"concrete blocks"

Leviat’s Ancon MDC Masonry Support and Ancon CombiDeck, along with Ibstock Kevington’s Nexus® Brick-Faced Units have played key roles in constructing a major student accommodation complex in the heart of Lincoln, offering overall efficiency and ease of construction.The complex is spread across ten blocks, ranging from 4 to 10 storeys in height, which have been sub-divided to reduce scale and facilitate a progressive change in character across the development. The first phase included 1,222 bedrooms in apartments, comprising six to 12 en-suite bedrooms. Students will also benefit from associated internal and external amenity space.

West Cliff Hotel is a two six story Premier Inn which hosts 105 guest rooms and a third block with 88 residential units. The project included the demolition of a previous building then the construction of the hotel, with underground car parking. The hotel is only a 15-minute walk away (0.5 miles) from Bournemouth Pier and the Oceanarium.Cellecta ScreedBoard 28 was specified by HGP Architects in this luxury refurbishment to improve upon its existing acoustic properties. It's high density, and unique resilient layer provides unrivalled acoustic performance, typically 5dB better than legislative requirements.Inland Homes was awarded this 3,000m² contract to construct this development in Bournemouth.

Profile 22 has supplied its Optima Casement solution to 84 social housing properties in Hulme, Manchester. The three blocks of two and three-storey buildings belong to People First Housing. David Smith, director of A&D Joinery, said: “We’ve been working with Profile 22 since 1991. On this particular project we were fabricating and installing windows from the new Optima range, which we’ve been using since it was launched in 2016. “Profile 22’s specification manager had done an initial window design survey and technical design drawings, which we were able to use during the tendering process.”

In 2010, Protech where approached by The Clegg Group for a renovation project of an eight storey 1930’s building.Originally known as Shaftesbury House, the building was opened in 1938 to house migrant workers in Leeds that had previously been living in appalling conditions. The development had deteriorated and was eventually closed and boarded up in 1998. As part of a regeneration programme of the area, Leeds City Council co ordinated the redevelopment of the site into what is now known as Greenhouse, a mixed-use block of eco-flats.  Roofing:ROOFING: Sarnafil® Light Grey G410-15EL.Sika® S-Vap 500.120 mm PIR Insulation.Sarnafil® Walkway.

The North Block expansion (Cork Cancer Centre) at Bon Secours Hospital Cork incorporates a 12,500m2 7 storey development, including Radiotherapy, Oncology, Ward Accommodation, Critical Care and Operating theatre facilities.Forbo products were used almost exclusively throughout as the client recognised its durability over the years in the existing facility.Forbo was able to provide a wide range of flooring solutions from entrance ways and high quality, sustainable floor coverings, to hygienic and slip resistant surfaces.The Marmoleum range met the environmental, technical and maintenance requirements of the development with wide range of available colours assisting in the interior design development and way-finding design.

When Ingliston Equestrian Centre, a stunning Show Jumping ground based near Glasgow entered into a multi-million pound refurbishment project, they specified Metrotile Lightweight Steel Roofing to help raise the centre to international standards.Metrotile supplied over three thousand square metres of roofing materials to two new stable blocks and numerous new Chalet buildings at the site. Metrotile Slate in Bronze was specified as it combines a stunning traditional look with a swift installation and a low weight that reduces stress upon the supporting timber frame structures of both the chalets and the stables. Stunning countryside surrounds Ingliston Equestrian Centre and the Metrotile Slate compliments the local area gracefully

Situated in the historic market town of Shepshed, just on the outskirts of Leicestershire, Buttercup Fields offers a picturesque place to live.Home buyers know to expect the highest standards and attention to detail when they buy from William Davis Homes. It is no surprise that they have been recognised as a five-star developer for five years in a row by the Home Builders Federation.Secura Grand from Tobermore offered an aesthetically pleasing Retaining Wall which complemented its surroundings. Upon presentation of block samples, William Davis Homes were convinced it would complement the scheme perfectly.Following a costing exercise, Secura also offered the most budget-friendly option.

HM Prison Belmarsh is a category A prison containing some of the UK’s most dangerous and high profile criminals. Being one of the UK’s most secure prisons, it is often used to contain prisoners in cases where national security is threatened.Roché are proud to play a key part in keeping the prison safe and secure. We worked alongside Protec Fire Detection PLC to deliver 14 fire-rated shutters that were tied into the prison’s security and fire management system. As well as being used for fire containment, the shutters are used as emergency segregation barriers, to reliably close-off and lock down cell blocks in case of prisoner unrest.

Metal pipe boxing from the Pendock Profiles range is being used at a London tower block to conceal and protect fire sprinkler pipework, cabling and other services as part of a fire safety upgrade and refurbishment programme.Bespoke manufactured to the exact dimensions and project requirements, the metal boxing is non-combustible, which makes it suitable for use in public areas, such as lift lobbies, landings and corridors, where no sprinkler heads are present.Finished in white PPC, the metal pipe boxing not only improves the overall aesthetics, but also provides durable protection for pipework and services, while the integrated hinged inspection panels allow easy access for routine checks and maintenance.

The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) required a new multi-use pavilion building to host events including conferences, weddings, and the renowned Royal Highland Show. The new multi-use events pavilion is located at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh. The building aims to provide a flexible, modern design while reflecting the RHASS heritage.  Tobermore’s premium Braemar paving in a three-colour mix was ideal for the main entrance due to its natural granite aesthetic. To keep aligned with the vibrant external colour scheme, Sienna block paving in sandstone was used for the pedestrian walkways. Fusion Kerb offered a cost-effective, premium kerb with the striking aesthetics of granite.

Third Space has opened its sixth and most luxurious health club in London with spacious training areas, state-of-the-art facilities, tranquil yoga studio, 20m adult pool, cycle amphitheatre and special facilities for youngsters.Free Weights AreaTVS Group’s heavy-duty, interlocking SPORTEC® Style Tiles, custom-produced black and grey-flecked finish perfectly completemented the gym’s colour scheme. Installing a layer of SPORTEC® Team Cup-X flooring beneath the tiles provided extra protection for the concrete subfloor and will further reduce noise and vibrations, while TVS proprietary rubber ramped edges created a neat transition with adjacent gym areas.Stetching AreaTo offer comfort and durability for the club’s large stretching area, TVS Group installed its SPORTEC® MotionFlex product, a fine-grained polyurethane puzzle-mat. It is ideal for fitness applications involving floor-based movements and wellness activities. The interconnecting tiles are simple to install and neatly shaped to suit most flooring schemes while their elegant dark grey colour set the calming mood for this part of the gym.Athletics-Based Track AreaTVS Sports Carpet was selected for the track as it offers excellent grip underfoot, especially relevant for speed, agility and quickness drills. The durability of the surface also allows athletes to push or drag a sled, helping to further develop their muscular strength and endurance. The track was supplied in a cool, oceanic navy blue and white colour scheme.Main Gym AreaThe expected high usage of the main gym area meant the flooring had to be sufficiently resilient. To achieve this and to ensure a perfectly level flooring finish across the gym, TVS Group first laid a dense rubber shock pad over the concrete substrate. It was overlaid with a covering from the highly wear resistant SPORTEC® Purcolor range. A light grey finish was chosen to reflect the sophisticated look and feel of the club.The StudioIn the studio, where high intensity training will take place, TVS Group opted for a highly elastic shock-absorbing underlay overlaid with a wear-resistant performance layer called SPORTEC® Color. The combination will protect the concrete substrate below while offering a comfortable and safe surface above for those involved in a diverse range of training activities.Other Fitness AreasIn other areas of the gym TVS Group supplied and installed a variety of high performing acoustic underlays, helping reduce noise and vibrations caused by treadmill running and other high impact activities in the studios.

Leading UK utility contractor, Telent, have used UltraCrete’s superb ironwork installation materials to repair and install a CW1 access cover in Sutton Coldfield.BackgroundAs part of their ongoing commitment to maintaining the UK’s national utility infrastructure, Telent have used UltraCrete’s latest product innovation Mortar Buoy® to repair a chamber and install a CW1 ironwork access cover in the West Midlands.The ChallengeLocated on a busy junction, it was crucial that the repair and installation of the CW1 cover was carried out quickly to minimise disruption to motorists. With a reputation drawing on decades of experience in the design, build, support and management of the UK’s critical infrastructure, it was imperative that Telent used reputable installation materials that had been tried, tested and proven to work in the road network.The SolutionUltraCrete’s independently tested and approved ironwork installation system was specified by BT Openreach to complete the project.The new CW1 cover was installed using the Install Plus method. To begin, Mortar Buoy® was inflated in the existing chamber to prevent debris falling into the cavity and causing potential damage to the network. Once inflated, the team were able to use Mortar Buoy® as internal shuttering and repair the damaged chamber using QC10 F rapid strength flowable concrete.QC10 F, part of UltraCrete’s range of high specification concretes, is rapid setting fibre modified concrete for backfilling around manhole frames and gullies and for surface repairs.To complete the installation, Mortar Buoy® was used as a dam and Envirobed® CD534 Flowable was poured around the edges of a chamber for a permanent installation.Specially formulated for utility reinstatements, Envirobed® CD534 Flowable high performance bedding mortar is BT LN550 and LN320 compliant and offers superior compressive, tensile and flexural strengths in just 3 hours.Mortar Buoy® is a ground-breaking, innovative, inflatable access frame that acts as a dam, allowing for a flowable mortar ironwork installation in seconds – revolutionising traditional methods.Enhance your specification and upgrade your reinstatement with UltraCrete Mortar Buoy®.ResultsThe project took place on a mild winter day in December 2021. The work was completed without delay and with minimal disruption. Using Mortar Buoy® instead of a traditional damming mortar increased the speed of the installation, reduced costs and made the install less labour intensive for the team.On the performance of Mortar Buoy®, John Doherty, Area Supervisor for Telent commented: “Mortar Buoy® makes life much easier versus traditional shuttering for both chamber repair and bedding the ironwork. It is also much faster.”

LDA Design specified WoodBlocX Landscaping to provide the raised planters and seating for the courtyard areas of its Westpoint Homes project; One Hyndland Avenue, a development comprising of 63 luxury apartments with beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces in Glasgow’s West End.The design LDA created for the development featured a series of open paved spaces, ample seating and pergolas to add height, with large angular raised planters with integrated seating bordering the perimeters of the site to plant trees, shrubs and plants.Following a consultation with LDA on potential solutions, the WoodBlocX design team took the initial plans and recreated the original footprint using CAD designs of the modular timber blocks. Thanks to the versatility of the system WoodBlocX were able to match the design almost identically, incorporating the shapes and angles of the original outline.WoodBlocX supplied all materials directly to the Westpoint Homes’ site and the structures were assembled by their own teams. The space for materials on site was tight and the size of the planters meant that a large quantity of materials were delivered. WoodBlocX components arrive on site neatly palletised and the individual lightweight pieces are easy to access and manoeuvre when needed.All WoodBlocX structures are built in the same way using a series of light weight blocks which have been pre-drilled and then treated to provide superior strength - there is no waste or cutting needed.With all projects challenges can arise during the build, in this case some onsite changes were required due to manholes and water access getting in the way of original design. Our team swiftly redesigned instructions and supplied suitable components to match the change.

An old block of apartments in Gt. Yarmouth getting a low carbon Retrofit for a higher, cleaner living standard and reduced energy bills. Passive Purple has been used externally on this huge scale block of apartments. with no margin for error and tricky details throughout, a liquid applied airtight membrane was the only way going forward. The building was being insulated externally and getting a whole new façade from render to aluminium panels. With the residents still inhabiting the building this had to be done quickly and easily with maximum results. Being a liquid applied airtight membrane, any cracks, gaps, and service penetration leaks in the existing building fabric quickly became thing of the past. That and the hundreds of Panel brackets being installed to support the new façade going on, this Retrofit had multiple penetrations and tricky details. Making good of the building fabric and awkward brackets with a near on impenetrable adhesion, Passive Purple made fast work of this great conversion, impossible for any other method. Being in liquid state on application, Passive Purple can be applied onto most/any surface (See data sheets for more information) and will find its way into all the unseeable tiny gaps and cracks all buildings will undoubtably have. Like this old pebble dashed façade, any rough, uneven and awkward areas are no longer an issue, our products simply flow into these areas. We also have the fibre reinforced Passive Purple brush, used on this job to prepare the brackets by filling the larger gaps between that of the bracket and the existing wall and also the large penetrating bolts. A huge win and demonstration of the power of liquid products by Intelligent Membranes.

Four residential blocks on Albert Road, North London, have recently undergone renovation, including removal of wooden screen shutters across the frontage of each apartment. The sliding shutters create an attractive appearance as well as performing shade from direct sunlight, but over recent years the wood has warped and deteriorated. Warping meant that the screens no longer travelled smoothly across the windows, and deterioration was causing the louvres to loosen with the danger that they might fall on people walking below. A refurbishment would also provide the opportunity to refit with materials conforming to current fire safety regulations. Considering the refurbishment, the developers were keen to retain the screens and felt that the appearance of wood was appealing, giving the apartments something of a continental appeal, albeit in north London. The blocks were developed and are managed by L&Q, a housing association that aims to deliver high quality affordable homes, and in their own words ‘better places to live’. The screens could easily be replaced using aluminium for the frame aerofoil blades and the look of wood could just as easily be delivered by using a shade from our Wood Finish (PWF™) range. PWF30, a dark shade, was closest to the original wood. In total Powdertech pre-treated and coated 9500 linear metres of extruded aluminium, each individual foil being 1.22m in length. Using aluminium brings the obvious benefits of strength combined with lightweight. The screens will not warp and need only minimal maintenance. Our Wood Finish conforms to the required reaction to fire specification for residential buildings of this type, A2-s1, d0, and the metal itself is non-combustible thus solving a number of issues in one, Wood Finish on aluminium is a winning combination.

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

The range of Koster flooring systems were specified for use on this large warehouse project in Plymouth. The existing concrete slab and coatings were being effected badly from vapour drive and osmotic blistering so following full investigations by the Koster Technical team, the Koster VAP I 2000 was chosen as the primary form of protection thus preventing further vapour drive and outgassing. A fast application and setting material, this meant a short factory down time and a guaranteed solution.Please read the full case study. For more information or if you would like assistance on a similar project, please contact the Koster technical team at technical@kosteruk.com.

Crystal Palace Football Club play at the legendary Selhurst Park Stadium, based in London. Crystal Palace Football Club has created a brand new 900m² `Fan Zone` which is divided into various settings, including stages, a huge LCD screen, dining areas, shops and a football skills exhibition space. Buzon UK were specified to supply the components to achieve the high live load requirements, which included voids of up to 500mm. The DPH Pedestal system was used, along with the Alfresco Floors Ebema range of high impact concrete pavers. Other areas on pedestals include artificial turf lawns, stages, walkways and ramps.

Cambridge Central Mosque is Europe's first eco-friendly mosque and the first purpose-built mosque within the city of Cambridge. The mosque is well insulated and naturally ventilated, using efficient heat lights in the roof and solar panels on the top to help generate renewable energy.Cellecta XFLO Micro was specified by Marks Barfield Architects as its underfloor heating insulation boards were used to help create an efficient and environmentally friendly heating system. Cellecta ScreedBoard 20 was also specified for the overlay floorboard. It is suitable for all types of steel, concrete and timber floors.Warmafloor were awarded this 250m² contract to develop this eco-friendly structure.

Olympus House is a collection of one and two bedroom apartments, part of the award winning Old Railway Quarter that was a redevelopment on the site of the former Great Western Railway works. This location has multiple amenities on the doorstep such as shopping at the nearby outlet centre, restaurants, and landscaped gardens.Cellecta’s YELOfon HD10+ was specified due to the system being lightweight, easy to install, and delivers unrivalled acoustic performance when used to isolate a floating screed from a structural concrete floor. YELOfon HD10+ is an acclaimed resilient layer system that carries 3 proprietary Robust Details: E-FC-5, 17 & 18.Thomas Homes was awarded this 5,000m² contract for this development in West Swindon.

Berwick Green is a new planned development of 102, 2 bedroom flats and 156, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom houses seven miles north of the historic city of Bristol in Cribbs Causeway. This community provides the perfect blend of urban and coastal living with a wealth of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and schools.Cellecta’s YELOfon HD10+ was specified by Focus on Design due to its unrivalled acoustic performance in isolating a floating screed from a structural concrete floor. This product is lightweight, making it easy to install. YELOfon HD10+ is also delivered in rolls to ensure it’s easy to handle.Bellway Homes was awarded this 3,500m² contract for this Robust Detail Registered Site in South Gloucestershire.

Victoria Square is a regeneration scheme that includes 35 new apartment homes, a “Livewell” health hub, pharmacy, Travelodge, bus interchange, café and restaurant overlooking a new public open space, and a twin-level car park. The 70 bed Travelodge will bring visitors and generate new jobs, while the bigger bus interchange will be able to provide services to meet the future needs of Braintree’s growing population.Cellecta’s YELOfon HD10+ was specified by AHR for this development as the system is lightweight, easy to install, and delivers unrivalled acoustic performance when used to isolate a floating screed from a structural concrete floor.Kier Group was awarded this 400m² contract to construct this regeneration scheme.

Stopgap 300 HD smoothing underlayment and Stopgap P131 primer have been used to create a ‘textbook perfect’ flooring finish at Amtico’s training academy. Firstly, ceramic tiles were removed from the existing concrete subfloor along with remaining adhesive. Next, Stopgap P131 primer was used to help promote adhesion. Stopgap 300 HD fast-drying, heavy-duty levelling compound was applied to create a smooth, durable base for the new floorcovering. Luxury vinyl tiles were installed using a vinyl adhesive. Finally, entryway matting was installed on one half of the prepared subfloor and carpet tiles were installed on the other half.

A floor preparation system from F. Ball has been used to install 2,700m2 of floorcoverings at Glasgow University Library. First, old linoleum floorcoverings were removed. Over this area, Stopgap F77 waterproof surface membrane was applied due to excessive relative humidity levels. Stopgap 1200 Pro smoothing underlayment was applied on concrete sections of the subfloor. An F. Ball primer was applied to a ramp constructed from plywood before Stopgap 700 smoothing underlayment was used to receive floorcoverings. In the entranceway, Styccobond F46 adhesive was selected to install vinyl sheets, with Styccobond F41 carpet tile tackifier used to install carpet tiles.

Reaching depths of more than 30 metres beneath the streets of London, Crossrail Stations required unique solutions to ensure water tightness. GCP Applied Technologies, a leading supplier on some of the major stations including Canary Wharf, Whitechapel, Liverpool Street, Moorgate, Farringdon, Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street, reached into an extensive portfolio of high performing and easy to install Preprufe® waterproofing products to solve challenges presented by each station. Composed of durable HDPE, the Preprufe® waterproofing membrane adheres directly to concrete with Advanced Bond Technology™ to form an impermeable seal. Find out more from gcpat.com.

The ModernGlide MG100 Top Hung Acoustic Wall is ideal for large auditorium spaces and halls where room heights can be up to 12 mtrs high.Movable Walls Key Facts & Specifications:Acoustic reduction from 37dB to 58dBTop-hung with no floor trackFixing to beam on concrete soffitPanel widths of 650mm to 1250mmHeight up to 12000mmInset pass door optionsSemi-electric top and bottom seal optionsStacking via single and double point suspensionFinishes include melamine, laminate, veneer, magnetic wipe boardIntegral glazing options30 minute and 1 hour fire rating options

The ModernGlide MG100 Top Hung Movable Acoustic Wall provides seamless room dividing options and is ideal for dividing your interior space.Movable Walls Key Facts & Specifications:Acoustic reduction from 37dB to 58dBTop-hung with no floor trackFixing to beam or concrete soffitPanel widths of 650mm to 1250mmHeight up to 12000mmFull height or inset pass door optionsSemi-electric top and bottom seal optionsStacking via single and double point suspensionFinishes include melamine, laminate, veneer, magnetic wipe boardIntegral glazing options30 minute and 1 hour fire rating options

To help meet the client’s architectural ambitions and acoustic challenges, Rockfon acoustic ceilings were specified. In designing its new HQ DocuSign wanted to break down barriers and find new ways of working to empower employees. Open plenum ceilings, polished concrete floors and warm timber express the space’s raw, contemporary architecture. Crina Toderic – Henry J Lyons, “…a number of meeting rooms had one solid wall with the remaining three being glazed. It was agreed Rockfon® Mono® Acoustic be installed for its high sound absorption. Being completely seamless, the system allowed us to easily integrate with the rest of the interior aesthetic.”

Location: Edgbaston, BirminghamMain Contractor: Winvic ConstructionNew Garden Square commenced in October 2021 and is scheduled to reach completion in June 2024. The project comprises three towers which reach to 9, 10 and 13 storeys.Public spaces in the New Garden Square neighbourhood include a new one-acre central park, along with a striking arrival pavilion building at the site’s gateway, and new shops, cafes and restaurants throughout the siteOBEX Score’N’Snap Cement Sheathing Board System was specified for this prestigious project, eliminating the need for dust control and drastically reducing the cost and time of installation.State-of-the-art Homes: 398Apartment Blocks: 3Storeys: 9,10 and 13

The Riverside development in Rochdale includes two nine storey apartment blocks comprising a mix of 240 one- and two-bedroom properties for private rent. The Rochdale town centre Riverside regeneration project also includes a 147-bedroom hotel and 43,000 square feet of office space. The Fire regulations which apply to high-rise living accommodation meant that the kitchens in the apartments would require a fire suppression unit complete with sprinklers to be fitted. These units need to be installed and maintained by a specialist engineer and can also cause damage within a property should they be activated due to a fire.  Therefore, the Firechief Kitchen Stove Guard was chosen as an alternative, unobtrusive design-led fire prevention solution. 

Riverside Housing Association has been a social landlord for over 80 years and has won the Social Landlord of the Year award twice in a row. With such experience and expertise behind them, they know a good roofing product when they see one.So when four 6-storey purpose built blocks of flats required rooftop refurbishments, Riverside decided to use Metrotile’s classic Bond profile, in Charcoal. Prior to the refurbishment, the buildings had a competitor’s Lightweight Steel Roofing System that had reached the end of its life. By replacing the profiles with a Metrotile System, Riverside know that the rooftops are guaranteed weatherproof for 40 years, beating our nearest competitor’s guarantee by a significant ten-year margin.

When W & M Given Architects was assigned the prestigious task of designing a new arts and literary centre in Bellaghy that celebrates the life and literature of the late Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney, the architect was determined to create a striking tribute that would do the memory of Seamus Heaney justice.The external works were just as important as the interior design and having worked with Tobermore on numerous projects over the years, W & M Given was confident that Tobermore would have an appropriate hard landscaping solution that would achieve the desired result. Tobermore did not disappoint and provided the architect with a combination of fabulous Fusion and sparkling Sienna Setts block paving with modern Mayfair Flags to create a striking, contemporary landscape design

RENOLIT ALKORPLAN scores high on Deltion College! CHALLENGE A sports field on top of the roof. A surprising and exceptional RENOLIT achievement that absolutely draws the attention… Deltion College in Zwolle (NL) really is an exceptional case. This college offers amongst others education courses to prepare for service in the Armed Forces - Navy, Army as well as the Air Forces. No doubt sports are an important part of life on the campus. Then came the inspiration to install an artificial grass sports field on top of the roof of the newly constructed multifunctional building. Space-saving and functional! The choice to specify RENOLIT ALKORPLAN as roofing material was a shrewd decision, as RENOLIT ALKORPLAN offers a solution not only for mechanically fixed roofs but also for ballasted roof systems… SOLUTION The highest rooftop, a steel frame construction, has been installed with a PES-reinforced mechanically fixed RENOLIT ALKORPLAN F roofing membrane. For the lower concrete roof – the sports field to be – a different product was required: RENOLIT ALKORPLAN L! A glass fleece reinforced membrane with an excellent resistance to microorganisms, specifically conceived for ballasted roofs. Before installing the insulation, a bituminous vapour barrier was placed on top of the concrete. Next came a first layer of 70 mm thick aluminium-faced PIR insulation, followed by a second layer of 100 mm thick unfaced polystyrene insulation. To avoid direct contact between the roofing membrane and the PS insulation a glass fleece separation layer was added. Afterwards the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN membrane was loose laid and hot air welded. In accordance with the RENOLIT installation instructions the seams were sealed with RENOLIT ALKORPLAN seam sealer. A little bit of effort for extra security! 

The remarkable 22 Bishopsgate Project stands as the second tallest building in the United Kingdom and Western Europe, showcasing its architectural prominence. On its 58th floor, an awe-inspiring viewing gallery offers breathtaking vistas. Perched even higher, on level 59, a discreetly hinted restaurant is poised to offer an unparalleled dining experience, with a renowned chef at the helm. Although the details remain a secret, the restaurant promises to be a highlight. Beyond its striking stature and exclusive amenities, the project's core objective revolved around enhancing the base build construction to optimize noise levels for the activities and events within the Viewing Gallery. Aiming to strike a balance, the project sought to both amplify the permissible noise levels for these events while curbing any potential noise breakthrough into adjacent spaces.In the dynamic context of 22 Bishopsgate, where concrete installation was unfeasible due to location and occupied lower floors, a visionary solution was sought. Over 1246m², the innovative Stravifloor Channel floating floor system was meticulously installed. In lieu of concrete, a bespoke approach utilizing high mass calcium sulphate boards was designed, ensuring both functionality and practicality. Addressing concerns about floor height, custom-designed bearings were engineered to maintain top-tier acoustic performance, with a mere 30 mm thickness.Despite a demanding timeline to unveil the viewing gallery, the project remained on track. Stravifloor Channel, with isolated steel battens, played a pivotal role. Galvanized steel channels provided robust support over isolation pads, while the optimized discrete supports allowed minimal contact points to the subfloor.

Berry Systems supplied and installed perimeter and ramp barriers for new multi-storey car park incorporating very thin  concrete decks.A revised design for the new Heathrow Terminal 2 multi-storey car park called for a floor depth of just 150mm comprising a 60mm deep slab with 90mm structural topping. However, and there’s always a however, a traditional rigid safety barrier post needs fixing with 4 bolts each to a depth of 170mm. Obviously these couldn’t be used,so contractors Laing O’Rourke turned to barrier specialists Berry Systems to provide a solution and appropriate perimeter barriers for the 6 decks and the spiral entrance and exit ramps.Over many years Berry Systems have developed a range of flexible spring steel barriers that ‘give’ on impact. This not only reduces damage to both the barrier and an impacting vehicle but crucially reduces the pull out loading on the anchorage by 50% or more. This in turn allows post fixing to be achieved by using only a single bolt embedded to a depth of merely 110mm - a depth achievable into the new slabs.The specification was completed with Berry Beam safety rails to provide a more attractive appearance than the well known “Armco” style. Post extensions provided mountings for a pedestrian handrail at 1100mm high with integral anti-climb mesh where needed.The thin slabs were developed by Bison Manufacturing and are the thinnest precast concrete planks produced to date in the UK. They led to many benefits which considerably reduced the construction programme. It also allowed 6 floors in the usual height of 5, increasing capacity to 1340 spaces. But perimeter protection would have proved problematical without the expertise of Berry Systems.

Riverwalk features two organically shaped buildings of 7 and 17 storeys, connected by a central podium and incorporating 116 high specification one, two, three and four bedroom apartments, plus penthouses. The design focus is on light, space and service, as well as exceptional views across the River Thames. Extensive planting on roofs, balconies and terraces, most significantly on the first floor podium terrace, also contribute to a substantial improvement in the green footprint and biodiversity of the site.With such a high specification development it is not surprising to find that enormous consideration was given to the avoidance of the thermal bridging at the critical balcony connections; and the structural thermal break module specified throughout is the latest generation Schöck Isokorb® XT type K. The XT type K – for concrete-to-concrete applications – offers such a high level of insulation that the Passivhaus Institute in Darmstadt has awarded the product with the "low thermal bridge construction" certificate and confirmed its suitability even for passivhaus construction.A major reason for the superior performance of the Schöck Isokorb® XT type K is the thickness of the insulation body. This is increased from the standard 80mm thick to 120mm, providing an even more efficient solution. The Isokorb® XT type K not only improves thermal insulation performance by up to 30% in comparison to to the standard range, it also improves impact sound insulation by around 50% as well. High quality stainless steel bars with improved tensile strength is an integral part of the unit and while the same load-bearing capacity is maintained, there is a smaller rod diameter and therefore a reduction in the thermally conducting cross-section, resulting in a further increase in the heat insulation performance.