic congestion to relieve motor traffic and provide infrastructure for development.Project/doors200 Insulated Roller Shutters, both fire rated and non-fire ratedThe ChallengeThe Hart contract to manufacture over 200 industrial roller shutters to Dubai Metro, one of the most advanced urban rail systems in the world, was secured through the Al-Futtaim Group, who in turn were awarded by Chadwick Technology Group. Hart not only manufactured the doors but provided training to JT Metro JV, Dubai Metro Project.The SolutionManufacture over 200 Insulated Roller Shutters, both fire rated and non-fire rated for the Jebel Ali, Rashidiya and Al Qusais train depots. The shutters are designed to work in very sophisticated and complex systems including depot protection when driver-less trains are in operation.The SuccessThis was Harts largest export order to date and came on the back of large orders for Hart products for Heathrow’s T5 and the international railway terminal at St. Pancras. Once again Hart successfully delivered on a large scale project due to the engineering knowledge and project management experience.The ReviewYou have shown a high level of technical competence and professionalism in dealing firstly with the lengthy approval process, mainly due to the critical importance of the shutters for the automated operation of the Metro system, and secondly with the various site issues that invariably arrive on a project of this scale and fast track nature. Peter W. Mansell, Project Director, Chadwick SEC

Heriot Watt is shaping the future with its new Global Research, Innovation and Development building.

A London court house has been extensively renovated and converted into a boutique hotel.

A range of premium and high performance products has been installed on a stunning new beachfront home on the Isle of Wight, featured on Grand Designs.

Heavy rainfall on the Orkney Islands meant that the basement room of Kirkwall Air Traffic Control Tower suffered from frequent flooding, with water levels reaching 1.2m at their highest point. Newton Waterproofing and Specialist Contractor Wise Basement Systems were called in to remove the existing water and then waterproof the structure to protect it from future flooding, all in just one week.Kirkwall airport is located on the main island of the Orkneys, 10-miles off the North coast of Scotland. Presented with a logistically challenging location and a tight project timescale of just 1 week, Newton had no hesitation in recommending the expertise of Wise Basement Systems as the specialist contractor to Building Surveyor Pick Everard.Getting involved at the very start of the project, Wise were immediately able to design, advise on and install a system to remedy the 2 inches of water in the existing basement of the Air Traffic Control tower.Cavity Drain Waterproofing, or ‘Type C’ waterproofing as it is defined by BS 8102:2009 is often the most effective means of achieving a completely dry ‘Grade 3’ environment in an existing structure below ground. It was therefore no surprise that Wise Basement Systems designed a Newton CDM System for this existing basement area.To begin, Wise installed 120m2 of Newton 508 on the walls and 80m2 of the recycled Newton 520 eco to the floor, above the closed-cell Fibran XPS 500-C insulation. The drainage membranes were supplemented with a perimeter channel of Newton Basedrain, directed to a Titan-Pro sump chamber containing two NP400 Pumps to remove the water.Finally, to ensure that the system will continue to work in all eventualities, even in a complete power outage, Wise installed a backup system with dual Northstar batteries and a Victron Power Inverter.Even with a project located 10 miles from the mainland, and 1 week to waterproof a basement with only a 600mm wide access hatch, Wise Basement Systems delivered a completely dry space for the client that was also compliant with BS 8102:2009 and backed by their guarantee.

Located near Taunton, Somerset, the Halcon Centre provides short breaks, with 24-hour professional care, for up to 18 adults who are physically disabled or have sensory loss. SureProtect Design® bespoke wall cladding was installed in the main corridor at the centre featuring a row of imitation panels, that have been designed to look hand-drawn with a marker pen to offer the homely feel the centre was looking for. In addition, the Halcon Centre further increased the corridor walls’ protection by installing Gradus’s CGH5090 High Impact PVC-u Corner Guards and WGS200 Wall Guards, both in colour Gravel.

Built-in 1871 as a police station with four cells and accommodation for the constable and his family. This imposing Grade II Listed property has been renovated to combine the best of traditional materials and craftsmanship, with new technologies. Achieving the target U values without adding too much thickness so the period features could be retained. Caroline and Peter approached SuperFOIL to find solutions for their project and they chose SuperFOIL SF40 to bring the property up to the high thermal performance they required. SuperFOIL offered solutions to exceed the required u-values under building regulations. Caroline chose 2 layers of SF40 in the roof area to achieve 0.14 and a single layer of SF40 in the walls to achieve 0.23 keeping the structure thin enough to retain the period features that were so important to this historic building.

The PROMAT ULTIMA® VIP range of ultra-thin vacuum insulated panels from Promat UK utilise next generation materials technology to deliver the highest levels of thermal insulation, without the bulkiness associated with traditional insulating products. With standard thicknesses of between just 10mm and 50mm, PROMAT ULTIMA® VIP panels are ideal for applications where space constraints pose a challenge to delivering on thermal goals. It is an effective insulation for a wide range of applications including structures, flat roofs and facades with the benefit of being manufactured by Promat in ISO 9001: 2015 and ISO 14001:2015 factories for consistent quality assurance and traceability.

The archive’s single-storey extension was clad in Corten steel Hook-on cassettes on both the walls and the mono-pitch roof. These weathered steel panels naturally oxidise to form a patina veneer, giving the façade a distinctive “rusted” look that shifts from a vibrant orange before settling to a dark red after several years of exposure to the elements. Architect: Hugh Broughton Architects

As part of a drive to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty, Camden Council specified Q-Bot Underfloor Insulation which uses a robotic system to spray foam onto the underside of the floor. The 48 properties included various housing types, differing in age and size. The energy savings achieved by the upgrades were modelled in SAP using elemental U-values for the individual floors and the airtightness test results of each property. This enabled the energy improvements to be calculated against a range of scenarios with alternative retrofit measures.

XPS Insulation and Dry Screed Board Acoustic FlooringKing’s College London is one of the Top 20 Universities in the world, according to the international world 2013-14 ranking. They are the fourth oldest university in England, holding over 25,000 students. As well as this, the college includes more than 10,600 postgraduates and over 7,000 employees. The College also has research earnings of nearly £587million overall annually.The Architect specified a combination of Soundis Dry Screed Board and XPS Insulation, both of which are recyclable and amongst the most effective insulation materials available for acoustic performance and thermal performance in this student development.

With the business growing at a rapid rate, the firm has expanded its head office to a purpose-built facility which also incorporates a store, café, and an external garden centre.To make the most of its prominent location at the entrance to the new Seaton Hill development, the building was designed to showcase the brand’s iconic identity. The facade of the offices and warehouse are clad primarily in a palette of blacks and greys using Kingspan Dri-Design Flat Cassettes for the office element and QuadCore AWP Wall Panels for the large retail section. This neutral palette provides the perfect backdrop for more colourful facade elements of royal blue and bright orange which ‘pop out’ from the envelope, both literally and visually. These elements include a ribbon style wrapping which recreates a heart-beat reading and symbolises the HQ’s position as the “heartbeat of Derriford”. This dramatic treatment also helps to break-up the massing of the site.  Selecting all these materials from a single supplier also help to simply logistics, minimise onsite waste and ensure complete compatibility between the elevations.

Combining various types of moveable wall within the same building is fast becoming the latest trend for architects aiming to create the ultimate flexible space solution. One recent example is the London offices of Anglo American, a leading global mining company, where partitioning experts Style installed a complex arrangement of moveable wall systems to divide a single large space into four individual rooms.To achieve the level of adaptability required, Style utilised both solid and glass Dorma Hüppe Variflex semi-automatic moveable walls, as well as vertically rising, fully automatic Skyfold Classic 60 moveable walls.This combination enables the entire space to be re-configured quickly into smaller or larger meeting rooms, with the 57dB acoustic rating of the solid moveable wall, 52dB of the glass moveable wall and 59dB of the Skyfold delivering such an exceptional sound barrier that all rooms can host busy meetings without causing any disturbance between them.Anglo American is a leading global mining company whose products are the essential ingredients in almost every aspect of modern life. Its portfolio of world-class competitive operations, with a broad range of future development options, provides many of the future-enabling metals and minerals for a cleaner, greener, more sustainable world.Style worked with architects, MCM, and contractor, BW, to create wide-ranging flexible space in the ‘Office Zone’ and ‘Innovation Hub’ located at Anglo American’s offices in London. Within the configuration, the Skyfold walls meet with Dorma walls in T shapes, turning this very large room into four individual rooms accessible via a corridor, created when the glass moveable walls are in position.By integrating four fully-glazed pass doors into the glass moveable walls, there is ease of access into each of the meeting rooms from the temporary corridor.“This is a superb example of how a range of complementing moveable walls can combine to deliver truly first class, flexible office space,” said Julian Sargent, Style’s group managing director.“The final configuration gives Anglo American so many options as to how to use the space and is a real showcase for anyone visiting the building.”

The Garden State Hotel is an iconic building in Melbourne. Accoya was chosen for a feature wall in the balcony dining room – a VIP space that looks out over the rest of the venue. Charred Accoya was used for the feature wall to add to the secluded and private feeling of the venue. The Accoya cladding was lined with a polyurethane finish. Other sections of the feature wall were finished with Woca internal maintenance oil. Accoya was also chosen due to its incredible finish and its ability to adapt to the unique and fresh looks offered by modern architecture.

London Wall Place is a new development, with more than 500.000m2, located in the heart of London, between Moorgate and Barbican. This development is comprised by two commercial buildings and will add a large green area to the city. The largest building has about 300.000m2 and rises to a height of 12 floors, and the remaining building, with about 12.000m2, has 16 floors. For this project’s façade weatherproofing, three Effisus solutions were used: Effisus VAP (vapour barrier), Effisus Breather+ (breathable membrane) and Effisus 2Bond DS (double-sided solution for sealing between two surfaces).