"coffee"

Real estate & logistics company, Logicor, installed two TopBrewers in their kitchen and breakout area.Logicor's sleek and modern London office was created with employee wellbeing at its core, and boasts an abundance of natural light and biophilic elements throughout.They chose to install two TopBrewers in separate islands in their kitchen and breakout area, offering their employees the perfect opportunity to chat, share ideas and collaborate with colleagues over a cup of their favourite TopBrewer coffee.

Global asset management firm, Point72, installs 2 TopBrewers in modern London officeWith flexible work stations and impressive breakout spaces, every part of Point72's elegant London office space has been carefully considered.The Point72 team chose to install 2 TopBrewer coffee machines, one in the kitchen area and one in the meeting breakout space, to offer a top-quality beverage experience for staff.

Across three floors, including their new product development labs and the new academy space, they chose Quadra 440 with XL dispenser in chrome with matching drainage font. This system dispenses an immediate draw off capacity of 40 cups; 150 cups of boiling and 175 cups of chilled filtered water every hour. The Billi under-counter systems are a great addition to their office space, giving their staff an opportunity to enjoy coffee alternatives.

The new centre, sympathetically designed by the prestigious Glenn Howells Architects, uses Reynaers’ CW 60 modular curtain walling, Vision 50 door system, ES 50 Eco System door, CS 68-HV Hidden Vent window and CS 77 doors. It was built by contractors Stepnell and the consultant was Wintech Ltd. With a large restaurant and shop, separate coffee shop and beautiful cloistered courtyard with garden, it’s hoped that the new centre will attract hundreds of thousands of new visitors to the Arboretum.

Since its official opening back in May 2016, the Blavatnik School of Government building has become one of the most vibrant departments of the University of Oxford. HRH The Duke of Cambridge himself attended the official opening, marking the significance of this new and innovative structure. Designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron, who also worked on the extension at Tate Modern art gallery in London, the award-winning building is beautifully landscaped with Hardscape’s Royal Coffee granite paving – a fitting tribute to a future King!

Longleat Safari Park was looking to create a new restaurant to reflect its spectacular 9000-acre surroundings and withstand the demands of a popular tourist destination. Space Group was selected to design and fit the new restaurant and coffee bar, opting for Karndean Da Vinci Molten, Opus Carbo and a unique combination of Van Gogh Honey Oak, Van Gogh Distressed Oak and Van Gogh French Oak to create a mix and match pattern reminiscent of the natural colouring of Longleat’s residents.

The Smith, in London’s Kingston-upon-Thames, is a new commercial real estate development. Completed in April 2021, this 40,000sqft new development offers a mixture of lease types including conventional leases, coworking, serviced offices, and managed space. Featuring a contemporary reception area with a coffee lounge and space for breakout or informal meetings the development delivers a flexible workspace to suit today’s requirements. This Grade A office refurbishment provides a welcoming feel and promotes a healthy working environment with open-plan offices and roof terraces.

Dormy Care’s aim was to create a luxurious and homely care environment that maximised the available space and outlook over the beautiful Welsh countryside and mountains. Offering a full spectrum of person-centred care; from dementia, nursing and palliative care to residential and respite, the 70 en-suite bedrooms and communal spaces, which include a coffee lounge, bar, cinema, gym, beauty salon, sitting and dining rooms all needed to be beautifully designed and provide finishes that are tailored and complementary to the ladies and gentlemen’s needs, enabling the best possible care.

Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate is a fourth generation independent family business, passionate about some of the finer things in life – beautiful tea rooms, handmade cakes, traditional breads, proper tea and top quality coffee. They are the business behind Yorkshire Tea, Taylors of Harrogate coffee and the famous Bettys Café Tea Rooms.Project/doors: 5 Speedor Super, 1 Speedor Mini, 12 Fire Shutter, 21 Pedestrian doors, 1 Electric roller shutter, 1 Insulated Roller ShutterThe challenge Due to the size and weight of the insulated roller shutter at 10.5m wide and 6.3m high, this was a difficult installation in an area where the headroom was very tight. A crane was required to lift the shutter into position after opening two holes in the building’s roof so lifting chains could be dropped through to facilitate moving the shutter into position. The solutionHart was contracted by Sir Robert McAlpine to supply and install a range of industrial doors at the Taylors of Harrogate site.  This included the installation of the three-tonne insulated roller shutter completing a work package of over 40 doors. The success The installation of the shutter concluded a project which Hart was involved with through Sir Robert McAlpine and which saw almost every Hart door product installed – from Speedor high speed doors to fire shutters, security shutters and steel personnel doors. 

Simple design and soft light… The Victoria & Albert museum of London, famous for Art and Design, has recently renewed its art gallery and its coffee shop. The challenge of Gareth Hoskins' architects was to bring natural light into this space without damaging the exposed works, drawing 400 years of history. Thus, the architect imagined and created lighting paths and wells of light using Barrisol Lumière® ceiling. Today, the place benefits from a soft and pleasant light. A Barrisol® matt stretched ceiling offers a simple and minimalistic design on the remaining surface.

Leading property developer, Related Argent, installs three TopBrewer coffee machines in its new, sustainable London headquartersRelated Argent incorporated biophilia, natural light and sustainable design into their award-winning office that was designed by Basha-Franklin.Two TopBrewer Pro Series and one TopBrewer Compact Series were seamlessly integrated into the modern, stylish space alongside one TopWater machine, offering a full menu of hot and cold beverages."The choice of beverages is essential for inclusivity, and this can be achieved in such a seamless, non-intrusive way with TopBrewer."

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

Naylor Lintels have been supplied to another prestigious project. Network Rail awarded the Wakefield Westgate “Gateway” Station project to Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd. The overall scope of the project • The construction of a BREEAM 2011 Excellent rated Station Building including DfT Code of Practice compliant lifts providing step free access to Platform 1 & Platform 2 and an enclosed footbridge • The Station embraces a modern open plan foyer including a travel centre, retail outlets, coffee shops and First Class Lounge • Integrated transport interchange providing a functional forecourt with Taxi/car drop-off, short stay parking and bus replacement facilities

Oak Manor is a 64 bedroom care home that provides residential and dementia specialist care which opened in November 2017. Its features include an on-site hairdresser, cinema room and coffee shop, and has been recognised as a 'Top 20 Rated Care Home in East of England 2023' by Carehome.co.uk. Oak Manor has the latest safety and security design features.Cellecta’s ScreedBoard 28 was specified due to its interlocking edges for installation convenience, its high density, and unique resilient layer provides unrivalled acoustic performance. Its frequently viewed as the solution of choice for new build and refurbishment developments.CastleOak Care Partnership was awarded this 1,500m² contract to construct this development on Ivel Road in Shefford.

The Wharf consists of 200 one, two, or three bedroom social housing apartments, with some featuring balconies and Juliet balconies. Alongside this development, a shop and a coffee shop are located on the ground floor, along with parking and bike racks. The site was formally known as The Wharf pub, which was demolished in 2016. Permission was granted for signs reading ‘The Wharf’ to be installed on some of the blocks of flats, which have been split into different blocks around the site, varying between three and seven storeys.Cellecta’s ScreedBoard 28 was specified by Morgan2Morgan Architects due to it being suitable for all floor types and is frequently viewed as the solution of choice for new build and refurbishment developments. Its interlocking edges for installation convenience, high density, and unique resilient layer provides unrivalled acoustic performance.Willis Construction was awarded this 5,000m² contract for this development in Cardiff Bay.

The project comprised the construction of Newcastle’s tallest building, Hadrian’s Tower on behalf of The High Street Group. Following a 30-month build programme, the 26-storey luxury high-rise mixed-use development in the heart of Newcastle was handed over, with more than 60% of the apartments already sold or let at the point of handover.The development included 160 units which comprised a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments and three spacious three-bedroom penthouse suites. Hadrian’s Tower offers 134,000 sq ft of modern living space a 4,300 sq ft rooftop sky bar and coffee house on the 27th floor.The scheme has redeveloped and in turn transformed the dilapidated city centre brownfield site into a high-quality pedestrian route into the city centre.Shield Membranes supplied numerous products and systems in order to waterproof, insulate and finish all external areas.

A recently completed residential complex in the centre of London is where you will find this magnificent building which has been finished to the highest standard. The reception area is welcomed by a circular entrance with a pool of water at the centre. The stone that's been used is a pale cream and the metal work is a light bronze. We provided the pull door handles which complement the colours and materials used. The have been finished in a dark bronze adding a dramatic entrance across the front of the building and on the main entrance. You can find a range of finishes which we offer across a range of products. The front of the building benefits from planted up areas which breaks up the hard lines, this along with the curved stone seated areas creates a pleasant place to sit and sip a coffee. There have also made great use of lighting in the main lobby area and the reception is grand and welcoming. The style of our handles used are Ash 103.

Nestled in the natural beauty of northern Athens, “Adventure Farm Forest” is an inspiring outdoor playground that beckons families from all corners to come together and have fun!Themed playground in Athens, GreeceDesigned with a harmonious blend between nature's wonderland and creative play activities, it will surely excite imaginations while thrilling your little adventurers. Its centerpiece attraction – Polka - draws many children seeking thrills amidst elastic tiles covering its entire area. For younger kids, there are multiple interactive games such as Mole's Wood adventure or Little House for infants plus several benches for tired parents waiting nearby. A refreshing marble fountain supplies cool water under sunny Grecian skies topped off by a cozy municipal coffee shop only steps away when you need refueling after long hours of family bonding moments within this special place - truly a one-of-a-kind spot in Greece!The project was executed by our local channel partner Intec S.A. in 2012.

Vauxhall has been at the forefront of major regeneration and over recent years the area has been enhanced with new homes, improved pedestrian and cycle routes, and upgraded green spaces. Vauxhall One (BID), an organisation run by local businesses, planned to further improve the overall quality of the area by focusing on key areas - creating safer, greener and cleaner conditions for the community.Goding Street, located close to Vauxhall’s train, bus and underground station had become an area of vacant, underutilized public space. Vauxhall One wanted to rejuvenate the place with art, colour and urban greening and through a competition - ‘Art in the Arches’ - the railway arches were transformed into a vibrant outdoor art gallery.RailRoad seating and integrated planters were used to extend the adjacent pavement into a parklet solution. All metalwork was powder coated green to match with the vibrancy of the surrounding art, and central tablet rests were added to provide a flat surface for coffee cups, laptops or books. Large bespoke free standing planters were also supplied and powder coated in bright colours. All planters were filled with flowers and foliage, transforming the once unloved space into a social space of vibrancy for members of the public to enjoy.

A hotel in the heart of London’s Mayfair has used Gripsure decking to enhance two of its most luxurious suites.The Mayfair Townhouse is a stunning Georgian building in one of the capital’s most prestigious locations. When plans were put in place to install decked areas outside the hotel’s Garden Suite and its fifth floor Loft Suite, the look had to be in keeping with the style and status of the property. Guest safety was a priority and the product had to meet key requirements.Gripsure fitted the brief and the AA five-star hotel ordered 52 square metres of our Bamboo non-slip decking boards to create two terraced areas for guests to enjoy.The first is outside the Mayfair Townhouse’s open-plan and elegant Garden Suite. Gripsure’s sustainable, FSC-approved Bamboo decking boards work perfectly in the landscaped garden area, allowing guests to enjoy a coffee or breakfast outside while they take in the sights and sounds of London’s West End.The second terrace is on the fifth floor, outside the Loft Suite, one of the hotel’s ‘signature suites’. Here, guests – who travel from all over the world to stay here – can relax as they watch the sunset over the city.“We’re very pleased with Gripsure’s decking,” said Federico Ciampi, General Manager of the Mayfair Townhouse. “When you look at most other decking products, it can look a bit industrial. The Bamboo looks very urban chic in its style and it’s great from a health and safety point of view. It’s also been very easy to keep clean. We have been very impressed with it.”Having a garden area in a central London location is one of The Mayfair Townhouse Hotel’s key features.“In the summer, guests have been enjoying drinks out there on the terrace and in the morning, they have coffee or breakfast. It’s great,” says Federico. “The terrace on the fifth floor works very well, too. We’ve even hosted a couple of small events up there.”During the daytime, people can enjoy views over nearby Park Lane and Shepherd Market. The hotel prides itself on its thoughtfully curated guestrooms and suites, all with a ‘dandy’ feel. Federico says Gripsure’s Bamboo decking works alongside the look and themes of the building.“I think the fact that the decking merges so well with the style of the property is one of the things we’re most pleased with,” he said. “The Georgian style décor and colour really blends well with the look of the bamboo. That’s what has been so good to see. You can’t really find anything else like it around.”Federico added that the project went smoothly because Gripsure were so easy to work with. “Everyone has been very helpful throughout the process,” he said.

A traditional hotel located in an iconic location.A traditional hotel, in the heart of St Pauls, one of London's most iconic locations.Nestled in the heart of London, Lost Property Hotel stands as a unique retreat near St. Paul’s Cathedral, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the art of eccentric living. With 145 rooms exquisitely designed with a modern flair, alongside a restaurant, bar, and coffee house, Lost Property promises a distinctive experience for travel enthusiasts seeking a memorable escape. The hotel’s central location offers convenient access to London’s iconic landmarks, including the Tate Modern, London Bridge, and Tower Bridge.Our team supplied bespoke riser doors strategically placed within the corridors. These doors serve a dual purpose – facilitating access to essential utility spaces while seamlessly blending into the overall design. The riser doors were carefully selected for their fire-resistant properties, ensuring compliance with safety standards without compromising on the hotel’s artistic vision.The key innovation lies in the wallpapering of the riser doors. The doors were expertly covered with wallpaper matching the surrounding area, effectively concealing their utilitarian function within the artistic tapestry of the hotel. This meticulous integration ensures that the riser doors become an inconspicuous part of the corridor, maintaining the immersive atmosphere Lost Property Hotel strives to create.

Interaction strives to create flexible, accessible spaces for their clients prioritising the wellbeing of those who use it, and allowing users to work in the way that suits them best.To support in creating these modern workspaces, Interaction partnered with BRITA VIVREAU to cater to the hydration needs and overall workplace wellbeing of their clients.Following the completion of a hassle-free specification process, Interaction partnered with BRITA to install the signature Extra C-Tap water dispenser in multiple corporate offices and co-working spaces across the country such as TCN Newark Works in Bath, Runway East in London, and in one of UK's most sustainable office buildings The Halo for Osborne Clarke, an international law firm based in Bristol.Todd Groves,Contract Account Manager, Interaction UK"The BRITA brand heritage, quality of the products and the ease of understanding our technical capabilities were our top 3 reasons for partnering with BRITA. We’re always mindful in our choice of suppliers and look to partner with brands who consider the impact they have on the environment. The BRITA Extra C-Tap was an easy choice as a hydration provider for a number of our clients. In addition to meeting filtration needs and becoming a focal point where employees can take a tea or coffee break or just chat, it is so versatile and dials up the aesthetic of any building project."

Streamlight Tower is a residential skyscraper in London that was completed in 2012. The building has 24 stories and contains a total of 174 dwellings ranging from 1-5 bedroom apartments. The upper floors of the tower offer panoramic views of the city, and many of the apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows.The Streamlight Tower is a striking addition to the Providence Square development in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The slender, tower stands out against the brick and glass of its surroundings, and its simple form is punctuated by a series of recessed balconies. The tower has a signature angled roof, which provides a dramatic focal point for the development. The Streamlight Tower is an excellent example of contemporary architecture, and its unique design is sure to make it a popular landmark in the area.Just a stone’s throw from Streamlight Tower are restaurants, coffee shops, a gym, convenience stores and much more. A short drive is The O2 which is home to many shopping outlets, bars, restaurants and a Cineworld cinema. There are plenty of places to visit including Central Park and Crazy Putt London.The Facade has recently been updated with approximately 3400m2 of Valcan’s VitraDual which has been installed onto the building. VitraDual’s benefits from a A1 rating (to BS EN 13501-1 fire classification) which means the product non-combustible.As always, it’s been great working with MK Facades on this project who have installed the cladding panels. The team at MK Facades has worked hard on this project and we’re very happy with the progress, and look of this magnificent building.

FOAMGLAS® Board FClient: Porsche GBDesign Architects: Axis 3 Design LtdMain Contractor: Talbot ConstructionConstruction: 2011Application: Below Ground Insulation - FOAMGLAS® Board FThis Porsche Centre opened in February 2012, featuring a 36-car showroom. Is one of the largest Porsche Centres in the UK and represents a significant investment in both, the Porsche business and the local area.The distinctive showroom features a customer specification lounge in which visitors can personalize their car, have a coffee in the bar or enjoy a display of the history of Porsche in the social hub.The workshop is equipped with 10 bays, plus a dedicated bay for a new MOT service and a Direct Dialogue facility for on-the-spot diagnosis, as well as a cosmetic repair service and tire fitting area.Axis 3 Design specified FOAMGLAS® FLOOR BOARD F for the loadbearing insulation to satisfy the target U-value and eliminate thermal bridging within the foundation detail.Due to the high loads associated within the workshop and showroom, FOAMGLAS® FLOOR BOARD F was the best solution for this application. It covers a total area of 2500 m2."We selected FOAMGLAS® for its inherent durability and high compressive strength," explains architect Kevin Conlan at Axis 3 Design, "This made it ideal to use as under slab and perimeter insulation. Its primary function is to act as insulation, but with the additional advantage of no risk of water absorption. This means its thermal performance is going to remain constant for the lifetime of the building."

Retail Lighting Project completed with one of our wholesale partners BEM Finchley.Bikesoup is to launch its flagship store in Westfield, London, in early November.Founded by the late Anthony Auty and backed by retail entrepreneur and Dragons Den investor Touker Suleyman, Bikesoup is a one-stop shop for second-hand bikes and equipment.Suleyman said: “In the aftermath of the pandemic Tom, Tej and I saw an exciting up rise in cycling and the community culture that comes with it. It brought back many memories of cycling as a child and later in life with our own children.“We noticed a significant gap in the market to provide London cyclists with a premium, same-day servicing, bike shop in West London. We wanted to fuel the passion that comes with this sport by showcasing the latest technologies, being home to the best bikes across a variety of sectors and housing a coffee shop that will encourage conversations and storytelling amongst like-minded cyclists.”In February 2021, Suleyman welcomed Tom Singh, entrepreneur behind high street giant New Look, and former Dragons Den investor Tej Lalvani, CEO of Vitabiotics, as co-investors of Bikesoup.Bikesoup is now set to bring West London a curated edit of premium and bespoke bikes, carefully selected products and a showcase of the latest cycling technologies.Visitors can expect to see the latest bikes from brands including BMC, Scott, Giant and Gogoro, as well as some bespoke one-of-a-kind builds displayed over two floors totaling 5500 sq. ft.

Edinburgh based football club, Heart of Midlothian Football Club (Hearts FC) is a city institution and its Tynecastle stadium is classed as a ‘must-visit’ destination for any football-mad tourist. The recent multimillion pound redevelopment has seen it undergo a major transformation to ensure visitors have the most memorable and safe experience possible.It’s no surprise that football fans want refreshments while at the stadium, so the concourse houses a number of food and drink kiosks around the ground. Something that can be found at each and every kiosk is an Instanta InstaTap – and with 30 new machines purchased as part of the refurbishment programme, that takes the total up to 50 so far.“We originally started using Instanta about three years ago”, comments Graeme Pacitti, head of hospitality and catering operations, “after the competitor product we were using back then just kept breaking down. We looked around for a replacement and narrowed it down to two products, but went with Instanta because we liked the idea of being with a British manufacturer. It means if we do need to contact the team, it’s very quick and efficient.” Graeme is impressed with not only how the Instanta products work, but also how well they fit in to the kiosks. “We have both under-counter and counter-top water boilers, and they fit the compact space very well, but still deliver the high volumes we require on match days. They also look good and are extremely reliable.” Ben McCosh of Arumba Coffee, who supplies the stadium with its catering machines, adds: “The Instanta machines deliver what they promise. Match days are hectic, with a lot of pressure on the refreshment kiosks, but the water boilers don’t let the team down.”

In a historic moment blending heritage, accessibility, and community spirit, the much-anticipated Ignatius Sancho Café officially opened its doors in Greenwich Park on Saturday, 23rd March. The launch event, attended by esteemed guests and locals alike, marked a milestone in celebrating the legacy of Ignatius Sancho, a remarkable 18th-century figure whose impact resonates through the centuries.Changing Places, Changing LivesAstor Bannerman was pleased to be involved in the project to contribute to the cafes abilities to cater to diverse needs. The Changing Places facility includes:Astor’s Invincible Height Adjustable Changing TableABW-CP Height Adjustable Wall Mounted Wash BasinOT200 Overhead Ceiling Track HoistGeberit – AquaClean Mera Care Shower ToiletKwickScreen Wall Mounted Privacy ScreenThese facilities underscore The Royal Park’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility.Borras Construction, the construction company behind the project, received accolades for their dedication and craftsmanship. Architect Mark Martines from Architype envisioned a blend of historical charm and modern functionality, transforming the old ranger’s lodge into a vibrant community hub just a stone’s throw away from the picturesque deer park in Greenwich.The CaféThe Ignatius Sancho Café promises to breathe new life into the park, offering an array of lunch items ranging from hot and cold sandwiches, freshly brewed coffees, cakes, salads, and much more. Beyond serving as a place to stop by on your visit to the park, the café aims to be a focal point for fostering connections, promoting diversity, and celebrating Greenwich’s heritage.As guests step through the door of the Ignatius Sancho Café, they engage in an experience that encapsulates the ethos of inclusivity, creativity, and community synonymous with the legacy of Ignatius Sancho.For more information and updates, visit Ignatius Sancho Café’s website.

The 65-year old Altro safety flooring that is still performing todayWhen West Bridgford Baptist Church refitted its kitchen, they wanted high quality flooring that was safe, durable and easy to maintain. They chose what was then a new product – Altro safety flooring – and hoped it would deliver. That was in 1950, and over 65 years later, after innumerable coffee mornings, christenings and other events, Altro revisited the site with the most modern testing equipment and found the original safety flooring still meets the latest HSE standards. A pendulum test achieved PTV 40, representing a one in a million risk of slipping in both wet and dry conditions.Church Secretary Carol Hodgkinson said: “Our kitchen has had much use over the years and is important to the people who attend the Church and use its facilities. We’ve run a lunch club, cooked up amazing Christmas dinners and plenty of simple lunches too. Today it’s mainly used to prepare refreshments for our own church activities and for other groups that use our building, which includes toddler groups, keep fit groups, uniformed organisations and U3A groups, amongst others.“We were amazed when we were told how old the flooring is, we had no idea! We just know that it’s easy to clean. It’s reassuring to know that it’s still helping to prevent people from slipping after all this time.”The flooring that was laid at West Bridgford Baptist Church was called ASF Classic X25 and was the first Altro safety flooring solution. Roll-on to today and Altro Classic 25 is still here, albeit with a few tweaks! It remains a popular choice, although these days you’re more likely to find it in craft, design and technology rooms plus circulation areas.

HLM Architects were asked by Wokingham Borough Council to create a community centred and modern building to replace the old and dated Activity Centre. HLM’s design is inspired by the centre’s beautiful and natural setting and supported the Council’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030.Celebrating the natural lakeside surroundings, the modern £2.4million scheme provides educational and leisure facilities for the local community in Dinton Pastures County Park for adventures on water and land. The new centre includes an activity hall, adults and children’s changing areas, dual-use teaching and conference spaces, and a coffee shop opening on to a spectator terrace overlooking the lake and park to cater for all the needs of the users and visitors.HLM worked with Reds10 to complete the structure offsite, with the facade applied later on-site. The designed is noted as it doesn’t look like the often maligned rectangular ‘shipping’ container shape which comes to mind when off-site production is mentioned. The size and presence of the two-storey building is specifically designed to be in harmony with the surrounding landscape and sits like a hidden oasis nestled between the treeline and shoreline. 75 per cent of the building was completed offsite; 16 modular frames were built and then transported to Dinton Pastures Country Park and then lifted into place. The facades were then added to the substructure on site. The modular approach significantly reduces the carbon emissions in the construction process.EQUITONE was used on the ground-level of the building. The high-density characteristic of EQUITONE worked well for the high footfall areas that will be getting a lot of contact, and where durability is crucial.The colour was considered a sympathetic complement to the FSC-certified Siberian larch chosen for the upper building, which is designed to weather overtime and blend in further with setting. Another important consideration was that EQUITONE is naturally resistant to many living organisms (fungi, bacteria, insects, vermin, etc.) and requires no harsh chemicals to clean.

3900m2 Optima TFC in PPC Aluminium and 1800sqm Optima FC in Axalta PPC Aluminium have been used in the completion of the 400+ room in Salfords student accommodation project. The Optima TFC system was proposed to create a ‘basket weave’ pattern to the façade including a mixture of both landscape and portrait lay orientation, visible in the project photos.The Optima FC included multi-depth panels to create a 3D effect along with secret fix assembled triangle segments to further emphasize the projection.When you stand back from the building, you can see the two separate towers seem to connect ‘through’ each other.The expert team at Sotech worked closely with Britplas Facades and their team of specialists to design the unique façade, ensuring it was both viable and achievable to the installation programme. As a team, we developed a method to secret fix the triangular sections onto standard panels at our fabrication facility, to reduce the quantity of parts the installer would have to handle.No additional testing was required for the project as Optima TFC and Optima FC have been extensively tested and are approved by CWCT and have been tested to BS8414-2 (compliant to BR135).Jamie Brown, Estimating Manager at Sotech said: “This is a truly unique, vibrant and striking building. It was a real pleasure to have been involved in this scheme from concept to completion working closely with our supply chain partner, Britplas Facades, to develop a solution that ticked all the boxes – cost, programme and exceptional quality.”Discovery Quays includes 404 student bedrooms over 10,325 sqft in two blocks. The finished building also provides a coffee shop, library, lounge, media wall, gaming area and a stunning double-story reception.To find out more about how the expert team at Sotech can assist in your next rainscreen cladding project, click here.

Brett Landscaping’s new Invicta block paving has been used to create brand new external pedestrian paths, walkways and seating areas at forty EG Group franchise sites across the United Kingdom. The new sites include drive-thru Starbucks and Leon restaurants, which are being built at existing Asda supermarkets and EG Group forecourts. Brett Landscaping’s Invicta Trio range has been installed in Moonstone colour to complement the new restaurant and coffee shop buildings. Brett Landscaping’s Invicta Premium block paving range uses a combination of natural aggregates on the top surface. This provides a hard wearing and long-lasting paving system with a dynamic and spirited finish, tailor made for every new site and aligning perfectly with the brand’s ambition. The Invicta range is a perfect match as it is proven effortless for staff members when cleaning food and drink stains, which highlights the efficient quality and durable nature of the product. In addition, Brett Landscaping was able to meet the project requirements, delivering product to each site from its manufacturing centre in Cliffe, Kent, allowing contractors to keep their 12-week project programme on track. Locations of the new drive-thru and restaurant sites will include Blyth, Derby, Dudley, East Lothian, Goole, Hull, Sandwich and Swindon. The EG Group has been investing in new store formats as consumer patterns have been changed as a result of the increasing use of digital innovations, such as on-demand ordering through apps, and as the pandemic has placed more emphasis on customers buying products in locations outside of densely populated urban areas. Mark Barter, Head of Commercial Sales, Brett Landscaping, said: “The high-quality Invicta block paving has proven to be a perfect match for these new franchise sites. Our product distinguishes itself from other concrete block paving products as it infuses a unique sparkle and texturing, which combines four complementary colours highlighting the exceptional quality and design”

The ProjectDobbies, the UK’s largest garden centre retailer, has officially opened its store at The Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim.The 110,000ft flagship store is Dobbies’ second venture in Northern Ireland. This is the largest store in Dobbies’ UK portfolio with outdoor and indoor plant areas, pet, gift, and toy departments, as well as a cook shop and home décor area, a food hall, a children’s soft play area and new restaurant and coffee shop.Tobermore’s Sienna block paving in Silver was used in the flagship store to create a sleek, contemporary look. The striking aggregate finish to the paving perfectly compliments the modern exterior of the building. For the area around the new bowling green. Due to the level of expected footfall, it was important to consider hard-wearing but aesthetically pleasing paving options. The ChallengeModern paving was required for the retail development. Situated in The Junction Retail development in Antrim, and with a massive £10m invested, the 110,000ft2 store is the largest in Dobbies UK portfolio. To complement the modern aesthetics of the retail store, Dobbies sought hard landscaping to amplify the fresh contemporary feel. The store is expected to attract a footfall of around one million visitors per year. With that in mind, ensuring high quality, durable paving was used throughout the project was imperative. In addition to aesthetic and performance desires for the project and with sustainability in mind, Dobbies decided they wanted to source products locally to reduce their carbon footprint.The SolutionTobermore’s Sienna block paving in silver created a sleek, contemporary look. With a wide array of products all locally sourced, Tobermore was the chosen manufacturer to supply Dobbies with a hard landscaping solution which surpassed both aesthetic and performance expectations. Sienna block paving in Silver was used for the 3960m2 area in the retail store. Both areas, interior and exterior were paved with the striking aggregate finished product. Gerard Boyle, Senior Architect at Gray Design said “We chose Tobermore Sienna block paving due to it being produced locally, thus reducing its carbon footprint. We also wanted to support the local economy and Tobermore had a great selection of colours and products to choose from.”

Ten Traffic Street is a 522-bed student accommodation serving luxury living located on a prominent site within Nottingham City Centre. The project was delivered by Jensco and offers excellent amenities such as a cinema, games room, study spaces, onsite coffee shop, indoor and outdoor Gyms and multiple outdoor communal spaces including a roof terrace. Artform Urban worked closely with the Landscape architects, Ares Landscape to provide a substantial package of premium external furniture to ensure the high-end finish extends to the outdoor spaces. The complex is spread across 2 buildings with courtyards and one roof terrace overlooking the city. In total, there are 4 external spaces - each has its own identifiable aesthetic which is driven by the building fascias and window frame colouring which is then reflected in the outdoor furniture.The roof terrace is surrounded by a large Inspira Modular Planting System installation powder-coated in a unique Khaki Grey - bringing colour and natural benefits to the space. The planters house plants and small trees that provide dappled shade to ensure residents can enjoy the terrace on hotter days. Tables, benches, and a Box Litter Bin all in a coordinated colour palette, provide social seating and dining spaces and vibrant plastic Chill Lounger’s and Hop Op 500’s offer a more casual seating option for residents.The ground floor courtyards feature a continuation of benches and Box litter bins - with all steelwork powder coated in a specific colour for each space. An external gym has been provided in the larger courtyard and features two Endurance Wellness Stone installations. These unique sculptural pebbles include stainless steel fixtures to accommodate a variety of exercises. This is the first installation in the UK of these products that are part of a wider range of premium external gym equipment named MyEquilibria. This unique fitness range aims to redefine the workout experience by combining art, high-end design and community. As final additions to the spaces Artform Urban provided an extensive bike parking package as well as Fuente Drinking Fountain’s to encourage students to cycle and reduce plastic waste. 

Crossroads CareThe BriefCrossroads Care is Britain’s leading provider of support for carers and the people theycare for. Working with over 35000 individuals and their families, Crossroads Carehelps carers to make a life of their own outside of caring."Here at the centre we have over 20 members of staff, and we also have multiplevisitors, daily," says Kate Davis, CEO of Crossroads Care. "Making our guests feelwelcome and at home is of great importance to us, and of course a big part of this isproviding hot and cold drinks."Making many cups of tea and coffee throughout the day means a lot of kettle boiling -and a lot of waiting around! "This was one of the main reasons why we wanted toupgrade our drinking water facility to something that could speed up drink-making,"Kate adds.The Solution"Instanta’s new InstaTap was recommended to us as the ideal solution, and I’mpleased to say it’s exactly what we’ve been looking for," continues Kate."Not only do we now have instant access to filtered boiling water, allowing us to makehot drinks so much quicker, but it also provides us with filtered chilled water. Thishelps the whole team - and our guests - stay hydrated, especially because the watertastes great."The ResultsAs well as the increased efficiency and hydration, the team at Crossroads Care havealso noticed that their single-use plastic waste has reduced as there is no longer anyneed to buy plastic bottled water."Naturally, health and safety is also a big consideration for us", adds Kate. "TheInstaTap is ideal for communal use because not only does it have a smooth water flowand a boiling safety lock but it also has an antimicrobial additive called SteriTouch®embedded in the touchpad, which kills bacteria and keeps all users safe.""The InstaTap has been a great addition to our facility, it’s so easy to use and we alllove the efficiency of it. I now wonder how we put up with a kettle for so long!"

The GemA full redesign and refurb took place at the ground floor of 111 Piccadilly in the heart of Manchester to accommodate a multifunctional co-working space within an independent coffee and lounge.IQ Projects have created a sculpture-like façade, using triangle structural glass panels in combination with our bespoke made, real oak veneered Technowood panels.Extraordinary design with extraordinary limitationsThey wanted to build a façade that is not only artistic and beautiful from the outside, but it is also practical and part of the interior design as well.All the glass panels are functioning as windows, letting light into the lounge and providing visibility to the outside.The complex structure had to use minimal sections too, so it can achieve the design. IQ has used steel instead of aluminium to build the structure, so it remains slim.The other challenge was the wooden elements. A specialist product was needed. Wooden panels that are strong, large and thin enough to be used.Panels that will stand the weather conditions, and requires minimal maintenance.We were able to supply these open grain oak veneered panels, that is rich in texture.Technowood eliminates the design limits of wooden elementsUsing real wood veneer has been popular for decades, the reason it gained popularity was to achieve better designs while saving on cost.Technowood has leveraged the benefits of this method and created patented solutions that ensures the veneers will last externally on all kinds of materials, such as Aluminium.With Technowood we can create the most unique pieces of real wood finished products. Some of the key benefits of Technowood products:It can be A2 fire ratedMuch lighter than solid timber or even composite materialsUp to 60% quicker on installationNo flitch beams nor unnecessary reinforcingNo visible fixingsWarranted for 20 yearsFSC and Environmental Product DeclarationAnd it looks like timber … because it is wrapped in real timber veneer. We do have in-house designers that offer solutions should you require. You can visit our office and showroom which is based in the Sky House design Centre, Amersham. Easily accessible by public transport (metropolitan line) or by car (M25 J18/M40 J2), please make sure you book an appointment.

The Challenge Modern paving was required for the entrance plaza of a shopping destination High Street Mall has been transformed into Portadown’s leading retail and parking hub. The £6m regeneration project required a new shopping centre layout, enhanced parking, greater town centre access and a new pedestrianised central plaza with modern landscaping. Over 2000m2 of modern paving material was required for the entrance to the retail hub. Due to the expansive nature of the area, laying patterns would need to be used to ‘zone’ and break up areas into smaller pockets of space. The plaza needed to be designed in a way that people could use it as a place to gather and socialise. The client wanted the retail project to have a public realm feel to it that the community could enjoy. The Solution Tobermore’s Fusion block paving created a plaza with a striking, modern look.  Fusion block paving in Silver, Mid Grey, Sandstone and Noir was chosen for the 2000m2 plaza which created a striking, modern look. The entrance to the new 25,000ft2 Lidl store features a new pedestrianised square complete with seating and planters. Anchor tenants, Lidl, opted for 600m2 of Fusion paving to be laid outside their premises in keeping with the rest of the retail park. The client fully embraced the complimentary hard landscape proposal which was provided by Tobermore. Unique laying patterns were used to ‘zone’ and break up space in the expansively paved area. The paving design provided by Tobermore featured ‘pockets of space’ where coffee docks and pop-up markets could be situated. Fusion in Sandstone and a small proportion of Mid Grey was used to zone ‘public’ areas like the courtyard. The walkways feature Fusion in Silver and Mid Grey with a low percentage of Sandstone in the blend. These design choices were made to distinguish each area while still giving subtle reference to each other. Bands of Fusion in Noir were used as buffer strips to create a clear distinction of where people can walk into and out of the Lidl store.  The retail project certainly has a public realm feel to it as it is fully pedestrianised. The plaza was designed in a way that the local community could use it as a place to gather and socialise. There are seated areas with soft landscaping that creates a calming atmosphere for people to relax.