"desk"

Grain House was a complex, heritage-led refurbishment unifying and extending four historic buildings in Covent Garden with a rich history typical of this iconic location. Our team manufactured and installed a concrete reception desk for a new reception area. The results speak for themselves in this stylish modern office space where this stunning 4.6m long reception desk takes centre stage.The concrete worktop was designed to incorporate the client’s logo and we used our unique eco concrete mix technology which is lighter and stronger than traditional concrete. This helps to give the finished products the durability and performance they need. Despite the complex and detailed casting and installation required for this project, everything was completed to a high spec for the client.

Project: Bespoke concrete-cladded reception desk for a workspace in South London. Client: K2 SPACE / Glenstone Materials: Large BTX Concrete 3D panels (overlays) in Mist colour and Smooth finish. The panels were cladded over a hard wood carcass. To create an impressive raw industrial look, we used special large format BTX concrete precast 3D panels that were made to K2 Space’s specific design and carefully assembled and finished by our team on site. The results speak for themselves in this stylish modern office space where this stunning 6m long and 1.2 m tall reception desk takes centre stage.

The Lift 109 viewpoint designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates has opened within the rebuilt chimney of Battersea Power Station in London. We manufactured and installed a concrete reception desk for the Lift 109 Experience reception area which is located in the Power Station’s magnificent Art Deco Turbine Hall A.Living Concrete team used an innovative concrete application technique to create custom-built reception desk for our client Beck Interiors. MicroConcrete fluted tiles in Willow Green colour were cladded onto MDF frame, seamlessly achieving a very complex and detailed design. Hand cast and hand polished oval shape concrete worktops in Ivory were assembled onsite. By using the best of modern technology, we have created a modern and robust design that demonstrates how concrete can be both good looking and functional.

Project: Design and manufacture of 2 reception desks and browser in GRC cast and sprayed concrete with brass finishes for ROMO GROUP. Materials used: Hand cast and sprayed GRFC concrete in Silk Mist finished with brass detailing. For Romo’s flagship store in London’s Chelsea Design Centre, the Living Concrete team were faced with the challenge of converting complicated geometrical designs into two precast reception desks and a browser. The single casts were made offsite, with each being over four meters long. They were treated and sealed to make them stain proof.

Eastcheap Court has been newly re-designed by Trehearne Architects and Fletcher Preist, to provide best-in-class office space within a smart controlled environment.We manufactured and installed a precast concrete reception desk for the newly redesigned reception area. The desk was constructed from two large precast sections, and we used our special eco mix of glass fibre-reinforced concrete for this project. It was created in a White Smooth finish and was had-polished and assembled onsite. We also added LED lighting strips to provide evenly distributed lighting around the area. It was a successful build that the client was very happy with.

As part of a redevelopment at Coventry University, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities was transformed to feature a hyper studio designed for cross-disciplinary projects and new reception area.First of three, this new reception desk was assembled and finished by our team on site. Large precast polished concrete sections in Silk Mist finish were carefully fitted with a geometrically shaped Corian surround. We also added LED lighting strips to provide evenly distributed lighting around the area. We used our unique eco BTX ultra high performance concrete mix technology which helps to give our products the durability and performance they need.

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.

Goat Yard, formerly a Victorian Warehouse building named Albion House, underwent comprehensive refurbishment to offer grade A office accommodation, totalling 30,484 sq ft. Refurbished by West 1, a leading high-end office fit-out Contractors, the building boasts a newly reconfigured reception area. The Living Concrete team were commissioned to cast and install a custom-build concrete reception desk.Spanning 3m long, the single cast was made offsite, without any joints and finished in Mist Pitted finish to resemble a real, cast in-situ concrete. Laminated grey joinery and black Forbo rubber-lined worktop completed the look.

Web developers, Mission Communications, were looking to make a positive impact on visitors to their West End offices. Stainless steel specialists, GEC Anderson ,were asked to provide the stainless steel elements, comprising surface, side-panels and shelf components that formed part of the main reception counter. With some imaginative use of lighting as well as glass panes, the result was very creative but also highly professional looking. Behind the main counter were some other stainless steel worktops as well as sinks that formed part of the office tea point and catering facilities.GEC Anderson’s usual EN 1.4301 grade brushed satin stainless steel was used throughout.

Eikon Design has successfully undertaken a major renovation of the Spirit AeroSystems main reception area, creating a stylish, energised space that integrates perfectly with the new corporate branding on its recently completed, world-class £28m Aerospace Innovation Centre.Spirit AeroSystems is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of Aerostructures for commercial airplanes, defence platforms, and business and regional jets. Eikon Design won the contract to design and project manage the reception area renovation.From the start, the designer felt that the refurbished reception area needed to reflect the dynamism and vitality projected by the Innovation Centre. The designers first thoughts were that they had to explore ways of using quality lighting and natural daylight on surfaces to create an impressive, engaging experience for visitors.The colour scheme - The designer Susan Anderson chose a neutral colour scheme that would reflect that used on the exterior of the Aerospace Innovation Centre, which was predominantly silver and grey. Surfaces – HARMONY pre-fixed slatted acoustic felt . Susan wanted to bring the reception area to life with surfaces that had different textures, depending on the light available and where the visitor stood in the room. After researching the market, Susan chose the Harmony ribbed-felt wall acoustic panels which Saxen sourced from the manufacturers, Soundtect. They were the perfect solution – grey fibre slats on a black acoustic sheet, as they had the structure, texture and colour she was looking for. Plus they were hypoallergenic and non-toxic, with up to 1.0 NRC (noise reduction co-efficient) – and a totally sustainable addition to the project, having been manufactured third-generation from recycled PET.The PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles are first recycled into exhibition carpets and then, at the end of their short second life, converted again into highly efficient acoustic felt by carefully re-layering the fibres to use as the core for this impressive, elegant, ribbed acoustic treatment.The Harmony panels are manufactured with fireproofing built-in, because the original carpet fibres were already fireproof so this critical safety component is integral to the product and not simply sprayed on. The Cause was responsible for fitting all the ribbed Harmony wall panels.The wooden wall panels behind the reception desk were dated, so the designer decided to repurpose them.- they were prepped, base coat applied and sprayed with two beautiful tones of metallic silver by Scottish Architectural Spray painters. Visual contrast was provided by prepped and coated matt white wall areas. LightingHaving found the perfect panelling, the designer had to consider the lighting and the role it would play. She worked with Seren Lighting, using a combination of existing products and bespoke lighting in ways which were both innovative and functional – using light to define spaces and surfaces. Depending on the way they were lit – whether artificial light, natural light or a mixture of both – the texture on the Harmony panels created subtly different moods. Also, as there is a fair amount of daylight flooding into the reception, the atmosphere of the whole space changed with the passing of time and the amount of daylight with both the ribbed and silver metallic panels creating different atmospheres depending on where you stood. All the lights installed in the project follow ‘circular economy’ principles and can be cost-effectively maintained and serviced – parts can be replaced with no need to throw the whole light away and buy a new one. The reception deskFor most of the day in summer and for short periods in winter, the reception area is flooded with natural light from two sides, so lighting the reception desk workstation needed a careful response.The workstation was located behind the reception desk, so using standard lighting methods would have detracted from the overall impression and been unnecessary for long periods. In developing the solution, the designer followed the basic principle, ‘put light where you want it, when you need it’. So an LED ultra-effect strip in diffuse profile was used under the top surface of the reception desk which threw a subtle light onto where the receptionist was working on the computer. The receptionist can switch this strip on or off as appropriate.The Cause remodelled and reformatted the reception desk to the design, which involved removing the angled elements and large posts, and replacing them with a concealed door. They also fitted the reception desk surface with a stylish, matt, dark-grey laminate, installing the lighting, graphic panel and ribbed panelling to the front. The panelling’s flexibility ensured a perfect fit around the curve in the reception desk.The reception desk skirting was painted the same colour as the staircase handrail.The Wing LightsThese were designed to develop the Wing Lights from first principle. The Wing Lights deliver light upwards, so it bounces off the various surfaces to enhance the textures and reflective differences. They also project a visual link to the ‘star’ element of the Spirit AeroSystems logo and took several attempts to create the final geometric shape. However, the Wing Lights now act as dramatic focal point within the space, capturing the essence of Spirit AeroSystems’ business and the designers overall design vision.CeilingThe existing suspended ceiling was off-white in colour, and looked rather tired so it was spray-painted with a dark metallic silver, which transformed the appearance of the ceiling and changed the whole look of the reception area. Lighting the upper-level walkwayThere were issues with uneven wall surfaces on the upper-level walkway. The solution was to apply architecturally inspired Harmony, lit by dramatic custom-made LEDs, to create the total effect – an utterly stunning, modern wall. The lights used were twin gimbal heads – round lights that can swivel in two directions. These were specially adapted from standard lights in the Seren range. The twin gimbal heads were installed in false pockets, clad with ribbed-felt. They provide functional lighting to the walkway, while adding a dramatic effect on the wall panelling.Finally, a pelmet was constructed to conceal a new LED Cob profile, allowing it to wash diffused light between the ribbed features of the Harmony panelling.The panels above the pelmet were spray-painted silver – the same colour as the ceiling – to give a much more dramatic effect.Other features…The wooden bannister handrail was stripped back and layered with different metallic colours to give a changing surface effect with different shadows and highlights. It was then coated in a high-gloss lacquer. This introduced an accent of colour, which also reflected the company’s corporate colours.StructuresDominating the reception area are two high columns, one of which contains a lift. Given the solidity and simplicity of the shapes, the designer decided on a lighting solution that would create an architectural feel, so she used beam-controlled light bars at the top of the structures to project a subtle wash down the full length of the columns.Carpets and furnitureThe existing carpet tiles were removed and upgraded. They were colour coordinated with the new, striking Italian Quadrifoglio furniture, sourced through Saxen. This furniture was the cornerstone of the designers vision vision, and its style, shape, colours and textures tie the space together.ConclusionThe success of the project was very much down to careful planning, creative thought and good people working together. Products used: Freestyle. Harmony

Office Principles North designs London office for ArcadisLeading built environment consultancy Arcadis has moved from its Kings Cross HQ to 80 Fenchurch Street (80Fen), in the heart of the City of LondonThe move reflects an evolution in ways of working, in which choice and flexibility are key; an approach that has led to Arcadis being named Best Big Company to work for in LondonOver 20 different types of workspace will be available, enabled by Arcadis’s own Building Intelligence technology to manage capacity and support ‘activity-based’ workingOn 8 June 2021 Arcadis announced the opening of its new London office at 80 Fenchurch Street, in the heart of the City of London. From 14 June 2021, the business has been operating out of new premises, with over 40,800 sq ft of new office space across two floors, purpose-built around the needs and preferences of its people.The move signals a fundamental change in Arcadis’s approach to its office estate, with the emphasis on ways of working increasingly shifting from ‘where’ to ‘how’. It comes as part of a global review and ongoing commitment to embrace remote and fully flexible ways of working, which began in 2020 and has since been both reinforced and accelerated by changes resulting from the pandemic. As such, 80Fen will provide a blueprint for future offices both in the UK and worldwide.According to a series of internal engagement surveys, Arcadis found that 70% of its people would like to visit the office between 1-3 days per week, post-pandemic. The office clearly still has an important role to play, but the data shows the extent to which people value sustainability, flexibility and choice. Nearly half of respondents reported that they would want to visit the office to work on specific tasks or projects with colleagues, and nearly 40% to socialise and be part of a work community.Arcadis’s approach at 80Fen has therefore been about enabling people to make choices that satisfy both personal and work commitments – and recognising that these are not set in stone and may continue to change over time. Employees will have complete autonomy to manage where they work, in a way that best suits their needs. This flexible ‘no one-size-fits-all’ approach to the workplace has contributed to Arcadis being named Best Big Company to work for in London, and among the top 3 Best Big Companies to work for nationally.At 80Fen the concept of ‘activity-based working’ will be key, with the office providing far greater diversity of work settings. There will be more than 20 different types of workspace - ranging from open plan desks to collaborative and private workspaces, project areas, touchdown areas, call rooms and informal meeting areas, in addition to a purpose-built innovation area and a flexible event space, all of which enable people to work as flexibly as possible.Technology sits at the core, with ‘smart’ features embedded as a key design principle. The space is equipped with Arcadis’s own Building Intelligence software, provided in partnership with ICONICS. This incorporates a unified suite of apps, including environment and utilisation sensors, digital access, a branded Visitor Management System, and apps for mobile and digital signage, along with touch-free desk booking systems and the ability to control individual temperature and light settings in enclosed spaces.Not only does this help people find the right spaces for their tasks, but the resulting data also gives a rich picture of how the building is operating and how people are engaging within it. It means the space can be flexed in different ways. For example, monitoring energy and water consumption can help to manage and reduce use; air quality and thermal comfort sensors will better regulate the environment and ensure people are comfortable; and desk booking systems can be used to help manage capacity requirements, with available spaces being turned ‘on’ and ‘off’ as required. This can help to reduce space requirements by over 30%. Meanwhile, improving the performance of a building can reduce the energy needed for heating, ventilation and air conditioning by as much as 75%, with a further 25% reduction in lighting energy. This will make a significant difference not only in terms of lowering costs, but also reducing carbon consumption and mitigating environmental impact.80Fen has been designed as a place for collaboration, shared ideas and social interaction, but crucially also in a way that supports the health of employees. It features a range of social and wellbeing environments including quiet libraries, coffee lounges, a winter garden and contemplation and wellness rooms.As one of a new breed of sustainable office buildings, 80Fen has a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, and reflects best practice in sustainable design and health and wellbeing by maximising natural and atmospheric light and incorporating biophilic design and planting.Mark Cowlard, CEO of Arcadis UK and Ireland said:“The move to 80Fen represents an exciting new chapter for Arcadis. Over the last 12 months, we have been helping our clients chart a path to recovery, and are now practising what we preach through a flexible, inclusive, sustainable, and digitally-enabled new London base. We firmly believe that we still need offices and office space, but it must be a different type of space that reflects the changing nature of the work-day and our workforce.“The continued strength of the City office market demonstrates the importance of having a place for collaboration, shared ideas and social interaction, and the impact this has not only on productivity, but crucially the health and wellbeing of employees.“For us, 80Fen isn’t just a one-time fit-out, it’s a step change in how we use and curate space. It’s about people working in a very different, more mobile, flexible and even healthier way; which they can do at 80Fen. This approach has been reinforced by changes to the way we work during the pandemic, but for Arcadis, the shift started long before, and we can’t wait to call the City of London our home.”Speaking on behalf of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, Deputy Chairman Oliver Sells QC, added:“We are pleased to welcome Arcadis to their new home in the City of London. Big business moves such as this show that the Square Mile continues to be an attractive location from which to trade.“Arcadis relocating to the fantastic space at 80Fen shows that demand to return to the office is now being realised by business owners. We know that many workers are fatigued with remote working and employers are also keen to get back to a central office as Government restrictions ease.“We are confident that the City will remain a magnet for world-class talent, as we embark on our exciting plans to boost attractiveness even further through additional culture, leisure and great spaces.”John Dickie, Chief Executive at London First, said:“This move is a huge vote of confidence in the capital as one of the greatest places in the world to do business.“Arcadis was recently recognised as one of the best companies to work for in London, and its commitment to building a great environment for its staff shows that they are firmly at the heart of its plans for the future.”Soundtect was approached to supply the ceiling acoustic treatments throughout the building, and as a manufacturer of sustainable and recyclable products these worked perfectly with the company’s sustainable beliefs and design, which heavily focused on BREEAM. The Freestyle baffles, which were supplied in a number of lengths and colours for the different zones, worked perfectly with the overall design theme for the project and slotted in nicely with the planned layout and overall feel of the building, to handle the spread of noise and retain a calm atmosphere once the client’s many employees had moved in.

After embarking on a project to create high quality new learning pods to enhance its facilities, the last thing teachers, staff and children at Carr Lodge Academy in Doncaster were expecting was for excessive background noise to be so much of an issue that it stood in the way of their ability to use and enjoy them.The school wanted to create learning pods for each of its 1-6 year groups to provide a facility that could be used for extra learning, small group teaching or a break-out space for teachers and children. The building contractor appointed to construct the pods worked to an agreed specification and design, but the acoustic conditions that would result from the proposed usage of the spaces, the positioning of the pods and choice of materials for their fit-out was not fully realised. It was only when teachers and staff started using the learning pods that problems with echo and excessive sound reverberation were fully realised. This is a common acoustic issue which results from interiors that feature lots of hard, harsh reflective surfaces with the ultimate impact at Carr Lodge being that the pods were unsuitable for their purpose.The school sought specialist assistance to resolve the issues which started with an acoustic assessment and detailed acoustic report. And following a competitive tendering process, Hush Acoustics was appointed to complete the acoustic upgrade using its sound absorber panels.How absorption resolved the issueThe solution involved manufacturing and installing a series of Hush Absorber 50 panels which were strategically mounted on the walls of the learning pods. The Class A absorber panels are formulated using a 50mm thick acoustic foam which is hand finished in a high quality fabric applied on the face, edges and back – at Carr Lodge, the panels feature a green fabric to match the school’s aesthetics and contribute to the welcoming environment.Various sizes of panels were installed to fit the differing sized spaces within the school. Their positioning was dependent on the size and the layout of the learning pod for the year group. Some year group pods, for example, feature desks, so absorber panels have been installed to be continuous along the desk line, helping the children hear what is being said by teachers. In other desk-free learning pods, the panels were positioned on the walls – symmetrically where possible – to deliver an aesthetically pleasing and acoustically -effective result. Hush Absorber 50 panels work by absorbing soundwaves generated by speech and other sources in a way that hard surfaces such as plastered walls, wood and laminates do not. As a result, less sound is reflected back into the room, so the level of ambient noise is dramatically reduced to deliver a more acoustically comfortable environment that is far more conducive to learning.‘Huge difference’ to the learning environmentSarah Crampton, Principal at Carr Lodge Academy said: “Sound reverberation was causing us real problems and it meant that the learning pods – although fantastic in principle – simply didn’t serve the purpose for which they were intended.“The sound absorber panels have made a huge difference to the useability of our learning pods and provided a solution that did not require major, disruptive work. The quality of the solution provided by the Hush Acoustics team, and their service overall, has impressed everyone involved in this project.”

Müller & Müller Denistry Practice, Rennerod GermanyInstaller: GeschwenderProduct: Geschwender Bespoke Furniture and DesksGeschwender designed and installed bespoke HPL furniture to their local dentist office in Rennerod.In addition to the backlit branded front desk Geschwender built custom dentistry cabinetry to the treatment room with a solid surface inset sink and dispensing hatches for gloves and tissue below the high-level cabinets. Specialist drawers and inserts were also made to securely hold tools.Using HPL for sanitaryware in a clinical environment means all the furniture can be cleaned regularly and thoroughly with almost any cleaning agents and suspended dispensers reduce touch points to reduce the risk of cross contamination.

True Potential celebrate a contemporary new look for their headquarters in Newcastle upon Tyne. Created by Ward Robinson Design, the smart and agile workspace provides mixed work settings including desks, quiet areas and collaboration zones. EGGER woodgrain reproduction H3430 ST22 White Aland Pine was used throughout the project in matching laminate, door size laminate, MFC and ABS edging. The hard-wearing properties of EGGER laminate make it the ideal choice for collaboration zone bench seating, reception counters and internal doors. The versatile material allows for creative elements such as the curved features and logo routering.EGGER's matching material offer means that desks, case goods and decorative slats could be fabricated in cost effective MFC, removing the additional labour of bonding laminate without altering the design concept. Matching ABS edging gives a uniform finish to all of the furniture elements.

Challenge Modern paving flags required for city centre roof terrace at flexible workspace Urban HQ situated in Eagle Star House offers state-of-the-art facilities including meeting rooms, event space, a member’s lounge and bar.  One of its most notable spaces is the rooftop terrace. The roof garden provides co-workers with a valuable communal area to foster company culture or escape from their desk. The terrace offers a flexible space to relax, socialise or entertain while taking in the views of Belfast city and beyond. The central design aspiration was to bring a New York or London feel to Belfast city. It was essential that the roof terrace hard landscaping aligned with the design ethos. SolutionContemporary Mayfair Flags installed on pedestals were the perfect choice  Tobermore’s Mayfair Flags with their granite aggregate contemporary finish were the perfect choice for Eagle Star House. A contrasting finish was created on the terrace in the colours Silver and Graphite. A simple yet effective stacked laying pattern was deployed which adds to the clean look of the contemporary roof terrace. The commercial space has more of a boutique hotel feel than a city centre office. The Mayfair paving flags were installed onto adjustable pedestals, creating a level surface throughout the terrace. The use of this installation system enables the laying of paving flags without the need for grout, sand or adhesive. It also creates a void beneath the paved surface allowing an easy and convenient route for exterior cables or other services. View our Roof Terrace Support for installation on pedestals for roof terraces, balconies and roof gardens.

Aspiring to create a brand new design concept with a Fresh and Contemporary feel, Asda working closely with Resopal, has achieved this goal. Resopal Candy Wood 4147 - EM texture (HPL) Laminate has been selected, offering a natural wood feel, whilst giving a modern authentic look. Used to stunning effect in the cafe, signage above the customer service desks and fresh food areas, this concept will be rolled out in future stores.

The reception area had to set the tone for the rest of the building so we designed the bespoke Corian reception desk to mirror the angular lines of the unique feature staircases in the building’s central atrium. The new washrooms feature our full height Alto toilet cubicles, specified with a real wood walnut veneer finish. We designed the bespoke white Corian trough-style vanity units with an integral handbag shelf, back-painted glass splashbacks and Tego hinged mirror units. In the basement staff shower and changing area, our SGL Forza lockers provide staff with a durable, secure storage facility.

Ward Firth 9 at The Northern General Hospital underwent a complete refurbishment as part of an essential maintenance project recently which included redecoration and new flooring as well as the installation of Yeoman Shield Wall Protection Panels and Guardian Handrail.After the work was completed the ward lookedsmart and refreshed which left the originalNurses Station lack lustre, as pictured to the left.Yeoman Shield were able to offer a solution to theworn work-unit with the application, to the sidesof the desk, of 2.0mm thick FalmouthEx protectionpanels in light grey to match the surrounding décor.The tops of the work stations were covered withYeoman Shield Satin Pastel Smooth panels in thecolour Clay.Not only did the covering of the nurse’s stationwith Yeoman Shield products reflect the newsmart décor of the wards but also gave them anextra lease of life with a durable impact resistantand easy to clean hygienic finish.

Washroom designed, manufactured and installed new washrooms and fitted out the reception area for the new Trampoline and Play Park at Sutton Sports Village. The team specified a vivid shade of orange throughout the centre including on the Forte SGL cubicles, Concerto SGL duct panels, SGL vanities and HPL reception desk. With accessibility a key consideration, Washroom installed two different sized washroom cubicles; one with half-height doors for younger children, disabled toilets with outwards opening doors and ensured the pilasters provided a colour contrast to the cubicle doors to assist any partially sighted visitors to the centre.

A.J Wells manufactured and installed over 600 square metres of vitreous enamel cladding panels for the fourth floor of world renowned department store Harrods.The Knightsbridge store unveiled the new section in November 2013 as part of a £200m makeover. In a radical overhaul the Way In fashion section was converted into a 30,000 square foot “Fashion Lab” with cast concrete floors, crackle-glazed wall panels, steel columns and a metal grid ceiling system. The department houses an array of contemporary brands aimed at the younger market.Working with Found Associates, A.J Wells designed and manufactured the wall panels and the framing system. Vitreous enamel was specified for its durability, low maintenance and luxurious surface finish. A unique satin enamel finish was used with a subtle crackle glaze effect. The panels wrapped the walls of the store and formed counters and cash desk bulkheads. The cladding also extended into a café area within the store.The cutting edge scheme, designed by Found Associates, was deliberately minimal with uniform fixtures and fittings and plain enamel walls to counter the confusion often associated with concessions within department stores.KEY FEATURES:• Satin crackle glaze vitreous enamel• Wall cladding• Counter frontage and bulkheadsA.J WELLS SERVICES:• Design & development• Manufacture• Framing• Project management• Installation

The fact that power stations produce high levels of noise won’t come as much of a surprise to anyone who has spent more than a few minutes inside one. Quite how dangerous these levels of noise can be, however, might.How Loud is ‘Too Loud’?To give you an idea of the sensitivity of the human ear, the average person can hear sounds down to about 0 decibels (dB), the equivalent of a whisper or rustling leaves, and people with exceptional hearing can detect sounds as low as -15dB.It is at the other end of the scale, however, that serious problems can occur. At around 85dB, you are likely to experience discomfort. As little as eight hours of continuous exposure to this level of noise can result in permanent damage to the inner ear, which is why 85dB is the maximum allowed under the Noise at Work Regulations. At 100dB, just fifteen minutes of exposure can cause permanent damage. And at 110dB the exposure time drops to around a minute before harm is inflicted. Pain is experienced at 125dB and hearing loss can be permanent. At 140dB or above not only is the damage permanent, it is also immediate.The Noise at Work Regulations stipulate that an ‘employer shall ensure that risk from the exposure to noise is either eliminated at source or, where this is not reasonably practicable, reduced to as low a level as is reasonably practicable.” And that “if any employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above an upper exposure action value, the employer shall reduce exposure to as low a level as is reasonably practicable by establishing and implementing a programme of organisational and technical measures, excluding the provision of personal hearing protectors, which is appropriate to the activity.” In other words, an employer is expected to do everything they can, within reason, to protect their employees from the harmful effects of noise. And, no, it isn’t enough to simply supply a pair of ear-defenders.Noise-Induced Hearing LossThe damage caused by these dangerous levels of noise is referred to as Noise-Induced Hearing Loss or NIHL. NIHL can be caused by a single exposure to a very loud sound or by repeated exposure to even relatively low levels of noise over a long time span. In fact, according to research carried out by Xiaoming Zhou from the East China Normal University in Shanghai, even seemingly innocuous sounds, such as the whirr of a desk fan, can cause damage if exposure is consistent and long-term.To understand how NIHL occurs, it’s necessary to understand how hearing works.The generally accepted view is that sound waves strike the eardrum and these vibrations are translated into coherent information by the brain. It is slightly more complex than that. Sound waves do, indeed, strike the eardrum, causing the eardrum to vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted through the ossicles (the small bones of the middle ear) to the cochlea, a spiral-shaped chamber filled with fluid and lined with tiny hair cells called stereocilia. The vibrations cause the fluid to move which, in turn, causes the stereocilia to move. The stereocilia’s movements generate neural signals with are picked up by the auditory nerve which ‘forwards’ these signals onto the brain where they are interpreted as intelligible sounds human speech, music, the beep of car horn etc.Exposure to the harmful levels of noise mentioned above can damage the stereocilia, breaking them or flattening them so they no longer vibrate as effectively or so they no longer vibrate at all. The result: impaired hearing or, in extreme cases, total hearing loss.The noise recorded coming from the dry cooling system at the Severn Power CCGT Power Station at Uskmouth B was between 130dB(A) and 135dB(A), a full 50dB above Noise at Work Regulations’ acceptable levels. Regarding dB(A), the human ear does not hear all frequencies with the same intensity. It is most sensitive to sounds in the 500Hz-8kHz range. Above and below this range the ear becomes progressively less sensitive. To compensate for this, sound level meters incorporate electronic filtering to correspond to the varying sensitivities of the ear. This filtering is called A-weighting and readings obtained with this weighting are referred to as A-weighted and signified as dB(A).The Wrong Kind of NoiseAlthough it was identified that the dry cooling system from SPX Cooling Technologies was generating these dangerous and unacceptable levels of noise, it wasn’t the cooling system that was creating the noise. In fact, it was the turbines that were the source of the noise. The steam roaring from the turbines at incredibly high speeds enters the main 5.5m steam ducts, passes up five risers and is channeled into the steam distribution manifolds. Not only does the steam enter the dry cooling system, the accompanying noise does, too. You might think that the 8mm thick steel from which the ducts are constructed would go some way to containing the din. Unfortunately, steel is extremely adept at transmitting noise and is, in many respects, the acoustician’s worst enemy.To make matters worse, when acoustics and soundproofing specialists, CMS Danskin Acoustics, were brought in by SPX and Uskmouth’s main contractors, Siemens, they discovered not only high levels of noise but also that the noise generated had a very low-frequency bias. Low-frequency noise is the most difficult to treat from a soundproofing perspective due to the excessive length of the wave cycle. This is one of the reasons people in apartments, terraced houses and semi-detached homes will often complain of the problems of bass noises intruding from neighbouring properties, as the walls and floors filter out the higher frequencies whilst the lower frequencies manage to penetrate. This can seem a little counterintuitive, as we imagine higher frequency noise to be more piercing. Their short wave-cycle, however, means they can be blocked out with relatively thin soundproofing materials.The low-frequency nature of the noise also meant that this wasn’t just a Noise at Work Regulations problem. Low-frequency noise can be particularly problematic to the population in the vicinity of the source of that noise. Low frequency noise is often not even ‘heard’ in the traditional sense. Complainants often won’t even realise that noise is the problem at all; instead they will describe ‘pressure sensations’ and ‘physical discomfort’, experiencing the incursion as vibrations. Areas of the human body can resonate when exposed to low frequencies. The chest, for example, can resonate at frequencies between 50Hz and 100Hz, and the head at frequencies between 20Hz and 30Hz. It isn’t unusual, therefore, for sufferers of low frequency noise to complain of anxiety, nausea and headaches. Often, they won’t even be aware of the root cause of their symptoms, instead attributing them to a virus or some mystery illness.A New Approach and a Sound SolutionSolutions for low-frequency noise issues typically involve wrapping the problem in significant quantities of acoustic insulation, with many standard solutions being as deep as 500mm to 700mm. The sheer volume of lagging required for an insulation-based approach to a project like Uskmouth, with a daunting 8,000m2 of ducting to be covered, would be expensive, time-consuming to install and prohibitively disruptive. What’s more, there were areas around the ducting at Uskmouth which simply wouldn’t have been able to accommodate such an excessive construction height of soundproofing material.Paul Absolon, CMS Danskin Acoustics’ Technical Director, responded to the challenge of creating a ‘thinner’ soundproofing system that would meet the necessary Noise at Work Regulations requirements but would be cost-effective and efficient to install. In order to minimise disruption to Uskmouth, an off-site simulation was created near Burton on Trent, using a large section of identical ducting with a ‘door’ sealing up either end. Within the duct were several very powerful speakers. For testing, highly sensitive microphones were placed in strategic positions along the outside of the duct to measure any ‘leakage’. Acoustic insulation solutions were conceived, implemented and assessed in this controlled environment with the assistance of Acoustic Consultants Muller-BBM and the installation company Western Thermal Insulations.Exploring a wide range of acoustic materials from CMS Danskin Acoustics’ industrial acoustics range, it was clear that a single product was not going to be able to solve the problem on its own, so Paul opted for a combination of products working in concert, layer upon layer.The first layer consisted of CMS HT1B elastomeric isolation pads, constructed from a polyurethane-bound rubber granulate specifically formulated to dampen and/or isolate noise and vibrations at source and independently tested by the Institute of Structural Dynamics at the Technical University of Dresden. The 50mm thick pads were bonded to the surface of the duct at a rate of nine per square meter, creating 300mm spacings; so, as well as the dampening effects of the material itself, the construction benefited from large, evenly distributed airspaces in its foundations. Sound waves move less effectively through dead air.The second layer consisted of 50mm-thick QuietSlab SVX3, a high-performance, mineral-fibre acoustic lagging. MIMA (the Mineral Wool Insulation Manufacturers Association) describe the acoustic insulation properties of mineral wool (and mineral fibres more generally): “Porous materials such as mineral wool work to control and reduce noise by allowing air movement into the fabric of the material. The fluctuations of air molecules – which form sound waves – move into the body of the mineral wool, where friction between the air particles and the material’s narrow airways cause sound energy to be dissipated as heat.”

The team at Canal were approached by the client and design team at Collins Construction to manufacture an impressive bespoke staircase for the WD40 European headquarters. The client requested a feature staircase that connected three floors and reception desk inside the main central building. The technical sales team at Canal worked closely with the client to address the finer details including building regulations, existing constraints, structurals, logistics and overall aesthetics. The client requested the staircase to be manufactured in mild steel with a raw oiled finish to blend with their brand identity. .

Battersea Power Station, a former 42-acre brownfield site, has recently undergone a major refurbishment project (£9b) to provide a mixed-use development of high-end apartments, leisure and business facilities.The Power Station itself has recently opened to the public and comprises of an event venue, food hall and plenty of shops located within the historic turbine halls.Forming parts of the redevelopment project included the restoration and installation of a new bar within the Power Station’s former control room. The bar has been built around the façade of the original control room B, featuring control desks, switch gears and synchroscopes dating back to the 1950s.Restored to its former glory and sitting on a mezzanine floor overlooking the two large turbine halls, the Control Room B bar has been made accessible to all patrons with the installation of a Cibes A5000 lift.The Cibes A5000 is designed to have a small footprint yet maximum internal space – providing an ideal discrete accessibility solution to the Control Room B bar. Featuring a premium RAL matte black colour and adonized aluminium safety bar and control panel, the lift blends seamlessly with its environment and low-lit aesthetics of the bar. Whilst the fully glass shaft allows for 360 degrees views of the surrounding power station and, screw and nut drive technology of Cibes’ products – complimenting Battersea’s industrial backdrop.Following the successful installation of the A5000, Cibes Lift UK’s technical engineering team provided stand-by services for the official launch of Phase 2 of the overall Battersea Power Station regeneration project. Throughout installation, the launch event and following, Cibes Lift UK’s engineering and service team have remained in regular communication with the client. In particular, the Project Director for Phase 2, John Leverett.

Belonging to the hospital and the University of Medicine of Rotterdam, the Erasmus medical centre is an internationally recognized centre of excellence. As a learning centre, the building of 16 000 sqm contains a central lobby, conference rooms, learning rooms and offices, on 3 stairs. It welcomes more than 400 working or learning desks. Thank to the spectacular ceiling, the central lobby is very bright and spacious. 4500 m² of acoustic stretched ceiling has been installed to improve the sound comfort. Architect : Claus en Kaan

Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound and F46 pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive have led the way in refurbishing floors at Heythrop Park, near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, following its acquisition by Warner Leisure Hotels, as part of a four-year, £40 million renovation.Flooring contractors were commissioned to install a range of floorcoverings throughout the site’s public areas, including in the 300-year-old, Grade II-listed manor house, which is set in a 440-acre country estate, as well as the adjoining hotel complex.The project included work in the reception, two ground-floor theatres, bar, restaurant and lounge areas, as well as connecting staircases and corridors, in the modern part of the hotel.Stopgap 1200 Pro high-performance levelling compound was used to raise subfloor levels so that LVT floorcoverings and inlaid carpet would sit perfectly flush with previously installed ceramic tiles, with areas divided by custom-made CAT brass edging strips. Stopgap Micro Rapid fast-setting, fast-drying floor finishing compound was used to address minor subfloor imperfections.Stopgap 1200 Pro was also used to create a perfectly smooth surface for grey loose-lay Forbo Coral carpet tiles in the entranceway of the reception, where heavy-duty made-to-measure Newhay grid entrance well matting was installed.Behind the reception desk, Plusfloor concrete-effect luxury vinyl tiles were installed with Styccobond F46 pressure sensitive adhesive, which provides a high bond strength that increases as it is trafficked, as well as strong initial tack, meaning that tiles or planks won’t move around while working. The indefinite open time offered by the product negates the risk of late placement, another advantage when there’s complex designs and patterns.Contractors installed bespoke Brintons carpet in a small seating area on one side of the reception and in front of the entrances to the larger of the hotel’s two ground-floor theatres and Late Lounge Bar, as well as on the steps and accessibility ramp leading from the reception to the 120m2 area, using a dual bond system. This involved using Styccobond F3 to create a permanent bond between carpet and underlay, with the Styccobond F40 providing a peelable bond between the underlay and subfloor.In the theatre, where guests can enjoy live music, drama and comedy performances, Stopgap 1200 Pro was used to patch repair existing subfloors, including where stanchions had been removed, before installing custom-made dark black and blue Newhay carpet.Bespoke Newhay carpet was also installed in the Late Lounge Theatre, which was also furnished with an Amtico wood-effect LVT dancefloor adhered with Styccobond F46. Styccobond F46 was used to install Harlequin Standfast high-performance vinyl sheet on both of the theatres’ stages.Amtico Signature basketweave, wood-effect LVTs were installed in the Late Lounge Bar up to seating areas with bespoke Newhay carpet and ceramic tiles around the bar, as well as on the steps leading to the Late Lounge Theatre. A feature was created in the centre of the room with a large area of herringbone wood-effect LVTs and a border of Amtico Signature Cirrus Twilight grey planks.Similarly, in the first floor ‘Pub and Kitchen’, Karndean ‘Van Gogh’ salvaged wood-effect LVTs were installed up to the bar area, where a border was created using Karndean ‘riven slate’ grey ‘Knight Tiles’, and areas with tables and chairs, where Alternative Flooring ‘Anywhere Rope’ natural carpet was installed. The LVTs were installed up to ceramic tiles around the bar and seating areas with bespoke Newhay carpet.Plusfloor wood floorcoverings were installed on the main staircase leading from the reception to the first and second floors, extending onto the first floor landing and lounge area, using Styccobond B95.Where there were steps in the areas being renovated, including the main staircase, Stycco Flex rapid-curing, flexible tube adhesive was used to affix custom-made CAT brass stair nosings.

Puzl CowOrKing selects our clear whiteboard paint to boost productivity while keeping their colourful walls. Puzl CowOrKing is a coworking space that thinks outside the box for everything they build. From custom desks, shelves, arcades, even sinks they design any space to fit its unique needs. When they wanted to add some additional space for creative collaboration that matched the décor of their meeting rooms they turned to ESCREO. The idea of the wall is to act both as a place for expression but also as a strong design element, something that the clear whiteboard paint was perfect for.

The challengeThe old hand dryers had burnt out and were extremely noisy. The washrooms are located close to the reception desk and they often caused background noise problems for staff and visitors.“Choosing a product that was both quiet and eco-friendly, I had reservations about performance, however this was unwarranted. Superb dryer at a bargain price to match.” Emma Davis - Fleet & Facilities, ASE Plc Who are ASE Plc?ASE are a global company specialising in the automotive industry, with head offices in Manchester, UK. They operate in over 50 international markets providing specific motor trade accountancy, professional services and retail performance data. There are approx. 50 staff working in this location, but they have a worldwide team of over 220 peopleThe solutionThis Quiet Mark approved unit with blade technology is one of the quietest in its class. You can turn off the heater element to further decrease the energy use and running costs.Model: Dryflow ViperDry time range: 15 – 20 secondsRated power: 600W – 2000W (4 settings available)Guarantee length: 3 yearsThe results“The noise has dramatically reduced into the reception area and it is now as quiet as is should be.The new models selected are much less powerful and more eco-friendly, however the end result is just as good, dry hands all round. In fact, we just purchased another one”Emma Davis - Fleet & Facilities, ASE Plc

DAYLIGHTING TAKES OFF AT HEATHROWThe ageing glass skylights of Terminal 4 at London’s Heathrow Airport were in need of repair. The challenges for the project’s main contractor was finding a way to keep the project moving with little disruption to this busy terminal and also maintaining the airport’s security protocol.The answer was a single-source solution presented by Structura UK, the curtainwall engineers who are the exclusive distributor of Kalwall products in the United Kingdom and Ireland.18,836 square feet (1750 square meters) of Kalwall Skyroof® cladding were used above the terminal’s International Departure Lounge and check-in desks to replace the 30+ year old glass skylights. The Kalwall translucent sandwich panels are fully Aviation Security in Airport Development (ASAID) compliant with regards to blast performance and improve the solar control and insulation for the space below. In fact, Kalwall 100™ panels were specifically chosen to exceed code requirements, therefore future-proofing the project.The whole retrofit was completed externally using a custom moving scaffold and during evening hours, meaning there was no disruption to the inside of the building. And, as far as value, the lightweight translucent panels allowed for the existing substrate to be adapted and reused – a savings of nearly $9 million (£7m) in project costs and more than a year off the build timeline.“Structura UK was a new supplier to the major capital projects programme on the Airport (and) they delivered a flawless installation despite multiple challenging circumstances including adverse unseasonal weather, unexpected contaminated materials and multiple design changes,” says Ben Hooper, Senior Project Manager at Heathrow.Structura worked in conjunction with Structural Engineers Webb Yates for a scheme designed by Pascall+Watson architects. The project proved so successful that main contractor Balfour Beatty named Structura as their ‘Most Promising New Supplier 2018’. Kalwall offers complete line-of-sight protection, maintaining privacy for the security screening area and departure lounges while bathing the interior with diffused daylighting, regardless of the weather. Apart from providing the visual protection, its inherent strength and heavy-duty impact resistance make it ideal for secure locations such as this. It offers the highest protection in terms of windbornedebris and resistance to impact, abrasion and point loads. Not only is it man safe, but Kalwall achieves S:AA (BS 476 part 3) and Broof(t4) to EN 13501 part 5 for external fire performance.The exterior face is colour stable and includes a UV resistant, self-cleaning surface. This means that normal rainfall helps to keep the surface free of dust and dirt while at the same time retaining its original colour during the weathering process.

Combining beauty, functionality and longevity to create a unique custom design reception desk made from Corian® Solid Surface.

The ProjectNew Build, State of the Art facility offering full-scale test equipment to create a realistic, complete test setting – ideal for training.  The facility is intended to offer a range of professional courses for technical staff from electrical utilities, industrial plants, equipment manufacturers and service companies. Space Invader architects designed the high-quality refurbishment and specified Excelsior to manufacture and deliver the washroom package.  The ChallengeThe washrooms form part of a £2 million build for Omicron. The building itself in its design and quality is at an extremely high standard.  All the latest technology from fittings, desks to equipment have been considered and the washrooms needed to equal this standard. The Architects vision was to create Superloo facility affording the user complete privacy and comfort which is what is expected in modern buildings.  The Solution Excelsior Flush 30 Full Height Cubicles provided complete privacy for the user and a flush frontage complete with aluminium rebated edge detail to the doors and pilasters enhance the cubicle system and protect the meeting styles.Vibrancy has been created throughout the building’s interior and exterior on this project and white cubicles with a vibrant pop of yellow on the cistern panelling created just the right finish.Built by Pave Aways, the building was handed over to a very happy client in September 2017.Flush 30 Cubicle (Floor to Ceiling)SpecificationProduct Range: Flush 30 HPLDoors: HPL Bonded onto 28mm MR Core, Blanc Megeve B070, rebated HPL/ABS edge detail.Pilaster: HPL Bonded onto 28mm MR Core, Blanc Megeve B070, rebated HPL/ABS edge detail.Partition: HPL Bonded on 18mm MR Core, Blanc Megeve B070 with matching HPL/ABS edge detail.Ironmongery: Stainless Steel

An intelligent Advanced Go panel has been installed in The Steading, the home of sculptor and furniture maker, Tim Stead MBE.The Steading is an A-Listed building, located in Blainslie near Lauder in the Scottish Borders, and was both the creative centre and home to the Stead family across several decades. It was purchased by the Tim Stead Trust in 2021 and a programme of restoration work has included the addition of an Advanced Go new-generation, single-loop fire alarm control panel to protect this historic home.The Steading is considered Tim’s masterpiece with an interior that was transformed over many years. The interior is completely clad in sculpted wood: floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, cupboards, beds, a grandfather clock, sink, conservatory, hanging sculptures, desks and so on – all made by Stead himself. This exceptional building now aims to become a hub for practical expertise in everything to do with wood and the environment, hosting a variety of day and residential courses in the unique environment of The Steading.Fire and security service providers, Safe Services, installed the Advanced Go fire alarm panel in The Steading and were involved from the design stage though to installation and commissioning. The Advanced Go panel is integrated with EMS Firecell radio equipment for a complete cable-free fire system – which was an essential requirement to preserve and protect the unique interior of the building.

As part of our involvement in this project we supplied a bespoke reception desk and a variety of fire-rated door-sets.

Are you ready for action if an accident happens? Immediate action is essential if a harmful substance hits an employee in the face, and an effective eye shower should always be within reach. Desk mounted eye shower The simple activation and the well-balanced construction make it easy to operate the shower in stressful situations.

Heathrow Airport is the UK’s largest and busiest airport connecting the UK to over 80 long haul destinations and flying over 80 million passengers worldwide. Project/doors: Hart has over installed over 280 doors across all terminals including high speed smoke screens, fire conveyor shutters, security shutters, internal and external high speed doors, insulated fast action doors, sectional doors and pedestrian doors.The challenge Terminal 5 baggage handling system serves around 32 million passengers per year and handles around 6000 bags per hour.  Hart were asked to design, manufacture and install a specialist and unique automatic smoke screen system capable of handling over 6000 bags per hour, while providing a seal for 30 minutes in the event of fire. The solution Hart were the only company to provide a solution that fully met all the design requirements. Two years after the initial talks with the client, Hart successfully completed the manufacture and installation of all of the high speed smoke/fire screens within the main check in area, comprising 102 check in desks. Hart also installed a mixed package of roller shutter and fire doors in the lower ground service area and fire shutters on the Tube access tunnels leading directly to Terminal 5. The success Hart was chosen for the quality of engineering and the ability to meet the clients demanding specification and operating requirements. Hart continues to work with contractors and OEM’s such as Vanderlande, Mace and Balfour Beatty on site supplying upgrades and new doors when required

Highcliffe School in Dorset originally requested a visit from Style’s service and repair team, to offer advice regarding a moveable wall that was no longer functioning. Having carried out extensive inspection and testing, Style’s technicians concluded that it was beyond repair and that the best solution would be to install a new, Stylefold 120 modern folding wall system. A key benefit of the Stylefold system is its ease of operation, offering maximum flexibility for the school to use the wall on a day-to-day basis to divide the main hall from the canteen service desk and newly installed chiller.

In 2020, Hewlett Packard Enterprises relocated to The 210 Building, an inspiring office development in the heart of Winnersh Triangle. Working with architects, Perkins and Will, and BW Construction, Style was specified to create an extensive range of flexible space within the meeting rooms as well as a chic, collaborative working environment.Using a combination of 52dB Dorma Hüppe semi-automatic Variflex glass moveable walls, 55dB solid semi-automatic Variflex moveable walls and Style’s ingenious ‘working wall’ pivot panels, a supremely flexible and stylish training and meeting suite has been created. Hewlett Packard employees enjoy a contemporary environment with the freedom to rapidly change room configuration as often as required. The 210 Building offers 62,000 sq ft of newly refurbished office space, of which 31,000 sq ft has been let to Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Aiming to enhance the work/life balance of employees and staff located in the Winnersh Triangle, the Park offers a plethora of amenities including fitness facilities, cafes, open spaces for walking and cycling, an on-site nursery and even its own dedicated railway station. “This is a stunning installation,” said Julian Sargent, Style’s group managing director. “Everything about it is first class, making this a project we’re incredibly proud of.“The Variflex moveable walls offer top-end acoustic integrity, which means meetings and training sessions can take place undisturbed. The combination of glass and solid panels deliver a wonderful blend of privacy and transparency, while bringing a light and airy feel to the floor space.“The mix of fabric and writeable white board finishes offer a chic interior design yet a practical one too, and the pivot panels offer the perfect solution for collaborative working and break out groups.”Style’s agile, floating panel ‘working walls’ remove the usual barriers of meeting and training rooms, segregated work desks and cubicles, instead offering companies a space where individuals can group together, team up quickly on projects, share ideas and change their environment to suit the task in hand.