"dividing strips for in situ flooring"

When Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace planned a London venue for its roller-skating experience, it needed a durable, sprung hardwood floor that could withstand the heavy traffic of a busy roller-skating rink. The choice fell on Junckers SylvaSport beech flooring, a trusted floor system suitable for a multitude of activities. Working closely with the designers 93ft, the experienced team at Junckers’ approved flooring contractor Hutchison Flooring devised the optimal layout and choice of flooring system for the best roller-skating performance possible. A meticulous installation plan which encompassed working alongside all trades on site was formulated and consequently followed to the letter in order to bring the project in on time and budget. The building for the new venue is a Grade II listed former power station, which meant there were restrictions on fixing to the original fabric of the building. The brief was that no alterations to the substrate were allowed, nor could the floor be fixed down, the entire flooring system had to be floating. The existing surface to build the floor from was a concrete substrate that was not completely level. To overcome the problem, Hutchison Flooring used a low-level New Era cradle and batten system from Junckers, which provided a laser-perfect level floor surface. Hutchison Flooring lay a polythene membrane with a 150mm overlap and taped joints to ensure sufficient vapour barrier followed by the cradle which involved carefully packing to the exact tolerances for every sprung cradle to ensure a perfectly level and flat floor for the skating ring. 22mm battens where laid in the cradles, brick bond staggered to create a perfect and reliable bond to the floor when nailed onto the battens. Junckers SylvaSport beech flooring was laid using a compression nailer on every batten on every row and 0.4mm spacers were included on every row to allow the correct expansion within the floor. Inspiration for the interior came from the original Flipper’s venue run by Ian Ross in the late Seventies and early Eighties. The client brief was for an immersive roller-skating experience with world-class sound and lighting. Central to the state-of- the-art indoor rink was a jet-black floor, an element the client insisted on. The black surface amplifies the atmosphere by maximising the reflection of the overhead lights, LED screens and mirrored panels on the sides. Junckers black-stained beech SylvaSport flooring has the desired jet-black, matt finish to provide the perfect backdrop to Flipper’s logo which is placed in the centre of the rink. Specialist court marking company MJ Courtmarkers custom made CNC laser cut vinyl templates of the logo which was painted with Junckers’ HP Sportsline line marking paint before being overcoated with HP Sports lacquer. 

This property in a picturesque town in Cornwall, was in need of some TLC. The exterior walls are exposed to the seaside climes, making it perfect as the first project in the UK to use KEIM Twinstar, 2in1 masonry exterior paint.Prior to re-decoration, it was recommended that the painted stone gable walls were stripped back to enable the property to breathe, which reduces the paint from blistering and flaking due to moisture being trapped within the substate. KEIM Twinstar, in colour 9354, was applied by KEIM lover, Ry Spencely of Airborn Painting & Decorating.  KEIM Twinstar is the latest exterior and masonry paint solution, designed to ‘buy you time’ with its 2in1 system where paint is applied wet on wet. There’s no drying time between coats, which reduces waiting, labour and time. It allows a two-coat paint in one work step.Simply mix and apply the paint undiluted, straight from the bucket to ‘saturate’ the surface, then apply more of the same paint working into the existing wet paint layer.The decorator commented, “Another top quality product from KEIM. Application was very nice, it’s a thick chunky product as you’d expect and it covered a dream. The finished look was that signature luxurious KEIM super matt finish, all the while it’s letting the building breathe. Winner!”Ry Spencely of Airborn Painting & DecoratingKEIM Twinstar is the latest product development, designed specifically to speed up application and project time, whilst offering the full suite of sustainability credentials associated with KEIM.

AG is proud to have played an intrinsic part in the redevelopment of the Curragh Racecourse in Co Kildare – Irish racing’s biggest ever capital development project, which opened to the public in May at an estimated cost of over €80 million.AG supplied TerraPave® flagstones in Genoa (Ground and Textured) to internal and external areas of the new grandstand and outer buildings. The internal flags for Phase 2 were Genoa Ground 600×400, manufactured with a square edge. Internally, AG also supplied made-to-order steps with strip inserts and a unique notch to the underside to improve safety.The external flags were Genoa Textured 600×400, which were used on the external balcony areas of the stand.“At a site meeting with the client, John Sisk & Sons (main contractor), Grimshaw Architects from London and NMA Architects from Dublin, it became clear that AG were the sole company that could meet all the criteria for all parties,” said Brendan Reynolds, Specifications & Commercial Sales Consultant.“The original specification was for natural granite, but time, costs and consistency of colour became issues for all involved. AG suggested TerraPave® Genoa, in both textures, to suit the internal and external areas, which matched the colour requirement of the specification. We were also able to provide matching steps to meet Part M Building Regulations and a square edge to the flags, which the client wanted.“Finally, we were able to agree a production programme which met with Sisk’s requirement to hand over the building in the first week of April 2019.”

A new build development on a canal side site in Westminster, situated near the former London Taxi Drivers’ Association headquarters.Steeped in history, Taxi House is the transformation of the former London Taxi Drivers’ Association headquarters on Woodfield Road, Westminster into a new waterside destination on the Grand Union Canal.The project comprises of a mixed-used development on this canal side site, delivering 332 modern serviced accommodation rooms, commercial and retail space – which is also set to be utilised by community groups creating a new public realm.Premcrete were instructed to help with the project and to overcome initial challenges surrounding the proposed work. The main challenge was that the client and groundworker were averse to wrapping pile caps, as terminating a membrane at the edge of the pile caps often lacks adequate horizontal concrete surface for effective termination. In this regard, it is not uncommon for structural engineers to design the distance from the edge of the rebar to the edge of the pile cap at only 30-50mm, making the termination detail more intricate and challenging.The SolutionAs an alternative to wrapping, Premcrete provided a solid solution using Hydroprufe LG – as well as addressing the termination strip issue. This was completed by advising the groundworker to ‘overcast’ the pile caps, creating a 150mm space from the edge of the rebar to the edge of the pile cap. This approach was found to significantly improve installation efficiency and ease, resulting in a smoother overall process and a very happy client!Taxi House is set to complete in the Spring of 2025 and has a contract value of £52.5m.

TRC Windows commissioned for the extensive renovationIn April 2019, TRC Windows was commissioned to deliver the supply of windows throughout this extensive renovation. Over a 14-month period, and completed in 2020, a total of 338 metal, 140 timber and 110 new heritage timber sash windows were successfully reinstated.Metal windowsIn line with the project scope, metal frames and casements were stripped of paint and rust.Weld repairs were carried out to areas of damage, with new hinges and new sections of steel used where required.A five-coat Teamac Painting System was used on all frames.New 4mm GoetheGlas* heritage glass was installed, with applied lead work replicating the original glazing layout.Timber windowsThe timber window repairs were subject to overall draughtproofing and redecoration. These were painted using a Dulux Paint System, and installed with new 4mm GoetheGlas heritage glass.Heritage box sash windowsConstructed from hardwood timber, the heritage windows incorporate single-glazing with a 4mm GoetheGlas heritage glass, and work via a classic weight-and-pulley mechanism. These also include individual solid bars providing the windows with genuine character. Traditional heritage putty was used externally to secure the glazing and enhance the visual aesthetic.*GoetheGlas is a colourless, drawn glass with the irregular surface characteristic of window glass common to the 18th and 19th centuries. It is used to protect precious, leaded glazing from the elements and other adverse environmental conditions.

The design brief for Suffolk St James’s focused on a comprehensive refurbishment to create CAT-A offices on the 1st to 4th floors, along with a striking reception on the ground floor. The lower ground space provides studio/gym, bike store, kitchen and a further CAT-A office. There is a large roof terrace on the 5th floor.The challenge on this project was to replace the existing single 10-person lift and create step-free access to all five floors, including the 2,000 sq ft roof terrace and lower ground floor level. 

The new Student Centre at Queen’s University Belfast brings together student services and the Student Union in a spectacular new building. Designed through collaboration between Hawkins\Brown and RPP Architects, the building sits at the heart of campus and cleverly bridges the gap between the University’s heritage and future. An accessible, modern space with an open plan entrance area creates a vibrant hub for students to socialise, engage, collaborate, and access support and advice. The interior exploits the high ceiling and large-scale steel structure where a central staircase doubles as terraced amphitheatre-style seating. Clad in Junckers’ solid Nordic Oak flooring with nosing in contrasting Black Oak to achieve an LRV differential of 30 points, the stairs form a visual and social focus in the building, creating a flexible, infinitely useable space. “The central social stair is a key design feature that links the spaces on different floors and provides clear, intuitive wayfinding for visitors. The warmth and natural character of the Nordic Oak flooring complimenting the red laminate cladding helps visual orientation running up through the public spaces” said Alan Shields, director, RPP Architecture. The solid hardwood flooring forms a hard-wearing and long-lasting surface ideal for high traffic areas and the natural warmth of the timber adds to the material beauty of the interior. With strong sustainability credentials, Junckers’ flooring plays a part in the architects’ design to create a building which is more efficient and less costly to operate and maintain, future-proofed for generations to come. The building also houses a performance studio with Junckers’ sprung SylvaSport Beech flooring and the one-of-a-kind Union Bar which has been fitted with a reclaimed Junckers’ sports floor. With the old line markings intact, the floor has a rustic, industrial look which will hide a multitude of sins in a busy student bar. It was finished with Junckers’ High Performance Friction+ lacquer to provide a slip resistant surface. The reclaimed floor was sourced with the help of Junckers’ Buy Back Scheme. Junckers connects with flooring contractors who specialise in reclaiming wood flooring by providing details of projects where an old floor needs lifting, as well as acting as liaison between contractors sourcing a floor which can be repurposed. The sports floor fitted in the student bar by Oakvale Wooden Flooring was lifted from a school sports hall in England by Hargreaves Reclaimed Flooring. 

Professional flooring contractors, Elvet Flooring Solutions, have made a homeowner’s dream come true after installing 40sqm of luxury vinyl flooring at their property using UltraFloor’s expert subfloor preparation materials.BackgroundAs part of their extensive home renovations, a homeowner in Durham dreamed of installing beautiful Tarkett Mini Plank flooring throughout their hallway and kitchen – the perfect finishing touch to their modern and luxurious home.The ChallengeThe 40sqm area is the main thoroughfare from front door to garden and so the floor needed to be smooth and bump-free to keep the family, and dog, safe. It was also important that the flooring was installed speedily so as not to delay the rest of the renovations.The SolutionUltraFloor have a reputation for providing the flooring market with quality and innovative subfloor preparation materials. For this project Elvet Flooring Solutions first secured 5.5mm FG1 plywood across the entire area and then primed the surface using Prime IT Multi-surface Primer.Formulated to promote the adhesion to all UltraFloor smoothing underlayments, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer reduces pinholing, minimising the risk of costly failures. With a coverage rate of 200sqm at 3:1 dilution, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer is a must-have product for all flooring installation projects.Once cured, Level IT Renovate was applied at a 5mm depth and left for 3 days before the LVT flooring was installed in a herringbone design.Developed for the renovation of existing floors, Level IT Renovate is fibre reinforced for added strength and to minimise the risk of hairline cracks – reducing a common cause of failure.Suitable for deep applications from 3-40mm, Level IT Renovate is multi-purpose for extensive use and boasts excellent flow properties, making this flexible and versatile floor leveller ideal for a wide range of flooring substrates.What’s more, Level IT Renovate can also be used externally, as a light wearing surface, can be walked on in as little as 2 – 2.5 hours and can receive floor coverings in just 4 hours.ResultsThe flooring took just 4 days to install from start to finish and the homeowner is now enjoying their beautiful new kitchen living area.On the performance of Level IT Renovate, Matt Williams owner of Elvet Flooring Solutions, commented: “The flow rate was very impressive and easy to work with. Perfect smooth finish ready for the LVT.”

When Bradford Academy needed a replacement for its sports hall floor they looked for guidance from Junckers. By going to the leading sports and dance floor systems manufacturer the academy knew that they would receive the right kind of advice and guidance to help them to steer their way through the overwhelming number of sports floor systems available on the market. Junckers worked in close partnership with the client, main contractor BAM and local Junckers’ Approved Contractor Harmony Contract Flooring to deliver the floor completed and on time. The client wanted a “sprung” floor which looked good and was easy to look after, and it needed to meet the performance standards for multi-purpose sports; EN 14904. The floor system selected meets category A4 standard, which means that the academy now has a floor which is recommended by Sport England and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (EFSA). The site constraints required a floor system with minimum construction height and Junckers’ EliteFlex 49 system, at only 49mm high was found to be ideal. The system is made from laminated foam-backed battens and 22mm timber deck with the 4mm vinyl layer bonded and welded on top. This provides a sports floor suitable for a range of activities from general education use through to elite levels of sport, dance and the like. Junckers was chosen as a supplier because over the many decades since it was founded the company has dedicated a significant amount of resource to developing the best “sprung” sports floor systems. This, and its “cradle to grave” technical and customer support and maintenance programmes sets it apart from other manufacturers, where the choice is often limited to a basic undercarriage system and various options for gluing a vinyl sheet to screed- an option which is no longer accepted by the ESFA as a suitable surface for sports. In the UK, Junckers has become a byword for high quality sports and activity floor systems, and for providing the technical and customer support needed to make every new Junckers floor one that the installer and client will be proud of. As part of continuous work to develop new products and constantly improve the ability to offer customers a broader choice of floor systems, Junckers has developed a range of vinyl sports and activity floors, based upon the established success of its undercarriage systems. One of Junckers’ main strengths is the variety of undercarriage systems it offers. Not only do these give different “sprung” performance characteristics with some suited to basketball, others for dance etc., thanks to experience and technical expertise Junckers is also able to take care of the less glamorous aspects of the installation, such as dealing with uneven sub-floors or those where there may be drying out problems. Junckers’ floors are all tested and certified to EN 14904, category A3, A4 or C3. In addition, Junckers own in-house testing and development centre assess the wider aspects of the floor’s performance such as point load bearing ability and lifespan issues such as fatigue testing. Junckers’ new vinyl floor systems are aimed at the education sector, sports halls, leisure centres and dance and fitness centres. When it comes to installation, vinyl floor customers have the same assurances that they currently have with Junckers solid hardwood floors because there is a network of fully trained Junckers Approved Installers on hand to make sure that the floor will be fitted properly.

A fine cooperation from our clients - the floor screed specialists at B Doherty Screeding Ltd | Mobile Screed Factory along with baseTherm® Ltd Liquid Floor InsulationProjectDCU Polaris Building | School of Health & Human PerformanceMain ContractorWalls & McKeown Joint Venture Floor Screed PackageB. Doherty Screeding & baseTherm® Joint VentureVoid Former500 m³ baseTherm® 200, supplied and installed by baseTherm®Floor Screed3,500 m² Rapidur® EB5 Floor Screed by ourselves B. Doherty Screeding LtdContact your professional baseTherm® team for efficient, fuss-free, floor insulation results: 🔥📞Philip +353 (0) 87 333 0683📞Eddie +353 (0) 87 223 2456📩 sales@basetherm.comFor stunning floor screed results give B Doherty Floor Screed a call:📞 +353 (0)74 9383654📱 +353 (0)86 6031230📧 info@bdohertyscreeding.com

A Mapei system of flooring products has been specified as part of a major refurbishment at the Imperial War Museum. The historic museum is being sympathetically transformed to mark the centenary of the First World War. Mapei’s high performance cementitious flooring system, Ultratop, was chosen to complement the exhibits and provide low maintenance, coupled with resistance to heavy pedestrian traffic. Mapei’s flooring system was specified throughout a 5,000m2 floor area. The system combined Mapei Topcem rapid-drying screed, Primer SN and Ultratop - a technologically advanced self-smoothing cementitious floor in Anthracite.

Howe Green Ltd supplied a number of HSE75 Series Hinged Aluminium Floor Access Covers for a new £1.5 billion hospital facility in Stockholm. The requirement was for a solution that would enable regular access to the underground power stations and escape routes located underneath the hospital. The gas assisted hinged HSE75 floor hatches provide easy and safe access ensuring that maintenance can be carried out with the minimum of disruption. The floor hatches have been installed in various areas of the hospital and infilled with both concrete and tiled flooring to provide a seamless, flush floor finish.

A large expanse of Junckers’ Nordic Oak flooring forms part of a new archive and research facility in Cornwall. Designed by Purcell, the landmark development comprises public search, exhibition, education and workshop spaces. Based on historic records, many of the original buildings’ remaining structures were restored. For the floor, the original granite flagstones were lifted and re-laid, installed alongside Junckers’ solid 185mm wide Oak Boulevard flooring in a white-pigmented Nordic finish. Junckers 20.5mm thick solid wood floor can be sanded and refinished up to ten times. A long lifespan, PEFC + FSC certified and produced in a CO2 positive facility, means specifying a Junckers floor is an environmentally sound option. The flooring contractor was Tre Concepts. 

6500SQM OF OPTIMA FC IN COR-TEN WEATHERED STEEL RAINSCREEN PANELS HAVE BEEN USED IN THE STATE-OF-THE-ART STUDENT ACCOMMODATION ON RIVER STREET.As described by Architect Simpson Haugh, the student accommodation comprises three distinct volumes: a volume stepping from ten storeys fronting Garwood Street, down to five storeys facing River Street, and a 32-storey tower.Cor-Ten, a steel alloy which forms a rust-like appearance over 18 – 36 months, was selected for the project due to its striking appearance and in tribute to the copper shades surrounding River Street’s built environment. Cor-Ten is immediately recognisable with its bright red and orange tones.The strong textures of the Cor-Ten provide a fantastic contrast to the dark-blue glass cladding covering the inner elevations.Originally designed for use in coal carriages in 1930s American, the name Cor-Ten was patented in 1933 by U.S Steel, deriving its name from ‘Corrosion Resistance’ and ‘Tensile Strength’.Whilst it might look like the metal is rusting, the outer layer of the metal is actually undergoing a planned corrosion process under the influence of outdoor weather elements, which protects the metal from further corrosion over time.Referencing the corrosion process, Sotech Specification Manager Charlie Mclaughlin said: “Cor-Ten panels developed a patina in-situ on the buildings as a response to the elements. The local climate should be ideal. It was great to do another job with Simpson Haugh, especially on a site just a stone throw from their office.”Sotech’s Optima FC secret fix hook-on rainscreen system was installed to carry the panels, this fully tested system had the added precautions of stainless steel hooks and polyester powder coated rails to eliminate any bimetallic reaction between the Corten panels and aluminium support system.As you can see from the project photos, the Cor-Ten panels were perforated with hole cluster patterns positioned to coordinate with extractor vent outlets in the backing wall. This is achieved through a laser cutting process.As experts in the industry with over 30 years’ experience, Sotech wasn’t just involved at the manufacturing stage, but were engaged from design stage, offering details, advice and budget costs during the project.With 792 bedrooms and state of the art social space, the building fills a spot in Manchester’s landscape that had been empty for years.

The Custard Factory, built around a century ago to manufacture Sir Alfred Bird’s famous dessert, has recently been revamped into an arts and media quarter for Birmingham. Specialist subcontractors DSM Flooring were looking for a quality floor access solution to install in the highly trafficked entrance atrium in the development. Howe Green supplied the 5000 Series Light Duty Floor Access Cover to provide easy and safe access to the essential building services concealed under the flooring within the atrium. The 5000 Series cover lay flush with the flooring to prevent any slips or trips.

Flooring specialists Laceys Floors and Walls have used UltraFloor Level IT Hydra Bond to install 170sqm of flooring at Rushcliffe Country Park.BackgroundGreen Flag award winners since 2007, Rushcliffe Country Park is a popular visitor attraction in Nottinghamshire. Work is currently underway to renovate the visitor centre including staff office and toilets.The ChallengeExpert flooring specialists, Laceys Floors and Walls were the contractors commissioned to install 170sqm of flooring throughout the visitor centre. To complete the installation, Laceys Floors and Walls needed subfloor materials that would provide a super smooth finish to avoid any trip hazards and would withstand constant trafficking of visitors.The SolutionTo begin, Laceys Floors and Walls applied DPM IT damp proof membrane across the entire 170sqm area. DPM IT is a two component, solvent free epoxy resin system for use as a surface damp proof membrane. Designed to provide protection against subfloor moisture, DPM IT has a pot life of 45 – 75 minutes, a cure time of 5 hours and boasts a 98% RH floor moisture tolerance.Once fully cured, the team applied UltraFloor’s latest product innovation, Level IT Hydra Bond to a depth of 3-5mm.Level IT Hydra Bond is a super polymer modified smoothing compound which utilises UltraFloor’s unique technology – a process which enhances application and boasts unrivalled flow properties. What’s more, each bag of Level IT Hydra Bond also contains 20% recycled material.In addition, Level IT Hydra Bond can receive bonded floor coverings after 4 hours, has an extended working time of 45 minutes for optimal usability, and is moisture tolerant and protein free.To complete the project, Polysafe Wood FX and Verona flooring was installed throughout the visitor centre, office and toilets.ResultsThe flooring was installed with ease and Rushcliffe County Park’s exciting new visitor centre is due to open later this year.“Level IT Hydra Bond was a real pleasure to work with. It was easy to trowel and float on the floor and knitted together great between mixes. It even went nicely on the previous days screeding.” Richard Lacey, Director at Laceys Floors and Walls.

Highly skilled flooring contractors, Ransome Flooring Limited, have used Level IT Smooth floor leveller to install LVT flooring at a ground floor apartment in Bristol.BackgroundWith over 20 years’ experience and a reputation built on perfection, reliability and recommendation, Ransome Flooring Limited’s extensive nationwide flooring portfolio put them in perfect place to install 68sqm of LVT flooring at a ground floor apartment in Bristol.The ChallengeDue to the design of the apartment, a seamless transition between the various living areas was crucial. The products used also needed to provide a first time, rapid and silky smooth finish to minimise disruption and prevent any dangerous trip hazards for the homeowner.The SolutionAfter securing the project, Ransome Flooring Limited sought professional advice from UltraFloor’s team of product experts. After visiting site, and carrying out moisture testing, UltraFloor recommended the use of Prime IT Multi-surface Primer and Level IT Smooth – expert subfloor preparation materials that would meet the clients’ requirements perfectly.Formulated to promote adhesion to all UltraFloor smoothing underlayments, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer reduces pinholing, minimising the risk of costly failures. With a coverage rate of 200m² at 3:1 dilution, Prime IT multi-surface Primer is a must-have product for all flooring installation projects.Prime IT Multi-surface Primer was applied to the substrate, and once both coats of primer had fully dried, Level IT Smooth was applied.Pump or trowel applied from 2mm to 30mm, Level IT Smooth has an extremely smooth finish, essential for installing LVT, and boasts a superior flow – perfect for larger flooring projects.With a coverage rate of approximately 5.5sqm at 3mm, Level IT Smooth is suitable for underfloor heating systems, has a working time of 20-30 minutes and can receive foot traffic after just 2-3 hours – allowing you to move on to the next part of your project quickly.The superior performance of Level IT Smooth is just one reason why this much-loved smoothing underlayment is being used on a daily basis up and down the country.The ResultsThanks to the expertise of Ransome Flooring Limited and UltraFloor’s superb subfloor preparation materials, the homeowner was soon able to enjoy their luxurious new flooring.

The design of the house specified an airtight and thermal efficient solution to meet Building Regulations. The brief for DGTS was to provide a highly insulated (U-Values for walls/0.11 and floors/0.13) envelope to the main steel frame structure and concrete beam and block floors to both ground and first floor level. The dwelling floor area was approx 700m² broken up into twelve rooms including a wet room, gym, media room and library.

Technical advice and quality subfloor preparation products and flooring adhesives from Bostik have enabled the progress of a new hospital building.Built to address capacity and demand issues, the new 3,600m² three storey ward block at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital will treat high-dependency patients and stroke victims across two of its floors, with the other floor actingas an acute medical unit (AMU).Nationwide Flooring Contracts

With their proficient knowledge and background in conservation and working with listed buildings, 4 S Architecture (4SA) have completed numerous successful residential and workplace refurbishment projects around London, but this year the rising firm has proficiently completed the renovation of the striking Grade II listed 100 Pall Mall building. The design for new interventions is based on the original construction’s paired back ‘stripped classicism’ style by the renowned 1950’s architectural practice McMorran & Whitby geometry and materiality.  4SA’s approach was one of respect for the historic fabric while simultaneously updating the design to suit today’s modern office occupier.  In Hamson’s words: “Our practice’s design methodology starts with understanding the DNA of a building: what are the forms, materials, patterns and shapes that already exist [...]  Rather than introducing new forms and colours, those already present in the building were used to develop the design of the new interventions.  For instance inspiration for the green reception area wall panelling takes its queues from the prominent green marble arches, while the barrel vaulted ceiling informs the arched seating niches and tenant signage recess.Julia Hamson, founder and Director at 4SA, spoke highly of John Holmes’ attention to detail when it came to developing the bespoke ironmongery package for this project which features a combination of brushed brass and a patinated bronze ironmongery. “John asked us about our architectural concept for the design proposals at our first site meeting, which was a refreshing change when speaking with suppliers. We talked about how the existing barrel-vaulted ceiling and the arched green marble portals in the reception were two of our key design drivers in terms of generating what shape we chose for seating niches and tenant boards in the reception. Hearing this, John suggested that the top of the push plates could be arched to match.  At 4SA we firmly believe that paying attention to the smaller details is just as important as getting the big gestures right,  and it is this meticulous focus which can really distinguish a project. John’s suggestions with the ironmongery package throughout really helped to elevate this project.”Julia worked successfully with John at 3v, thanks to their shared design ethos and understanding of the existing building fabric. They worked closely together to develop a tailored hardware package; including the replacement of all existing stainless steel fittings with patinated bronze ironmongery for more utilitarian functional ironmongery elements such as hinges and push plates on smoked oak doors, and brushed brass for new decorative ironmongery elements.Julia recalls that “we received great feedback from client on the project and they were so happy with the design approach to the refurbished staircase with its new carpet, paint, lighting and ironmongery from the ground to first floors, that they rolled it throughout the rest of the building right up to the seventh floor.”Coordinating ironmongery schedules, when every door has an individual requirement, can be difficult, but according to Hamson, “John made me feel comfortable that nothing was going to get missed; this is what you want as an architect. Ironmongery schedules can be complicated and time consuming, and if there is someone who can do something better than you can in-house, then its best to take advantage of that skill and expertise to get the best result.”Photography: Neil Kenyon

The International Rugby Experience in the Georgian Quarter in Limerick, which is in honour of the worldwide game of Rugby, combines culture with pleasure and is a real visitor experience. It was particularly important to the architects and builders that thebuilding fits perfectly into the traditional cityscape: To guarantee authenticity, historical town houses in the traditional Georgian style were studied in advance. The architectural style was implemented in detail, using brick and concrete elements in the interior and exterior of the building.Lindner Group won its first major hollow floor project in Ireland with the contract for this floor trade. In collaboration with the architects from Níall McLaughlin Architects and the Irish business partner Cableplan, Lindner supplied the FLOOR and more® G40hollow floor. The special feature is the clinker bricks, typical of the Georgian style, which were laid on the floor system using a special laying method. Lindner also implemented access hatches in the floor for quick access and easy maintenance. Upon the architect's request, these flooring had a Satin Brush Finishing.

Howe Green has supplied around 400 bespoke access covers to the £150 million National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC) being built on the University of Warwick campus. The floor access covers were required to provide safe and easy access to building services concealed under the raised flooring. The bespoke 7500 Series Medium Duty Stainless Steel covers were specified by award-winning architects Cullinan Studio. A reduced depth was required to enable the access covers to be infilled with the same flooring used elsewhere in the raised floor system - calcium sulphate floor panels, with the stone pre-bonded

We worked with specialist Mezzanine Floor supplier WSL to provide a Mezz Pro (500kg) goods lift to help Rockshop Wholesale to move heavy bags of semi-precious gemstones safely between floors. Like many businesses, Rockshop Wholesale was growing, importing more semi-precious gemstones from around the globe to meet the demand of its customers. The solution: a mezzanine floor, providing more space by adding a second floor and avoiding the costly requirement to move premises. They needed a safe and efficient way of moving heavy goods between floors. The MezzPro 500kg goods lift was the perfect solution

Flooring contractors, 14 Flooring, have used Level IT Super Flex 30 to create 44 luxurious bathrooms at the Radisson Red Hotel in London Heathrow – much to their guests delight.BackgroundLocated at one of the world’s busiest airports, Radisson Red Hotel provides the perfect location for holidaymakers to get a good night’s sleep ahead of their flight or to chill out after a long day of travelling.Forty-four bathrooms, across four floors, have undergone a makeover to provide guests with an even more magnificent stay.The ChallengeTime was of the essence at this location. With guests already booked in, it was imperative that the flooring was completed on time to allow other trades to finish their works in readiness for the agreed handover date.The SolutionCommercial flooring specialists, 14 Flooring, partnered with subfloor preparation experts, UltraFloor, to install 3sqm of flooring, in 44 bathrooms, across 4 floors at the hotel.In preparation of the Tarkett LVT large format tiles being installed, 14 Flooring primed the substrate using UltraFloor Prime IT Multi-surface Primer.Formulated to promote the adhesion to all UltraFloor smoothing underlayments, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer reduces pinholing, minimising the risk of costly failures. With a coverage rate of 200sqm at 3:1 dilution, Prime IT Multi-surface Primer is a must-have product for all flooring installation projects.Once cured, Level IT Super Flex 30 was applied across the entire area, resulting in the smoothest of subfloors.Specifically designed for use over a wide variety of subfloors including steel mezzanine decks and flooring grade plywood, Level IT Super Flex 30 is a rapid setting and drying, fibre reinforced flexible smoothing finishing compound.Developed with a high polymer content, Level IT Super Flex 30 boasts superior flexible properties, making it the perfect smoothing underlayment for floors where movement is likely.What’s more, subfloors prepared using Level IT Super Flex 30 are available to receive foot traffic in as little as 30 minutes, bonded floor coverings after 1 hour and resin finishes and forklift traffic after just 24 hours, allowing you to move on to another project quickly.ResultsThe expertise and skills of 14 Flooring teamed with the fantastic performance of UltraFloor, meant that it took the team just six days to prime, latex and install flooring across the hotel bathrooms.On selecting UltraFloor for the project, Daniel Lunan, Director of 14 Flooring, commented: “I chose Level IT Super Flex 30 for its rapid setting and rapid drying properties. With many bathrooms to complete in a short time frame, the smoothing compound drying quickly, without airflow, enabled us to work and install flooring the same day, which was essential. Having used Level IT Super Flex 30 many times in the past, I knew I could rely on it to perform exactly how I needed it too.”For further information on Level IT Super Flex 30 and the other materials available from UltraFloor, please contact UltraFloor’s team of flooring experts by emailing ultrafloor@instarmac.co.uk or calling +44 (0) 1827 254402.

Equinox is a large USA gymnasium operator and their first venture in London is in High Street Kensington. The site they chose is on the 5th floor, directly above Sony Music where Simon Cowell works, and directly beneath Kensington Roof Gardens, which is a popular and very trendy night spot.Ramboll Acoustics specified that a floating floor was required to reduce impact noise levels from the gym to <55dB L’nT,w. However it soon became clear that the floating floor would have to ensure that no significant disturbance was caused to Sony Music directly beneath.Our local branch worked closely with the contractor and consultants to fine-tune the floating floor system and built several mock-ups to verify the performance.The final design consisted of a Stravifloor Channel isolation rail supporting a composite dry floor construction. The floor under Group Fitness, where all of the gym classes are held, also had layers of steel plate to optimise the low frequency performance.The on-site performance at the end of the job was measured as 35dB L’nT,w although this was dominated by background noise as the performance of the floating floor was so good. The improvement from the base concrete floor was 42dB.

Project Name:Niles Bakery, St AustellProject Location:St Austell, CornwallProduct UsedCemfloor C30Based in the scenic town of St. Austell, this project consists of a ground floor baking factory over 630m2 and first floor office space of similar size.Cemfloor was chosen for this project thanks to its many benefits including easy installation and reduced drying time.The floor needed to be strong enough to carry the weight of the baking machines so Cemfloor c30 at75mm was the proposed solution for the ground floor.On the first floor, heavy foot traffic and office equipment needed to be considered and Cemfloorc30 at 50mm was installed.Time on site was limited and the screed needed to be installed in a short time frame. NMA Flooring started the pour at 8am and were offsite by 11:30am. Light site traffic work was able to commence 48 hours after the pour

Meadowbank Sports Centre has been the home of elite sport in Edinburgh since the 1930s. The historic Meadowbank stadium was built for the 1970 Commonwealth Games, which it also hosted for a second time in 1986. For nearly 50 years the centre was open to both elite athletes and the local community before it closed in 2017. Designed to high standards of sustainability by Holmes Miller Architects, the new centre is part of a wider regeneration of the surrounding area in accordance with the City of Edinburgh Council’s long-term plan to cut carbon emissions and at the same time improve the health and wellbeing of the local community. Providing access to state-of-the-art sport and physical activity on their doorstep, the new centre is first and foremost a community sports facility. There is an outdoor athletics track with a 500-seat capacity stand and inside facilities include two multi-sports halls with fixed and moveable spectator seating, two squash courts, a gym floor and fitness studios all fitted with Junckers’ solid hardwood flooring. The two multi-sport halls are fitted with Junckers 22mm Maple Champion flooring providing a durable and long-lasting floor that will easily withstand high levels of usage. Installed over Junckers UnoBat 45 subfloor system, the floor offers a safe and high-performing surface with excellent shock absorption and ball bounce, fully conforming to EN 14904 class A4. Installed by Junckers’ Approved Contractor Courtcraft, the floor has a 25-year warranty which includes a regular maintenance programme to keep the floor in optimal condition. The larger sports hall houses a large-capacity retractable seating unit which can be rolled out onto the sports floor when needed and stored away when not in use. With extensive technical expertise in this area, Junckers will advise on how to strengthen the sprung batten system to allow for heavy loads whilst leaving the sprung quality of the floor unaffected. A sealed solid hardwood flooring surface is very resistant to the type of wear and tear which may occur with retractable seating systems. Seating wheels will not mark or indent the Junckers floor whereas vinyl and other synthetic floors are often impossible to use because the wheels cause permanent tracking marks and scuffs. In addition, Courtcraft installed Junckers’ SylvaSquash flooring in two squash courts, a high-performance solid beech floor left unfinished to ensure high grip-levels; and Maple Champion in the two fitness studios. Junckers’ 22mm oak flooring was also supplied for standing-only plinths the gym area, fitted by GL Floors. A sporting and social hub for Edinburgh, Meadowbank Sports Centre offer participation and accessibility at the heart of the centre, bringing physical, mental, and social benefits to the local community and beyond for generations to come. The project was a collaboration between The City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Leisure and sportscotland.

A dynamic, highly flexible building at the University of Cambridge has been fitted with Junckers solid wood flooring as part of a light-filled interior scheme. The West Hub, designed by Jestico+Whiles, is a hybrid building designed to cater for students, commercial tenants, and members of the public. A focus on fostering connection and collaboration through thoughtfully designed interlinking spaces is evident in the interior, which is bright, open, and welcoming. The new building combines structured spaces with generous circulation areas for breakout and informal social and study use. The large, light-filled rooms make use of Junckers Nordic Oak Harmony flooring finished in ultra matt lacquer as an ideal backdrop. Using materials in paler shades helps maximise levels of natural light reflected into the space, supporting user wellbeing as well as minimising reliance on artificial lighting. A large plate-steel orange staircase, clad in Junckers Nordic Oak, zigzags its way through the main atrium, providing a visual and circulatory focal point as well as connecting the building vertically. Each of the floors in the building were designed with a different ambiance in mind, from a vibrant and lively ground floor housing a café and dining area, to a more relaxed, calmer first floor and a quiet upper floor intended for study. The building has achieved BREEAM Excellent and adopts many aspects of the WELL standard, including plenty of natural light and elements of biophilic design. On the lower ground floor hospitality areas, plants and trees have been integrated into the interior, which coupled with Junckers solid hardwood flooring provides an environment with a connection to nature, an element proved to support wellbeing as well as performance. An ideal choice for a busy, user-focused building, A pre-finished, solid hardwood floor from Junckers has a perfectly smooth surface and cannot harbour dust or mites. As an all-natural material, wood contributes to an even and balanced indoor climate as it helps maintain temperature in a room and reduces static from electrical equipment. All Junckers’ floors hold the Danish Indoor Climate label and have undergone extensive degassing and odour testing to ensure there are no chemical substances in the flooring. Junckers also complies with EU legislation REACH. The floor was installed by PICA Floorings Ltd. 

A faster drying screed required over Lewis metal decking system on a first floor. Gyvlon FD, the screed is compatible with the Lewis system and gave the client the re assurance that the 6 week deadline would comfortably be achieved. Floor was dry for floor coverings after 28 days.

The new London Awards 2019 Retail category winner, is the only Arcade on Regent Street. The development has breathed new life into this Grade II listed building.Part of the transformation was designing a stunning and inviting tiled floor space, which replaced the previous Regent Street column. InOpera Group closely collaborated with the architect BARR GAZETAS to create a beautiful terrazzo tile floor that complemented the aesthetics of the new entrance.The redesigned arcade features two floors of retail and an internal floor area of 3650 sq m. To maximise the 90-year-old building’s retail potential a large column situated centrally at the arcade’s entrance was removed, and replaced with elegant curved glazing and beautiful captivating flooring leading into the arcade.The intricately designed flooring that pays homage to M.C. Escher’s box artwork design. It consists of four cement-based Architectural terrazzo tiles: Ecru, Ghiaccio, Grafite, to form the ‘box’ design and Carbone to trim the edge of the flooring.The redeveloped arcade has achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating against the BREEAM UK Refurbishment and Fit Out 2014 methodology.

For PCA Predict in Worcester, the need to choose new flooring came earlier than expected. Contemporary, sleek, practical and durable were the keywords for this flooring project. After a false start with the cork floor, Office Manager Philippa Jaine was keen to achieve a contemporary look, but one that would also be able to cope with the footfall and, most importantly, would cause minimum disruption to the staff during installation. Combining the main entrance and breakout area, the total flooring space measured 95m2.

The glamorous and newly reopened North Bar can be found on the third floor of the world famous Royal Albert Hall. This light, open and spacious venue offers stunning views over the Albert Memorial – a backdrop which also provided the inspiration for the new Amtico flooring design. The renovation of the 100m2 floor area needed to make impact and create an eye-catching feature so a bespoke pattern was designed. It laid over the top of the original flooring to preserve it and protect from damage.

Torbay Hospital is South Devon’s main hospital. The eye clinic at the hospital required a floor refurbishment as the old carpet floor tiles were no longer suitable. The hospital needed a floor in blue to complement adjacent finishes. Altro met with the ward and building supervisors to discuss floor options. The Estates Building Supervisor worked closely with and was fully supported by Altro to choose the right product for the clinic. It was decided to use Altro Orchestra in ‘Bassoon’ and ‘Soul’ and helped the hospital to create a design for the eye clinic.

Us&Co chose our popular Quadra Sparkling for all their teapoints including the bar on the top floor. All floors have their own coffee bars where everything is complimentary and Billi is proud to feature on each floor, offering pure water to keep the clients hydrated throughout the year.

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

5 Everyman cinemas have been built in a new building in the centre of Harrogate which houses several other retail and leisure facilities.The cinema directly above the ground floor retail units required a concrete floating floor whilst the 4 other cinemas required heavy dry floating floors with large floor voids.Our local branch supplied and installed the floating floors which consisted of Stravifloor Channel isolation rails supporting timber/cement board sandwich constructions or Stravifloor Deck solution supporting a concrete slab.The wall isolation and ceiling hangers completed the box-in-box construction delivering the required sound insulation between cinemas and to the retail units beneath.