"concrete blocks"

SANDTEX TRADE scaled new heights to revamp a Central London office block – without a ladder in sight. 20 Farringdon Road has been transformed into a contemporary workplace in the heart of the city following a stylish refurbishment project undertaken by specialist abseiling contractors Rubynest. Their specialist ‘working at height’ team worked from temporary cradles to apply the Sandtex Trade trims system to metalwork on the building’s windows. Sandtex Trade Rust Inhibiting Primer Undercoat, Flexible Primer Undercoat and Eggshell X-Tra were used to create the on-trend black finish.

Project involved decking a 350m2 the rooftop of a commercial block in the heart of the city. The owners wanted to create a roof terrace for staff. The customer chose the iDecking complete solution for it's superior look. Installation was carried out on an inverted roof. The contractor laid down a double layer of our aluminium frame onto Wallbarn MegaPad pedestals which provide a stable footing for the framework. The composite Moor Oak boards were stamped into position. Installers were able to achieve a great finish by accurately cutting the boards to fit neatly to edges and corners.

Market Quarter Rugby is a new residential scheme, providing 360 apartments for private rental. The development comprises a mix of 175 one-bed and 185-two bed apartments, across four blocks, which benefit from their proximity to the local train station and local town centre. The scheme completes the regeneration of the former Cattle Market site which has stood derelict since its closure in 2008.The Firechief Kitchen Stove Guard was chosen to be installed as standard in all 360 apartment kitchens as a more cost-effective solution to a fire suppression system.

Few people realise that it is possible to clad old stairs with our engineered herringbone parquet floors. It is a specialist skill and you should only employ trusted professionals who have the specialist equipment. The parquet blocks used here are unfinished so that you get perfect square edges. They are then oiled after all other works are completed so that you get your perfect floor. There is no separate stair nose piece as the top layer of solid Oak is a good 4mm thick and this allows the fitters to create an accurate mitre join.

Five Xtralifts and two sets of Xtralift duplexes will support access-for-all to 153 apartments ranged over five and seven floors, in two distinct blocks. To match the heavy duty demand of this environment, the nine 8-person lifts are fitted with higher-grade stainless steel lift cars and Dewhurst push-button controls. Eight are traction, without motor rooms, and one is hydraulic, with a motor room. All the lifts have been installed with a range of options, with a mix of vandal-resistant categories 1 and 2. Two models are equipped as firefighter lifts.

Built in the 1930s and once famous for the largest social housing scheme in the UK, the site has been home to a number of cultural names since the estate’s demolition in the 1970s, including the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds College of Music and the Northern Ballet. Now, the regeneration of this site continues with an extensive, ambitious new masterplan.Phase 1 incorporates Blocks E & F which provides 515 units for Build to Rent operator Moda Living.Y2208I Sumela and Y2217F Steel Bronze 2 working spectacularly in combination for rainscreen cladding panels and corrugated profiles respectively.

The Wave is a new inland-surfing lake, powered by 100% renewable electricity that provides the opportunity to surf all year round regardless of weather conditions or tides. The site’s entrance and car park suffered from boggy ground conditions following spells of wet weather and with approximately 2,750m2 of impermeable surfacing, there was limited potential for infiltration. The shuttle bus route between the main facilities and the car park is now surfaced with Truckcell 80 Permeable Paving blocks, filled with free draining angular gravel to allow rainwater to percolate down to the existing sub-soil.

Re-form Landscape Architecture were tasked with sourcing sustainable hard landscaping for The Sarah Swift Building, University of Lincoln.The public realm setting of the building links Brayford Wharf through to the historic Wigford Yard. Ultimately the space extends through to Lincolns’ High Street – thus uniting the University campus with the city centre. As such, a paving solution was required that would adequately define the areas and complement the modern facade of the University building.Tobermore’s Fusion block paving in Silver and Graphite was chosen as the hard landscaping of choice, complemented by the addition of Fusion Kerb.

DWB Hull, a licensed MiTek roof truss and Posi-Joist manufacturer, recently supplied specially designed Posi-Rafters to form the roof for a large domestic extension. Bespoke end details were incorporated into the Posi-Rafter design to make installation straightforward and to provide solid bearings on to the steel beams and walls. The build had two steel ridge purlins and a central steel at ceiling level, forming a large vaulted ceiling internally. Posi-Rafters were the ideal choice, with plated end blocks sitting directly on to the steel beams with no need for hangers.

Roof terrace on the third floor of a residential block. The customer wanted a floating deck but was keen to source decking that could be easily installed. They needed to deal with a slope and variation in the surface, as well as easy access to a drain. Wallbarn recommended their Cumuru hardwood timber tiles which being 500mm x 500mm x 30mm, which are highly portable and perfect for low threshold retro-fits. To deal with the variation in surfaces around the deck, we recommended laying the timber tiles onto our ‘Balance’ self-levelling pedestals. Total installation time: 3 hours

Leonard Design Architects were appointed to create a residential development within a listed building setting with sloping site conditions. When sourcing hard landscaping for the development, Leonard Design Architects required attractive and modern paving for patios and car parking. However, they faced issues with the external areas due to the sloping site conditions. Tobermore’ Secura Grand Retaining Wall provided the solution to the sloping site issues while Tobermore Fusion block paving in contemporary tones of silver, mid grey, and graphite created the desired contemporary look.

Winvic made an educated choice when they specified Eurocell windows and panels for a landmark Coventry development. CODE Students Coventry is a flagship 23-storey accommodation block which, topping off at 76m, is the highest in the city. Such a lofty achievement called for materials of equally high standing. Not only to shrug off the elements and maintain thermal efficiency. But also to cope with the rigours of student life without losing its looks. Winvic understood that only a bespoke Logik tilt and turn widow system, designed in close collaboration with fabricator and installer Astraseal, would pass this test.

AluK’s 58BW ST aluminium windows replicate the look of steel frames so successfully that they were approved to replace the original Crittall windows in a landmark redevelopment project which has just been completed in central Birmingham. Herbert House, a 115-year old 52,000 sq ft commercial building in the Colmore business district, has been converted into one of the city’s newest and most prestigious apartment blocks. It features 316 windows in the 58BW ST system and 3 suited doors in the GT55 system, all in a standard AluK Anthracite grey finish.

Cosmos is a new 864-unit student accommodation complex located at Fitzwilliam Street, Sheffield inclose proximity to the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University. Cosmos will offer residency to students of both facilities, providing a range of rooms from studio apartments to shared en-suite apartments. The development consists of four tower blocks, ranging in scale from six-to-17 storeysLeviat’s Ancon MDC Masonry Support System played an essential part in the construction of a £46.5m student accommodation project in the heart of Sheffield, enabling a fast, efficient and structurally sound development.

Skerries Road Southway Campus in Plymouth comprises of 67 timber frame units supplied by local manufacturer and STA member Cornwall Timber Build. Originally a traditional block exterior, the architects changed the design to accommodate the innovative RendaClad façade. The programme was delivered 3 months ahead of schedule on the overall contract when utilising a form of modern methods of construction with the use of SPSenvirowall’s RendaClad. Whilst not satisfied with the BBA for a minimum 30-year service life, SPSenvirowall went into contract with BOPAS BLP and Lloyds Register to achieve a stand-alone assurance.

Kawneer’s aluminium AA®100 zone-drained curtain wall and thermally superior AA®720 entrance doors feature on all elevations of Unit 216 at the UK’s leading science park, while AA®190 TB severe-duty doors have been used on the main entrance. The unit was taken back to a concrete shell and rebuilt with a brick and glazed façade by main contractor Hutton Construction and is now the new home for Amgen, one of the world’s largest independent biotechnology companies.

Furnitubes’ Alta range was the ideal addition to newly installed concrete walls at the £90m expansion. 24 seats have been supplied in total, all as 1.5m module lengths to accommodate 3 people on each. 16 of the seats are the open back design for placement where the rear can’t be directly seen, with remainder being enclosed back versions which offer an attractive aspect from all sides. The steel framework to the seats was supplied in a galvanised finish that provides the ultimate in protection against corrosion and will be maintenance-free for many years.

Oscar Elite exceptionally smooth acoustic plaster used on Grand Design Series 7. Oscar Acoustics' experienced in-house operatives installed Oscar Elite acoustic plaster directly onto the original concrete soffit at a depth of only 25mm and up the vertical faces into the feature light lantern. The end result was a flat white acoustic plaster finish, smoother than most conventional plastered and painted finishes, which made this potential sonic battle ground a relaxing and comfortable place in which to spend time.

Addagrip are delighted to have been involved in the new Broad Walk project at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew with an installation of over 3000sqm of our innovative new porous paving system, Terrabase Rustic, The new Terrabase Rustic surface is hard wearing, low maintenance with no loose stone and provides a seamless, natural rustic SuDs compliant pathway which looks very much at home in the grounds of London’s historic Royal Botanic Gardens. Terrabase Rustic's innovative patented design means that it does not need a concrete or asphalt base.

Accoya was selected as the ideal material for this breathtaking home in West Vancouver. Accoya was used for the railing, siding, fencing and soffits throughout the property. In addition, an Accoya handrail was specifically custom designed by Upper Canada Forest Products. Unlike anything surrounding it, this home’s irregular shape and atypical residential building materials are more akin to modern-day South American projects that stem from their surroundings to showcase concrete’s versatility. This is why the Accoya was left in its rough state, to accentuate the minimalist and harmonious aesthetics of its natural environment.

Beaufort Park is one of North West London’s newest and most desirable residential developments. Alfresco Floors supplied Ebema concrete tiles for use across the tree-lined boulevards and landscaped parkland. The Alfresco Floors range from Ebema is a very design conscious collection and features three surfaces, Carreau, Rockstone and Megasmooth, with a large range of standard colours, and tile sizes all the way up to 1200mm long and 80mm deep. Bespoke colours and sizes can be supplied for orders of just 500 SqM or more.

The stadium is actually tilted on one side a little bit which makes a lot of significance. The slope is from the north end of the ground to the south end of the ground. And the difference in depth is 2.5 metres.This is where I wanted to arrive:With or without a slope? That's the question. Sometimes, having or not having a slope in a site, can make all the difference for the drainage solution needed. As you know, as slope limitations can be found in some places, but in ULMA we have a solution:The first Polymer Concrete channel with built-in 2.5% slope.

This bowling alley features a large application of LONDON BRICK AGED RED wall panels, providing a great backdrop for the neon-lit writing. Robust and highly realistic, Vtec Texture Panels are an attractive and extremely practical option for the areas with limited access for future maintenance. Another bowling centre in the group used our ROUGH CONCRETE Wall Panels, which also works really well. Installed in many hospitality and retail establishments, Texture Panels help to create a characterful ambiance in a short period of time.

Sika's full suit of products helped with waterproofing the scalloped roof at the campus. A combination of Sike Sarnafils waterproof Single Ply membrane, as a flexible and robust membrane, and Sikalastic- 621, as a highly-durable elastic liquid polyurethane system, was used. As well as the roof refurbishment, concrete repairs were also carried out with the use of Sika MonoTop-615 and Sikagard - 550. For the steel reinforcement Sika FerroGard-903 was also used. The refurbishment of the buliding was a great project for Sika to work on as it had solutions for each aspect of the project.

Langley Academy Primary School, is a modern 2 storey development which will house 630 nursery, reception and junior pupils in Slough Berkshire. To carry out the main works of this project, the sub-contractor was appointed to construct the building using a concrete frame and cement particle board, then wrapped in high quality external wall insulation and render materials from SPSenvirowall. Working collaboratively, this saw the installation of 1100 meters of 200mm insulation, which met the desired thermal performance of the building as well as contributing to the fire and acoustic requirements.

The flat roof area at above the vast Guernsey Power Station had been suffering from water ingress as a result of failings in the existing EPDM membrane. Due to the expensive machinery housed within and the potential for widespread and costly disruption should the leaking continue.Guernsey Electricity turned to Sarnian Roofing Limited, a Polyroof approved contractor, to provide a rapid and effective waterproofing solution. The Protec System was specified, and work began quickly.The SolutionRemoval of the failed roof coverings to expose the concrete deck below began, and the BBA-approved Protec 20-year system was installed directly to the concrete. Due to its RapidCure technology, the system cures within 30-60 minutes, meaning less disruption for the client.The Protec System provides an flexible and seamless membrane that eliminates the risk of water ingress around penetration points common in industrial unit roofs. As the system is cold applied, there are none of the safety risks associated with the open flames and hot torches used with traditional roll-applied systems.Polyroof’s reputation has been built on the high level of technical support provided to clients before, during and after every contract.We like to work closely with our clients from the very beginning of a flat roofing project right through to completion and throughout the lifespan of the roof. From our experience, this is the best way to guarantee that all aspects of the roof are finished to the superior standards that our clients expect.

The Darwin Centre cocoon creates a new architectural icon for the capital, ground-breaking in scale and breath-taking in its originality and creative brilliance.The design features a vast free-standing structure taking the form of an enormous cocoon within a glass atrium. The eight storey high cocoon houses a unique collection of 17 million insects and 3 million plants collected over the last 300 years by scientists including Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace and Sir Hans Sloane. The building completes the Museum’s life science complex, the Darwin Centre, following the first phase opened in 2002.Design TeamThe response of the architectural design team at C.F. Møller, lead by partner Anna Maria Indrio, was to create an engaging image reminiscent of an essentially organic form. The surface and texture also needed to reflect this, so the subtle sheen of the ivory coloured Armourcoat plaster was chosen. With an intersecting network of ‘silk threads’ that criss-cross the cocoon, the surface allows for movement and provides a visual framework for openings and niches. Armourcoat was specified to devise a unique creative solution combining both the insulation and the final decorative layers. The cocoon performs a genuinely protective job providing thermal mass to inhibit any fluctuations to the internal temperature – essential for the museum’s treasured specimens. The structure also houses state-of-the-art laboratories for 250 international scientists and an interactive visitor exhibition.ConstructionA sixty-five metre long skeletal structure was built by sprayed concrete specialist Shotcrete – the first above ground sprayed concrete structural element in the world. Expanded metal mesh was fitted to the steel re-bar framework and a 250mm thick layer of concrete was spray applied to create a 3,500 m2 raw concrete surface. Armourcoat then applied a resin modified render to the structure to minimize localized variations to the surface, before the polystyrene insulation layer was fixed. Using Dryvit Genesis adhesive and over 16,000 Hilti insulation fasteners, a 50mm polystyrene layer was fitted to the entire surface of the cocoon then covered with a layer of reinforcing mesh bedded into Dryvit Genesis basecoat. To create the silk threads wrapping the structure, a special cutting machine was devised which could cut an accurate slot and create the individual 340 panels which make up the cocoon surface. A total of 5.6km of edge bead was then fitted before Armourcoat’s unique AntiCrack substrate preparation system was applied. AntiCrack is a polymer and fibre modified gypsum skim-coat plaster which creates a first class substrate, keeping the Armourcoat plaster layer in peak condition. Two layers of Armourcoat keycoat were applied prior to the application of the final finish. The finished effect of a giant silk cocoon was achieved using ivory coloured Armourcoat Armuralia polished plaster - an exquisite, smooth finish with subtle tonal variations.The cocoon is a milestone achievement, a unique design and technical solution befitting the historic and social reference of the Natural History Museum. This also is a stunning example of the type of commercial projects now undertaken by Armourcoat, celebrating twenty-five years of creative excellence in 2009.Client: Natural History MuseumArchitect: C. F. MøllerMain Contractor: HBG Construction

Our Lady Star of the Sea is a historically significant 20th Century building designed by Guiseppe Rinvolucri. Time and the elements have caused so much damage that this Grade II Listed building could no longer serve as a house of prayer and worship The products used were Restoration Plaster White which cures to a bright white finish and "Restoration Plaster Coat", which creates a smoother but still breathable finish. Koster Polysil TG 500 a special salt blocking silicate polymer primer and Koster NB1 Grey, a waterproof sealing slurry that is effective against negative side water pressure.

Channel 4’s ‘Grand Designs’ featured Helifix masonry repair techniques to retain a 300 year old dilapidated stone barn. Built with rubble-filled Cotswold Stone walls, some 600mm thick, the unstable barn needed to be consolidated and strengthened to protect it during construction of the new subterranean house. The walls were consolidated by using 140 grouted CemTies. The installation of 340m of Helibeam reinforcement then created ring-beams around the structure. Existing window and door openings were temporarily blocked to permit continuity of the HeliBars, which were later cut and embedded into the reveals.

Technical recommendation and quality subfloor preparation and adhesive products from Bostik have played a key role inthe successful installation of the flooring at the newly openedTechnical recommendation and quality subfloor preparationKatherine Warington School in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.Construction of the new secondary school – built to meetincreased demand for school places in the town – was dividedinto three phases. First, a temporary teaching building wascreated, featuring communal areas, a dining hall and showerblocks. Second, the main school was constructed. Finally,phase three of the project saw phase one converted intoa sports hall.

A Midlands-based housing association turned to Crown Trade Fastflow to deliver a splash of colour, with a low odour application and fast-drying times for the comfort and convenience of residents. Lyng Community Association, a not-for-profit organisation, brought in Crown Paints to specify the pioneering water-based system for the redecoration of corridors in three blocks of flats in West Bromwich. Doors, window sills and skirting boards were decorated with Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Gloss, over Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Primer Undercoat. The work was carried out by Hankinson Painting Contractors from their West Bromwich site.

Project: Hellaby Business CentreDate: 2021 Background:·        APL was specified by the architect, having successfully worked with APL before ·        APL’s technical expertise ensured a successful project due to the challenges posed by being a refurbishment project Systems:·        300m² of APL Snaploc™ 40/450 traditional standing seam built-up system in pre-coated aluminium ·        400m² of APL Slimwall™ flat-panel system in aluminium with a PPC coating·        APL Tritherm™ GALV subframe to support panel system onto block-work·        All fixings and accessories  Building Location:·        Sheffield 

Part of an energy efficiency drive, the landlord aimed to reduce carbon emissions and the effects of fuel poverty on 96 units in 8 blocks at Hornby Flats, Liverpool. Triple-glazed PVC-U windows and doors using the Profile 22 70mm system by Walsall-based Approved Window Contractor Select Windows, with extensive experience in social housing. Profile 22 worked closely with Select Windows and One Vision Housing, facilitating the entire process from conception to completion. The project was completed on-time and in budget. One Vision Housing was able to future-proof, while improving the quality of living for tenants.

Recognised by Ofsted as an Outstanding school, Lyons Hall’s success had resulted in the need for a new teaching block to meet the demand for extra places. The first phase required school toilets for the Early Years pupils and for washroom solutions for general use. As an existing client of Venesta washrooms, Award Winning RIBA Chartered Architects, Laurie Wood Assoicates, were confident of our ability to meet the standards set. Lollipop cubicles are designed specifically to meet the needs of young children. The range offers a fun design, great safety features and shaped doors to allow for discreet adult supervision.

The Ascent Up and On step unit was specified to create a safe means of access between different roof levels external to the roof of a city centre residential block. The building is has a single ply membrane roof covering and it was the clients desire not to penetrate the roof; hence the step over / stair unit is supported on rubber spreader feet which provide a non-penetrative support solution. The stair unit is designed in accordance with BS EN ISO 14122-1:2001 + A1:2010 and Building Reg Part K:2013 and manufactured following 1090 factory production control procedures.

Thermal and acoustic insulation secondary glazing was installed by Selectaglaze for the National Trust as part of a full-scale refurbishment at the Grade I Listed Belton House stable block in Grantham, Lincolnshire, which has been converted into restaurant and office space. Selectaglaze Series 10 horizontal sliders were specified for 24 of the original leaded windows in the offices, and meeting rooms. Custom made timber grounds were affixed to all the openings which were splayed or out of shape. As a result of the installation, thermal efficiency has improved considerably, with the added benefit of increased acoustic insulation.