"dining"

Glazing Vision rooflights were used in the re-construction of this mews house situated in the prime real estate and conservation area of Mayfair, London. The building is an exceptional example of stunning architecture and elegant, contemporary interiors. Whilst adding a majestic character to the mews itself with its dark brick façade and impactful balcony, the outer appearance belies the vast size of the residence internally. After the demolition of the former mews house and after 2 years of construction, which had even necessitated underpinning the neighbouring houses, this property now accommodates a basement with indoor pool, lower ground floor with cinema room, open plan living and dining space, 2 floors of bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as additional terraced balconies.Keeping the interiors bright and airy throughout was key to the design concept – floor to ceiling windows and Flushglaze Walk On Rooflights from Glazing Vision were installed to maximise the daylight where it would have been otherwise compromised on the ground and second floors. In addition, a Glazing Vision 3 Wall Box Rooflight provides unimpeded access from an internal staircase to the impressive roof terrace, which is recessed down 1 1/2metres between 2 pitched roofs and which offers a vast outdoor space for entertaining, dining and relaxing.Two Flushglaze Walk On rooflights were specified by the architect to negate the risk of potential dark spots appearing in the dining zone and living area on the ground floor. Engineered by Glazing Vision to bespoke sizes and to meet the future projected foot traffic upon them, they were seamlessly integrated into the balconied terrace on the second floor, thus shedding light through to the bench seating in the kitchen and lounge.Their minimal internal framework was in keeping with the contemporary aesthetic of the interior, and both rooflights augment the quality and quantity of light entering this open plan area, even extending out towards the central stairwell and landing.Two further custom-sized Flushglaze Walk On Rooflights installed on the roof terrace add an intricate design detail but also create a wow factor. Perfect for flat roof terraces, these rooflights lie flush with the wooden decking. Again tested to allow for regular foot traffic and to bear the weight of terrace furniture, the rooflights offer complete safety and watertight integrity. On the second floor below, the two windowless bathrooms are flooded with the light coming through these rooflights – indeed such is the brightness of these rooms that privacy blinds have been installed for occasional use.Seeking to optimise the very large roof space that had been created (4m x 8m) the architect specified Glazing Vision’s 3 Wall Box Rooflight, which would offer easy access all year round to the roof terrace and also provide a contemporary glass feature. For the accommodation of the 3 wall mounted box rooflight a timber box frame had to be built which abutted the exposed brick wall behind.The property’s imposing central staircase provides access to the box rooflight, which in turn maximises the light falling down the stairwell to the bottom of the house. At a touch of a button from an access keypad, the sliding roof retracts to give a 50% clear opening with no “bowing of the head” necessary. The operation is quiet and safe, and the provision of a rain sensor ensures closure from inclement weather.

Luxurious Outdoor Living: a Sanctuary of EleganceNestled in the heart of central Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK, this remarkable project showcases the artful synergy of luxurious outdoor living and impeccable design. The sprawling terrace area serves as an oasis of relaxation and an exquisite dining space.Once a family home in need of modernisation, this property has undergone a large transformation overseen by a family who sought not merely a home, but a sanctuary that harmoniously caters to both adults and children, fostering moments of reprieve and conviviality.The front facade is graced with the natural grandeur of McMonagle exterior natural stone wall cladding, a testament to refined taste and architectural finesse. In harmony with the contemporary elements of the roof, front door, and surround, the client chose Silver Quartzite from the Stoneer range. The 'L'-shaped corner pieces emulate the substantial depth of authentic stone walls, adding a depth to the façade.The entire front and side paths of the property are embraced by the sleek embrace of Atlas Concorde Boost White porcelain, its modern concrete finish seamlessly weaving together the chosen colour palette.Venturing to the rear of the property, the vision of local garden designer Sue Blakeley unfolds—an artist known for breathing life into outdoor realms. In her inspired design, a raised dining and socialising sanctuary emerges.A grand staircase descends from the property's first floor, unveiling a 120 m² expanse of outdoor bliss. The choice of oversized 1200x1200mm tiles from the Atlas Concorde Boost White porcelain range amplifies the modernity of the space. Their smooth, refined finish forms the cornerstone of a contemporary aesthetic that gracefully complements the minimalistic outdoor furnishings and architectural accents, crafting a space exuding cohesion and sophistication. Four huge steel planters, each with a beautiful olive tree, sit on either corner of the main terrace square.The alfresco dining area beckons, offering seating for up to 16 guests. Here, culinary delights can be prepared on the integrated BBQ or the countertop-mounted pizza oven, while refreshments are kept cold in the integrated fridges. The selected porcelain, resistant to stains and heat, ensures both ease of maintenance and enduring beauty.Adjacent to this culinary haven, a contrasting border crafted from Atlas Concorde TM Black porcelain draws the eye, defining individual zones within the outdoor haven. Beyond the inviting soft seating area, another area awaits, poised to entertain yet more guests.Gazing back from the lawn towards toe terrace, a gracefully designed set of steps guides one back up to the elevated terrace. Boost White porcelain, mirroring the landing's material, makes a bold statement, accentuated by the grandeur of five six-meter-long steps. The step risers, also composed of Boost White porcelain, exude order and logic. Intriguing, raised planters, chosen for year-round interest, colour and scent, sit either side of the steps, infusing visual intrigue and seamlessly melding with the garden's overall aesthetic, rendering this outdoor haven a masterpiece of design and leisure.Companies involved with this project:Contractor: Mann Contractors, www.jemanncontractors.co.ukGarden Designer and Installer: Sue Blakeley, www.sueblakeley.comArchitect: Coleman Anderson Architects, www.colemananderson.co.ukMaterials used in this project:Atlas Concorde Boost White Porcelain 1200x1200x20mmAtlas Concorde Boost White Porcelain 1200x600x20mmAtlas Concorde Boost TM Black Porcelain 1200x600x20mmMcMonagle Quartzite Wall Cladding Stoneer Silver Flat PiecesMcMonagle Quartzite Wall Cladding Stoneer Silver Corner Pieces

Conversion of listed Cotswold coach houseDesign Storey architects are thrilled with the transformation of this curtilage-listed coach house located in a walled garden within a conservation area in a small Cotswold town. The task was to extend the ground floor of the property to create a new boot room and dining room, increase the amount of light into the property and improve connection of the house with the garden. The project proved particularly tricky due to the listed and conservation status which made selection of materials especially sensitive. Having specified Lindab guttering for these reasons and for its longevity and minimal appearance, the architect was assisted with samples so that the client could choose their colour palette on site. They opted for Anthracite Metallic coated finish gutters and downpipes and square hoppers which the architect said, “contributed to the overall quality of the build and visual appearance of the final building”. Following this, Design Storey are using Lindab guttering on a number of further projects including a school extension and a family home, stating that Lindab, “provide a quality range of products to suit a number of solutions.”

With its ten cinemas and six restaurants, the East Square leisure complex in Basildon in Essex is part of an ambitious master plan to restore the town centre’s appeal by creating daytime and evening entertainment and dining opportunities. Partly inspired by the city’s artistic past, when Basildon was known for its 1960s ceramic murals, the building also evokes the modern edge of digital images. The set of multicoloured hexagonal cassettes designed by Pollard Thomas Edwards’ architects in London evokes the shape of coloured pixels in the digital images projected on the cinema’s screens. This combination of four surface coverings - AZENGAR®, ANTHRA-ZINC®, QUARTZ-ZINC®, GOLD lacquered zinc - and two types of installation - MOZAIK® cassettes and hexagonal shingles - on some 4,000 m2 of facades creates a playful and dynamic effect. A future image is coming into view. The irregularity of the facade’s upper edge is a good illustration of the city’s urban renewal project; it seems to show that the city’s future is still being constructed and rewritten in this very place. 

Pura® NFC by Trespa as connecting factor between two building volumesIn close cooperation with Guus Vedder (2•1 Architecten), architect Hendrik Jan van der Valk (Van der Valk Woudst ra) has designed a modern villa, consisting of two main volumes. The villa was for a private client and is located in a rural village in the Veluwe region. One volume is used as living/ dining room and kitchen, while the bedrooms, bathrooms, playroom and technical area are located in the other.The client had a number of explicit requirements for the design of the villa which is located on a large plot in a wooded area. In addition to various aesthetic aspects, the villa had to be sustainable and energy neutral. The facades, roofs and floors were therefore very well insulated and of airtight construction. All window frames have aluminium profiles with optimum insulation and have triple glazing. The whole house is equipped with domotics and all installations are powered by the solar panels that were fitted; there is therefore no need for a gas connection.

As part of the major refurbishment project, Artform Urban was approached by City Design to transform an underutilised internal courtyard into a vibrant communal space that encourages social interaction and relaxation.To achieve this, the design needed to incorporate a variety of outdoor furniture elements that complemented the modern aesthetics of the refurbished building while withstanding the rigours of an outdoor environment. The design and layout were also guided by the unique and playful ground markings that help to break up the ample space visually.Artform Urban worked closely with the client to provide a comprehensive range of outdoor furniture that met the project's specific needs. The supplied products included:Stone Benches: These uniquely designed pebble-shaped benches are manufactured from High-Performance Concrete and add an artistic touch to the courtyard. The stones can be supplied in 3 sizes and also feature a specialist Comfort option that has a heated element for additional user comfort on colder days. Rivola Seat: A really well-priced unit, the robust granite Rivola Seats feature a wavy design that echoes the ground markings. These can be positioned in 3 different ways for added flexibility. As well as being highly durable and low maintenance the Stone and Rivola are ideal in student environments for encouraging informal group gatherings or solitary lounging and relaxation thanks to their intriguing organic shapes. Loop Arc and Hop Op 500: this range of contemporary, rotationally moulded plastic seating and stools features an ergonomic design and is available in a range of vibrant colours. The client opted for a white bench to complement the newly resurfaced area and ground markings - creating a visually appealing and comfortable seating solution for students, perfect for casual meetings or studying outdoors. It is also possible to install these free standing and self-weight internally with water or sand. Holgate Picnic Sets: To foster a sense of togetherness and encourage outdoor dining, Artform Urban provided picnic sets. These sturdy and durable sets offered a practical dining solution for students to enjoy meals together in the courtyard.Rubino Litter Bin: To maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the courtyard, Artform Urban supplied the Rubino Litter Bin. This heavy-duty yet stylish granite waste disposal unit seamlessly blends with the modern design of the space. By providing various furniture options that combine aesthetics, durability, and comfort, the newly refurbished courtyard will play a crucial role in enhancing the living experience for the students at iQ Wilmslow Park in Manchester.

Dynamic interior spaces created for flagship care homeIssueQuantum Care were launching their flagship care home, Mantles Court, and wanted an interior design that created a warm, welcoming and comfortable space. They asked WHAT IF? Designs to create the interior fit out with a non-clinical feel, making the state of the art, 78-bed care facility feel like a home-from-home for residents.ApproachWHAT IF? Designs looked at the flow of resident living spaces and the needs for each area. Communal spaces including lounges, dining and kitchen areas needed floors that were easy to clean, look fantastic and provide safety from slips. For the ensuite bathrooms, a softer, neutral coloured floor that provided slip resistance for both staff and residents was needed, while bedrooms needed a more homely, domestic feel, with comfort under foot as a priority.SolutionAltro Wood was chosen for the dining room, bedrooms and the hair salon for its natural, homely, good looks. Altro Aquarius and Altro Pisces, with their wide colour palette and lifetime sustained slip resistance, were selected for the ensuite bathrooms, providing safety for shoe and barefoot users. And in the communal areas, Altro Ensemble was chosen for its flexibility and design choices as well as its noise reduction and comfort underfoot.Altro Wood is an attractive wood-effect vinyl flooring helping you create the right look for areas where people live and work. It has sustained slip resistance for the lifetime of the floor.Altro Aquarius was developed for lasting performance in shoes or barefoot, providing lifetime sustained slip resistance in wet and dry environments.Altro Ensemble is a modular flooring system of luxury vinyl tiles that gives complete design freedom to create stunning floors for interior spaces. Altro Ensemble has 15dB sound reduction with added comfort underfoot.Altro Pisces provides superb performance whether wet or dry, in shoes or barefoot in wet environments where the likelihood of a slip is very high."We would recommend Altro to other designers. There is always support when we need it and we will definitely include them in future schemes." Penny Green Co-founder, WHAT IF? Designs"There is a wide range of colour and technical specifications which provided us with the creativity we needed." Penny Green Co-founder, WHAT IF? Designs

The TaskOriginally a garage for a local car showroom in the town centre, The Forum has most recently been a storage facility until the College began redevelopment of its kitchens in a 12th Century Grade 1 listed building. This provided improved and expanded catering facilities. During the works, the College still needed kitchen and dining facilities, prompting the re-purposing of The Forum.Northmores Project Management Consultants were contracted by the College to manage the project, designed by Paul Vonberg Architects, to future-proof the building.The Outcome“It was a very tricky project. Logistically, being right in central Cambridge, and during COVID, we had to ensure we were rigorous in our safe practice. Fortunately, the new internal design of the Forum meant it was easy to operate a one-way system for any internal workings making good the linings where the rooflights had been and redecorating. From a reroofing perspective too it was complex. The team at Langley devised a practical solution and were always on hand to support us with technical advice if needed.”

Initial project meetings first started in early 2008, the clients owned a small cottage on the site which had been extended several times during the 80’s and had permission to make further adaptations. The mixture of building standards meant that their home was extremely drafty and very energy inefficient. The site itself is particularly exposed. The design which achieved planning permission was a crescent form which steps and slides into the slopes on the site. The crescent formation is in direct response to solar orientation.The brief was to design a building which would accommodate the family for many years into the future, the planned occupancy would be for 5 adults. Additionally, the home will be used for large family occasions. A requirement was set for a minimum 16 seated spaces to be available for dining during these family occasions.Op-Deck was added into the scheme very early into the design process as the way of creating the highly insulated structural floor as the house was being designed under Passivhaus standards. The overall U-value of the property is 0.1w/m2K as standard. The system was installed on the lower and ground floors and also the roof.

dormakaba sets high standard at quick service restaurants nationwideAs part of a national refurbishment programme for McDonald’s, dormakaba was appointed to install high quality automatic doors from dormakaba at 169 restaurants across the UK, helping to deliver the utmost levels of safety and convenience.dormakaba’s modern, sleek and stylish automatic doors help provide a reliable and pleasant experience for customers entering the restaurants, as well as offering a stable and comfortable environment for those dining inside.McDonald’s Restaurants (GBR)dormakaba ES 200 automatic door operators were specified for their sleek design, reliability and service backup. For entrances where space is restricted, such as with refurbishment schemes, swing door operators are a convenient solution.dormakaba’s contribution to the projectSpecified for their robustness, reliability, green credentials and nationwide backup service, dormakaba ED 100 Low Energy units enable doors to be opened under power when required.In Automatic mode, dormakaba ED 100 operators are especially suitable for external doors where they recognise and compensate for tough weather effects. 

Orbis OS210/OS211 Glass Infill Side and Top FixThe Eastbourne College Project 150 delivered a sports hall, competition pool, fitness suite, squash courts, dining and common rooms, pavilion and 32 classrooms, while also providing connections between key College facilities. The development, to mark the college’s 150th anniversary, enabled the Eastbourne College to take a giant leap forward providing several high-quality facilities in one substantial build. Delta Balustrades worked with the architect from early concept design stages and provided technical expertise and advice. The Orbis balustrade system throughout provided a consistent glass balustrade style throughout the building and could be utilised for the external pavilion areas also. Whilst mainly throughout new build areas of the college, the look and style of the balustrades was especially important to complement the College’s iconic buildings and environment. Due to the proximity to the sea, special attention had to be given to the materials and finishes for the external balustrades, and 316 grade stainless steel with a Lustre bright polished finish was required to be suitable in a marine environment.

The VELUX Daylight Visualizer enlightens a new-build school academyA new school building project was commissioned with a clear design vision—deliver an exceptional learning facility to best serve pupils and the community.The school design is a steel-framed superblock with a compacted floorplate and accommodating spaces spread over four floors. In the main building, classrooms benefit from daylight provided through vertical glazing. Larger communal spaces such as the main hall, internal corridors, a dining room, and drama studio can be found in the heart of the building. Daylight in these communal spaces is provided through the roof.  Activity spaces such as the sports hall, a gym and library required specific daylight levels to comply with the Department for Education (DfE) output specification requirements. Deep-plan, central locations also required a calculated daylight design, prompting Pozzoni Architects to invite VELUX Commercial to collaborate on the project and assist with the evaluation of daylight provision.To read more about this case study and how understanding daylight analysis simplifies complex design goals, visit our website.

THE PROJECTAs part of it’s recent £100 million pound renovation, Roché Awnings were tasked with providing a shading solution which was in keeping with the hotels iconic features, whilst covering the width of their ground floor terrace. The terrace being the location for the hotel’s east smoking terrace, central loggia door entrance and private outdoor dining area.THE SOLUTIONThe challenge was to choose an awning which blended in with the style of the Edwardian building. Originally designed to incorporate the Markilux 730 drop arm awnings, we advised the hotel to choose the Markilux 3300 awnings due to it’s unique design. The awnings were mounted to the buildings stone facade and sit inconspicuously below the hotel’s balustrade. The helped the awning merge beautifully into the architecture of the building.Roché coupled Markilux 3300 full cassette patio awnings to achieve widths of close to 10 and 13 metres, along with a smaller width of close to 3 metres. The awning was installed green fabric, traffic white cassette and uniform awning projection. The positioning provided full protection for the open terrace area.

Members-only club in London’s Covent Garden, The Conduit Workspace focuses on sustainability and ethical hospitality, encouraging creativity and collaboration.Featuring relaxed working and dining spaces as well as event space, a library, and rooftop bar and restaurant, it spans across six floors offering everything needed to connect its members.The brand new rooftop terrace was created in partnership with the House of Champagne, Ruinart, with the goal to place nature at the heart. The rooftop features plants chosen specifically for pollination as well as upcycled and recycled furniture and art.To complete the rooftop extension, designer, Alice Crispi, approached us after seeing our RailRoad seating range - she wanted a continuous wavy modular solution that would also accommodate large planter pots within the curved sections. A 15m RailRoad Delta seat with a continuous backrest was delivered in modules making it easily transported to the roof terrace. A UVP protective coating in teak was also applied over the timber slats to maintain the wood’s colouration.Surrounded by greenery, members can relax and enjoy stunning views across London from the rooftop terrace.

Chelwood House by Napier Clarke is a clean, modern building in Chesham Bois, Amersham. It was built to replace an existing suburban house and is located within an area of special character meaning it was vital to seamlessly blend into the local area.Napier Clarke elected to use local brick and charred timber to ensure the house’s materials were able to sit visually well within the immediate area. Chelwood’s impressive size (5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, living space, snug, kitchen/ dining, play area, garage, utility room and an attic yoga room) and modern visual leanings were expected to be a challenge for local planning authorities. However, the building’s sympathetic materials and centrepiece vaulted roofs were inspired by the local area and the proposals were accepted.Chelwood introduces a cantilevered brick upper floor to its design which contrasts the simple design of the ground floor. Internally, the same materials used in its external spaces are repeated, creating a series of truly dynamic focal points.Chelwood uses legacy Michelmersh products in its production and recently won the Individual Housing Award in the 2022 BDA Brick Awards.

A stunning residential building in one of London’s prime real estate locations.This high-end nine-storey, 25,160m² building includes 54 private and 25 affordable and modern apartments. The ground and lower ground floors provide retail, restaurant and community facilities including a community hall. The lowest basement level includes parking for residents, with another basement level providing a new public parking facility.Marylebone, a genuine London locale, is celebrated for its unhurried atmosphere, presenting an exceptional array of experiences to discover. From thrilling new establishments including Marylebone Square and delectable dining destinations to verdant parks and complimentary cultural sites, it’s nestled amidst historical charm in the heart of accessible central London.Throughout the building the Enigma single and double sliding doors are showcased to give an elegant finish. Sliding doors are becoming increasingly popular as due to rising property prices, saving space within buildings has never been so important. Pocket Doors are perfect for areas where space is at a premium and from an interior design perspective, they create a sleek and seamless finish that could not be achieved with swing doors.

Nestled at the heart of the University of Warwick campus, Scarman House is a 210-bed hotel accommodation and conference facility. This versatile establishment provides not only comfortable lodgings but also top-notch conference facilities, well-equipped meeting rooms, and enticing on-site dining options.In the summer of 2023, the hotel underwent a three-floor refurbishment project. Towelrads, in collaboration with the architect firm Baker Hicks, was instrumental in identifying optimal heating solutions for both Electric Towel Rails and Radiators. The client’s vision was to maintain a modern yet contemporary aesthetic in the individual rooms.We take pride in crafting a bespoke solution by designing, specifying, and supplying our Pisa Chrome Electrical Towel Rails for the bathrooms. These towel rails are equipped with Smart Thermostatic Elements, enabling occupants to have complete control over time and temperature settings, ensuring a comfortable stay.For the radiators, we selected a range of Vertical and Horizontal Windsor Column Radiators. This option added a touch of modernity blended with a hint of retro charm to the rooms, all while delivering exceptionally high heat outputs.Throughout this project, the collaborative partnership proved essential in navigating and meeting the challenging project timelines, ensuring its successful and timely completion.

This new shared campus for two North Lanarkshire primary schools has been designed by leading architects Halliday Fraser Munro to reflect the individual identities of the two schools whilst uniting them in one single building.The layout of the new school building reflects the dual-nature of the campus, with two separate two-storey teaching wings set around a central courtyard. This open space and the surrounding linked buildings provide shared facilities including a gymnasium and dining hall. Constructed by main contractor and established supply chain partner, Morgan Sindall, the new modern school building benefits from several aluminium fenestration solutions from across Senior’s extensive range.The eye-catching main façade features Senior’s thermally-enhanced SF52 aluminium curtain wall system with integrated SPW501 aluminium commercial doors which provide safe and secure access. Throughout the building, Senior’s patented low U-value PURe® aluminium casement windows have been specified to help reduce heat loss and boost the overall energy-efficiency of the scheme. Senior’s fenestration systems were fabricated and installed by specialist contractor Linn-Tech.

111 The Strand, is an eight storey landmark office and retail building in central London. The property occupies a corner position on the Strand with a return frontage to Savoy Place. The majority of the 30,549 ft² office space is let to CVC Capital Partners.The iconic building is well-known for its contemporary appearance. The limestone façade with metal frames with curved bays of stone and glass, and a stone relief depicting the surrounding area truly stands out.With the recent acquisition of the long leasehold office building, the private equity firm CVC Advisors Ltd found it time for a complete refurbishment. The existing reception area and office floor 1 to 6 were stripped and upgraded to Category-B Standard. This is inclusive of new MEPH installations and a commercial kitchen fit out to service the meeting room suites and dining areas.Stravifloor Channel, a floating floor system using isolated steel channels with proprietary elastomeric pads, four layers of plywood, and a special damping layer was installed in the catering kitchen on the 5th floor of this fit-out project. The isolated steel batten system with enhanced stiffness was designed to minimise the transfer of impact noise to the office floors below.During the installation, an elastic Perimeter Strip was applied around the floors’ perimeter, to completely decouple it from the building structure.

Selfridges & Co’s iconic store at 400 Oxford Street first opened its doors in 1909 and now includes a range of experiences including a creative playground, late-night dining restaurants, a cinema, and even wedding services. It’s also one of the only stores on Oxford Street not to have its windows smashed by the Suffragettes back in the day.In partnership with Souvenir Scenic Studios we were tasked with manufacturing security shutters to cover 2 voids, one facing the Edward Mews road and the other for a temporary space on Orchard Street.The client was keen to maintain vision once the shutters were installed in preparation for a new exhibition area and therefore decided to proceed with our Tube & Link steel security shutter. Both security shutters were over 4m in width and can be operated electrically via an external key switch. Manual overrides were provided so that each shutter could be used in the rare event of a power cut. Our Tube & Link security shutter was the perfect solution with the ability to maintain 75% visibility while making sure both areas remained secure. Due to the size of both openings, a three-phase motor was provided.  The steel tubes, guides, and housing were all powder coated grey to meet the client’s requirements.

The Castle Hotel Windsor, dating back to the 1600s, is situated amongst some of the most historic examples of architecture in the UK. The hotel is located opposite Windsor Guildhall, near to royal attractions such as St George’s Chapel and Windsor Castle.The Castle Hotel first began its life in 1528 as The Mermaid Inn, brewing beer and cider. In the 1700s, Richard Martin was awarded the first of the hotel’s Royal Warrants, to provide horses and carriages for the royal household, making it one of the most popular and grandest places to stay in the Royal Borough.By the 19th century, the Duke of Wellington dined at the hotel following his victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, which elevated its reputation as the connoisseur’s choice of accommodation in the area.Today, The Castle Hotel Windsor retains this reputation and has recently been restored and to preserve the elegance and atmosphere of its rich history.It was recommended to remove all existing render and re-render using NHL (Natural Hydraulic Lime) to allow full breathability.The KEIM Soldalit-ME system, in colour 9435, was specified for the redecoration of The Castle Hotel Windsor to provide a long-lasting and durable paint finish. It has the added environmental benefit of helping degrade nitrogen oxide pollutants from the atmosphere. The photocatalytic reaction also helps to breakdown organic material and contaminants, keeping surfaces cleaner for longer.

Hush Acoustics were tasked with resolving acoustic issues within the King’s House School in South West London.The two Victorian buildings feature a dining hall which had become an extremely noisy environment during lunch service, and this had become disruptive. The hall itself featured hard surfaces throughout with no sound absorption potential, and this was also a problem when the hall was being used to deliver assemblies.Hush Acoustics carried out tests using its Acoustic Modelling Software to measure the reverberation time within the area. Reverberation time is the most common way of expressing a room’s basic acoustic character. It is the time taken for a steady noise to decay by 60dB after its source has been abruptly cut off.After analysing the result of the tests, 31x Hush 50A panels were proposed to be mounted across the ceilings of the two areas to significantly reduce these noise levels. These panels comply with BB93 standards for school acoustics and all the UK Building Regulations relating to acoustics.Feedback from King’s House Estates Management was very positive, saying that the enhancements made to the space made a huge difference for the school as well as the children.Scott Beavers says “Work was carried out professionally and the sound reduction/intensity has decreased dramatically. This has really made a great improvement, thanks!”

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is the UK’s agency for providing hydrographic and marine geospatial data to mariners and maritime organisations across the world. Their visually stunning new headquarters in Taunton has been designed based on the concept of contours and currents by multi-award winning architects, AHR. An impressive central atrium with feature stair connects the two wings with access to the upper floors reached by a feature stairway which leads onto open platforms and connecting walkways. The fluid lines and vast spaces gives the interior a sense of openness in such a large structure and is an incredibly inspiring environment in which to work. Lusso worked closely with BAM and AHR on the internal glazing requirements to create administration offices, a meeting suite, training rooms, as well as recreation and dining areas to the ground floor. The use of Lusso 25 single glazed partition system and Lusso 105 double glazed partition system allowed for the different acoustic and structural design specifications throughout the building. The clever use of glass partitions has ensured that the requirement for a “one team approach” design brief has been met. The UKHO can now boast highly impressive headquarters, befitting of a world leading geospatial information company. Opened by HRH The Princess Royal, it has now been nominated and won several design awards and is on course to achieve BREEAM Excellent.  

The new build St George’s Quay student accommodation is part of the Luneside East Regeneration Project in Lancaster, which will create a new quarter of the city with a mix of housing, commercial space, high quality open spaces and walking and cycling routes.In a prominent waterfront setting on the edge of the River Lune and built on the site of the former St George’s Mill, the St George’s Quay development comprises four student accommodation blocks, ranging from three to six storeys, delivering 431 bedrooms in clusters and studio apartments.PROJECT INFOThe buildings are modelled around the existing industrial architecture of the site. The client used a mix of materials, including brickwork that reflects the local vernacular and Corten steel cladding to emphasise the site’s industrial history.In addition to the 431 bedrooms, the development also provides a gym, games room, communal dining, study area, and on-site parking.The development aims to be a landmark in urban regeneration and high quality design and be an exemplar of sustainable developments.The brick selected for the scheme is Belgravia Gault Blend, a buff, thrown brick from Forterra’s Ecostock range. It has a rustic finish that resembles a handmade brick. Ecostock bricks are manufactured using the latest technology in sustainability and production efficiency, producing bricks with low embodied energy as well as advanced colour consistency, dimensional accuracy and quality.

IssueEstablished in 1916, Doylestown Country Club is a private country club located in Pennsylvania, USA. In addition to its reputation as one of the top golfing destinations in the state, the Doylestown Country Club’s culinary team strives to create memorable dining experiences for all members and guests. To achieve this goal, the country club has created a new space to elevate kitchen safety and ensure efficient back-of-house operations.ApproachDoylestown Country Club wanted a floor that would provide comfort for their staff, who spend prolonged periods on their feet. Other considerations including reducing noise transferrence in a busy commercial kitchen and having a floor that could be installed around the kitchen drains which required a watertight, seamless transition with the flooring.SolutionAfter consultation between the Altro sales and technical teams, together with the flooring installer and specifier, 350sqm of Altro Stronghold 30 was specified, keeping staff safe from slips and helping to reduce fatigue thanks to its 3mm thickness.Altro Stronghold 30 achieves Altro’s highest rating for slip resistance (PTV ≥55, R12) and is designed to minimise risk in wet and greasy conditions for the lifetime of the flooring. As well as helping to keep staff safe from slips, it also helps reduce their fatigue, thanks to its 3mm thickness which provides noise reduction and comfort underfoot.

The Höllentalanger, at 1387m, short of halfway during the initial ascent from Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze, is a 'hut' millions of climbers have found shelter since 1893. Despite modernisation over the years however, the building had to be closed in autumn 2013.A replacement building was needed – and quickly too. Stephan Zehl, an architect from Munich, won the tender with his three-level, stepped building design. It has pent roof borders, which protects against avalanche risk from the eastern side; and meets all necessary current standards in providing dining facilities, equipment rooms, drying and shoe rooms and comfortable accommodation to sleep 100 people.During autumn and winter, all paths to the Höllentalanger are closed-off, as the Alpine climate makes it impossible to work for eight months of the year. Even in good weather, there are only walking tracks to the Höllentalanger, with no road access at all – so everything had to be flown in by helicopter. Rapid assembly and efficient transport costs were therefore critical to the budget and a combination of timber and pre-cast element walls were the chosen method of construction. Core-insulated prefabricated element walls were supplied for the ground level building. Due to the extreme temperature fluctuations, the concrete is subjected to pretty extreme expansion and contraction conditions. To counter this and to combat thermal bridging, it was important to install Schöck Thermoankers.

Known as the leading financial centre in the UK and its cluster of high-rise buildings, it’s a great place to be away from the hustle and bustle but still be connected with London.The fairly low rise building is home to 174 apartments ranging from studios to penthouses, most of which come with a balcony or 2. An expansive terrace covers the roof which offers outdoor heaters, a BBQ, seating and table tennis. Other social amenities include a self service bar and private dining room available for events on the ground floor, and a screening room with a large TV giving access to Sky and BT sports, a games console, and comfy seating.At 8 Water Street, residents will feel truly connected with nature, with a private landscaped garden overlooking the south dock. Perks of residing here include free access to the Third Space health club, gym, and spa, 24/7 concierge, an app to plan and book private events or join community clubs, fully furnished apartments including 50inch TV and TV licences.We supplied a range of interior doorsets to them including concealed frame doors, concealed riser doors, and concealed sliding pocket doors. These were chosen to match with the subtle luxurious design throughout the interior with smart, classy statement pieces dotted around.A rather nice residence all round!

Ikoyi is in a class of its own, not just in the culinary arts but also in interior design. Danish designer David Thulstrup uses Baltic architectural mesh from GKD for the expressive spaces of this 2-Michelin-starred London restaurant.The visionary founders of Michelin-starred restaurant Ikoyi, head chef Jeremy Chan and businessman Iré Hassan-Odukale, moved into the concrete complex “180 The Strand” close to Covent Garden at the end of 2022. The two partners succeeded in getting the renowned Studio David Thulstrup from Copenhagen on board for interior design. Thulstrup’s works include the design of Noma in Copenhagen, which has been crowned the best restaurant in the world no less than five times.For Ikoyi, Thulstrup created rooms that fully live up to the reputation of the landmarked, brutalist architectural character of this former office complex. With its rare combination of warmth and minimalism, the restaurant’s interior acts as a continuation of the food creations by Jeremy Chan.It should be noted here that in Chan’s kitchen, he not only pays attention to top-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. His cuisine also builds on spices that originate from West Africa. This is not inconsequential in the context of the architecture, as the interior designer wanted to pick up on the character of the cuisine in the dining room of Ikoyi without limiting the design to a specific culture.Copper, stone, stainless steel meshThe result shines in clear and strong architectural forms, while the material palette is refined to copper, stone, stainless steel mesh, leather and oak. The walls are clad in copper panels. Sometimes angular and solid, sometimes rounded and open, the walls shape the character of the room. The stone floor is elegant and cooler, its gentle irregular shimmer evoking images of the tamped earth floors of traditional old buildings. The ceiling covering, which is fully fitted with stainless steel mesh from GKD, creates a similar effect. It harmonizes perfectly with the architectural idea that Thulstrup describes as an interplay of opposites:“A room full of drama and peace. A room that remains true to the place and yet is not anchored in a particular culture.”Curved ceiling characterizes architectureThe character comes through most strongly in the dining room. Fabric panels spanning the room curve down on one side to meet the backs of the benches. The architectural mesh is a striking element in the design of the room. It underpins the intimate and protected atmosphere, while appearing light and flexible. Thulstrup also uses the weave structure to create subdued lighting effects.The ceiling is divided into 13 panels of GKD Baltic mesh, each approximately one meter wide. The length of the panels varies between 6 and 11 meters depending on whether they also serve as a vertical curtain down to the seats or end where they meet the vertical wall cladding. “The fabric diffuses the light as though it were another culinary ingredient,” says Marc Alonso, Architect and Market Manager for Northern Europe and UK at GKD. “Because our stainless steel mesh is completely recyclable, it also fits with the head chef’s sustainable ethos. This is a project in which our fabric is perfectly integrated into the whole by creating harmony and contrasts in juxtaposition with the other materials,” explains Alonso. That’s what the jury of the Wallpaper* Design Award 2023 think too: they awarded Ikoyi best restaurant of the year.

Client: Sunderland City CouncilLocation: Sunderland, UKSector: Mixed-Use FacilityYear: 2021Project Size: 3,500 m²System: vebro Classic TerrazzoA durable, attractive, impressive terrazzo flooring solution for the atrium, staircase, café, walkways and breakout spaces in the new City Hall development in Sunderland.FaulknerBrowns’s City Hall scheme provides a mix of private and public uses comprising two blocks, one five-storey and one six-storey tower, linked by a covered central walkway.Project backer Sunderland City Council is expected to move around 1,200 employees into the seven-storey building on the plot which, until recently, had laid dormant since the brewery’s demolition in 1999.Bringing together council staff from eight different offices around the city under one roof, the project is set to deliver net operational savings to the council of around £22 million over 25 years. The building will also include customer services areas, a fitness room, and an employment centre.The former Vaux Brewery site in Sunderland has been redeveloped as part of an ambitious £500m plan to deliver state-of-the-art commercial offices, residential, retail, leisure, hotel, and dining space.The brownfield site, which sits to the north-west of the city, is being developed in phases to bring a new mixed-use neighbourhood to the area. With the first phase that originally commenced in 2016 now complete, the second phase of the plan (Vaux 2) comprises the 17,775 square metre, £42 million City Hall, Sunderland.Vebro Polymers supplied its decorative epoxy terrazzo flooring system, vebro Classic Terrazzo, in two unique colour blends, RAL 3009 Red Oxide and RAL 7044 Silk Grey as part of the flooring package at the new Sunderland City Hall, which has been expertly project managed from prep through to finish by the team at MJF Group over a 4 month period.These terrazzo materials have also been used to create several pre-cast elements including the dining hall counter, central feature stairwell, and other items of furniture.vebro Classic Terrazzo is a highly decorative, but highly durable and long-lasting epoxy terrazzo flooring system. The material is installed as a slurry of wet components mixed with a blend of handpicked decorative marble aggregates onto the primed substrate.MJF Group is an established support services company providing specialist solutions to businesses nationwide.Since 2006 the company has built an enviable reputation in the commercial cleaning market, fuelling a later expansion into site services and specialist flooring alongside growth from local to national level.MJFs dedicated team of flooring experts are a group of highly skilled professionals who deliver a first-class service, ensuring all of their flooring solutions achieve outstanding results within an efficient and timely manner.MJF pride themselves on offering their clients extremely competitive prices, without ever compromising results.

The ChallengeStoke Football Club (FC) launched a project of investment and modernisation to achieve first-class facilities at its Clayton Wood training ground and reach the coveted Category One status in the Premier League-driven Elite Player Performance Plan.The site, which is the main training ground for the first team squad, will include modern and technologically advanced facilities on a par with other Premier League clubs and top-flight European teams, which will aid Stoke FC in attracting new talent to the club.The SolutionThe 1,800-square metre site incorporates a full-sized indoor pitch, so players can train throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions. It also offers nine spacious changing rooms, office accommodation, a medical centre, gymnasium, hydrotherapy suite, dining area and press room.The addition of classrooms to the building means the site can now become home to the Club’s football academy where future footballing talent is trained.Forterra supplied their Dark Multi Smooth Butterley Bricks for the development of the club’s training building.Manufactured in the UK at Forterra’s Wilnecote brickworks, this 150-year-old brand provided a perfect, smooth finish and clean lines to complement the building’s glass panels and metallic cladding.The BenefitsStoke FC’s investment and regeneration of its facilities has earned it two construction awards: The Local Area Building Council (LABC) Business Excellence Awards for 2014 for the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire.

Built in 1957, St Cuthbert’s is one of the oldest Secondary Schools in St Helens, and was the first Catholic Secondary Modern to be built since the war. The distinctive main elevation of the school appears largely as it did nearly sixty years ago, but over-all the school’s buildings have increased over the last half century to accommodate increased pupil numbers and more facilities. Last year, Twinfix were approached by BPL Construction to design, supply and install an enclosed free-standing mono-pitch canopy at the school, which would provide additional space for dining, a popular choice for schools looking for a cost-effective alternative to traditional extensions, allowing them to utilise their outdoor areas and provide additional covered space. The canopy covering a total of 129 square metres, manufactured from rust-resistant aluminium and powder coated to RAL 9004 signal black comprises of our innovative Multi-Link-Panel NF roof-glazing system, glazed with 25mm opal polycarbonate. Coloured vinyls were attached to some of the side panels to brighten up the structure and tie in with school branding. Mrs Twist, Head Teacher at the school commented: “We are extremely impressed with the quality and design of the canopy. The onsite team have worked in close proximity to our students and have taken full account of their health and safety.” The addition of the side glazing and doors add extra protection from the elements, making it a usable space throughout the year and a secure area for storage of equipment.

Working directly with Kingsknowe Golf Club, Style was contracted to install two folding walls to section off parts of the clubhouse lounge and bar, adding greater adaptability to the internal layout.“With around 650 members, the clubhouse can be very busy, said David Louden, Style’s director for Scotland. “Installing two Stylefold 900 folding walls provides exceptional flexibility, allowing the clubhouse to be either left as an open plan room, or to be segregated into separate areas for different social events and meetings.“The internal blinds on the larger of the two walls offer a greater level of privacy when required.”Founded in 1908, Kingsknowe Golf Club has a custom-built clubhouse that enjoys elegant views across north-east Edinburgh. The Club successfully blends the traditions of the sport with a modern and welcoming outlook that reflects the expectations of todays’ golfing community.The request to divide the clubhouse space was initially for just one folding wall, however after they saw the quality of Style’s work, and the benefits that the flexible space afforded, a second partition was added a few months later.The initial folding wall enables staff to section off a small, private dining room away from the main lounge bar. This is ideal for competitions, visiting societies and other gatherings.The second wall further divides the room, giving a greater level of privacy when shut thanks to internal blinds between the glass. With both walls offering a 31dB acoustic rating, additional events can now take place without being disturbed by activities in the main bar.

After the historic St Mary’s Hospital in Bristol received planning approval for Commercial refurbishment, we were contacted by M R Allen Limited to help transform the old healthcare facility to student accommodation. The building had been vacant for a number of years before the project to transform the space into 153 premium student rooms got the go ahead.The original hospital building was retained, with the addition of a 4 storey extension, a 3 storey new build, 8 no. townhouses and a new Communal space for students which includes an on-site gym, entertainment room, lounge and kitchen for private dining.Planning dictated that this undesignated heritage asset retained many of its original features, sat within a setting of various listed buildings and in a Conservation area.This led to us recommending timber Box Sash Windows from our Conservation range.All 109 box sash windows were manufactured in our British factory featuring high acoustic performing trickle vents & laminated glass in 24mm double glazed units, ensuring noise travel is kept to a minimum between accommodation.Mark Allen from M R Allen Limited explains;“We chose Mumford & Wood for their long-standing reputation for manufacturing British made, traditional timber windows – exactly what this project required. We also had some stringent acoustic performance requirements and working closely with Mumford & Wood allowed us to create a product that exceeded our performance expectations.”We finished the windows in ‘Signal White,’ featuring polished brass ironmongery.

The owners of this four storey, semi-detached, Victorian home have totally transformed it to create a wonderful, contemporary space, full of character, colour and texture.The works undertaken included the demolition of the existing lower ground conservatory and the construction of a full width rear extension. The new space provides a large kitchen, dining and sitting area, but also retains the connection to the front snug. A two storey extension was formed along the side return, providing a boot room and utility space on the lower ground level and a cloakroom and WC on the upper ground level. A bespoke, black steel door screen from the Clement EB24 range was designed to form a glazed elevation facing onto the raised garden from the kitchen. The feature doors, along with other elements, such as the wide oak timber flooring, Bauwerk painted walls and a specialist kitchen provided by Daulby and Tickle, have created an incredible result.The Architect, Daniel Harris said “We’ve worked with Clement Windows on several residential projects, this one being the most complex. The process from initial sketch design through to installation was excellent. Clement produced highly detailed drawings and were very responsive throughout the development of the design. The installation team worked in close collaboration with the Contractor and ensured all elements of the openings were prepared and ready for installation. The end result was an extremely high quality and complex product installed with very low tolerances to an impeccable standard.”Photograph: GG Archard

Thames City is a spectacular location and presence in Zone One of the River Thames. With some of the city’s most breathtaking views, especially for those not afraid of heights, this is a fresh district featuring three residential towers, a development of 12 buildings, beautiful apartments with private luxury amenities, high-end retail, and fine dining venues.The overall experience of this amazing project is made even more appealing thanks to its network of interconnecting parks, cosy green courtyards, and romantic city squares.This project was complex, involving both TerraSmart Rail Paving and TerraSmart Pedestal Paving Systems. Both these systems are designed for waterproofed substrates with TerraSmart Rail being the ultimate raised paving system, unbelievably solid thanks to its unique lattice framework.Due to the height of the tower, we worked closely with Midgard Design Services to develop and install an appropriate wind uplift mitigation solution to keep the project within budget.The TerraSmart Rail Paving System was weighted using ballast weights, and installed in the joist frame to mitigate uplift – it couldn’t be fixed into the structural slab due to it being an inverted roof. The pavers were then mechanically fixed to the joists using a wind uplift visual fixing, which clamps down the entire system.The TerraSmart Pedestal Paving System was mechanically fixed to the structural slab as there was no waterproofing membrane to penetrate underneath. The wind uplift mechanical fixing was screwed into the top of the pedestals to retain the concrete pavers and prevent any movement in strong winds.The installation of the systems was beautifully done by ANC Construction and the proof is in the photos you see on our website.

Hush Acoustics was tasked with transforming the acoustic conditions inside the multi-use hall and dining area at East Sheen Primary School.The headteacher and teachers were keen to solve a major issue within their hall resulting from sound reverberation, echo and high levels of ambient noise. The brief was developed so speech clarity could be improved, resulting in easier learning and a better environment for teachers and pupils.During the initial survey, the scale of the issue became apparent. A specification was then developed to address the situation in what was obviously a very noisy space during peak times and unbearable for the pupils.The solution came with Hush Absorber panels. To achieve the results required by East Sheen Primary we carried out a site inspection to calculate the amount of absorption material needed to bring the school hall reverberation times in-line with BB93 design criteria for educational buildings.The site survey involved taking measurements and detailing where any absorption panels could be installed to maintain aesthetics. From the site survey, Hush Acoustics could then calculate the level of absorption needed and provide the installation service required. All the advice provided and work carried out was fully in line with BB93 design guidance for acoustics in school and Document E of the Building Regulations.The solution provided by Hush Acoustics treated the reverberation issue extremely well and created a much better environment for teachers and pupils.The school headteacher commented, “Just wanted to say a huge thank you from us all for your work around the acoustic issues. Everyone had noticed the positive impact and assembly today was much better. The difference is massive.”