"central controls building management systems"

Exclusive Collection selects TopBrewer for innovative informal workspace at The Royal Berkshire HotelThe Royal Berkshire worked with specialist hotel designers, Trevillion, to create a purpose-built meeting space, ‘Homespace’, designed to meet the growing demand for alternative workspace that provides a welcome respite from home working.Two TopBrewer Pro machines are now installed in the Homespace environment at the Royal Berkshire to provide a full selection of speciality coffees, hot chocolate and steaming hot water for tea drinkers."The TopBrewers are perfect for our new, flexible corporate workspace that caters for individual clients or collaborative meetings." - Debbie Guy, General Manager, The Royal Berkshire

Last week saw our first Delivery of Gypsol Complete binder to Notts Contractors in Yelland Barnstaple in the South West of England.John Andrews, Plant manager at Notts Contractors commented, ‘We are pleased to have overseen our first successful delivery of Complete without any complications. As we were unloading Gypsol Complete into the silo, the material was being produced for delivery to the site, ensuring a much faster batching process and increasing our ability to deliver in short lead times.’ The batches of Gypsol Complete were then delivered to AJ Wilson in North Devon, UK, at two sites in Lifton and Buckland Brewer.

Dawn and David became a customer of Mumford and Wood having met at a home exhibition.They were in the process of extending their Surrey home and although liked the style of their existing windows had experienced water ingress and poor thermal performance from them, so decided to investigate replacing with new timber units. Dawn explains;"We were keen to install a product that would last, so finding a product that we could trust to perform well, with good thermal and security ratings was crucial. Once we had visited the Build Centre in London to view some of Mumford and Wood’s full-sized products, we were very impressed by the quality and aesthetics, so we just knew they were the manufacturer for us."Dawn and David expressed that they wanted a clean look for their beautiful home and so we recommended flush Conservation Casement windows and doors, including slimmer glazing bars. We also supplied roof lanterns to the orangery, allowing lots of light.They were also very keen to ensure that the glass sightlines were consistent across each window and door, despite them being different sizes. Working very closely with the architect, we were able to ensure that sightlines remained similar, resulting in a clean, symmetrical look, throughout the building, irrespective of product dimension and shape.Mumford & Wood, Sales Manager, Alex comments;"As soon as the client confirmed they wanted a clean, but traditional look for their home, I knew that our Conservation Range would be perfect for them. Our flush faced timber casement windows have a range of profile and glazing bar options, to give them the look they were after. We ended up supplying French doors, balcony doors, roof lanterns and windows throughout their home, all with high acoustic, thermal and security ratings, which was so important to them."

The ProblemWe were approached in 2020 by James Tough of Butco and his team to help develop a low surface temperature radiator that would survive the ‘kick test” for Dignus healthcare.After an initial meeting and various site visits to Dignus scheme, we recognised the problem they were having with their existing radiators and controls. They had damaged and dangerous casings, broken TRVs and endless replacements.Butco had exhausted the market trying to solve the problem posed by Dignus and found other manufacturers could not fulfil all the requirements of the customer.The remit posed was in brief:A robust cover to withstand the ‘kick test’To meet all of the regulations and achieve high outputsTo be compact and discreet. They didn’t want an institutional-looking coverNot to be cost prohibitedOur SolutionButco reached out to Towelrads, who supply LST’s and other radiator products to the UK market. Upon understanding of the requirements, we investigated the possibility of producing a more robust casing with our UK Fabricator Adcam, based in the West Midlands. Straightaway Adcam produced a sample of the LST casing utilising a 2mm thick steel sheeting, rather than the 1.5mm industry standard. This proved a viable option upon testing and was put forward to the client. On the back of this successful project for Dignus Healthcare, Towelrads now offer 2mm and even 2.5mm thick casings as bespoke options in their LST range.A sample was sent to Butco to test and was approved by the customer to cover all items above.The bespoke LST’s were manufactured to match a sample site in Crown Lane, Sutton Coldfield. These have been installed and to date, there have been no issues with the covers, radiators, or internal controls. We are working on other schemes with Dignus and have been able to offer this product to other clients.The process of testing the radiators and running them on a sample site has allowed Towelrads to promote these further. It was thanks to Butco’s enquiry that made this possible.

IntroductionSurespan designed and manufactured the highest hatch in the world, a 600mm diameter submarine access hatch located 816 meters up on the Burj Khalifa. The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building, soaring 828 meters above Dubai. The design for the 162-story tower combines local cultural influences with cutting-edge technology to achieve high performance in an extreme desert climate.Products suppliedWe supplied;Surespan was selected for its engineering expertise, innovative designs, and unique skills.The team designed and manufactured a 600mm diameter, polish grade 316 stainless steel simulated submarine access hatch with handwheels. The hatch is located at 816 meters and is used for maintenance access to the aircraft warning lights.The projectAs part of the 1.5-billion-dollar mega Downtown Dubai project, the government of Dubai decided to build the world’s tallest building. This project redefines what is possible in the design and engineering of supertall buildings.  Architect firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill design inspiration for the tower was taken from the shape of a regional desert flower the Hymenocallis, also known as the desert lily and the patterning systems embodied in Islamic architecture.

Boughton’s Intensive green roof substrate has been successfully trialled in a ground-breaking analysis project at Coventry University assessing the feasibility of ‘greening’ landscapes with ecological beneficial habitats.  With the objective being to research the benefits and plausibility of incorporating green space and wildlife-friendly habitats into heavily built-up areas, Coventry University handpicked Boughton’s Intensive IN1 substrate based on its nutrient content, weight, and the inclusion of a water supply in chambers beneath the sub-base.The majority of green roofs in the UK fall into the ‘extensive’ category and are based on a low growing succulent, Sedum, which only requires a few centimetres of substrate to grow, whilst intensive green roofs provide a deeper soil depth and can support a more complex plant system. To this end, Coventry University wanted to explore the advantages of intensive green roofs, which offer greater biodiversity, often create accessible spaces, and offer the best insulation properties and storm water management. The organisation partnered with SEL Environmental, who provided its intelligent water management systems for the project.Boughton’s Intensive IN1 substrate boasts greater organic content than extensive substrates, meaning it supports larger plants and can be installed at greater depths, varying from 100-500cm. IN1 provides a stable growing medium for wide variety of plants in intensive green roof installations, including green roof lawns, shrubs and trees.Depending on the substrate depth and plant type, permanent irrigation systems (above or below ground) are sometimes installed with this substrate to as a backup for extended dry periods. They are not required for everyday irrigation, as the substrate has the ability to hold onto sufficient moisture during ambient conditions. The project, funded by Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) and headed up by Sophie Barron-West, followed plant growth for four years from 2017, with a break due to Covid 19. Dr Stephen Coupe and Dr Liz Trenchard from the University’s Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience (CAWR) offered their research expertise.CAWR’s Dr Stephen Coupe says: “The technical requirements of Boughton IN1 were a big part of why we chose it. We also wanted the chance to get as many wildflowers in the space as possible. The nutrient levels were perfect because it wasn’t too rich. In fact, it was a ‘just right’ formulation that wasn’t going to overstimulate but would also deliver enough nutrients for what we needed. Ultimately it was going to be perfect for long-term sustainable plant growth.”He continues: “Reliability was another consideration because we knew we could get it delivered on site on time and, because of Boughton’s location in Kettering, we weren’t concerned about lead times, so that was a plus. It’s safe to say it was a studied choice.”Ground-breaking resultsAccording to the University, the trial resulted in ground-breaking analysis into how different types of green roofs can be created and maintained, as well as what their benefits would be alongside others in a built-up area.  The project successfully demonstrated the ecological impact of placing retrofit green roofs onto existing infrastructure, even with a focus on wildflower species and a relatively short development time. An independently-conducted ecological survey recorded five insect species that have national and local rarity value, including two species of bee that are deemed ‘nationally scarce’ and ‘nationally rare’. Of 457 preserved specimens taken on the green roofs at Coventry University, a total of 120 different insect species were recorded, including wasps, sawflies, hoverflies, beetles, and as many as 11 species of bee.  Coventry University’s findings revealed that the innovation in green roofs has improved and increased the total constructed habitat for rare insects. Research has also enabled better water management alongside habitat enhancement. This research has been incorporated into SEL’s product range, where green roofs are now used across four sites in Coventry, London, Aylesford and Blackburn. CAWR’s Dr Stephen Coupe said: “Ecology, biodiversity and wildlife are largely forgotten by planners, designers and builders in developments. Most green roofs installed in the UK are based on sedum, and, while there are additional features that can be added to these green roofs to improve biodiversity, they are rarely incorporated. Our findings, using Boughton’s Intensive green roof substrate, are that the retrofit of green roofs is feasible and, more than four years into development, IN1 has supported verifiably diverse green roofs. The plants on these roofs supported several insects that have rarity status in the UK, which is very positive.” Dr Coupe adds: “Whilst it is probable that substrates take many years to develop anything like the maturity comparable to natural soil, after just four years, IN1 went from having no recordable eukaryotes, to a concentration of organisms, including worms, soil mites and rotifers.”  Boughton Business Development Manager, Jason Lock comments: “Boughton was delighted to be part of this groundbreaking project and buoyed by such positive findings. Our products have been used successfully in a number of iconic green roof developments around the country over the years but it was a pleasure to be involved in such an important trial that would deliver verifiable results assessing the potential for green roofs to create new habitats in urban environments and enhancing local ecological diversity. Boughton offers an extensive range of green roof substrates and we welcome any research that helps further innovation around the application of green roofs.” The experiment at Coventry University is ongoing and the team are set to feed back again at the end of the summer about how prolonged dry weather has affected results. Dr Coupe says: “The beauty of this project is that there is no general timeline for a piece of green space. We need funding to support our ongoing investigations but there are options and opportunities for long-term research. It can last for the lifespan of the site and I think we will see really interesting developments. There is no reason why, over time, these green spaces would be indistinguishable from an existing habitat.” Boughton’s portfolio of green roof substrates are specifically engineered for different types of roof greening, both for domestic and commercial projects. A full product specification is available for each of Boughton’s Green Roof Substrates, and other landscaping products, making exact specification simple and straightforward. There’s also a section on each product listed online, titled ‘to specify (copy & paste)’, designed to make your job even easier. To enquire about your next project, contact Boughton by calling (01536) 510515 or email sales@boughton.co.uk.

5000m2 of Optima TFC+ in 3mm Aluminium PPC (Interpon) Y4207i `Corten Bond` has been used in the completion of the striking Leicester City Football Club training ground.As visible in the project photos, the project has been finished in an eye-catching ‘copper’ colour, which was unique to this design. Working closely with supply chain partner, Akzo Nobel, the Sotech team developed the project specific paint to resemble a weathered steel, giving the façade a unique and dynamic look.Using the latest 3D software, Sotech and installer Roofdec worked closely to develop the complex interfaces, where vertical fin panels intersected with the horizontal panels.Whilst working to a tight programme and under the restrictions caused by COVID-19, it was important that the Sotech operations team maintained constant dialogue with the Roofdec site team to ensure delivery schedules were managed and adapted as necessary.Finite Analysis undertaken by Sotech’s Technical Engineer, Mohamadreza Jenaban, was used to ensure Sotech’s new and improved approach to panel stiffeners was effective and reliable.The final project, with its curved design to blend in with its rural setting, features 11 full-size training pitches, eight smaller pitches, five training grids, two goalkeeping areas and a pitch for the club’s academy sides with a 499-seater stand. The main training centre building includes 35 bedrooms so players can stay at the site.TESTIMONIALS:Jamie Brown, Estimator at Sotech said: “The finish is striking. Knowing what went into making it possible makes it even more impressive to consider.”Scott Richardson, Architectural Facade Design Technician at Sotech, noted: “I was proud to be part of this project. I’m not a Leicester City football fan but when I hear it mentioned in passing on the radio or TV it’s hard not to take notice”.Akzo Nobel’s UK and Ireland Specification Manager, Naveen Sandhu, explained:“We were presented with a unique challenge by the KSS team, whereby the cladding design intent sought to create a futuristic look and feel, whilst still embracing the traditions of the club’s Thai owners.“A warm and earthy tone was desired, but one which was able to achieve certain characteristics, namely the ability to subtly change in tone based on exposure to different daylight conditions.“Our expert in-house formulators devised a multi-faceted copper metallic effect, backed with a super durable polyester backbone. Copper is traditionally viewed as a lucky colour in Thailand.The resulting finish certainly not only elevates the myriad of components across the complex, but the enhanced durability technology which underpins it, ensures it will do so for many years to come.”

The challengeBoth male and female student washrooms were to be fully refurbished in the main building as they were tired looking and the busiest in a school with 1200+ students. The old hand dryers were loud and slow to dry the hands. The washrooms were opposite classrooms, so noise was an issue. New hand dryers needed to be energy efficient, cost effective, robust, reliable, attractive and with quick drying times.“They are quieter than the old hand dryers so neighbouring rooms have benefited. Since installation we feel they have encouraged more usage as a result, so contributing to improved hygiene by users in the premises.”Alexis O’Brien - Premises Manager, Gladesmore Community SchoolAbout Gladesmore Community SchoolGladesmore is an 11-16, mixed school with approximately 1,250 pupils. It is situated in the urban area of South Tottenham, adjacent to Markfield Park which backs onto the River Lea. It has repeatedly been judged to be an ‘Outstanding School’ in all aspects by Ofsted Inspectors.The solutionProviding a quick dry time yet Quiet Mark approved low noise volume, this vandal resistant hand dryer has 4 settings to maximise energy efficiency and minimise running costs.Model: Dryflow ViperDry time range: 15 - 20 secondsRated power: 600W - 2000W (4 settings available)Guarantee length: 3 yearsThe results“The hand dryers are robust while still looking attractive. They dry hands just as quick as a more expensive brand but at more than half the cost.The quick drying time has also helped to alleviate congestion at peak rush periods during break times.The ability to easily adjust the temperature and speed with no special tools is useful and can be done in under one minute.”Alexis O’Brien - Premises Manager, Gladesmore Community SchoolEstimated annual savings using new high-speed hand dryers compared to previous units+:Cost Savings: £196Electricity savings: 1,634 kW/hCarbon Savings: 882kg/CO2Estimated annual savings using new high-speed hand dryers compared to if paper towels were used+**:Cost Savings: £9,856Carbon Savings: 11,592kg/CO2(+Dryflow Viper running at its most energy efficient setting based on 12p per kW/h and 1kW = 0.54kg/CO2; **Based on 3 paper towels used per dry, 0.6p per paper towel, 22.5gms/CO2 per dry)

Verdo, Kew BridgeEcoWorld BrentfordCemfloor Level PlusA luxury development of apartments, shops, restaurants, parks and offices situated next to Brentford Football Club in West London.Cemfloor Level Plus was chosen for this project as the contractor required a screed that could be installed at low thicknesses. Cemfloor Level Plus was supplied by Capital Concrete and installed by Advance Screeding UK ltdClose to the River Thames, and next to Brentford football club in West London, Kew Bridge is a selection of beautiful new homes, as well as shops, cafes and restaurants. It is part of the wider Brentford regeneration project, and developed by EcoWorld.There are a total of 6 blocks on the site, and Cemfloor was the screed of choice for the main contractor.The main contractor had problems with the floor levels on site, so Cemfloor provided a thin screed system to work alongside the unique low profile UFH system; a castellated mat system installed onto Superfoil insulation. The UFH system was supplied by Compact Underfloor Heating. The complete floor build was only 45mm in depth and included acoustic insulation, thermal insulation, castellated UFHsystem, and Cemfloor Level Plus.Advanced Screeding installed Cemfloor Level Plus throughout the development. In total 800m3 of screed was easily pumped to height, over 11 floors without issue,providing an excellent, fast drying low profile floor, and saving significant time on the project.As Cemfloor Level Plus is a ready mixed solution it removed the need for any site mixing, material storage and material disposal from the site. Given the volume of screed required; if a self leveling compound product was used this would have equated to approx. 55,000 x 25kg bags of material having to be mixed on site.

The Ikea Hammersmith roof terrace project was an exciting one to be involved with as it is a perfect example of when to use a rail-based support system over pedestals.Ikea is a global brand known for its simple design solutions that can be used by everyone.The system – TerraSmart Rail IGNOThere was 6600m2 of the TerraSmart Rail system installed across the terrace to support concrete pavers and porcelain pavers. The lattice make-up of the paving system meant that the insulation layer placed upon the original roof was held down. This framework offered a robust and reliable substructure to the walking surface that will experience a lot of foot traffic.As it is part of our IGNO range, the system is fully non-combustible.The ChallengesThe roof had existing features in the structural slab, which meant that pedestals alone wouldn’t have been able to successfully support the surface, and therefore, a rail system was employed. The rail system allowed easy adjustment to the height creating level plains across the terrace. This system also became an advantage when forming the ramp featured in the design because the TerraSmart Rail can provide non-combustible multidirectional support to the pavers maximising stability and reliability, creating a robust and safe incline a the desired angle.Two different pavers were used as part of the project, a 50mm concrete tile and a 20mm porcelain tile. The transition between the two pavers took place at the same level. The seamless transition between the two finishes was achieved by ‘zoning’ the areas and changing the paving support heights.As it was part of a larger building, the terrace had to account for the expansion and contraction felt over time by differences in the residual temperature. The paving supports had to account for this so that any heat-induced changes would have minimal impact on the safety of the surface. An expansion profile was manufactured to slot between the tiles found over the expansion seam in the insulation to overcome this issue. The expansion profile rises above the gap between pavers and creates an L-shaped cover, hiding any expected movement.Why the project succeededThe success of this project was down to the collaborative effort between everyone involved in the project. The unique features of the project were worked on by the project, innovation and specification teams at Ryno and were complemented by the installation carried out by Greenside Landscapes.

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

The London Borough of Southwark is the latest local authority to receive a network of the UK’s most user-friendly bike hangar design - the FalcoPod. Falco manufactured, supplied and installed a total of 72 units with manual key access, four units with smart mobile app access and three cycle hubs with smart mobile app access across the borough.Falco is delighted to be working with the Greater London Council to roll-out their next phase of residential bike hangars. The FalcoPods were installed this Autumn and residents from the borough are now enjoying access to the latest on-street bike hangars.The images attached show the manual and smart bike hangar installations, supplied in a vibrant leaf green RAL colour, installed across Southwark at locations including Reynolds Road, Scylla Road, Shawbury Road, Fenham Road and Grove Hill Road.In addition to the bike hangars, three hardwood clad cycle hubs complete with FalcoLevel-Eco two-tier cycle racks and smart mobile access were installed to accommodate a total of 60 bikes, located at Bridges House, Hood House and Elmington Road.Each mobile app bike hangar and mobile app cycle hub provides Southwark residents with quick and easy accessibility via the users smartphone. The user registers for a place through the Falco Rentals website, downloads the app, is granted accessibility via the back office and then can access their chosen hangar within minutes. For users without a smartphone, a physical key can be supplied instead.As well as manufacture and installation, Falco is also providing a fully managed service with both app and key rental management for the residents and bike hangar maintenance on behalf of the London Borough of Southwark Council Highways and Infrastructure team.The Falco Rentals website enables Brighton residents to look for free spaces in the bike hangar network, book an available space and pay online, all in one place. The Falco Rentals website also provides a useful video along with other ideas and tips on safely looking after a bike.In addition to the Bike Hangars for the London Borough of Southwark shown here, Falco also provides a fully managed service of Bike Hangars for a number of other Council’s including the London Borough Westminster, London Borough of Brent, London Borough of Camden, London Borough of Merton and Brighton & Hove City Council.For more information about the FalcoPod Bike Hangar, the FalcoPod Bike Hangar service or your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080. 

This month, Falco began a new roll-out of the UK’s leading smart bike hangar design with integrated mobile app access for Brighton & Hove City Council, adding a further 40 hangars across the city.The first 100 FalcoPod bike hangars have already been installed, providing 600 cyclists across the city with a secure dedicated cycle parking space, directly accessible from their own smartphone.The new roll-out of 40 hangars will increase capacity by a further 200 cyclists, providing a city wide network of 800 secure cycle parking spaces. Each futuristic bike hangar - the first of its kind in the UK, provides Brighton residents with quick and easy accessibility via the users smartphone. The user simply downloads the app, registers for a space, is granted accessibility via the back office and then can access their chosen hangar within seconds. For users without a smartphone, a physical key can be supplied instead.The images attached show the new smart residential bike hangar installations, supplied with bespoke Brighton & Hove City Council branding graphics, installed across Brighton at locations including Balfour Road, Ewhurst Road, Ewhurst Road, Palmeria Square and Waterloo Street.As well as manufacture and installation, Falco is also providing a fully managed service with both app and key rental management for the residents and bike hangar maintenance on behalf of the Brighton & Hove City Council Highways and Infrastructure team.The Falco Rentals website enables Brighton residents to look for free spaces in the bike hangar network, book an available space and pay online, all in one place. The Falco Rentals website also provides a useful video along with other ideas and tips on safely looking after a bike.In addition to the Bike Hangars for Brighton & Hove City Council shown here, Falco also provide a fully managed service of Bike Hangars for a number of other Council’s across the UK including; London Borough Southwark, London Borough of Camden, London Borough of Merton, Bath and North East Somerset Council and Sheffield City Council.The smart FalcoPod bike hangar as shown here in Brighton, is a simple and effective cycle parking facility designed to meet the needs of cyclists who don’t have access to private cycle parking facilities. Operating like a giant bread bin, each hangar is a secure and lockable unit capable of accommodating up to six bikes each.For more information about the FalcoPod Bike Hangar, the FalcoPod Bike Hangar service or your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080. 

The project consisted of two similar flat roof areas totalling 1,100m2 above high-rise residential blocks in a city centre location. The existing roofs were an inverted roof design that had been waterproofed with single-ply that had failed prematurely. Numerous short-term, localised repairs had failed to stop the water ingress and leaks had been a long-term problem.It would have been impractical to remove the tons and tons of ballast and insulation from the top of the high-rise building and it was imperative to the client that removal or replacement works were not involved at all. The specific nature of this project required careful consideration, and so a survey of the roof was arranged.The SolutionA report from an independent consultant commissioned by the client identified a problematic challenge with an overlay option. The existing falls of the roof were assessed to be poor, and so standing water would be an issue for any new waterproof covering. The report concluded that this would reduce the lifespan of an overlay waterproofing system and so was advised against. The client initially thought this to be a stumbling block and that costly and impractical modifications to the roof would need to be made.Having worked with Polyroof on scores of other projects, the client turned to Polyroof Technical Services for a solution that could meet their stringent criteria. Following on from the preliminary discussions, Polyroof’s Technical Services assessed the site, taking core samples and then providing a suitable specification to overlay the roof with the Protec System.The BBA certification of the Protec system specifically covers use for zero falls (completely flat) applications, meaning the client had absolute peace of mind that standing water would not be a detriment to the integrity of the waterproofing system. The client was able to achieve the original objective of an overlay system and benefited from the associated cost and time savings. Furthermore, the BBA certificate states that when used in inverted roof scenarios the lifespan of the Protec system is as long as the design life of the roof.Work was started with J R Flat Roofing, a Polyroof approved contractor with national coverage, moving the ballast and insulation to one-side in four phases of 140m2 at a time, exposing the single-ply membrane to which the Protec system was directly applied.Due to Protec’s rapid cure and walk-on times (30-60 mins dependent on conditions), the system is ideal for larger, phased refurbishment, as specific sections of the roof can be made waterproof with the full Protec system in one day. When carrying out the next section, the new Protec membrane forms a totally seamless and watertight joint to the existing Protec-covered areas.Another objective was to reuse the original inverted insulation and ballast pebbles as this was cost saving and negated the need for the lifting logistics that would have been involved in bringing the ballast to ground level. Additionally, it made the process as environmentally compliant as possible by keeping waste to a minimum. The insulation and pebbles were re-applied in its original format and, due to the weight of the pebbles, was a mammoth task that required three miniveyors to help with the handling. A series of special aluminium breather vents were also fitted down to the concrete slab roof substrate to enable the surface to dry out over a period of 12 months.The whole job was completed in three weeks and the client was delighted with the finished work. With a 20-year insurance back-guarantee and a maintenance-free waterproof membrane that will last as long as the roof stands, the client was once again left with total peace of mind that their buildings could not be better protected.

THE PROJECTThe Building a Safer Future Charter has been created to promote an urgent and positive culture and behaviour change in the safety of the built environment. It is about putting people’s safety first in how we plan for, design, build, maintain, and look after the safety of the buildings we live, work or play in and protect those that use them.THE PRODUCTSLB’s 2 hour Fire-rated mailboxes were used on this project at Cambridge Road, London for a large Housing Association and arranged on a radius, providing an interesting yet highly functional arrangement of 2-hour integrity only fully tested mailboxes. The Fire-rated range from SLB is tested at Exova Warrington and exceeds 2 hours in temperatures beyond that of molten lava without distortion, flame or deterioration. This system was polyester powder coated in a burnt orange RAL colour, powder used conforms to London Underground specifications.This arrangement is also comprised of manual parcelboxes positioned underneath with a manual locking option.

Swaffham Assembly Rooms is a Grade II Listed building, built in 1776 in the marketplace in Swaffham, Norfolk.The building has recently undergone restoration work, funded by Breckland Council, Historic England and the Iceni Partnership.Previous, non breathable paints had resulted in damage to the façade. A complete strip of the building was carried out, followed by re-decoration using the KEIM Soldalit system.Cliveden Conservation contacted Dave Smith of KEIM Mineral Paints to produce a detailed specification for the project.KEIM Mineral Paints were chosen due to their longevity, breathability and sustainability credentials.KEIM Soldalit was recommended onto these substrates due to it sol-silicate properties, which means it can be applied onto both unpainted and previously painted without the need of a primer. It is fire resistant and is the only mineral paint to be A2-s1, d0 classified.KEIM Soldalit in colour 9312 was used, which not only allow the surface to breathe, but won’t fade and will last for years to come.

THE PROJECTCanterbury Riverside is a major new residential development designed by PRC Architecture for Bouygues Development\Link City. Its construction has been in progress since 2020, and in January 2022, the main contractor for one of the housing elements, Jenner Ltd, commenced work on the below-ground Block 11-13 car park. Jenner appointed specialist contractor GSE to install a new ground bearing slab within the car park, which would tie in with existing columns and retaining walls. The dimensions of the slab required movement joints to be accommodated and there were multiple access points that required waterproofing detailing. The design and installation was also required to meet the requirements of the NHBC (National House Building Council), so Fosroc was appointed to supply materials, and Waterproofing Design Services to carry out the design work. Jenner had previously worked with both Fosroc and WDS on block 14 of the project to provide gas resistant membranes and design.THE SOLUTIONSupercast Crystalline Waterproof concrete was selected due to its robust waterproofing response to any potential ingress through the ground bearing slab. Supercast PVC waterbars were also installed at every movement joint, with the complete Fosroc joint solution installed via Hydrocell XL closed cell compressible joint filler and Nitoseal MS300 joint sealant, which protected the joints against damage from traffic. Care was taken to design a fully linked waterproofing system around the joints between the new slab and existing column bases. This element was closely coordinated with the installing contractor (GSE).THE BENEFITSPour sizes and schedules were optimised by careful design and coordination. A flexible and fully watertight solution was achieved, and regular dialogue with the installing contractor ensured obstacles were swiftly overcome. Feedback from GSE was positive, with Site Manager Darren Knight commenting “This was the first time we had installed the FOSROC products on a waterproof detail. The advice and the back up from the team was very good and Paul Hitchins was on hand all along the install route to aide any issues, promptly answering our questions. The products were easy to install, and regular on-site inspections ensured a smooth install throughout. I would have no issue installing this product on any other job when specified.”

Devils Pit Farm is a detached farmhouse and is situated in the Blackdown Hills, an area of natural beauty near Taunton.The client had been experiencing problems with the existing uPVC gutter – it had begun to fail, and the joints had separated, which led to dampness creeping into the building, causing damage to the paintwork.The client was impressed after Mike from Simply Seamless Guttering (SSG) demonstrated the Mustang® Aluminium Seamless Gutter Machine.Mike from SSG visited the property to measure up and provide a quotation to replace the whole system, including aluminium downpipes. This was accepted, and shortly after, SSG installed the new rainwater system on-site.Mustang® Aluminium Seamless Guttering is a unique joint-less system and is the only seamless gutter system approved by the British Board of Agrément (BBA).Mustang gutters are roll-formed on-site in lengths of up to 30 metres with no joints, meaning no leaks, creating a neat, maintenance-free product of the highest quality that adds extra visual appeal with the additional peace of mind a premium product has been fitted. Mustang® guttering is manufactured from 90% recycled Aluminium and can be recycled at the end of its useful life.Mustang® Seamless Aluminium Guttering teamed with Colonnade swaged aluminium downpipes is an ideal replacement for the existing uPVC gutters because it is lightweight, non-corrosive and cost-effective. Made from recycled aluminium, it is durable and long-lasting and has an expected life span of over 30 years.The homeowner was particularly keen on the benefits of having a low-maintenance and unique joint-less system.Mike Smith of SSG is a Mustang® approved contractor, meaning he has received training, and ARP has inspected his work to ensure it meets the highest standard. ARP are happy to recommend him on future contracts knowing he will use quality ARP products.For Mike, the ability to offer a BBA Accredited System gives his clients the peace of mind that a quality system has been installed and will last for at least 30 years with little maintenance. 

The refurbishment has turned a dilapidated 1970’s office block into a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ building with a bright and airy interior and a visually stunning exterior that has created an iconic landmark within Eastleigh city centre. Metalline’s glazed in Ultima aluminium insulated panels have provided the finishing touch to the external façade of the recently refurbished council offices in Eastleigh, Hampshire. The refurbishment has turned a dilapidated 1970’s office block into a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ building with a bright and airy interior and a visually stunning exterior that has created an iconic landmark within Eastleigh city centre. The exterior façade featured a range of horizontal, corner and vertical Ultima panels glazed in on all four sides to a Kawneer structural glazed system. Each of the 50 vertical panels were manufactured by Metalline in aluminium in 3150 mm lengths and joined together to form an impressive 6300mm long aspect. The Ultima flat panels were finished in a grey Syntha Pulvin, whereas the Ultima feature panels complete with a 76mm projection were finished in both green and white Syntha Pulvin, these added a stylish and modern appearance to the building envelope. Metalline’s Ultima aluminium insulated panels are extremely versatile and possess excellent acoustic, thermal and fire performance ratings. They are typically produced using class A1 non-combustible insulation core and can be adapted to fit a variety of facade details, which include the ability to be glazed into a standard curtain walling, or as in the Eastleigh project, a structural glazing system. The panels can also be perforated and manufactured into a variety of shapes to meet the most challenging design criteria. Unity aluminium insulated panels can now be fabricated in an impressive 6000mm in one length.

A new flooring solution was required as part of a large, high-specification selfbuild housing project on the stunning Archerfield estate in North Berwick. Underfloor heating had been specified for the ground floor of the house and it was important that the chosen floor solution would help to optimise heating efficiency. Given the scale of the project it was also important that the chosen screed solution could be installed quickly over a large area to fit within the build programme. Following initial discussions and a successful pump trial the customer decided to use Tarmac’s TOPFLOW Screed C cement based liquid screed.TOPFLOW Screed C is a free-flowing, cement based liquid screed that can be trafficked after just 24-48 hours and dries within 21-28 days. It can be pumped into place and allows large areas to be covered quickly with up to 120m2 laid in as little as 45 minutes. Fast drying times mean it can be laid later in the programme when the building is fully water-tight and still hit deadlines for installation of flooring. It is ideal for use with underfloor heating systems. As a self-compacting screed, it fully encapsulates heating pipes without leaving any voids and is also a more conductive medium than traditional sand and cement screeds, improving the thermal performance of the system. It is also compatible with most cement based adhesives meaning it can be used with a wide range of flooring types.The fast-drying times and early trafficking characteristics of TOPFLOW Screed C enabled other trades to follow on quickly, helping to provide continuity and efficiency within the client’s build programme. The contractor was delighted with the outcome, commenting on how good the material was to work with and on the excellent finish achieved.

Manhattan Loft Gardens, LondonHaving received the highly regarded RIBA Award for an architectural style which almost defies gravity, Vincent Timber were honoured to supply the beautiful Western Red Cedar that covers the three unique terrace spaces of the Manhattan Loft Gardens. The building was designed to create a community within East London offering 248 rental loft apartments, three rooftop gardens and bars, two restaurants and a beautiful hotel, The Stratford. The building even featured on BBC's The Apprentice with candidates tasked to sell these high-end homes. The stunning gardens are carved out of the building itself with the impressive use of two differing cantilevers. Our timber panelling clads the underside of these overhanging levels whilst helping to bring life to the simply beautiful outdoor space.Spectacular Design Inside & OutDesigned by Skidmore Owings & Merrill for the Manhattan Loft Corporation the spectacular building sits 143m high covering a total of 38,225m². Overlooking the Olympic Park, the building's community helps to keep the vibrancy and creativity of this iconic area alive.With live music and cocktail masterclasses, creative workshops and yoga being just a few of the events here, residents, guests and locals are all invited to enjoy the buzz of the Manhattan Loft Gardens.Thanks to the positioning of the building’s double cantilevers, residents are only ever eight stories from a relaxing open space with unobstructed views across London. The sky gardens on the 25th and 36th floors feature wildflower gardens, BBQ zones and bar areas to dance the night away, all accompanied by plentiful natural timber. Inside, there is even a gym fitted out with the latest TechnoGym equipment.The exterior of the building is focused on nature, featuring wildflowers, water features, cedar pathways and pine trees, while the interior offers a breath-taking contrast. The entrance lobby is pierced by a stunning seven-storey glass atrium and features a beautiful 10m high fireplace. The apartments themselves are equally memorable with a collection of unique single and double-height loft apartments, all with rich oak flooring, bespoke furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows.Why Western CedarWestern Red Cedar was perfect for this project as it offers a wide range of patterns, width, and thickness, creating real flexibility and individuality in design. When properly finished and maintained, cedar will hold its beautiful appearance for decades, complimenting such a high-end build.Despite all efforts at imitation, no man-made product can match the performance qualities of Western Red Cedar. It is often chosen for buildings which require an attractive appearance, superior performance, and resistance to weather conditions. What's more, Western Red Cedar has the least impact on the environment throughout its life cycle. It requires significantly less energy to produce than man-made alternatives and is biodegradable. Our cedar is responsibly and sustainably harvested in the publicly managed forests of British Columbia, Canada. Less than 1% of standing timber is harvested each year and for each tree harvested, three are replanted to ensure our forests continue to exist. This eco-friendly material is the perfect partner for the Manhattan Loft Gardens. As well as being a haven of luxury, the building is kind to the planet. As its major structural elements are exposed there's no need for additional finishes, reducing the volume of material needed for its production, lowering its overall carbon emissions.

Sash Window Renovation At An Iconic Commercial Listed Building In Cardiff: The Bank, Bute StreetCardiff based property developers, Quin & Co, approached Ventrolla to carry out a survey on 66 sash windows, as part of their renovation of The Bank. Originally built by The Cory Brothers in 1874, the property was to be transformed into 15 luxury two-bedroom apartments and a breath taking penthouse.Work on this Grade 2 Listed building – located on Bute Street in Cardiff – required expert, sympathetic and careful crafting of replacement timber sash windows, to maintain the listed elements and retain the character of the historically-important building. Our expertise in creating bespoke wooden sash windows for Listed Buildings, coupled with our experience on commercial projects, made us a perfect partner.Following a detailed technical site survey of the north and east elevations of the building, our team noticed that there were two different horn details on the two different elevations. Guided by us, the client decided to opt for one style throughout. We then created CAD scale drawings of all different window types, to ease the client through the planning process and Listed Building Consent (LBC).Due to the building being on a busy road, the planning application included a road traffic noise condition, requiring acoustic glazing to be fitted into the new windows. We were able to offer the client a range of glazing options for them to choose from, to meet the required specification.From the removal of old sashes to the manufacturing and installing of like-for-like replica hardwood sashes, this was a complex yet very satisfying project to be involved in. Each sash incorporated slim, heritage double-glazing for improved efficiency, as well as our innovative Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System, to create apartments that were warm and cosy. Integrating our clever sash removal system (SRS) in every window also ensured that future maintenance, redecoration, or repairs will be easy to carry out. All windows were finished with satin nickel hardware throughout to create a high-end look and feel – all part of the overall design detail of this stunning renovation.John Pinn, Director of Quinn & Co. said:"On a project of this scale, it’s of vital importance that we can work with suppliers who we can completely rely on as experts in their field. Ventrolla’s highly skilled craftsmanship, Listed Building expertise and attention to detail ensured that the work ran smoothly. We’re delighted with the windows in The Bank – they match the overall high-end finish of our project, and we know that the heritage of this iconic building has been preserved for generations to come."Since completing the renovation at The Bank, Ventrolla have worked with developers Quinn & Co. on another project, also within the Cardiff area – more to follow on that project soon!If you’d like to discuss your timber window project in detail, contact us below or call 0800 0277 454 to speak to our team.

1400 sqm of the unique Sotech Optima Shingle System has been used on the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory, Birmingham University. The shingles were Anodised Regency Gold 2, 2.5 & 3, the finish was selected to create a scaled texture, which can be seen in the project photography. This stunning façade had to be flexible enough to accommodate the practical demands of a modern building. Due to a requirement to ventilate the high level plantroom, the shingles in this area were perforated and fixed to a bespoke support grid, which integrates seamlessly with the surrounding cladding.

The Housing Trust’s first encounter with Metrotile Lightweight Steel Roof Systems was during a refurbishment project at Pendle House, Denton. A home for the elderly, the building needed a new roof but couldn’t accommodate traditional products due to large spans between the trusses and the need for reduced weight on the supporting structure. Metrotile was chosen due to the lightweight and eight-pan profile design. It was after this project that the many benefits of Metrotile Lightweight Steel Roofing became apparent to New Charter Housing Trust and more projects swiftly followed

Meca Welding, a small family run Blacksmith company based in Belgium, has recently specified P C Henderson’s Securefold folding door hardware for the renovation of a pool house at a residential property in Shilde, Belgium. The project brief required a system which could be fully opened during the warmer months and securely closed off during the winter – whilst also considering the architectural style and design aesthetics of the building. P C Henderson’s Securefold 100 exterior folding door hardware was identified as the best solution for the project.

Another development of luxury apartments – this time on the scenic coast of Yorkshire – has specified Neaco’s range of glass balcony designs, balustrade and metal grating. The complex of 32 properties includes balustrade installed to a terrace to the front of the building, our standard Juliet glass balcony designs throughout and a number of our bespoke walk-on glass balcony designs with our aluminium grating systems used as flooring. The balconies and balustrade include aluminium stanchions and rails specified in a black powder coated finish which complements the tinted glass panels.

Arqiva provides much of the infrastructure supporting television, radio, satellite, and wireless communications in the United Kingdom; most of the UK uses its TV services. Major broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV and BSkyB as well as independent radio groups, depend upon Arqiva to keep connected to their customers. Arqiva plans to build hundreds of new structures to meet increasing national demand, as well as to maintain its existing 6,000 sites. Arqiva sought to improve their worker access safety measures, leading them to find a more reliable replacement system.

Level 75, Top floor of landmark Pinnacle, Canary wharf. A great place to dine and watch the sun retreat behind the iconic London skyline. Products include the Raaft support structure, Floor structure panels, planters finished in a anthracite grey RAL 7016 and cantilever benches using Iroko timber. Real grass was incorporated amongst the Raaft system. Project construction completed by Valley landscapes for Chalgrove properties. Building design by foster and partners, landscape and terrace design by Farrer Huxley Associates.

We are extremely proud to have been apart of the new Colchester Sports Hub. The complex will be home to a number of new sporting opportunities being the home now to BMX, Equestrian trails, and American football whilst retaining the rugby and football pitches. It was a pleasure working with GT3 Architects on the new indoor sports centre which boasts our Topperfo M 16/16/8. RG Carter superbly installed the Topperfo system to the walls ensuring the build-up met the acoustic and impact resistant test certificates.

Resin Bound porous Terrabound was selected for the new surfacing at Abbotsford House as part of the lottery funded restoration of the property completed in May 2013. Addagrip approved contractor The Fraser Bruce Group carried out the 850sqm installation of 6mm Rhine Gold Terrabound Resin Surfacing at a depth of 18mm to the courtyard and garden pathways. It was essential throughout the works that the aesthetics of the system were not compromised and the joints were kept to a minimum. The result is a durable, porous, low maintenance, decorative finish in a natural aggregate to complement this historic building.

This project includes 50 luxury studios, one, two and three-bedrooms in Poole town Centre. As a resident in this area, you can have access to numerous destination boutiques cafes as well as chains, shops and restaurants, making this location a modern living area. As a project development it is very modern and futurist because it was the first one being designed and constructed in BIM. In order to protect the façade building from moisture, driving rain and wind the solution Effisus A2 Fire Rated Breather FR System was applied.

The main focus points were to improve internal aesthetics and to enhance the customer experience of the building. Both Brown and Bancroft and Bridge Architects were contracted to create calm, contemporary and exciting office spaces. Komfort’s Kross Glaze was installed on the 5th floor. Kross glaze is a development of our existing systems (Polar Single Glazed / Polar Double Glazed and 600 series) but provides a design solution to the recent trend of Crittall glazing within residential and commercial interiors. Kross Glaze is an intelligent solution for offices where space is precious.

Jigsaw Care Home required a reputable supplier to provide quality washroom facilities suitable for their residents.Our specifications team worked in collaboration with the main contractor to understand fully how best to meet the customer's needs. They required products that were gloss white and looked like porcelain to give sanitaryware a less institutionalised feel. Anti-ligature was a must so our Resan range ticked all the right boxes.All options were discussed before deciding on the Resan pan with blue rim, the phantom Pushflo with anti-ligature button and anti-ligature basin with pneumatic controls, large mirror and shelf. Our infra-red touch-free sensors can be used in through-wall applications and with no electrical power required minimising installation costs and ongoing maintenance.Testimonial“The quality of the products is excellent and the installation was hassle-free”

Since the Grenfell tragedy in 2016, there has been an increased focus on fire-safety compliance in all communal buildings. This focus sharpened even more when, early in 2018, the media unearthed evidence of some non-compliant products having been installed there, including internal fire doors that had been fitted without smoke seals. As a result, there has been heightened attention on every aspect of safety, not least on fire doors. Fire officers and building management personnel understandably want to ensure they have covered every possible safety angle.To this end, they are now often insisting on going beyond the specifications required by regulations.However, in trying to ensure doors provide the maximum protection against fire and smoke, another potential problem can arise that, if not addressed, can undermine those good intentions.The problem:One of our customers, a door manufacturer and installer, had recently supplied doors but then been informed by their customer that they were not successfully self-closing as they were meant to. The assumption was that the door closer was not performing correctly, so the ‘fault’ was relayed to Rutland with a request for a resolution. We agreed to visit the site swiftly to assess the situation. Our inspection found that the door closer was correctly specified for the width and weight of the door, but that the smallest possible door gaps had been specified. These, coupled with substantial smoke seals around the doors, were causing significant resistance to the doors closing. Although the resistance was due in part to the physical aspects of the small gaps and the seals, the main problem was actually the build-up of differential air pressures on either side of the doors.Given the increased focus on maximum fire defence at doorways on all new-builds and building refurbishments, this problem is arising ever more frequently. Tighter door seals have the effect of creating separate, near air-tight pockets within a building, each holding air at slightly different pressures. The bigger the building, the more such pockets and the greater the pressure differentials that can potentially build up.These pressure differentials can have a significant additional effect on the amount of force needed to close each door and must be taken into account when choosing and setting closers.The Rutland response:Rutland’s technical team attended the site as required to support the customer in achieving a solution, first to identify the issues with air pressures and then recommend and implement a solution to the problem.Initially, we made hinge and latch adjustments to the door sets to overcome some of the resistance. This proved to be insufficient to ensure all the doors correctly closed first time, so we advised upgrading to stronger door closers. This recommendation was supported by supplying the door manufacturer with relevant data from previous tests on an equivalent door set to verify the product’s suitability.The new closers were delivered to the site and our technical team remained on hand to provide extensive assistance with the installation. Rutland created a bespoke jig to aid the door manufacturer’s installers in fitting the replacement door closers, significantly cutting down the time it took to rectify the problem.Outcome and key learning points:The project was successfully brought back on track, to the full satisfaction of the property owner and the door set manufacturer. All doors now function as they should and are delivering the intended fire safety for all building occupants.This case highlights that, due to heightened protective sealing around doors, there is an increasing likelihood of air locks forming in buildings, which means that specifying of door closers cannot be based simply on weight and width of doors, as has traditionally been the case. The pressure differentials that result vary building by building, based on each one’s layout, so it necessitates careful assessment to ensure that appropriate closers are specified.

With 16 research clusters, one of the largest technology-oriented research landscapes in Europe is being created on the RWTH Aachen Campus. The distinguishing feature of the Bio-Medical Engineering Cluster, which can be seen from great distances, is the new CT2 Center for Teaching and Training of the Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University. As the first investor-financed building in this Cluster, it marks another milestone. In a Europe-wide investor selection process, Frauenrath group of companies, Heinsberg, and the architects from slapa oberholz pszczulny | sop architects, Dusseldorf, won the order with their distinctive concept. They designed the building as a standalone construction that is flooded with light and takes on the role of a gateway to the Campus Melaten thanks to its shape and prominent position. Two of the façades are clad with 1,900 square meters of OMEGA 1520 metal mesh from GKD – Gebr. Kufferath AG.As an elite center of learning, RWTH Aachen University is one of the state’s flagship institutions in higher education. Around 44,500 students, 550 professors, and almost ten times as many research associates help secure the reputation of the RWTH as an internationally renowned university – above all for technical and medical degree programs. Founded in 1870, the university’s campuses are spread across the city. With an unprecedented Excellence Initiative, RWTH Aachen University has been expanding its reputation as one of the world’s leading technical universities since 2009. The RWTH Aachen Campus consists of the Campus Central – with the historic main building and the distinctive Super C meeting center in the shadow of the cathedral and city hall –, Campus Melaten and Campus West. The result is a campus that integrates into urban life. On a total area of 800,000 square meters, 16 research clusters are being built successively to answer future questions arising from the challenges of megatrends. Six of these clusters are already in the course of implementation. These include the Bio-Medical Engineering Cluster in the direct vicinity of University Hospital Aachen. This consists of four centers, each of which is dedicated to a specific field. In these operating units, academics from the Faculties of Medicine, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Natural Sciences collaborate with experts from industry on methods and products that are set to revolutionize both diagnosis and therapy.Visually seamless façadeThe CT2 Center for Teaching and Training is the first investor-financed building in the Bio-Medical Engineering Cluster. The seven-storey building was constructed with an investment volume of around €20 million. By networking theory and clinical practice the building offers state-of-the-art training opportunities for students of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Engineering. It also sets new standards in the further training of physicians and medical personnel, as well as the testing of medical equipment. The aim here was for the CT² to also reflect this function in terms of its architectural design. The architects from sop designed a cube on the slightly sloping terrain that resembles an inverted “U” thanks to its fully glazed upper façades and thereby has the appearance of a gigantic gateway to the campus located behind it. This impression is underlined by the projecting exposed concrete of the side walls which serves to frame the frontal façade. The lateral façades with ribbon windows along their length are spanned by a shimmering skin made of metallic mesh that creates a visually seamless surface. At the same time, the spaces located behind it remain visible thanks to the transparency of the metal fabric. This shell comprises twelve panels of OMEGA 1520 stainless steel mesh – each measuring 29.5 meters long by 5.4 meters wide. There were several reasons behind the decision to go with the woven membrane. These include the fact that the metallic skin underlines the building’s high-tech aspirations and lends the field of biomedical technology both a contemporary and appropriate face. Interacting with the glass façades, it facilitates communication between the interior and exterior. The attachment type is also in keeping with the philosophy of design purism. In line with the patented Fusiomesh NG system, the upper and lower edge of the stainless steel mesh is embedded in a special adhesive between two flat profiles and thereby bonded. Clamping forks ensure that the mesh can be perfectly aligned and handle the requisite static preload based on the anticipated wind and impact loads. The panels are attached to a continuous steel profile in a way that makes them visible at the bottom. At the top edge of the building, on the other hand, the material is bent over backward, so that only a fine edge of the mesh can be seen here. To reduce horizontal movement and the shearing forces at a façade height of 29.5 meters, seven stainless steel tubes run horizontally behind the mesh as intermediate attachment levels. The mesh is then attached to these tubes from the outside with wire clamps that are invisible once fitted. GKD not only manufactured and assembled the mesh for this project, but also took care of the installation.Efficient contribution to sustainabilityBeside the special aesthetics of the metallic membrane, its functional properties were the key reasons for its selection. For example, the stainless steel shell serves as solar protection that reduces the surface temperature of the façade. Yet despite this, the open mesh structure still allows unrestricted natural daylight into the rooms, as well as clear outward views. As such, it not only contributes to improving the building’s energy balance, but also makes it a more pleasant place to spend time and thereby helps boost employee performance. Since stainless steel can be fully recycled at the end of its useful life, the membrane also supports the sophisticated sustainability concept of the new building. The openness and interaction already visible from outside continue consistently into the atrium housed inside the building that is flooded with light. Numerous bridges and wide galleries allow a wide range of visual connections with all floors. The guiding principle of communication and interdisciplinary collaboration then becomes a reality that can be experienced throughout the entire building. Further highlights include a multifunctional auditorium that can house 400 people, as well as a demonstration operating theater equipped with the latest technologies. As and when necessary, these two functional rooms can be combined with the foyer in the basement to create an end-to-end event area which can, for example, be used for symposia. When operated at maximum capacity, the building can then host up to 1,200 guests. Its shimmering stainless steel mesh façade allows the gateway to the future to be seen from great distances.

The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RYThe Shard is not simply an iconic building but represents a new approach to expanding the urban landscape. Offices, residences, and public spaces alike are all taken skyward.The Shard, an iconic skyscraper in London, represents one of the city's most prestigious architectural landmarks. Ensuring efficient utility access solutions within such a complex and monumental structure was a significant challenge. This case study highlights the successful collaboration between The Shard and Rapid Access Ltd, a leading supplier of FlipFix Access Panels that utilize the fast fitting FlipFix Clamps for secure and quick installation.Challenges:1. Utility Access Complexity: The Shard's unique architectural design made access to utility systems, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and telecommunications, particularly complex.2. Architectural Significance: The project demanded a high level of architectural integrity and minimal disruption to the building's aesthetics during the installation of access panels.3. Efficient Installation: With a building of this magnitude, an efficient and rapid installation process was crucial to minimize downtime and disturbance to occupants.Solution:Rapid Access Ltd, known for their expertise in access solutions, was chosen to address the specific requirements of The Shard. The solution included the installation of FlipFix Access Panels, which leverage the fast fitting FlipFix Clamps, designed to meet the following key criteria:1. FlipFix Access Panels: Rapid Access Ltd provided access panels that integrated seamlessly into the complex architecture of The Shard while offering secure access to utility systems.2. FlipFix Clamps: The use of FlipFix Clamps ensured quick and reliable installation, minimizing disruption and maintaining architectural integrity.3. Efficiency and Security: The access panels and FlipFix Clamps facilitated efficient access to utility systems while ensuring the security and safety of the building.Implementation:The installation of FlipFix Access Panels utilizing FlipFix Clamps by Rapid Access Ltd was executed with precision and expertise. The unique design of FlipFix Clamps enabled swift and secure installation, minimizing downtime and ensuring the structural integrity of The Shard.Conclusion:The collaboration between The Shard and Rapid Access Ltd demonstrated the successful integration of utility access solutions into a complex and iconic skyscraper. The installation of FlipFix Access Panels, using the fast fitting FlipFix Clamps, not only met functional needs but also contributed to the overall success of The Shard, ensuring efficiency and architectural harmony. This case study underscores the importance of selecting the right access solutions provider for complex architectural projects.