"construction plant equipment"

The FM company of a large Yorkshire Hospital engaged with wall & door protection specialists, Yeoman Shield, to resolve the unsightly and problematic damage that was occurring to fire doors in a busy specialist unit.Such damage, caused by the everyday passage of people, trolleys and equipment, if not attended to, may have become detrimental to the functioning of the fire doors.Yeoman Shield were able to provide a comprehensive fire rated door protection system, which when installed does not affect the fire integrity, to help combat and break the damage cycle, helping to prolong the life of the doors.Door Edge protectors, either FD60 or FD30, according to a doors rating, were installed to the vulnerable leading and hinged edges of the door to prevent chipping and splintering and helping to maintain the recommended 3mm gap between doors and frames.The leaves of the doors were covered with Yeoman Shield’s 2mm thick FalmouthEx protection panels at either full or half height dependent on where the impact was more prevalent, preventing dents or holes from manifesting in the future.Standard glazing beads were replaced with PVCu clad units, complete with corresponding intumescent strip, helping to protect an element of the door much prone to damage.A further part of the fire door refurbishment project was the addition of an Architrave and Stop Lath protection system. These systems come complete with hardwood (stop lath) or MDF core (architrave) with a PVCu cover and as such not only becomes resilient to impact damage but eliminates the requirement for redecoration and repair.Yeoman Shield were able to provide fire certificates for all parts of their fire door protection system offering compliance assurance to the client.For more information on Yeoman Shield cost effective wall & door protection systems go to www.yeomanshield.com or call 0113 279 5854.

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

The new purpose-built Health & Allied Professions (HAP) Centre forms part of Nottingham Trent University’s vibrant Clifton Campus and features an array of innovative resources and amenities, including mock hospital wards, specialist equipment and creative teaching spaces, to assist students in their study of nursing, paramedicine and healthcare.The impressive building has been designed by architects Pick Everard and incorporates a number of sustainable features to achieve an ‘excellent’ BREEAM rating. Senior’s fenestration systems, which offer cradle-to-cradle recyclability, were the ideal choice and the building’s striking main façade features both Senior’s thermally-enhanced SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and integrated SPW600 aluminium windows. Senior’s products were fabricated and installed by supply chain partner Logic Aluminium Systems for main contractor Henry Brothers Ltd.As well as a creating a welcoming gateway to the University’s Clifton Campus, the new two-storey building has been designed to provide both visual interest and maximise the use of daylighting. The use of Senior’s slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall systems floods the main atrium with natural light and provides each of the rooms with extensive views of the campus and surrounding areas. Ventilation is provided by Senior’s robust SPW600 aluminium windows which have been seamlessly incorporated into the curtain wall.The interior features of the new HAP Centre are just as impressive, with flexible teaching and study areas interspersed with state-of-the-art facilities including a virtual reality wall, which enables students to practice emergency medical responses in ‘real life’ settings, and mock hospital wards and domestic flat settings which feature robotically controlled mannequins that allow a range of patient symptoms, illnesses, and scenarios to be simulated and studied.

Avantage MP AOVAvantage MP is a 1 and 2 hour fire resistant AOV smoke control damper suitable for multi compartment applications of smoke control such as lobby to smoke shaft ventilators.The product is based on a damper door design and has been tested and certified to BS EN12101-8 achieving 1 and 2 hour fire rating. This is particularly important so to maintain the fire integrity of any shaft.The Avantage AOV smoke control damper is noted for its superior airtight properties. The damper is available as a motorised version providing a practical solution for large buildings where fire safety equipment is regularly testedThe unit is completed with a decorative silver anodised aluminium grille on the front. It fixes into a fire compartment shaft wall and is direct fixed within the opening through the sides of the damper. Once the damper has been securely fixed to the structure any shaft side perimeter gaps must be caulked with intumescent sealing material.Recommended fixing details are available on request to suit an array of fire compartment walls together with safety, installation and maintenance instructions.The front face grille is fixed to the damper unit flange and has the option of being coloured black behind the grille for improved visual appearance. The grilles are attached with concealed fixings.Key featuresSuperior air tightness (tested at -1500 Pa)Minimal pressure dropImproved energy efficiency and acoustic insulationRemovable grille for easy maintenanceAuxiliary switches for remote damper position indicationEfficient robust decorative finishing grille with concealed fixingsThe wiring connection and the drive motor mechanism is accessed lobby side of the ventilator behind the decorative grilleEasy access for service and maintenanceWide range of sizes for optimal selection considering pressure drop and space available

Manchester Museum has opened a new gallery dedicated to South Asian culture where Junckers’ solid wood flooring forms an integral part of the interior scheme. The new gallery celebrates the lived experiences and contributions of the South Asian diaspora and is part of the Hello Future initiative, a Heritage Lottery Fund project to encourage diverse communities to visit the museum. Architects Purcell created a new two-storey extension which includes two new galleries, as well as re-designing the original buildings to add a new main entrance, foyer, and visitor facilities. The new building has achieved BREEAM Very Good standard and was designed to adhere to the conditions required for museum collections. The design also places a strong focus on inclusivity, with improved accessibility for all visitors. The interior, designed by Studio C102 and Mobile Studio Architects, takes its inspiration from South Asian architecture and design with a material palette of rich colours and textures. Junckers Oak Natural Pearl flooring is paired with hand-patinated brass panels and a deep ochre wall colour that brings South Asian culture and creativity to life, a fitting backdrop to the many interesting exhibits on display. Junckers’ oak flooring provides the museum with a durable surface to accommodate high foot traffic. Made in solid wood, the floor is easy to care for and maintain and with a proven long lifespan, the floor can easily outlast the building’s design life of 60 years. Junckers flooring contributes to a healthy indoor climate and helps minimise any static from electrical devices and equipment. Having undergone rigorous degassing and odour tests to ensure there are no chemical substances in the flooring which adversely affect the air quality in a room, all Junckers floors carry the Danish Indoor Climate label certificate. The South Asia Gallery is a British Museum partnership. 

We were delighted to have succeeded in a competitive tender to carry out the playground refurbishment works at Decoy Park, Newton Abbot, Devon, in the summer of 2021. Decoy Park is a beloved recreational space in the town, with a large lake, woodland trails, and adjacent football pitches complimenting the play equipment at the park. Our design reflected the semi rural nature of the landscape, with a huge Treehouse structure sitting as the centrepiece of the area, standing almost 6m tall with a tube slide coming off the top level.A dynamic area aimed at older children featured two aerial runways, a beautiful glue laminated hardwood robinia climbing frame, and an overhead rotator. A spinning machine, a unique play piece that spins the seated user vertically 360 degrees, added a unique twist to the zone, something not seen in your everyday playground!The toddler zone is a heaven for the smallest children, with tastefully designed animal graphics, a variety of spinning, balancing and rocking activities, and a fun play ship featuring telescopes, play panels and steering wheels.A variety of different safety surfaces were laid at the area, to suit the various requirements of each zone. Wet pour rubber was used for the Toddler area, as its array of colours made designing and creating the animal graphics a possibility. TigerMulch was chosen for the adventure zone, with its natural looks and hard wearing properties ideal for the dynamic activities taking place here.Decoy Park was one of those special, unique projects that don’t come around very often, and we had so much fun designing and building the new playground. Thanks to Teignbridge District Council for commissioning us to do the works, we hope you enjoy it as much as we did making it!

Project Overview:Guttermaster Limited, a leading supplier of bespoke architectural gutter and fascia systems, was approached to supply a Tim Hortons new build restaurant with a high-quality Aluminium Bullnose Fascia for their new restaurant in Washington. The project aimed to combine functionality and aesthetics to create an inviting and visually appealing exterior for the restaurant. This case study highlights the outstanding collaborative efforts between the design, client, and contractor teams, which ultimately resulted in exceptional value for money.Client's Requirements:Tim Hortons, a renowned fast-food chain, had specific requirements for their new restaurant's exterior. They needed an attractive, durable, and low-maintenance fascia system to complement their brand image and withstand the elements of the local climate. The key project requirements were:Custom Design: A bespoke Aluminium Bullnose Fascia that aligns with Tim Hortons' branding and architectural preferences.Durability: A long-lasting and corrosion-resistant fascia system that can withstand the region's weather conditions.Low Maintenance: A solution that requires minimal maintenance and remains visually appealing over time.On-Time Delivery: Timely delivery to ensure the project's construction timeline was not compromised.Guttermaster's Approach:Guttermaster Limited is renowned for its expertise in providing bespoke gutter and fascia solutions for commercial and residential projects. In response to Tim Hortons' requirements, Guttermaster adopted a systematic approach:Design Collaboration: The design team at Guttermaster collaborated closely with Tim Hortons' architects and contractors to create a custom Aluminium Bullnose Fascia that met the design and branding expectations. This involved multiple design iterations and feedback sessions.Material Selection: Guttermaster recommended the use of high-quality, corrosion-resistant aluminium for the fascia, ensuring durability and low maintenance.Manufacturing Excellence: Guttermaster's skilled craftsmen used advanced manufacturing techniques to create precision-engineered fascia components that were easy to install and aesthetically pleasing.Timely Delivery: Guttermaster maintained open communication with the construction contractor to ensure the fascia components were delivered on time and without delays, adhering to the project timeline.Results:The collaborative effort between Guttermaster, Tim Hortons, and the construction contractor resulted in a highly successful project that met all the client's requirements:Aesthetic Excellence: The custom Aluminium Bullnose Fascia created by Guttermaster perfectly matched Tim Hortons' branding, enhancing the restaurant's exterior appearance.Durability: The use of aluminium ensured that the fascia would remain corrosion-free.Low Maintenance: The low-maintenance nature of the aluminium fascia reduced ongoing costs for Tim Hortons, ensuring the restaurant's exterior remained attractive for years to come.On-Time Delivery: Guttermaster's commitment to timely delivery ensured that the project stayed on schedule, avoiding construction delays and cost overruns.Conclusion:Guttermaster Limited's collaboration with Tim Hortons in supplying bespoke Aluminium Bullnose Fascia for their new restaurant in Washington is a prime example of how effective teamwork between the client, designer, and contractor can lead to exceptional value for money. The result is an aesthetically pleasing, durable, and low-maintenance exterior that aligns perfectly with Tim Hortons' brand image. This project demonstrates Guttermaster's commitment to delivering high-quality architectural solutions tailored to the unique needs of their clients.

The Hurlford Avenue new build project, situated on the former Garscadden Primary School site, truly harnesses innovation and design. This ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ project, completed in partnership with CCG, showcases technical prowess and constructional excellence.Garscadden Primary School closed back in 2017 but the 1930s school building remained standing. Spotting the potential for something impressive on the site, Glasgow Housing Association proposed a modern replacement – a portfolio of properties.The key requirement was to build modern, energy efficient homes which would provide much-needed affordable housing in the sought-after area of Dumbarton and make a significant difference to the local community.After extensive planning, focusing on matching an appropriate insulation system with a complementary finish, K Systems devised a comprehensive delivery plan using our unrivalled experience and expertise.CCG fabricated the building off-site with timber kits and incorporated elements from our Aricco system, with the final finish being completed on-site. This approach was advantageous for a few reasons, including the speed of construction and a reduction in required labour.Hurlford Avenue is a prime example of our experience with off-site modular builds and our project-specific approach to EWI solutions. We brought Glasgow Housing Association’s vision to life and delivered 28 houses and 42 flats for mid-market rent.Our ServiceThe build of the Hurlford Avenue development wasn’t without its challenges. Precision planning was required to ensure minimal disruption to the residents in surrounding estates. All traffic ways remained free for passage and noise pollution was kept to a minimum.During the build, our team encountered some detailing challenges. However, working directly with the contractor and main contractor, these challenges were quickly resolved by key colleagues within our Technical Team, and the build remained on schedule and of the highest quality.From specification and design to planning, delivery and evaluating, our team transformed a derelict site to a contemporary multi-dwelling development that rejuvenated the Dumbarton area.“I would like to thank everyone on the K Systems technical support team for their contribution in accomplishing the Aricco System project at Hurlford Avenue. The regular visits from senior technicians always go a long way to keeping any project in check and it makes the job of our management much easier by having honest, professional judgement to go back to our guys, with well earned praise on this occasion. Everyone was onboard from the outset in working around any potential difficulties and you will agree it shows in the final results.”Garry Barton, Contractor.Technical Project DetailsAs the client of this project, Scotland based construction company CCG, approached K Systems to provide a suitable façade solution that would complement their design. A build with timber kits and a drained ventilated cavity system was specified, along with a silkolitt thin coat render finish.CCG are renowned for off-site manufacturing (OSM) and manufactured the kits from their production site in near-by Cambuslang. They sourced the correct material according to our exact specification. CCG’s ‘iQ’ System was chosen, which is designed with a fabric-first approach where greater tolerances are determined by fewer junctions and thermal bridges to deliver enhanced U-values and significantly improve airtightness. By incorporating OSM and the iQ system into this project, it is just a small insight into our unrivalled knowledge and expert approach that we take to fulfil the requirements of our clients.For the supporting façade, the K Systems Aricco system was specified - a drained ventilated cavity system perfectly suited for use in low rise buildings, particularly new build projects and timber framed construction. The Aricco system is also the most compatible with offsite/modular construction techniques and boasts an A2-s1, d0 fire rating and therefore complies with the latest building regulations, ensuring the safety of all residents.The finish was just as important as the façade system, with the cost-effective, industry-leading Silkolitt thin coat render specified. Silkolitt renders provide a contemporary finish to new-build applications, something this project very much required to modernise the area. Silkolitt is simple to apply, and its hydrophobic properties makes the render low maintenance. It also has excellent vapour permeability, allowing the Hurlford Avenue properties to breathe and avoid interstitial condensation. It is the most flexible system on the market, making cracking over its lifetime less likely and therefore delivering a pleasing aesthetic with outstanding longevity.The combinations specified by the K Systems team resulted in the build of impressive dwellings boasting a U-value of 0.13W/m ² K – meaning homes were easier and cheaper to heat, a particularly attractive benefit given the current cost of living crisis.

The latest architectural wonder to rise from the banks of the Thames is Switch House, the highly anticipated extension to Tate Modern, which opened in June 2016. Ancon’s contribution to this landmark project was the fabrication of 12,000 special stainless steel corbels and over 600,000 stainless steel pins which now support and restrain the stunning brick façade, helping to turn this unusual design concept into a reality. With construction now complete, Ancon’s critical structural components are completely hidden from view, leaving onlookers to simply marvel at the overall effect and the ingenuity at work.

The Ashmolean Museum at the University of Oxford underwent a £61 million renovation scheme to meet the needs of modern institutions. BAM Construction specified a number of Howe Green’s 7500 Series Medium Floor Access Covers to provide high performance and discrete access to data cabling concealed beneath flooring in the museum. Installed in internal areas, the covers are capable of tolerating heavy pedestrian traffic and were designed to be infilled with a floor finish to match the surrounding area. The covers were manufactured in stainless steel to resist rust and corrosion and double sealed for optimal hygiene.

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.

Architect: Suzanne Brewer Architects This striking new-build home sits in the heart of the Blackheath conservation area in South East London. The two storey structure features a large set of Grand Slider II sliding doors at ground floor level that seamlessly connects the living space with its garden. Constructed on the site of a former mews, the pavilion-style property features an innovative design with a completely open plan living space on the ground floor of the main structure which features the 5-panel, 11m wide set of sliding doors on an OXXXO configuration.

Precast concrete Groundwall panels, designed and manufactured by Whites Concrete with a special rock face finish to blend in with existing surroundings, have replaced an integral part of a cemetery wall structure in Wigan. The 2.35m high (1m wide) concrete panels, which were formed with a bespoke liner, were installed on time and within budget by Parklands Services, a leading construction provider in the North West. Shaun Edwards, Managing Director of Parklands Services, commented: “We were very impressed with the turnaround, quality and detail of the precast panels from Whites Concrete".

A recent project saw us working alongside main contractors GHI and architects, Michael Laird in Edinburgh. KPMG’s new Edinburgh headquarters concluded after a period of regenerative construction and development, split between 2 phases. The intention to reflect the history and people which make Edinburgh an iconic city. Phase one included creating a space for employees to work as employee wellness was at the forefront of design during this phase. When working on phase two, we installed partitions to the cafés and client suites. KPMG’s objective is to have an environment ‘that encourages interaction, collaboration and communication’.

Neaco’s structural glass balustrade and Juliet balconies are adding a touch of contemporary style in keeping with the outstanding modern design of a new £6m care home in Brighouse. Providing 61-bed luxury accommodation, Bridge House was designed by SS+A Architects and constructed by Marshall (Building Contractors) Ltd of Elland on behalf of the Fisher Care Group. The collaboration has delivered an exceptional scheme which maximises the elevated views from the spectacular ridge-top site. Neaco’s structural glass balustrade was specified for external terraces and the roof garden, enabling residents to take in the panoramic outlook.

DESIGN BRIEF / OVERVIEWStrata Tower was the first development in the world where wind turbines were constructed within the fabric of the building, setting new standards in sustainable living and becoming one of London’s new icons. Our brief: to design a ground floor entrance that was as commanding as the building above it.SOLUTION:The Strata Tower's 4.5 meter high automatic revolving main entrance door, with enhanced security features and frameless 4.5 meter high automatic pass door, was developed by Open Entrances to meet BFLS' (formerly Hamiltons Masterplanners) design intent.

Neaco’s glass balustrade and aluminium grille systems are once again proving their value in contemporary design schemes following a specification at Fawcetts Yard, a development of luxury homes in Harrogate. Designed by Bramhall Blenkharn and built by HACS Construction, the select development comprises four stylish three-storey homes alongside a workshop/studio. The balconies on each home feature Neaco’s Techdek decking as well as their Elan semi-structural balustrade system with aluminium stanchions and handrails in a grey powder coated finish. The result is an attractively minimalist aesthetic in keeping with the development’s modern design and finish.

Seating has been provided alongside the paths of Euston Road in Camden to offer pedestrians the opportunity to rest and enjoy the green space in what is otherwise a very concrete-dominated local built environment. The contemporary styling and robust construction of Furnitubes’ RailRoad made it the ideal choice for the tough demands of this busy site. Three seating units were supplied in total - all from the ‘Loop’ family within the RailRoad range - comprising two simple straight benches and a combination assembly of a straight seat with backrest adjoined to a curved bench unit.

This 2018 Brick Awards winning project, the development on Creek Road, comprises of 83 contemporary homes and 1,800 sqm of commercial floor space. The architectural brief called for the brickwork to mirror an existing type and colour dating back to Victorian times. The selection of building materials was pivotal to the realisation of the project, and after careful consideration of the various options a decision was taken to centre the construction around one primary brick type: British manufactured Ibstock’s Funton Old Chelsea Yellow bricks, locally sourced from our Ashdown Factory, East Sussex.

A key requirement of this project was for the design and build to have a sustainable structural solution to meet the future needs. Komfort’s double glazed Polar Vision with a 15mm +/- 3-part deflection head and 2-part base was installed. This system was specified due to the line loading over an Atrium. Polar Vision gives you a minimal, seamless style with confident lines and unrestricted views. The system is dry jointed and constructed without mullion posts, offering up to 30 mins fire protection for both integrity and insulation, and can provide up to 48dB (Rw) sound performance.

Mapei products for the installation of wood flooring were specified to install floor coverings including over 63,000m2 of Domus wood flooring throughout all of the residential and penthouse apartments at Battersea Power Station, London. The construction of over 850 apartments at this iconic site has been completed during the first phase of building. With Mapei’s adhesive Ultrabond Eco S955 1K to furnish every apartment in the prestigious development. Ultrabond S955 can be used with all types and sizes of engineered and solid wood flooring, hence it’s suitability for the installation at Battersea Power Station.

The Assembly Rooms is a new office block development on a site of a former 1870’s cinema situated on Werter Road, just off Putney High Street.Living Concrete team used an innovative concrete application technique to create ultra-sleek custom-built reception desk for Morgan Cox at Assembly Rooms. A special mix of spray concrete in Mist colour was applied onsite to MDF frame, seamlessly achieving a very complex and detailed design.In addition two large planter units with sitting benches were constructed and finished in the same style.

During a basement construction project in Surrey it was revealed that there was no functioning vapour barrier installed under the concrete raft slab. Koster Aquatecnic designed and assisted in the installation of the Koster VAP I 2000 system followed by Koster epoxy decorative coatings to prevent damage caused by vapour release and leave a beautiful finish.Please visit our case study via the link. If you would like further information or have a similar project you would like assistance with designing, please contact the Koster Technical team at technical@kosteruk.com.

Ping An Finance Center is an iconic 115 story skyscraper in Shenzhen, China. Reaching 600 metres high, this striking building was completed in 2017, making it the world’s fourth tallest building and the second tallest in China. Jotun was chosen as the single source provider due to our long track record of multi-divisional, complex projects. Jotun Protective Coatings and Powder Coatings were specified to protect the steel structure and façades. An ideal choice, confirmed by both the contractor and applicator, due to Jotun’s consistent application properties under varying environments and construction conditions.

Naylor supplied Hi-Spec and Fairfaced Lintels to the Hepworth Wakefield which has a gross floor area of 5,232m2 and 1600m2 of gallery space. The Hepworth Wakefield is the only gallery to open outside London in over 50 years. The Hepworth Wakefield houses a collection of sculptures by local born artist Barbara Hepworth alongside the works of other prominent artists. Wakefield Council began project development in 2003 with a RIBA international architecture competition that led to the selection of David Chipperfield as architect. Design development started in 2004 and construction began 3 years later.

CBRE wanted to replace their existing automatic doors at the front and rear of their newly refurbished building with stylish doors which are safe, reliable and ensured effortless pedestrian flow. Two record K41 stainless steel four-leaf revolving doors constructed from glass to provide a modern, minimalistic look were installed. A stainless steel swing door complete with a record DFA 127 operator has also been installed next to revolving door at the main entrance to provide a wider opening for disabled access and deliveries of large, bulky items to the premises.

Designed by EDF and NORD Architecture, the first building completed on the Olympic site was the Substation that powered the whole Olympic site. The Legacy plans also meant that it would remain for the post-Olympic development as well, to power future developments for the Stratford City Development. Construction started in 2007, was completed in time for the 'Power On' date of June 2009 and was built by Winchmore Brickwork, using Ibstock Himley bricks and including Naylor Concrete Lintels supplied by Civils and Lintels, Erith. The building won several awards including the prestigious 'Best Brickwork in Britain' award in 2010.

A regeneration development in Vauxhall by the Ballymore Group has seen the biggest transformation story London has ever seen. It has added an entirely new urban quarter to London. The South Bank regeneration stretches from the Shard in the east to Battersea Power station in the west. The area known as Embassy Gardens is at the heart of Nine Elms and includes up to 1.750 new homes and over 20,000sqm of office and flexible workspace spread over 8 building plots covering an impressive 241,548 sqm. RCM’s Y-Wall was used in its construction.

The Building Centre, London’s premier architecture and construction gallery, invited Q-railing to re-design its central staircase. It supplied a staircase balustrade with LED lit handrails and a frameless glass balustrade for the void. John Bonning, the Building Centre’s commercial director said: “We applied glass risers to each solid oak tread, which safely created the same floating stair effect as the original but made the stair compliant with modern building regulations. The materials reflected the quality of the Building Centre, whilst drawing natural light into the lower gallery.”

No.1 Hardman Street is located at the heart of Spinningfields in Manchester City Centre. This recently completed building provides 5 floors of office space and is a piece of contemporary architecture which sits comfortably alongside both its historic neighbours and the large glazed buildings of this commercial area. Being one of the smaller buildings of the Spinningfields redevelopment, the design seeks to maximise its visual impact and optimise the site. With work complete by Eric Wright Construction in July 2014, and cladding sub-contractor Cover Structure Ltd, the distinctive external materials provide a strong visual identity.

The CapaCITY two tier is a highly convenient gas assist two-level bicycle parking system. The lifting system ensures that a bicycle can be parked on the top level effortlessly. Galvanised steel upper arm Upper arm on casters for easy glide action. Upper arm reaches to the floor for ease of loading bike. European manufacture for quality assurance. Welded and bolted construction. Security bolts give additional security. Gas assist action: Dampers stop upper arm from falling down uncontrolled. Lifts loaded upper arm with little effort.

Flymesh and cast iron air bricks, up till now, Installers have either pushed the mesh into the back of the air brick from inside - never to be cleaned again - or meshed over the air brick and held it in place with silicon - never to be removed again. Which is why we invented the cast iron flyscreen airbrick with removable copper mesh. It solved a problem faced by Galliford Try, constructing the athletes village for London 2012 Olympics when they needed feature vents for kitchen extraction to enhance their clay bricked homes. Discover how they work...

Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme range has been used throughout a new school building to provide a colourful and long-lasting paint finish. Stoneham Park Primary Academy is a brand-new school in Eastleigh which welcomed its first class of five-year-old pupils in September 2020. The school building has been constructed by Morgan Sindall with sustainability firmly in mind and specifying products from Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme range for the school’s paintwork will help reduce future maintenance cycles and save resources.

The Royal College of Pathologists have relocated their London Headquarters to the rapidly changing area of Aldgate, on the Eastern fringes of the city. The new seven storey structure replaces an existing office block, providing a flexible and environmentally efficient building to house their growing needs. The building design includes major conference facilities, meeting rooms, offices, a multi-function auditorium, exhibition space, restaurant facilities and accommodation. Cordek were asked by the specialist concrete frame contractor Oliver Connell & Son to devise a formwork system to allow the construction of ribbed concrete floors.

Delta were employed to assist on this leaking podium deck project. Following a full assessment of The Hub and its underground parking facilities it was identified that rainwater was entering the basement car park through the ceiling deck at multiple points. These points included holes that were formed to allow drainage from the surface, movement joints and investigation holes that had been created through the steel rib and concrete deck. Based on “as built plans” a system was designed post construction that would offer the same quality of structural protection had it been incorporated during the build phase.

Year: 2019Architect: Maber Assembly:·        Walls – APL StrongBak™ with external vertical APL profiled cladding Size:·        Approx 23,000 m² of StrongBak™ & APL external wall profiles Special Features:·        StrongBak™ system requested direct from client·        A follow-on project from the new BMW Mini factory in Oxford, which APL supplied as the same construction assembly and area·        Building 23m high·        All materials delivered to site within a 6-7 week period Building Location:·        Swindon, Wiltshire