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As the first of its kind in Wales and costing £48 million, Penarth Learning Community has been described as a ‘super school,’ bringing mainstream and specialised educational needs together under one roof. A variety of Tobermore paving products were used to create a hard-wearing, vibrant hard landscape for both the pedestrian and trafficked areas on site. Penarth Learning Community won ‘Project of the Year’ at the 2015 Constructing Excellence in Wales Awards and was also crowned winner in the ‘Integration and Collaborative Working’ category.

As a central hub for the community, it was essential that this project achieved an attractive finish whilst also meeting SuDS requirements for the pedestrianised areas at this urban location. Tobermore provided a permeable paving design service and the choice of Sienna and Hydropave 240 met the aesthetic and functional requirements desired as well as budget restraints.

Ringwood Town FC recently began re-development work on their Long Lane Community Hub. Supported by New Forest District Council, AFC Bournemouth Community Trust and the Football Foundation, the club are future proofing their facilities for the modern age.

Melior Community Academy is a newly built school for 11 to 16 year olds. The £18m facility opened its doors in 2011 and is made up of four blocks connected via a web of corridors. The initial building design had incorporated several internal wall colours which are pertinent to the area, subject and children using it.

Curved steel and timber benches make a welcoming environment at a community sensory garden.

Trumpington Community College was designed and built with strong sustainability in mind and features 245 VELUX Modular Skylights. Sustainability drove every aspect of the college masterplan, including a transport target for 90% of students to arrive by foot, bicycle or public transport. The college wanted to create a level of transparency that would allow students and staff the benefit of light as well as a glimpse of the weather outside, while preventing glare and high contrast ratios.

The Galliagh Community Centre is a multi-function single storey construction designed to meet community needs. Located in a residential area it was essential the construction be completed in a timely manner with minimal disruption to the residents.The new centre has dedicated office space and multi-purpose rooms to house various local community groups this follows on from Shantallow Community Centre which also had energystore TLA® installed.

The warm, vibrant tones of Tobermore’s Tegula Trio block paving in Heather created a beautiful finish for the external areas at Aldermans Green Community Primary School in Coventry.

Borrisokane Community CollegeBauder Thermofol PVC single ply waterproofing systemSynopsisOriginally constructed in the 1970s on the site of former workhouses in County Tipperary, the Borrisokane Community College building needed to be demolished and replaced, having exceeded its serviceable life. The client wanted to bring a modern and refreshed appearance to what is a site of great historical significance and the new building’s roof played an integral role in achieving this; with the majority of the roof areas sloping inwards towards the open central courtyard area making them highly visible.Bauder Building BoardProject:Borrisokane Community CollegeLocation:BorrisokaneRoof Area:3,650m²Specifier:Healy & Partners Architects Main Contractor:JJ Rhatigan & Co.Approved Contractor:Priority Roofing & CladdingThe specificationRoof areas totalling over 3,000m2 were fitted with Bauder’s Thermofol single ply fleece backed membrane, which is lightweight, visually appealing and possesses a high tensile strength of ≥ 1100N/50 mm. The system build-up included 160 mm of Bauder’s Thermotech Glass Insulation for superior thermal performance, ensuring the roof achieved the required 0.19 U-Value, and PVC roof profiles were also installed as a cost effective way of replicating the appearance of a standing seam metal roof. Bauder supplied new rooflights to deliver high standards of illumination, insulation and ventilation, and smaller single storey roofs were waterproofed with its bituminous Bauderflex system.Products appliedBauder ThermofolA high quality single ply PVC system with a life expectancy in excess of 30 years.Bauder ThermotechAn efficient PIR insulation board with a coated glass tissue facing on both sidesThe result Despite the various design and logistical challenges encountered, all roofing works were completed to budget and in time for the start of the inaugural school term much to the delight of everyone involved in the project. System installedBauderThermofol PVC single ply waterproofing system1 Bauder Thermofol U15 FRA 1.5mm thick, reinforced PVC waterproofing membrane. Stated within BBA certificate 06/4354, the Thermofol PVC waterproofing membranes have a service life in excess of 35 years. 2 Bauder ThermotechAn efficient PIR insulation board with a coated glass tissue facing on both sides.3 BauderTEC KSD FBSA 2.5mm depth, self-adhesive air & vapour control layer with a mica finish.AdvocacyHealy & Partners Architects:“Bauder delivered a roofing solution of the highest quality, providing expert technical support throughout the project. Their single ply waterproofing system has undeniably helped in transforming the appearance of the college and most importantly given the client total confidence with regards to their roof’s long term future performance.”

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The Ochiltree Community Hub is in the heart of the Cumnock community in Ayrshire, Scotland. EGGER were delighted to donate EGGER Protect structural flooring boards and Joint & Joist Adhesive to this community project. Located less than 2 miles from EGGER’s Barony plant in Auchinleck, the contribution to the redevelopment by the company helps to benefit the residents of the local area. The aim of the community centre development has sought to support the local community and surrounding areas with a number of initiatives in line with their charitable aims.

IssueWavendon Community Hub has been created and designed to provide local residents with a place to meet and take part in physical and social activities. In keeping with surrounding properties, Wavendon Community Hub is constructed in red/buff brick, with pitched tiled roofs. The building comprises two separate halves: a community side with a vaulted hall space and a separate, large multi-purpose area with changing facilities. The floors needed to perform for different needs and uses, providing robust durability, safety from slips, but still provide welcoming good looks.ApproachThe project was designed by W E Architecture Ltd and the build was completed by Borras Construction Ltd, with flooring installed throughout by HC Coverings Ltd, using Mapei floor preparation products.SolutionResilient flooring was specified throughout the centre and installed over underfloor heating. Designs specified throughout the 500 square metre area included Altro Wood in the communal areas, Altro Aquarius in the toilets, showers and changing rooms and Altro Walkway 20 in corridors and back-of-house areas.

Gwenfro Community Primary School in Wrexham has undergone a £4.9 million makeover, replacing the existing 1950s school. Funded by the local authority and Welsh Government through its 21st Century Schools and Education Programme, the new school amalgamates juniors and infants, and provides state of the art facilities for its pupils, as well as an energy efficient building, BREEAM rated ‘Excellent’.

Taraflex® Sport M Evolution helped to create a clean look for the Kinghorn Community Centre. They benefitted from the comfort and safety provided by this sports flooring.

With 37 high-rise buildings within its remit, Solihull Community Housing (SCH) is responsible for the upkeep of more than 1% of the UK’s entire high-rise stock. Part of a stock of 11,000 properties that SCH manages and maintains on behalf of Solihull Council. A window replacement programme on this scale – and on high-rise buildings especially – would normally represent an astronomical undertaking, incurring huge installation costs. However, SCH and its supplier and contractor partners have worked together to devise an innovative solution that allows all new windows to be installed from the inside.

Skibbereen Community School, situated on the southern tip of Ireland in County Cork, is a new state-of-the art learning facility created as part of an ambitious multi-million PPP programme. ROCKFON ceiling solutions were installed to help create the ideal conditions for learning and enhance the architect’s contemporary design. ROCKFON ceiling systems were selected for Skibbereen because they either met or exceeded the acoustic requirements specified by the Department of Education. Fire safety was also an important factor and ROCKFON products provide Class A1 fire resistance, the safest fire classification.

After worrying roof leaks and subsequent damage were discovered at Lakenheath Community Primary School in Suffolk, an urgent refurbishment of some areas of the roof was required to keep the school open and in a good state of repair. Concertus chose the Sarnafil Plus refurbishment team for the project, as they could provide support every step of the way, making sure the refurbishment ran smoothly. From initial surveys and bespoke specification, to finding the right contractor for the job and supporting them on-site, the Sarnafil Plus package offered a complete solution for a fast, hassle free refurbishment.

A community space in the heart of central London has been completely transformed and by 6a architects. The new building, incorporating an old basement gymnasium, is home to Holborn Community Association, has a 100-year history which has been sensitively referenced in artwork created by artist Caragh Thuring on the façade of the building. What was solely an old basement gymnasium has been rebuilt as a light-filled, naturally ventilated, low energy space, extending upwards with two new public-facing floors. 6a architects specified Junckers solid Oak Harmony Driftwood Grey two-strip flooring, a pale shade of grey. Suitable for multi-purpose use, the sprung floor fitted in the gym as well as in the club rooms, will enable the community centre to maximise earnings through hires, being able to offer a safe space for everything from various sports to arts and social events. Said Stephanie Macdonald of 6a architects: “The floor looks fantastic and really unusual, a beautiful warmth of timber and colour for the gym and the clubrooms which is going to allow them to be used equally well for hires and events - a really beautiful set of spaces for community use”. Throughout the building, an emphasis on pale, light-reflecting colours and materials minimises reliance on artificial lighting. The light-coloured Junckers Driftwood Grey Oak provides the centre with a durable floor which helps maximise natural light levels. It can be sanded and refinished up to ten times without loss of performance and will serve the centre well for 60 years plus. Junckers floors carry the Danish Indoor Climate Label, which is recognised by BREEAM. Having undergone extensive degassing and odour testing to ensure there are no harmful chemicals, a Junckers floor will help maintain a healthy indoor climate. Stirling Prize nominated 6a architects worked closely with Thuring whose artwork features throughout the architecture. For the etched glass façade which runs the width and height of the building Thuring drew on stories from the community and local area which are inscribed onto the glass alongside irregular mortar lines of the original brickwork. For the gymnasium, Thuring created a bespoke woven fabric, echoing the brickwork motif of the façade, which lines the acoustics panels on the upper walls. The flooring contractor was Junckers Approved Contractor Hutchison Flooring. 

The PowerGame™ system supplied by Gerflor is now a permanent fixture at the Inchgarth community centre where it’s playing its’ role in providing on-going tennis lessons for a new generation of possible Wimbledon stars...and all thanks to Gerflor and Judy Murray!

The power of a good student council has helped to shape six new outdoor areas at Denton Community College.Students at the secondary school in Greater Manchester highlighted the need for sheltered outdoor spaces for recreation, dining and for more comfortable journeys around the buildings.Working for Robertson Facilities Management, which looks after the school, Broxap was contracted to complete six installations.To keep disruption to a minimum, works on site began in July 2022, as soon as Denton Community College had closed for the end of term.Prior to that, our team had been preparing behind the scenes to ensure the design and manufacture stages were complete so the installation could go ahead without delay throughout the school holidays.The project included the survey, design, manufacture and installation of two twin conic tensile canopies; a triple conic tensile canopy; two bespoke link walkway tensile canopies and a bespoke access tensile canopy.The early works were of particular importance as the triple conic canopy and two walkway canopies were situated within a central courtyard.This required specialist plant to be moved into the space to accommodate all of Broxap’s installation processes.Thanks to the fact design works were completed in May and June, manufacturing began on time and the delivery and installation phases maximised the available time frames by working in partnership with other contractors on site.All six canopies were completed by the end of August, and students returned to school in September to three covered dining, study and recreation areas, as well as two covered walkways across the courtyard and a bespoke L-shaped entrance canopy over an inclusive access point to one of the buildings.

The Haggerston West & Kingsland development is a residential housing scheme undertaken and operated by the renowned L&Q group. Several blocks of buildings were featured within the project. A community kitchen was included within Block B. Project architects, PRP specified the kitchen to be in stainless steel and GEC Anderson were awarded the task of supplying and installing the required units as well as the various electrical and gas appliances. The fully stainless steel kitchen was laid out in a symmetrical configuration and includes two sink areas, base cabinets, wall cabinets and drawer units. All units were lockable.Other areas of the project were also supplied by GEC Anderson, including the nursery and baby change facilities. 

The ideal choice of sports flooring for the Neyland Community Hub would be provided by international flooring specialist Gerflor who would supply some 725m2 of their world class Taraflex® Performance sports floor in ‘Teal’ for the main hall which sees a number of sports activities including indoor cricket.

The Project Renovation of the community centre has been made possible with the support of funders, volunteers, local businesses and charitable trusts.Around £1.2m has been raised to repair, refurbish and extend the building.The centre will cater for the needs of the positive, vibrant and diverse community coming through the doors.The ChallengeThe project was managed by the church and community inclusion was a key driver on this project.Parishioners, local businesses and the community on the whole are extremely proud of their roots and keen to celebrate them.The local woodland was chosen for the finish on the cubicles and photographs were taken and used to create a digital laminate.The challenge for the photographer was getting the right shot. The washroom space is actually quite small in the centre. The SolutionThe diversity of the community enabled the centre to be creative when designing the washrooms and drawing on the beauty of the local area they decided to install not only a Grade A system but chose a serene digital print which is both innovative and thought provoking. The inspired woodland theme has created a taking point amongst the patrons and is admired and loved by all.Feedback from the client:“It's also worth a day out just to visit our toilets, after decades of nastiness we are proud to have the finest toilets for miles around! We love them loos!”SpecificationProduct Range: Flush 44 HPLDoors: Digital Print HPLPilaster: Digital Print HPLPartition: High Digital Print HPLIronmongery: Stainless SteelAvailable Finishes:These Systems Are Available In The Following Finishes:Natural Wood VeneerHigh Pressure LaminateHigh Gloss Laminate

OBJECTIVEFor more information about the Bushboard products, request a RIBA CPD, download an NBS specification or order samplesvisit www.bushboard.co.ukLadybarn Community Centre in Manchester recently secured funding to give their kitchen a much-needed makeover that it deserved, Team Moregeous Design stepped up to the challenge.‘I wanted people to be wowed when they walked in but equally we had to keep to a budget. We had four days to completely transform the room.’Bushboard’s laminate lets the customer go high on looks, while keeping the cost low. Their idea is that everyone deserves great design whatever the budget underpins the Bushboard ethos of smart surfaces, clever ideas.Observation‘I had saved an inspirational room shot from deVOL that I wanted torecreate but I needed to be smart to achieve the style as I was on a budget.I attended KBB 2018 as it is always inspiring and showcases cool new decors. I visited Bushboard’s stand and saw all their impressive designs but the one that caught my eye was Turin Marble from the Options range.The samples from Bushboard arrived quickly and were a decent size. The information both online and in brochures is clear and easy tounderstand.’Bushboard offer free of charge samples that will be delivered to the customers door within 72 hours. As they understand how important the decision is.Turin Marble makes a luxury statement in any kitchen. The distinctive design is printed in life-like proportion to truly echo nature.Outcome‘I couldn’t be happier with the end result, I love it. The worktop is bold and dramatic but not overwhelming. It has wowed everyone.’The Options range has stunning laminate designs truly reflectingBushboard’s ethos of bringing smart surfaces and clever ideas.‘Classic, stylish, affordable luxury.I’ve specified Bushboard before over the years and have never beendisappointed. The new range is a step ahead in terms of on-trenddesigns and style. Brilliant!’‘The range is a step ahead in terms of on-trend designs and style. Brilliant

The eye-catching Mulberry Park School and Community Hub features Proteus SC perforated TECU Gold panels with a PPC coated aluminium support frame on the school hall and the third floor cantilevered above the main entrance and Public Square. This section, installed by Cladanco, acts as an enterprise space and was inspired by the temporary floating Mulberry Harbours once used for the Allied invasion of Normandy during the Second World War.

Located in the village of Featherstone on the outskirts Wolverhampton, Featherstone & Hilton Community centre is an attractive 80’s-built building surrounded by the luscious green of the countryside. Since construction, it has featured a man-made interlocking slate-style roof that was installed under conditions of strict professional workmanship. The old roof material, after decades of service, was in need of modernisation as it was worn from years of use and had become a target for vandalism...

One of the newest – and very impressive – developments in the City, 22 Bishopsgate offers visitors retail, work and restaurant space over 60 floors. It is actually the tallest building in the City of London.A flexible solution was required for this project, to include life safety communication for the entire building. At the forefront of the design was the need for a plan for phased evacuation using the life safety systems. The VIGIL3 voice alarm and OmniCare emergency voice communication systems were quoted for the project due to their reliability and capability.The project required new voice alarm and EVC systems which were specified and installed by PHF Fire. The EN54 certified VIGIL3 voice alarm includes 70 space saving, wall-mounted Eclipse4s and two floor standing racks, networked around the building. The voice alarm network is accessed by the touch screen control microphone, with its user-friendly NFC card sign-in option.The EVC system solution, OmniCarePLUS, includes fire telephones, combined fire telephones with disabled refuge outstations, disabled toilet alarms, advanced disabled refuge outstations and standard disabled refuge outstations. These made up the remaining call points on the system, a lot of which were in a stainless steel finish, to match the high quality aesthetic of the building.Installed by PHF Fire, Baldwin Boxall worked together with the team to aid in the design and commissioning of the systems.Sam Faulkner, Maintenance Manager at PHF Fire commented, “Baldwin Boxall was specified alongside other companies. However, the level of support that Baldwin Boxall gives throughout the project, from start to finish, set them apart from the competition.”Chris Hartup, Sales Manager at Baldwin Boxall said, “This new build project called for a very capable, reliable and professional fire alarm contractor and with the contract being awarded to PHF Fire, they certainly got that. Due to limited floor space, the Eclipse4s were installed into riser cupboards within the building, providing further redundancy to the end user.PHF Fire had a fantastic, positive relationship, not only with their client but also their whole supply chain. We had many meetings and presentations on site with the whole 22 Bishopsgate team.It was a great experience to be involved in this project and with PHF Fire throughout.”

We were commissioned by Llangors Community Council to design a new playground for their village, and installed this in two phases over 2022 and 2023. The centrepiece of the area comprised of a fantastic multiplay activity tower from Kaiser Kuhne. This glue laminate hardwood structure comes with a 30 year structural guarantee, and provides an exciting range of activities. New swings, a toddler multiplay, adventure trail, overhead rotator, two springers, and new play panels were also installed to give excellent options for all ages and abilities.

A sense of community, abundant greenery and lake views on the roof terrace for all residentsThe housing fair is held annually in Finland. In 2021, it will be held in a scenic location in Lohja, Southern Finland. An interesting partnership quarter will also be put up in the fair area, where a sense of community has especially been taken into account in the planning. A block of 34 modern and energy-efficient apartments. The principal designer of the site is the architect Sasu Alasentie from UKI Arkkitehdit.”The idea behind the whole quarter is a sense of community. The flats in the building do not have their own saunas, but instead a communal use sauna will be constructed on the roof terrace. You can see the wonderful lake scenery from the roof and by utilising the roof terrace we wanted to ensure views of the lake to all residents. The yard areas of the quarter are fairly compact, but the roof terrace creates more greenery and communal outside areas for all the residents to use. We also hope that this will increase the residents’ team spirit and sense of community,” says Sasu Alasentie about the basis of the planning. ”On the roof terrace, we will also build an individual planting box for each resident, where they can cultivate herbs, flowers or whatever plants they want. A small summer kitchen corner and dining area will also be built there, as well as hanging chairs for lounging around. All in all, the area will hopefully become a communal, green oasis to spend time in, for all the residents,” says Sasu Alasentie. ”When we were choosing materials for the terrace, it was important to us that they would be in keeping with the building’s ecological nature and energy efficiency. Together with the contractor, we decided on the UPM ProFi Piazza composite for the terrace material. What appealed to us about it was particularly its durability and that it was easy to look after. Naturally also the fact that it’s made of recycled material, which fits well with the environmentally-friendly ideology of the whole building. I believe that in future projects, environmental friendliness and materials made from recycled materials will become even more popular,” says Sasu Alasentie.  

A project to install a communal heating system at low rise flats and maisonettes at Bretton House and Sanders Way, in the London Borough of Islington, is using bespoke metal pipe boxings to conceal external pipework.The more efficient heating system was installed as part of Islington Council’s ongoing cyclical repair programme, which assesses all properties on a 7 to 10 year cycle to establish where improvements need to be planned & implemented.The Pendock casings are manufactured from 2mm thick corrosion resistant aluminium and incorporate a brown PPC finish to integrate with the brickwork and provide a consistent finish to the project. The use of aluminium not only improves weather resistance, but also adds tough protection to the external pipework.

Hindu Temple & Community Centre, Nottingham, looked for a washroom revamp and specified Franke products for the project. Inspired Washrooms, a Nottingham based fit-out company, executed the project by installing a wide range of Franke products. The three-week programme included the installation of Franke Miranit washbasins and accessories from the Rodan range. The full range of products provided was: ·       2 x ANMW431 Quadro triple washbasins ·       6 x F3SV1001 FS3 self-closing pillar taps·       9 x CHRX669  Jumbo toilet roll holders ·       5 x RODX618 RODAN soap dispensers for wall mounting ·       4 x F1390 AIRBLAST hand dryers (white) The Temple, based in the City of Nottingham, was developed in the early 1970s and has since evolved into an establishment covering a wide range of activities promoting the Hindu ethos. These activities range from Religious, Cultural, Social, Festive, Educational and Charity events to Yoga practice.Miranit washbasins are ideal for busy areas such as community centres. Miranit is a shatter-proof, resin bonded mineral granite material and provided a robust and aesthetically pleasing solution to the project. Miranit is cast in a single mold with no adhesive seams or joints and offers high stability and high durability while keeping a contemporary style.  Chris Kightley, Managing Director of Inspired Washrooms, commented ‘‘We work with Franke regularly and can always trust them to provide us with quality products. Over the years, we have worked on many projects together, and we would consider them one of our most trusted partners. Their range Miranit composite washroom basins are excellent for various projects that we complete, and the Rodan accessories angular side profiles complement the contemporary décor of the washrooms”.

Helmsman’s latest project was an exciting one for the team. We were contacted by Bowmer & Kirkland who we have worked with many times in the past, to create a bespoke set of outdoor lockers for a project in Enfield.Bowmer & Kirkland are the lead contractor for The Chase Farm Development, which when complete, will be home to two new schools, One Degree Academy and Wren Academy, with a Community Hub and Sports Centre, plus 362 New Homes. With a range of outdoor space, the client had requested lockers to be installed along two external walls of the building. Whilst our Wet Spec Laminate Lockers are great for humid and wet environments such as leisure centre changing rooms, it was important that we considered the different impact that outdoor lockers would need to withstand.We designed, manufactured, and installed 158 bespoke, 4 compartment outdoor lockers at Wren Community Hub. The body was made with Stainless Steel, with doors and end panels in Solid Grade Laminate. A selection of colours were used, with Formica Laminate in Peaceful Blue, Lime and Dusty Jade for the doors, and Polar White for the end panels.The client also requested Sloping Tops for the lockers. These are a great addition to stop clutter and other objects being placed on top of the lockers, particularly helpful for lockers in public spaces as this project is. The sloping tops were made from stainless steel with Solid Grade Laminate over the top in Polar White to match the end panels.For the locks and numbering, the client chose oval laminated number plates with Lowe and Fletcher Camlocks, which make a great pairing.It was great to work on this bespoke locker project and highlights that Helmsman can help with a variety of requests and requirements for locker projects. Should you want a bespoke design or solution for your latest project, contact us today on 01284 530427.

In September 2022, Bradbury Group installed eight ClassicAL doors at a low-rise block of flats for Central Bedfordshire Council.The replacement doors installed were a combination of Front Entrance and Rear entrance doors, providing fire integrity and security protection to the communal housing, as well as Network Communication Systems Limited, NCS, Chorus remote access management. The new intelligent door sets were designed to replace existing doors which were aged and not secure, leading to several instances of anti-social behaviour.

Community play areas play a crucial role in promoting physical activity, creativity, and social interaction among children. Ensuring the safety and comfort of young adventurers is paramount, which is why the Balivanich Community Play Park took a significant step by choosing to install green rubber mulch around their play area. In this case study, we will explore the process and benefits of this innovative installation, highlighting the positive impact it has had on the community and its children.The Balivanich Community Play Park, located on the Isle of Benbecula, recognised the need for significant improvements to ensure user safety. The existing play area surface was outdated and required constant maintenance due to material migration. After careful consideration and consultation with the community, the decision was made to install rubber mulch as a safety-focused, sustainable, and low-maintenance solution.The community group chose PH Landscape Contracting Ltd, a trusted local landscaping company, to install the rubber mulch. The installation process began with the removal of the existing surface and meticulous groundwork preparation, including creating a sub-base and secure edge for the mulch. The rubber mulch was mixed with resin binder using a forced action mixer and then applied using a spazzle before the surface was hand-troweled to create a seamless finish, ensuring a safe and visually appealing play area.The installation of green rubber mulch brought numerous benefits to the Balivanich Community Play Park. Firstly, it significantly reduced the risk of fall-related injuries, providing a cushioned surface that absorbs impact. The accessibility of the play area was also improved, allowing anyone with mobility challenges to enjoy the space comfortably. The mulch's resistance to weather elements ensured year-round usage and reduced the need for frequent maintenance. Additionally, the non-slip surface provided stability for running, jumping, and playing, promoting a safe and enjoyable experience for children.The rejuvenation of the play area with rubber mulch received an overwhelmingly positive response from residents, parents, and children. The commitment to safety and the peace of mind it provided were highly appreciated. The transformed space became a hub of excitement and enjoyment, fostering community cohesion and providing a vibrant environment for children to thrive.Balivanich Community Play Park: "We are very happy with our new rubber mulch surfacing. Thank you to Peter Holland of P.H Landscape Contracting Ltd for the installation. Job well done."Peter Holland - P.H Landscape Contracting Ltd: "It is great to see the park back in use. I look forward to taking the little man there. We were very happy to get the opportunity to do the project and our experience with GGL Products was very positive and helpful."The installation of green rubber mulch at the Balivanich Community Play Park has successfully transformed an outdated and high-maintenance play area into a safe, inclusive, and visually appealing environment. This case study emphasises the importance of investing in sustainable and safety-focused solutions to enhance community spaces across the UK. The collaboration between the community group and PH Landscape Contracting showcases the positive impact of such projects, creating a lasting legacy for the benefit of local children and families.

When Bodmin Community Fire Station in Cornwall needed a hardwearing, hygienic, and safe flooring solution for their fitness room and gym, they turned to international flooring specialists Gerflor. Its’ Taraflex® sports flooring was supplied and would deliver to the highest standards required by the site users. In acknowledgement of the brave and hard work of Cornwall Fire Service crews, Gerflor donated 60m2 of this world-renowned sports flooring in the colour ‘Red’.

BackgroundBelfast City Council designed Walkways Community Centre with the local community in mind, providing them with places to both work and play. In this £1.37m project, the original portable modular building was demolished and replaced with a new 575 square metre build. The two storeys include a creche and soft play area, a 250sqm sports hall and a series of multipurpose rooms for meetings and courses aimed at the local people. Main contractor, McKelvey Construction led the project and worked alongside Michael Whitley Architects to design and deliver the most appropriate solution for Belfast City Council and the local community. K Systems provided on-site technical support and installation guidance throughout the build which resulted in delivery of a modern, aesthetically pleasing facility that achieved the target U-value of 0.18W/m ² K. Our ServiceHaving originally specified rainscreen cladding, K Systems technical team worked with the architect to design a bespoke engineered system with the drained cavity to suit the metsec frame. Regular site visits from our team ensured support was available throughout the build. The Centre is located on a busy street with limited surrounding space, so we had to manage a very congested, condensed site with deliveries planned and arranged by appointment only. We worked closely with McKelvey Construction to manage such challenges and ensure that local access for residents was uninterrupted, as well as ensuring the overall safety of the site area. From design advice through to installation, we offered a partnership approach which ensured a smooth installation process with minimal disruption, and the delivery of a fantastic community centre for the local area to enjoy. Technical Project Details Originally rainscreen cladding was specified for the Walkways project. However during the construction process, due to spiralling material costs and budget restraints, this was deemed too expensive so alternative solutions had to be sourced. It was decided an external insulation system would be used and a ventilated cavity system was required, as this provides a secondary defence in commercial buildings like Walkways. The K Systems Exicco E drained cavity façade system was specified as it ticked all the boxes. Exicco provides excellent protection and can offer an excellent fire rating of up to A2-s1,d0, providing high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility. The drained cavity behind the insulation in the Exicco system will ensure that any interstitial moisture will escape without detriment to the performance of the system. As EWI was not originally specified for the project, no metsec frame had been designed. This is a crucial element for the Exicco system, which meant a bespoke metsec frame had to be designed specifically to suit our system. The Exicco E system for Walkways used Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation boards that were mechanically fixed and attached to 12mm BBA Approved sheathing boards to create a 25mm drained cavity. EPS boards are extremely light-weight and the system offers a great fire rating of B-s1,d0. It is a high performing, economical system that generates high levels of thermal performance and ensured the target U-value of 0.18W/m ² K. was achieved. For the finish, Silkolitt+ silicone renders ensured a clean, crisp contemporary finish that offers protection to the exterior of the community centre. The flexibility of this finish provides resistance against cracking and increases the durability, ensuring a long-lasting finish for Walkways.