"concrete"

Synthetic grass is a good alternative to decking, which can get slippery in the winter and requires regular time-consuming maintenance. Leaving concrete or slabs bare can look uninteresting and can be uncomfortable to sit on during summer evenings.

Making use of ULMA’s MULTIV+100 polymer concrete channel drainage, topped with a MULTIV+ Heelguard Grating, the site has the capacity to retain access and passenger safety year round, simplifying the drainage system, and making commuter life easier. 

A fully permeable lightly trafficked pavement in Italian Porphyry stone setts. By using Steintec's knowledge of permeable pavement construction the client was delighted to discover a natural stone alternative to the now commonplace SuDS permeable pavement in herringbone concrete block form.

REQUIREMENT:During the extensive construction activities, it was imperative to establish a temporary wheelchair-accessible route to an alternative entrance.The access system had to overcome the concrete steps effectively while adhering strictly to the requirements outlined in Parts K and M of the Building Regulations.

Solid wood floor specialist Junckers worked closely with world-renowned architects BIG (Bjarne Ingles Group), to create a custom finished oak floor for the M/S Maritime Museum in Helsingør, Denmark. The textured floor acts a link within the interior scheme of the award winning building, bringing together elements of concrete, glass and steel, housed in an amazing 150 metre long, old concrete dock. The architects’ brief was for a solid hardwood floor that can withstand the heavy footfall of a national museum, with a rustic quality to soften the raw and patinated concrete and large glass panels featured throughout the building. Junckers created a textured finish solid oak floor, which gives contrasting warmth to the overall impression of the museum. By using a specially developed hard brushing technique, the outer sapwood layer of the timber is removed, leaving a tactile, textured surface to expose the beautiful grain patterns naturally inherent in oak. The floor is finished in Junckers Ultra Matt Lacquer resulting in a matt, very hard-wearing floor. The lively two-strip oak floors really come into their own in the large, open spaces of the museums galleries. When natural light from the floor to ceiling glass wall hits the surface of the floor at an angle, it creates a spectacular effect. Following the immense success of the project, Junckers has added the incredible textured finish to many of its floors, both two-strip and wide board planks.

Architects: IDOMLocation: Donostia, SpainPhotography: Iñaki BergeraMaterial: NATURSIDING-WFinish: RustikThe Aldapeta María Ikastetxea School is the interpretation of modernity, sustainability, and innovation poured into architecture. With the original building demolished, which dated back to the 19th Century, the new school building accompanies the view of education into the future, leveraging new technologies.Efficiency has been key to this project through the use of geothermal energy and natural light used as a shaping tool of space. Our durable rain-screen system wood panels embrace the refinement and warmth typically of wood into the structure in juxtaposition with other materials such as concrete and metal resembling Japanese architecture, with its pure lines, rhythm, dynamism, and sobriety.To accentuate the rhythm and promote harmony between concrete and wood, we have opted for the vertical placement of the slats that evokes the patterns of the wood framework. Achieving such effect is possible given the aesthetics enhanced by the small piece that attains a harmonious relationship between wood and concrete. With an innovative setup in the architectural sphere composed of a hidden system with no visible screws or rivets, the slatted cladding can be placed vertically even in large buildings, and in an easy way that provides a sense of strength and uniformity to the whole. The PARKLEX PRODEMA panels new setup system allows achieving distinctive finishes with the warmth of the wood, longevity, durability, and limited to no maintenance requirements.

A selection of floor coverings from Forbo Flooring Systems, combining aesthetics, functionality and exceptional performance, has helped Maze Workplace to create a dynamic and flexible Next Generation Workspace for Insight Direct's new office in Manchester.Global IT solutions company, Insight Direct has relocated from an existing office in Salford, to a smaller, but more central 9,000 sq ft premises in Manchester. The new office space offers employees a contemporary mix of alternative co-working environments and includes open plan hotdesking for 44 people, arranged in smaller ‘neighbourhoods’, two hot offices, five meeting rooms, two open/soft meeting areas as well as a well-being room and a large games area.The office’s urban location is represented throughout by Maze Workplace’s clever and creative choice of products. This is clear as soon as you enter the office, particularly in the reception area. Here Forbo’s Allura Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) have been used to visually connect the outside pavement area with the interior of the building, by using a concrete aesthetic. Kate explained: “We used Forbo’s Allura in the warm concrete dots colourway in the reception area, which added a nod to the urban location and offered something different from the standard ‘concrete’ look.” Warm underfoot and easy to maintain, Allura LVT provides exceptional dimensional stability, strength and performance, making it the perfect solution for the high traffic reception are

Ashton Under Lyne - Town Centre Public Realm (2000m2)Project Description: Ashton Under Lyne’s town centre was transformed with £10.8m of levelling up funding. A transformational & bold project ensuring Ashton’s historic market square is future proofed and fit for modern market needs. New paving means the square is accessible and safe for all visitors and residents. Larsen Streetscape paving mortar system is the preferred option for laying paving. Product Showcase: Larsen Streetscape paving mortar system is a collection of high-performance mortars for the construction of pavements. The products are specifically formulated to exceed performance characteristics, as set out in BS 7533. Products used:            ·  FBC Eco Fine Bedding Concrete - Ideal for pavements constructed with natural stone, concrete & clay paving units. ·  PS Eco Priming Slurry - Applied to the underside of all paving units to create an exceptional bond to FBC Eco Fine Bedding Concrete. ·  FJM Eco Flowable Jointing Mortar - Filled the joints to complete the installation. Rapid setting with high early strength gain, FJM Eco can be opened to foot traffic in one hour.               ·  EM Epoxy Mortar - A three-part pack solvent-free epoxy resin mortar - perfectly suited for areas where exceptional strength and bond are required. For further information or technical data sheets on the Larsen Streetscape product range, please visit www.larsenbuildingproducts.com. 

REQUIREMENT: A modular step unit and upper landing to the basement goods lift.The new system would replace the narrow concrete steps, which were concluded to be unsafe and didn’t have handrails to prevent falls.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:A site survey was carried out, and an in-house 3D ramp design was drawn to suit the space.The drawing shows that the air conditioning unit above the step unit would need to be moved 200mm away. END RESULT: We installed a yellow modular system straight over the existing steps within a few hours.This approach prevented the concrete steps from being removed and saved the client the extra time and money involved in hiring another trade to complete the enabling works. A bespoke platform joins the upper landing, and the feet were fixed into the concrete floor to keep the system securely in place.FEATURES INCLUDED:Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends of a step system to prevent clothes catching.Mesh Platform - the self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.Standard Colour: Yellow – one of the easiest colours to see because of its ability to reflect light. The handrails are powder coated to create a durable finish that is tougher than conventional paint.Standard Handrail - this handrail system ensures users always have support to hold onto.

Renovation work on a grade II listed church building in Merseyside - designed by the renowned Liverpool architect Francis Xavier Velarde - included new roofing utilising concrete roof tiles from Ibstock, with the work undertaken by Fulwood Roofing Services (Northern) Ltd.

Waterproofing and damp proofing specialists, Severn Damp & Timber Preservation, installed a range of Triton Systems’ waterproofing materials to deal with water ingress around two skylights, formed within the concrete roof deck over a basement that extended into the garden of a domestic property. 

The Purple and Green MSCPs have capacity for more than 4,000 vehicles across five levels. The project’s scope involved concrete repair, structural strengthening using carbon fibre laminates, the replacement of the conduits, movement joints, drainage channels and deck waterproofing.

BACKGROUND: The Pavilion was being refurbished, ready to be re-open as a new café to help increase tourism to the town.Plans included creating a new terrace at the front, a small rear extension, and a portable office/store at the back.REQUIREMENT: A modular ramp to the terrace for pedestrian and wheelchair use. END RESULT:Our installers fitted a Rapid Ramp, which included a pedestrian walkway with a loading capacity of 1,000kgs. It is designed to safely support the weight of varies public traffic, including walkers, prams, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters.The installation was completed within a few hours on a snowy late evening.FEATURES INCLUDED: Mesh Platform - self-draining mesh allows water to pass through rather than collect on the surface.Trombone Ends - these are added to the ends of a Rapid Ramp to prevent clothes catching.Telescopic Legs - these can be adjusted to accommodate threshold heights.Continuous Handrail - this handrail system ensures users always have a support to hold onto.Standard Colour Black - ramps are powder-coated black to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint.EXTRA FEATURES INCLUDED:Infill Handrail - this product prevents users from climbing or falling through gaps.Yellow Tread - this is a safety feature designed to help those with impaired vision identify the nose of the ramp and helps users distinguish any level changes.CONCRETE VS PEDESTRIAN METAL RAMP INSTALLATIONS:Unfortunately, newly poured concrete must be protected from freezing for the first 24 to 48 hours and requires drying time before use. Therefore, concrete installations are heavily reliant on good weather conditions, and cannot be completed in snow or frozen temperatures.Unlike concrete, our pedestrian ramps can be installed in most weather conditions, including snow. Plus, the product is manufactured from galvanised steel.Galvanising is a process where a protective coating of zinc is applied to prevent rusting and to kill moss.

PANDOMO provided the unique subtle character of polished concrete combined with a seamless, hard wearing floor finish. Products used: ARDEX A 38, PANDOMO® Floor, ARDEX R 3 E, ARDEX EP 2000, ARDEX P4, ARDEX K 80

Built in the heart of Birmingham, this building has 18 floors steel frame around 3 concrete cores. Being a very constrained site, close coordination was required with the structural steel frame contractor. Two deliveries a week were required to ensure their programme was met.

The combination of a lightweight steel and concrete composite ComFlor® 100 slab and a glulam timber beam structure has helped deliver a truly sustainable three-storey office building. The internal climate in the building is supported with a ComFlor® Active system in the roof slab.

Lazenby were asked to manufacture 80 completely bespoke pre cast concrete sinks for a new build office block in Kings Cross.The sinks were used in the male and female washrooms throughout all floors of the building. The sizes ranged from a 1900mm double vanity through to a 4 metre long, quintuple sink unit.All the units were cast with tap holes and a cut out for an undermounted bin chute. The joints were carefully placed to run through the cut outs to help make them as discreet as possible.The clients were looking to create a statement piece and so Lazenby created a bespoke blue colour that matched their vision. Multiple samples were created in a variety of shades before the final colour was selected.The durability and flexibility of concrete make it the perfect solution for busy washroom environments.

Hamilton Gallery’s international reputation, required Lazenby’s master craftsmanship, to maintain exacting standards. Over 150m² was installed quickly and efficiently, so that the Gallery remained closed for the shortest period possible.The deceptively simple interior design, features a 100mm Lazenby polished concrete floor throughout. The C35 mix was pumped into the period building, in one day, with concrete lorries arriving at pre-arranged times. Logistics are carefully managed, to avoid delays in the pour and avoid multiple lorries having to park in busy London streets.The floor was installed over 20 years ago and is still there today. However, it now features a lightly exposed aggregate finish, as it was accidentally painted and Lazenby were asked to bring the floor back to its albeit, slightly altered former glory.The floor now features a 'Salt & Pepper' finish with a slight fleck of aggregate showing.

As part of a mixed-use commercial development in King’s Cross, Ambar Kelly have supplied bespoke riser flooring system. The rise flooring is providing to an ideal riser flooring solution for a complex construction project involving reinforced concrete frame and steel frame buildings, to improve buildability and safety.

Sitting adjacent to Manchester Victoria station, the £185m New Victoria development is a two-phase scheme initially involving two residential towers of 20 and 25 storeys providing 520 one, two and three bed apartments. The second phase being a 13-storey office block. The façade concept is a ‘hooped envelope around a glass box’ with the ‘envelope’ consisting of vertical panels from the first floor to roof level. As with any reinforced concrete slab design, the project is at risk of punching shear failure. Which traditionally has been resolved by adding further concrete, such as downstand beams or localised thickened column heads. However these measures require complex formwork and significantly reduce the benefits of the flat slab design. By incorporating the Schöck Bole shear rail system – with its ready-to-install reinforcement element consisting of double-headed studs with spacing bars to ensure correct positioning – installation is cost-effective and significantly faster than traditional loose links. In fact, Shaun Farrell of Mayo Civils, the concrete frame contractor, comments: “We were pleased to find that by using the Bole shear rail system on the project, installation was four times faster than if we had used shear links.” Shaun goes on to explain that: “when using traditional links the installation time is increased because twelve ties are involved, six of which have to be tied to the bottom steel matt, which involves getting your hands between the rebar. With the Schöck Bole six-stud shear rail, it only involves two ties to the top matt”. 

Preventing punching shear failure with flat slab construction is critical and while traditional solutions such as links in the punching area work fairly effectively, there are disadvantages. They are time-consuming to install and risk installation inaccuracy and positional stability during concreting. A product that does offer a cost-effective, easy-to-install solution, is the widely used and dependable Schöck Bole shear rail; and one of the many construction sites where Bole is the system of choice is the New Green project at Rainham in Essex, where two outdated 13-storey tower blocks are being replaced by mid-rise, high density buildings, providing 197 homes. As with any reinforced concrete slab design, the New Green project is at risk of punching shear failure, which traditionally has been resolved by adding further concrete, such as the use of downstand beams or localised thickened column heads. However these measures require complex formwork and significantly reduce the benefits offered by the flat slab design. By incorporating the Schöck Bole shear rail system, installation is cost-effective and significantly faster than traditional loose links. The ready-to-install reinforcement element consists of double-headed studs with spacing bars to ensure correct positioning.  Spacers allow installation on the formwork, making installation on the construction site and in the precast plant quicker, safer and easier to achieve. The dramatically reduced fixing time far outweighs any additional material costs that may be involved with a prefabricated system.  

The new Headquarters of Goldman Sachs in London is in a great location on Farringdon Street in the City of London. This massive office development of 1.1 million square feet includes a large auditorium which is isolated to protect it from tube train noise and to protect the rest of the building.Sandy Brown specified that the box-in-box construction needed 10Hz bearings supporting it.Our local branch worked with Byrne Brothers to design supply and install the concrete floating floors and structural bearings. The complicated 3-dimensional space is supported on 5 separate floating floors with bearings beneath designed to take the column loads.The floating floors consist of Stravifloor Deck isolation rails supporting composite metal decking, reinforcement and concrete.Some of the columns are supported on Stravibase SEB bearings located outside of the floating floor areas.The new building has been named the ‘groundscraper’ due to its mammoth size – it will become one of London’s new collection of landmark buildings.

The aesthetically pleasing Victorian residences built in the 1870’s by Matthew Allen are still going strong today. TAPERED FOAMGLAS® insulation replaces the original concrete screeds, allowing the roofs to shed water. Excellent thermal performance and long-term reliability ensure that Mr. Allen’s properties will last for a long time.

Intermarché, Saint-Rambert-en-Bugey, France required a flooring which was quick and easy to install, suitable for high traffic retail areas, while being easy to maintain. They also wanted a stylish and attractive finish. The seamless Urban Concrete Grey interlocking loose lay flooring tiles were chosen for their project.

Hydrostop AH-25 liquid roofing was chosen as a better alternative to built-up roofing for installation to a new build Surrey County Council office development. The Hydrostop AH-25 system was applied over a concrete substrate with a bituminous vapour control layer with Eurodeck liquid roofing board and cut to falls insulation.

In this project Stoneworld have supplied and installed a totally bespoke sandstone staircase, created by cladding a poured concrete structure. Stoneworld create a digital template for each piece by using the latest portable scanning equipment onsite. This data is then used to waterjet individual pieces for the step treads and step risers. Read on to see the details of this project

webertherm XP External Wall Insulation system has been specified for a contemporary new build in a designated conservation area in South West England. The revolutionary system has been used on the walls of the property while weberpral M through-coloured render has been used extensively to long runs of concrete walling.

MARSHALLS BRICKS & MASONRY DELIVERS SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE FOR THE MERLIN RISE DEVELOPMENTMarshalls Bricks & Masonry’s Mayfair Vintage facing bricks have been used by housebuilder Backhouse on its Merlin Rise development to achieve a high-quality, reclaimed brick aesthetic that also aligns with the sustainability goals of the business.In line with the company’s sustainability aims, Backhouse chose to use concrete facing bricks rather than a conventional clay alternative. Unlike clay bricks, concrete products do not require firing and as a result, only a small amount of additional energy is used in the manufacturing process. Concrete bricks are net absorbers of CO2 due to their continuous carbonation over their lifetime. Therefore, across the total lifetime of the product, concrete’s carbon footprint is as little as 49% that of traditional bricks.BY SELECTING THE MAYFAIR VINTAGE BRICK AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO A TRADITIONAL CLAY BRICK, BACKHOUSE HAS SAVED 93 TONNES OF CARBONCharles Phillpott, Senior Buyer at Backhouse said: “We are focused on creating places that are sympathetic to their location, respect the existing environment and we are serious about how we work with existing communities. Placemaking is at the very core of our developments and we constantly strive to use sensitive methods of construction and materials. Marshalls’ range of facing bricks not only allows us to choose from a range of colours and finishes, it also means we are incorporating an element of sustainability into the homes we build by the very materials we select. This makes our sustainability goals easier to achieve and is at the heart of what we want to do as a business”.Kevin Cafferty, Commercial Director at Marshalls Bricks & Masonry said: “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the products we are so passionate about actually in-situ and forming part of someone’s home. The Merlin Rise development is testament to Clifton Emery Design and Backhouse; they have designed stunning and sustainable homes. We hope to see more of this sympathetic approach to design from other house builders and architects”.The Merlin Rise development was Highly Commended in the Development of the Year category (20-100 units) at the British Homes Awards 2021 and was shortlisted for the 2021 AJ Architecture Awards, Housebuilder Awards and Building Awards.

The renovation to the domes on the historic Harrods Repository was a fascinating project to have become involved in. Extensive concrete repairs were carried out using Koster corrosion protection and mortar repair materials followed by waterproofing systems installed internally and facade treatments externally on the tiled surfaces.These domes will dominate the London skyline for many years to come!

Knolly’s House, a residential block of flats in London, required refurbishment works to the internal communal walkways and concrete stairwells as the existing waterproofing had reached the end of its serviceable life. The waterproofing needed to be fast cure as the communal balconies were the only access to the flats. Therefore, Proteus Waterproofing specified Pro-BW® Plus system.

Great to see AG's Tavira Flagstones looking the part at St Marys Faughanvale GAA Club.The Tavira Flags in Silver are manufactured with Enduur 1 advanced concrete technology – engineered to deliver an impressive range of product enhancements, from increased strength, durability and longer lasting colours to a lower carbon footprint and advanced hydrophobic performance.

St Francis of Assisi Catholic College in Walsall, needed to replace their existing flooring in their main sports hall, in order to cater for the demanding needs at the facility.International flooring specialist Gerflor supplied 650m2 of their world class Taraflex® Multi-Use vinyl sports flooring in Light Grey (Concrete) to complete the refurbishment project to the highest standards.Chris Newey, Gerflor Specification Area Sales Manager, West Midlands said, “The existing sports hall floor was in desperate need of refurbishment. The new Concrete effect Taraflex has transformed the look of the hall from a dated school sports hall to a fresh and very modern look.”The management and procurement process of the new sports floor would be the responsibility of the Schools Site Manager Bernie McNally who is a former professional footballer for West Bromwich Albion and has also pulled on the green jersey for his home country Northern Ireland.Bernie McNally said, “We are delighted with the results and how less intrusive Gerflor’s Taraflex sports flooring was to fit, against digging concrete out which would have been a lengthy, costly, and messy process. Our Headmaster is really impressed with the new Taraflex sports floor, which is performing really well and also looks amazing, the before and after pictures speak for themselves.”The installation of the new Taraflex® Multi-Use floor would be undertaken by the Solihull-based FLR Group. Adam Kaid, Contracts Manager, FLR Flooring said, “Gerflor have some of the best options and varieties out there and we are always extremely confident in the quality of their products.”

Architect/Designer: PRPLocation: ManchesterProject Overview: 30 Brown Street is a four-storey brick office building originally built in 1985. The brief was to retain and refurbish the building to provide circa 50,000sqft of adaptable contemporary workspace. ServiceFull hardware scheduling & bespoke finishProject DetailsThis exciting design in the heart of Manchester steers away from using traditional finishes such as stainless steel or brass and instead incorporates a bold use of white RAL9010 PPC ironmongery. Architect David Sharpe explains why‘The building has a lot of exposed raw finishes, including concrete soffits and grey terrazzo flooring, partly inspiring the name, CORE (also referring to the location in the heart of Manchester's office core). Doors and main structural elements were painted a very dark grey to provide a clear contrast with the concrete structure. The inspiration behind the choice of white ironmongery was to provide a high quality counterpoint to the darker raw exposed concrete and painted finishes, and any small part metalwork - eg the lighting, brassware and glazed partition framing, were also specified to be white to match.The contemporary interior was a key ingredient for the brief and although we started with the concept of a mixture of grey and white ironmongery to work with the overall feel of the building during our close work with the architect this was pulled back to a predominantly white scheme with grey pull handles being used for fully glazed doors to create greater contrast and to fulfil the contemporary brief.The choice of specific ironmongery took into account the desire for a minimalist aesthetic, relating to the choices in lighting and brassware.’To find out more about this project visit www.prp-co.uk/project/30-brown-street.html

Minimalist design and style for a perfect outdoor setting, Atlas Concorde's concrete-effect porcelain tiles add a touch of glamor to the poolside of a private French villa.Essential shapes, simplicity, and hospitality are the main aspects that describe the exterior of a charming private villa in St. Emilion, a town that’s associated with good French wine. It’s a simple outdoor space that incorporates modern technology to support comfort and reflects a close attention to detail, where the choice of colours and materials represent the basis for the decoration of a space that embodies the principles of a modern, minimalist outdoor style. And it’s based on these design needs that the concrete-effect tilesof Atlas Concorde were called upon to clad the edges of the swimming pool outside the villa. Applied in a neutral shade in sync with the overall style, the concrete-effect surfaces adorn the space with a single continuous material, capable of transforming the environment into an oasis of intimacy, conviviality, and relaxation. The outdoor flooring makes it possible to project one’s style outside in safety and continuity, extending the design possibilities. Using a dry laying process, the outdoor tiles were placed directly on the ground, ensuring easy laying and the possibility of quick removal for any future changes. With their non-slip Grip finish and 20 mm thickness, the porcelain slabs selected for the poolside are an optimal, safe solution for the outdoor space. Resistant to external heat and the chemical attack of certain products, the outdoor tiles also maintain their flatness and original size, while also hindering the proliferation of bacteria, molds and fungi, thus ensuring a high level of healthiness. Combining beauty and practicality, the outdoor space and swimming pool of the French villa convey an atmosphere of relaxation and hospitality in harmony with the evocative setting that surrounds the private residence.

The Seed is a blueprint for sustainable construction. This new build home used next to no concrete, is insulated with recycled paper, was built around a tree and root protection plan, and incorporates a plan for deconstruction and reuse at the end of its life. Our timber products were another key sustainable element that was carefully specified by the architect, and they are used inside and out for cladding, decking and flooring.

Jubilee Bridge was constructed in 1977 - chloride contamination was causing corrosion of the suspended and cantilever reinforced concrete support beams, half-joint elements and the soffits of the beamsICCP was used to protect cantilever beams, half-joints and suspended slab elements. Over 8,500 anodes were drilled in and are controlled in 20 zones with separate control of the beams and the half-joints.