"decorative plastics and wood laminates"

Here at Helmsman, we have manufactured and installed two-compartment bespoke laminate lockers multiple times, and this was our third time working alongside Bombardier Services UK. The specification of the lockers was 1900mm high, 300mm wide, and 450mm deep. The bespoke laminate lockers were completed with end panels and sloping tops which is an excellent choice that reduces dust collection.The body of the laminate lockers was in our standard shade of ‘Ice’. The doors were in the shade of ‘Primeval Oak’ by Greenlam to match the light aesthetics of the room as well as to match the lockers that were manufactured and installed by Helmsman in 2022. The Laminate lockers were decorated with oval laminated number plates above the Camlocks. The Camlocks are a great choice in accessories, they assure the users that their personal belongings are safe and secure.

Bombardier Services UK based in Biggin Hill is business related to aircraft services such as manufacturing business jets, services and repairs, and general aircraft expertise. The modern office and manufacturing space aligns with the high-quality business jets that they design and produce.Our team at Helmsman, we have manufactured and installed 40 two-compartment heavy-duty laminate lockers with the measurements to be 1900mm high, 300mm wide, and 450mm deep with the lockers to have sloped top-end panels to match the lockers that were manufactured and installed by Helmsman in 2022.The laminate lockers were powder coated with Greenlam Primeval oak to match the light aesthetics of the room as well as to blend with the other lockers with the body of the locker to be ‘Ice’ which is a shade of grey. The laminate lockers were decorated with oval laminated number plates above the Camlocks made by Lowe & Fletcher. The locks are easy to use, with each staff member being allocated to their own lockers which would make the staff feel secure that their items are protected.It was great to work with Bombardier Services UK again on the project. If you have a similar project or want to know more about laminate lockers, give us a call at 01284 530 427.

Our team at Helmsman manufactured and installed 35 three-compartment Laminate Lockers and 55 Solid-grade Laminate cladding for this project. The specifications of laminate lockers were 1800mm high, 300mm wide, and 450mm deep.The body of the lockers was powder coated in our shade of ‘Ice’, whereas the choice of the laminate, our client decided on colour ‘Graphite’. Along with the Heavy Duty Lockers, solid-grade laminate cladding was also requested which was in colour of ‘Graphite’ to match the lockers. Solid-grade laminate top cladding is a great choice as it encloses the lockers and reduces the storage on top of the lockers.The Laminate Lockers at Amazon was finished with vinyl numbering as well as Ojmar combination lock 8001 in ‘Black’. Ojmar combination lock is an excellent choice of lock type, as it provides options of setting the locks as a free-use mode or dedicated mode, which means that it can be used by different users each time or permanently by one. Additionally, it assures the users that their personal belongings are safe and secure in the locks.Laminate Lockers are a fantastic choice for many sectors. The material of laminate lockers is highly durable, which means that there would be less damage, dents, or scratches, as well as aesthetics with the variety of colours we have at Helmsman offer to the clients.

Adding a white Plastic Access Panel into the ceiling of a petite bathroom to provide easy access to utilities without detracting from the aesthetic of the customer's bathroom. Prioritizing utility and visual appeal, the Plastic Access Panel is a cost-effective solution that grants homeowners easy entry to concealed utilities, seamlessly merging with the bathroom's ambience. The access panel's white textured surface adds a note of elegance to the surroundings, complementing any interior decor.The installation process for the plastic access panel is streamlined and straightforward. The accompanying images document each phase of the process, guiding you through the steps involved.Ultimately, this undertaking harmonizes practicality with style, underscoring how a modest addition can wield a significant impact. The white plastic access panel eradicates the need for unsightly makeshift access points. Balancing cost-effectiveness, inconspicuous aesthetics, and a dash of refinement, this installation transcends mere functionality elevating both the utility and visual charm of the compact bathroom.

Take a read of our case study where our team manufactured and installed laminate lockers at Alexandra Park in Oldham. The specification of 55 two-compartment solid-grade laminate lockers was 1775mm high, 296mm wide, and 500mm deep. Along with 2 two-compartments with measurements at 1775mm high, 296mm wide, and 300mm deep. Additionally, 3 one-compartment laminate lockers with specifications of 900mm high, 296mm wide, and 500mm deep.The body of the laminate lockers was powder coated in the shade ‘Ice’ which is our standard shade for the mild steel body. Whereas the laminate doors were in a range of colours, ‘Red, Yellow Piper, Orange Crayon and Mountain Grey’ by Abet Laminate. These are excellent shades as it creates an uplifting atmosphere due to the bright colours whilst being in an environment of nature.

CHALLENGE The first of its kind for Quebec, the “living street” required a paving grid that would provide multi-purpose access along the street whilst also allowing for the aesthetically pleasing natural look to be maintained. A woonerf is a living street that is traditionally implemented as a traffic calming aid and to enforce low speed limit areas. They are often shared space streets where equal priority is given to all modes of transportation including automobiles, bicycles and pedestrians; usually with separate rights of way. The province of Quebec was looking to do a “pilot project” in the city of Montreal to create a woonerf that would not only provide the required access, including disabled access but that would also have a long-lasting beneficial impact on the environment. They were looking for an environmentally friendly ground reinforcement product which would provide the strength and durability required for a heavily used area. As a “living street”, the product needed to allow the growth of natural vegetation and contain no harmful preservatives which could affect the environment in which it is placed. The harsh weather conditions in Quebec also needed to be considered. With such extreme conditions in both winter and summer, the material needed to withstand the temperature fluctuations. Ground reinforcement products traditionally used such as concrete are susceptible to cold crack in winter as it is a porous material. As a requirement, the desired product was to absorb only limited heat in order to promote growing vegetation. The only suitable material for a project with such challenging conditions was hanit®’s recycled plastic heavy duty ground girds, with their durability and environmental credentials meeting the requirements.SOLUTIONhanit®’s Heavy Duty Ground Grids are manufactured from a blend of high-quality recycled plastic polyolefins extracted from post-industrial and post-consumer mixed waste plastics. Heavy Duty Ground Grids have a high impact resistance which makes them suitable for all vehicle access. They have an interlocking system which improves stability and also allows for quick and simple installation. As the woonerf needed to provide numerous different access levels it was important that the Heavy Duty Ground Grids were versatile. They can be filled with either grass, seed/topsoil or gravel. For this project, wheelchair access was provided through a gravel filled pathway.The rest of the “living street” was mostly completed with grass filled areas. As hanit® products transfer limited amounts of heat, they dry out the soil less than concrete. This works as a benefit to the vegetation growing through the grids. Recycled plastic material is not porous and therefore does not absorb any moisture. This gives added benefits in the winter as when absorbed moisture freezes in concrete it causes cold crack. Their open structure also allows for quick infiltration of any rainwater into the ground allowing for sustainable urban drainage requirements to be met.hanit® Heavy Duty Ground Grids are strong and durable and require no maintenance. They are not affected by weathering and decay; therefore once in place, they have a much longer lifespan than any other competing products. Made from 100% recycled material, the woonerf has been an extremely sustainable project. Providing Montreal with a living street has not only added more vegetation to the area but also allows the city to contribute to an environmentally responsible sustainable urban drainage solution. As the products are chemically inert they do not affect the environment and are harmless to all flora and fauna. In total the project has used 8,500 units of Heavy Duty Ground Grids. This equates to almost 77 tonnes of recycled plastic waste which has been saved from going to landfill. The woonerf has been an extremely well celebrated project that has won prizes for its conception and green initiatives. “I recommend Les Dalles Vertes (Heavy Duty Ground Grids) to all my clients. We laid out nearly 30,000 square feet of these pavers for the Woonerf project and it took us half the time and resources that were required to install the old concrete grass pavers." - Tony Scirocco, Ventec

Sika Liquid Plastics produces a range of complete roof systems, and several options were utilised on MediaCityUK. Building C levels 6 and 7 have an inverted roof system with level 7 also having a Decothane Delta 25 warm roof system installed on the upstands. In addition the timber canopy on this level was waterproofed with Decothane Delta 25. Building B and the studios had an Inverted Roof System installed which includes a root resistant version of Decothane – Liquid Plastics market leading liquid applied roofing membrane.

Here at Helmsman, our team manufactured and installed 80 four-compartment laminate lockers for their employees. The specification of the laminate lockers was 1800mm high, 396mm wide, and 450mm deep and completed with a sloping top which is a way to prevent dust from being collected on top of the lockers as well as prevent items being placed on top of the lockers.

CJ Murfitt were asked to provide an alternative product to replace failing timber products at Castle Special School in Cambridge. The school, which has 165 children attending, was opened in 2006 to replace four existing special schools in Cambridge. The timber had been used to edge planting bays and due to the poor quality of the existing material, large areas are now unusable and unsafe. The recycled rectangular palisade which was used on this project is ideal for challenging outdoor environments. The existing timber had rotted very quickly, due to poor quality preservatives which have been used in timber since the legislation which stopped the use of oil based preservatives came into effect.Recycled plastic products do not absorb moisture, do not rot and are resistant to vandalism. Rectangular palisades look great and their longevity is many times that of timber. There is a great variety of hanit palisades, suitable for creative design in any new development, reconstruction and modernisation project. Strong, durable and weatherproof, the palisades have a smooth splinter free finish. They have strong impact resistance and require little maintenance. The brown textured surface resembles the natural beauty of wood. These products can be easily nailed, cut and screwed. “The square palisades were very easy to install, allowing us to complete the work quickly and efficiently. As the product is maintenance free, we are confident that the project will remain aesthetically pleasing for a very long time.” David Coulson CJ Murfitt Limited - Contractor.

CHALLENGEIn Toronto, ON a large mail sorting facility was having an issue with chemicals coming from a concrete processing plant bordering their employee parking lot. The customer was looking to create both a visual and physical barrier from the equipment and excess dust. The fence had to be 2.4m tall, solid and without worry of material maintenance. They wanted to replace the existing fence that was just chain link with tarps, and an eyesore on their property.SOLUTIONA much more visually appealing and effective solution was found with hanit® 100% recycled plastic tongue and groove boards by HAHN, supported by galvanized steel beams. The 3.6m long beams were sunk 1/3 of the length into concrete, then filled with the 3.8cm x 13cm x 2133cm long T&G boards. Each panel was further reinforced at the base using a small hanit® support. The result was a simple, long-lasting privacy fence that met the customer’s needs. Shown here nearly three years after installation, the privacy fence has been a continued success. After numerous seasonal changes and close exposure to the conditions produced by the concrete plant, this installation demonstrates the durability and potential applications of hanit® 100% recycled plastic products. 

Caribbean Blinds have been an external shading expert since 1987. based in Sudbury provide from outdoor living to solar shading, exclusively designing and UK manufacturing luxury external shading systems.Helmsman manufactured, delivered and installed 22 two compartment heavy-duty laminate with camlock locker door. The specification of the locker is 1800 high, 300 wide and 450 deep, powder coated in black and with a laminate door colour of ‘Fenix Nero’.‘Fenix Nero’ is an aesthetic style of laminate, which has low light reflectivity with a matt surface. Additionally, it has a soft touch as well as being anti-fingerprint colour.On the laminated lockers the clients decided to have an oval laminate number plate with a key, making it easy for staff to use as they will be allocated a locker and a key to keep their personal belongings secure.The bespoke lockers were designed and manufactured at Helmsman. Some of the lockers were created to fit in alcove and were fitted with cladding and end panels in matching laminate to make the project look aesthetically pleasing.Get in touch today if you have a similar project, or want any more information on the products discussed, contact us today on 01284 530 427.

St James School is part of Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust, with their mission is to provide students with excellent education and to build their communities. The school provides its students with the tools they need to use their education to become the best versions of themselves, succeed in rewarding occupations, and create wonderful lives.Helmsman manufactured and installed 245 four-compartment Laminate Metal Lockers. The specification of the lockers was 1775mm high, 300mm wide, and 450mm deep. When the lockers were being manufactured, the school requested that they have a sloping top. Sloping tops are a common choice for school lockers because they reduce the accumulation of dust and allow for storage without risking a safety hazard if something falls off.The laminate Metal locker was manufactured with the body to be metal and the doors to be laminate. The body of the lockers was coated in our standard colour of ‘Ice’. Whilst the doors were powder coated in Blue Iris, Blue Tiber, and Paradise Blue, which symbolised the colours of the school. The lockers were finished with oval number plates above the Camlocks, which is a fantastic choice for school lockers as the students will feel assured that their personal items are safe in their laminate metal locker.Laminate Metal lockers are fantastic materials for school lockers as they give the look of freshness and stylish as the material of laminate doors does better withstanding dents, and scratches and can be more long-term for the schools.

Melbourne Science Park is part of Bruntwood SciTech which covers 17 acres with nine buildings. Their aim is to contribute yearly towards the economy. Also, to help the regional science and tech sector to succeed in the future.Our team at Helmsman has manufactured and installed 57 three-compartment and 8 two-compartment laminate lockers. The laminate lockers were requested by the clients to be Wet Spec, which helps the material not to rust, peel, or crack under humidity. The measurements of the lockers were 1775mm high, 300mm wide, and 450mm deep. The bottom locker doors were wished to be dropped.The lockers' body was powder coated Jet Black, with the laminate door coated Neutral Medium Gray, provided by Fundermax. Our laminate lockers provide a modern, heavy-duty finish and are great to be used on a regular basis. The lockers were finished with oval laminate number plates above the nimbus digital combination in black made by Lowe & Fletcher. This can keep the employees and residents assured that their personal belongings are secure and untouched.As always, our installation team worked hard to provide the best finish to the project. It was great to work with SDC Builders Ltd and we would like to wish Melbourne Science Park great success in the future.If you have a similar project or want to know more about laminate lockers, give us a call a 01284 530 427.

Isca Academy is Part of Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust to raise the aspirations and outcomes for their students enabling them to become fulfilled, and confident students. The school prides itself on being a true full school with students having a broad range of skills and ambitions on entry. Helmsman supplied and installed 205 four-compartment Laminate Metal Lockers. The specifications of the lockers were 1775mm high, 300mm wide, and 450mm deep. The school requested a mixture of sloping top and flat top. Sloping tops are a popular option for schools as they can prevent safety hazards as items can’t be stored on the top as well as accumulation of dust and dirt.It was requested to have a Laminate Metal Locker. The metal body of the lockers was coated in our standard shade of ‘Ice’. Whereas the Laminate doors were powder coated in Paradise blue, Yellow Crisp, Orange, and Hot Pepper. The laminate metal lockers were finished with oval laminated number plates above the Camlocks. Camlock is a great lock option for school lockers as it secures students’ personal belongings safe.Laminate metal lockers are a great option for schools since the material gives the look modern and sleek. In addition, the material will hold up better to dents, scratches, and other damage over time, which is an excellent material for schools as it can last long term.It was great working with Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust on this project again! Get in touch today if you have a similar project, give us a call at 01284 530 427.

The Loxley Shelter is our 100% plastic free cycle shelter. Made from recyclable galvanised steel and redwood from an FSC environmentally certified source, this shelter is the eco-friendly answer to sustainable cycle storage. The frame and roof construction is predominately structural graded timber to EN14081-2, pressure preservative treated with Tanalith® E against fungal decay and insect attack. Shelter feet are of steel construction for structural strength and to increase the life of the timber by keeping it away from the damp ground. Roof covering is fully recyclable galvanized steel,even the locknuts and roofing washers are plastic free alternatives.

St Luke’s Church of England School is part of Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust. They are all about their community to treat one another with dignity and respect and follow their Christian ethos. The school prioritises making students under their care to know and feel that they are highly valued as human beings and are worthy of an outstanding education.Here at Helmsman, we have manufactured and installed 179 four-compartment laminate metal lockers. The specification of the lockers was 1775mm high, 300mm wide, and 450mm deep. The school requested for the lockers to have a sloping top when they were fabricated. For school lockers, sloping tops are a popular option as they prevent the increase of dust and prevent the top of the lockers from being used as storage which can create a safety hazard if any items fall off.The school requested for the body of the locker to be Metal, and the door was to be Laminate. The doors were coated in multiple colours between Paradise Blue, Yellow Crisp, Orange, Hot Pepper, and Stone Grey, and the body of the lockers was powder coated in our standard colour ‘Ice’. The lockers were all finished with oval number plates above the Camlocks which is a great choice for school lockers as students can feel secure that their belonging is safe in the laminate metal lockers.Laminate metal lockers are an excellent choice for school lockers as it’s modern and stylish. Additionally, the material will do better at withstanding scratches, and dents.

Our team at Helmsman manufactured and installed 30 two-compartment solid-grade laminate lockers at Doug Philips Ltd. The specification of the lockers was 1800mm high, 300mm wide, and 450mm deep. The clients requested for the two-compartment lockers to be manufactured with an internal shelf and angled shoe tray within the lockers. Additionally, all the lockers had a perforated base which allows airflow into and out of the lockers.The body of the lockers was powder coated in ‘Black’ which is from our standard colours, whereas the laminate doors are in colour ‘Artic White’ by BioCarbon Laminate, which is a beautiful colour providing an aesthetic and organised area. The laminate lockers were completed with vinyl numbering as well as Lowe & Fletchers Nimbus combination lock in Black.

Green Square Accord constructed the first virtually plastic free homes in Europe in 2022. 12 Apartments were constructed on the site in Redditch. In-Design & LoCaL Homes worked to find innovative and practical ways to not only reduce plastic use in construction, but to virtually remove the use of plastic in the entire design. The homes feature innovative components including wiring made with mineral insulation and Graphenstone paint which will absorb 10kg of CO2 and does not give off Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can be damaging to the environment and may have health implications. The homes are closed panel timber framed with a MVHR system using natural materials in kitchens and bathrooms including sisal flooring. Our closed panel timber frames reduce carbon used in manufacture and the timber comes from sustainable forests to reduce net carbon emissions. Our panels are also quick to install reducing emissions from construction. This, combined with our factory process which ensures that any waste is recycled where it can be, makes our houses as sustainable as possible. Arden Windows Ltd of Coventry were selected for the manufacture, supply and installation of the windows and doors for this project. Arden are fully certified to ISO9001 and ISO14001 and were able to meet the high thermal and security specification requirements of this project with ease incorporating Triple Glazing, and their Secured By Design certified system. Arden were able to demonstrate their sustainability credentials and low embodied carbon throughout the production process. Arden only use sustainable FSC® timber in the manufacture of their windows and doors, meaning the timber used is fully traceable to the source forest and any harvested trees are replenished. Timber window frames are Carbon Neutral over their lifetime and are a great way to reduce carbon footprints in construction. Furthermore Arden offset carbon by burning waste wood and sawdust to create heat for their factory and all products are supplied fully finished using water based coating systems. 

Our team manufactured and installed 26 two-compartment Laminate Heated Lockers to accommodate 52 people, designed for a wet area, which assures that there will be no risk of peeling or rust.The specification of two-compartment Heated Lockers were 1800mm high, 300mm wide, with 1mm rivets, and 450mm deep. Lockers are positioned on top of a 175mm stand, which allows the heat to enter the lockers through perforation. The Laminate Heated lockers were requested to be in ‘Gris Orage’ by Polyrey, which offers a visually pleasing design that matches the room’s colour scheme.Helmsman Heated lockers are the perfect solution for wet clothes, with laminate doors to fit your aesthetic needs. The lockers are manufactured with a perforated base as well as the shelf allowing the warm air to circulate inside the locker and perforated slots at the top allow the damp air to flow out.Laminate Heated Lockers were finished with Lowe & Fletcher Nimbus in Black. Nimbus is a great lock option since it gives users the peace of mind that their personal possessions are secured and it can be used in both public and private user modes, meaning it may be permanently locked up with a single code or used for day-to-day use.Helmsman Heated Lockers are a fantastic option for many industries. Heated lockers provide commuters and employees who require their damp clothes to dry before the end of the working day.If you have a project where heated lockers are required, or if you want to know more about helmsman products, contact us today at 01284 530496 or get your quote here today.

It’s prime time for the education sector to refurbish and service institutions. Helmsman manufactured and installed almost 200 new laminate lockers in a high school in Manchester. These laminate lockers were extra heavy duty. Having ‘extra’ heavy-duty lockers means that the laminate doors inset into the locker frame and creates extra durability. The advanced locking design provides a return lip within the internal door frame for the hooked cam to lock behind. In addition, there is a locking slot in the door frame upright that enables secure locking in two places. These stable and fire retardant four compartment lockers have created storage for 776 students.The Laminate used was Arpa Fucisa, which makes the corridors pop. The laminate lockers are all standard sizes of 1775mm high x 300mm wide x 450mm deep. This project included a standard 150 mm stand with the rear leg which has been cladded with matching laminate panels to have a fully secure, clean and aesthetically pleasing effect. Arpa Fucisa also used for the sidewall to locker infill. Chorlton school chose to have engraved numbers on each locker door. Using this solution for numbering protects the lockers from vandalism.Helmsman is the leading manufacturer of a complete range of lockers and cubicles in the UK and a specialist in providing solutions across different sectors from leisure, healthcare and education through to commercial, retail, construction and industrial. With a dedicated and experienced in-house design team supported by its on-site factory, the company produces high-quality lockers manufactured for each project.

Over time, plastic exposed to the Great British weather, UV rays and pollution become dull and faded. Some things can be expensive to replace and painting can be time consuming.So, today we are going to be show casing how to restore sun damaged plastic with Owatrol Polytrol.All except from the gas box were treated with a warm soapy solution and then rinsed with fresh clean water. After allowing the surface to dry for 24 hours, Polytrol colour restorer was then applied using a brush and left to work for between 15 and 20 minutes. After this time, the excess was removed with a lint free cloth

Our team at Helmsman manufactured, delivered, and installed a variety of our Heated Lockers. There were 35 three-compartment Laminate Lockers to accommodate 105 people, as well as installing 28 Z Lockers to accommodate 56 people.The lockers were manufactured with wet specifications which means that the Laminate lockers are manufactured for an environment where there is humidity, which can also withstand rust. The lockers are manufactured with an aluminium and stainless-steel body and laminate doors.The specifications of the three-compartment lockers and Z lockers were to be 1775mm high, 298mm wide, and 450mm deep. Along with the lockers, the lockers were all installed with seat stands. The measurement of the seat stand was 300mm wide and 450 deep, the stands were powder coated in colour ‘Black’, to match the body of the lockers. Whereas the seating was in our standard slats of Ash Hardwood.The body of the Heated Lockers was powder coated in ‘Black’. The laminate doors were in the vibrant colour of ‘Ballerina’. The heated lockers were finished with Lowe & Fletcher Nimbus in ‘Black’ which is a great choice as it secures personal belongings, along with many benefits such as having a collection of user modes such as public, private, or technician mode.

The specification of the 78 bespoke Laminate Z Lockers was 1650mm high, 384mm wide, and 450mm deep. Laminate Z Locker was installed with seat stands allowing the employees to sit whilst changing shoes rather than having to balance whilst standing. Sloping tops were added to Z Lockers, which is a great feature as it keeps dust from building up and prevents anything from being stored on top of the lockers. Furthermore, bench seating was requested for in ‘Country Oak’ for a dry area that is perfect for an atmosphere free of moisture and humidity.Our customers requested the laminate doors to be in ‘Country Oak’ whereas the carcass of the lockers was powder coated in ‘Black’ in the Helmsman colour range. The seats were Helmsman Ash Hardwood, and the stands were powder coated in ‘Black’ to blend with the lockers. Bespoke laminate Z lockers were finished with oval laminated number plates and Camlocks are an excellent choice as it assures the employees that their personal belongings are safe and secure.

Increased awareness of need for sustainable solutions is causing the construction industry to lean towards wood materials, thus strengthening the position of wooden buildings in the real estate sector.At the Latvian Construction Annual Award 2021 and the Latvian Construction Engineer of the Year 2021 contests, the new regional Customer Center building of Latvijas Valsts Meži was awarded 1st place in the category “Wooden Structures”. The project was developed following the best practices of sustainable buildings, including energy efficiency, material optimisation, and minimising the negative impact on the environment in both the short- and long term.Riga Wood birch plywood was used in various stages of the whole construction process, too. For this project, two Riga Wood birch plywood products were chosen – Riga Decor and Riga Form. Riga Decor is a common choice for interior solutions where functionality shouldn’t overshadow aesthetics. The decorative appearance allows it to be used for the design of furniture and other interior elements. Meanwhile Riga Form, another birch plywood product applied in this project, is among the top choices for concrete shuttering.“For us, this has been a project full of customised solutions – starting from the technical specification to the provided services. Close collaboration between our sales team and customer, as well as mills and the logistics, led to a high-quality end-result,” comments Uģis Ozols, Riga Wood Baltic director. Customer oriented service solutions integrated in the customer’s production line is among top services provided by Riga Wood and Latvijas Finieris team.It’s well known that construction sector accounts for a hefty amount of CO2 emissions, and a wave of urban growth is increasing the global building stock. Construction materials such as concrete, steel and aluminium are among those contributing a notable share of generated emissions globally. Nevertheless, by using smart technologies and shifting one’s way of thinking, constructions can become global CO2 sinks that support climate stabilisation. Wood is the key factor.

CHALLENGEIlam Park was a popular tourist destination in the Peak District with a parking problem. The main car park is paved with asphalt but their sloped overflow car park suffered from rutted, unsafe and uneven surfaces due to poor drainage and puddling. More asphalt would create water runoff and drainage problems elsewhere so a permanent and durable permeable paving solution was required.SOLUTIONHanpaveTM was chosen as it’s a freedraining system that’s tested to bear almost any vehicle. There are no more problems with rutting or uneven surfaces. It’s also highly durable, weather-resistant and made from 100% recycled plastic. When installed on a properly engineered permeable base (no pipes or ducting required!), it can be in-filled with gravel or grass for an attractive, stable base that becomes virtually invisible to the average user.CONCLUSIONHanpaveTM was installed in 2019. We called in on a very wet day in November 2022 and the HanpaveTM grids were in excellent condition. Surfaces were even, rutting was gone and, even in torrential rain, puddling could only be found in areas paved with asphalt – not HanpaveTM. Despite some extremely hot summers, Hanpave’s unique expansion absorbing design and professional installation have given Ilam Park an effective, longlasting and attractive solution to their overflow parking problems.

As part of the development at Riverside Sunderland, Brims Construction are carrying out the work at the former Gilbridge Police Station site. During the works, Helmsman were asked to supply some lockers. The client requested Heavy Duty lockers with a wood effect finish, alongside a bespoke vanity cupboard with vanity shelf. 

This case study shows the different affects you can get by using professional timber treatments. Our experts can help you choose your perfect bespoke finish and colour to match your interior décor. This is a specialist area and only professional fitters with finishing experience on site should be used. Some of the treatments require pre-treatment to change the tannins in the wood which will require buffing with a white pad before applying a top coat. Others are the latest lacquers that can be easily applied on site.

Helmsman manufactured, delivered and installed 172 two compartment heavy-duty laminate lockers with welled locker doors for Bombardier Services UK modern office space. Each bank of laminate lockers has an integrated cantilever bench running across it, which is a great space-saving solution.This locker room is an ideal space for staff and visitors. The bright area and durable lockers work well together.

One can clearly see how functionality meets aesthetic appearance in perforated acoustic birch plywood panels. Precisely perforated panels complement every interior design and the sound-enhancing properties create a pleasant living and working environment. Acoustics play an important role in one’s well-beingAcoustics are important in different construction projects - starting from exhibition booths to concert halls, schools and other public spaces. The best results are achieved in close collaboration with engineers, architects and designers, ensuring the effective combination of sound-enhancing properties and visual aesthetics of acoustic panels to meet the requirements of each project. Furthermore, acoustics play a significant role in one’s well-being. A noisy environment can cause discomfort and increase one’s stress level, as well as hinder communication and reduce the ability to concentrate. With perforated acoustic birch plywood panels, it is possible to minimise obstructions in everyday situations.Perforated acoustic Riga Wood birch plywood panels in projectsWe have recently taken part in multiple projects, where perforated acoustic Riga Wood birch plywood panels were used. The technical requirements of each project are unique. A military base, primary school, cultural centre and Christian congregation – these are just a few to mention and be proud of.Perforated acoustic birch plywood panels are very versatile - wall and ceiling panels can be adjusted in shape and size, overlaid with wood veneer, laminate or lacquered. Panel sizes can be adjusted for each and every project specification, keeping in mind functional and visual needs, as well as installation requirements. This is why we can see the use of our perforated acoustic Riga Wood birch plywood panels in so many and such conceptually different projects.Products used in these projects: Riga Decor, Riga Lacquer, Riga Ply, Riga HPL

Sika Liquid Plastics has specified and supplied a roof upgrade solution for West Suffolk Hospital to renew the waterproofing membrane on multiple areas of the hospital campus and create a gradual pitch to aid drainage while enhancing the building’s thermal performance. Delivered by specialist contractor, Allard Construction, the phase four programme included seven sections of the building in a 20 week programme. The seven areas that needed work were all under heavy coverage of mechanical plant and pipework, and consequently there were large areas of restricted access, these issues made Sika Liquid Plastics the perfect choice for the project

This brand-new sophisticated working environment in London was designed with best-in-class facilities, so it was an honour for Helmsman to be asked to supply the lockers. With the cycle to work scheme fast becoming more popular amongst workplaces, its no surprise that 72 Welbeck Street provided 114 spaces for bicycles, 9 showers and 138 lockers in their luxurious new commuter facilities.It was great to work with Specialist Joinery Group again on this project. In order to optimise the storage for the lockers, the client chose a variety of locker designs, including Z Lockers and 3 Compartment Laminate Lockers.Z Lockers are a great choice as they allow 2 people to store their items in the footprint of one locker and allow hanging of clothes, perfect for those who have cycled to work and are getting changed. While laminate lockers are perfect for a professional heavy duty finish.Both the Z Lockers and Laminate lockers chosen were manufactured from aluminium and stainless steel with Abet Laminate doors in colour Spring White. These materials are designed to withstand a wet environment and so are perfect for the changing rooms at 72 Welbeck Street. The Z Lockers also featured stands with seats, with slats in matching laminate from Abet.All of the lockers were finished with black circle number plates and Lowe and Fletcher camlocks. The perfect choice to keep the changing rooms looking slick and modern.This was another great project to be a part of in the heart of London, and it’s great to see that our lockers look and feel just like the designer intended.If you need Z lockers, Laminate lockers or want to chat with us about any bespoke locker requirements, give us a call on 01284 530427.

CHALLENGE Aylesbury Grammar School needed to have their knee rail fencing replaced in the communal areas of the school. The original fencing made of timber had become unsafe and un-secure making it a liability for the children.You often see timber suffer under harsh circumstances such as being faced with weathering in the challenging outdoor environments in school grounds. Aylesbury Grammar School had faced this issue with the timber fencing they had around the school grounds. The fencing had rotted very quickly due to the poor quality preservatives, which have been used in timber since legislation banning the use of oil based preservatives came into effect.Aylesbury Grammar School instructed Buckland Landscapes to replace and upgrade the outdoor areas of the school grounds. They were looking for products that would require little to no maintenance in order to reduce their annual costs. They wanted strong and durable products that would withstand the heavily used areas and maintain a safe environment for the pupils. The products needed to be long lasting and environmentally friendly.SOLUTIONBuckland Landscapes specified ® hanit as the replacement material for Aylesbury Grammar School. ® hanit Ultra knee rail was chosen to create the boundaries within the school grounds. Knee Rail products are UK manufactured ® using the hanit Ultra formulation which is the strongest of all blends. It offers good impact resistance and is used for high quality profiles. This ensured that Aylesbury Grammar School would be provided the durability required to withstand the high use. The surface has the appearance of timber with a consistent colouring and as the products are weather and rot resistant it will remain aesthetically pleasing for many years to come. The safety of the pupils had been put at risk with the previous rotting fencing. Therefore it was made a priority to looking ® for a new material. As hanit does not rot, is weather resistant and has a smooth splinter free finish. These qualities also ensure the reduction in maintenance costs as ® hanit products require no treatment or maintenance.Aylesbury Grammar School were keen to use a more sustainable product in their school grounds, therefore the environmental ® benefits of hanit made it the perfect choice. Made from 100% recycled plastic it is possible to show the students the benefits of recycling and what products can be re-worked from material that would previously have been a burden on the environment and gone to landfill. Buckland Landscapes were pleased with the ease of installation and they found ® the handling of hanit just as simple as timber. “We are really pleased with the replacement knee rail fencing. The products look really good and most importantly, they are strong and durable and will not splinter or rot making it un-safe for our pupils. The knee rail fencing is also a sustainable replacement as it is made from recycled plastic.” Headteacher - Aylesbury Grammar School

Helmsman had the luxury to manufacture, deliver and install around 180 Z lockers and several benches to commuter washrooms and changing rooms. The client requested wet area Z type lockers, which we provided in heavy-duty aluminium and stainless steel powder-coated bodies and solid grade laminate Z doors. The client choice of colour for the body was the standard ‘ice’ and, the laminate door was Grey Maple (619) from our Abet Laminati collection. Z locker sizes were bespoke to comply with the space. The sizes are 1800H x 378W x 450D + 1mm rivets and 1800H x 298W x 450D + 2mm rivets and end panels to match the lockers. The majority of the lockers are with standard cam locks, and 44 of the Z lockers are with a keyless operation of the Ojmar OCS Pro locks for security and sleek design. These locks have a digital keypad with an integrated handle. In these uncertain times, these locks are hygienic and easy to upkeep. Bespoke bench seating with shoe tray underneath, manufactured from hardwood slats, complement the lockers. The client specifically requested to have these made from hardwood which matches the laminate locker colour.

Do you know the story behind the original skull murals at The Thee Amigos Skate Shop in Camden, London? On their original shop exterior art, Polyvine decorators varnish was used to protect the vibrant colours from fading over time. This mural was up for around 9 years, but a few years down the line, Polyvine were sent an image of the mural, which had faded everywhere but on the skulls! Why? Well, the varnish had only been applied around the skull artwork, to protect these gorgeous colours, and not on the background. This simply shows how effective our decorators varnish is for protecting against the UV rays that cause colours to face over time.

An exceptional experiential showroom space featuring Rockfon Mono Acoustic which is curved and integrated with Orac Decor wall mouldings.

Constructed in 1969, Lancaster University’s iconic chaplaincy centre is one of the first buildings that come into view when arriving on campus and amongst the university’s most architecturally distinctive. It features three circular roofs which rise in the centre of the building to create a three-pronged spire. The building has become an instantly recognisable visual symbol since being used as the basis for the university’s logo in 1989. The recent roof refurbishment project, delivered using Sika Liquid Plastics’ Decothane Ultra system, received the Liquid Roofing Project of the Year under 1000m2 at the LRWA Awards 2017.