"double bed"

Background:Canterbury’s Art Museum and library, The Beaney Instituteis a Grade II Listed, Victorian building dating back to 1900.The Institute was granted £11.6m by the Heritage LotteryGrant to conserve, repair and restore the existing buildingplus create an extension that would double the size of theInstitute in order to provide better facilities to the museum,art gallery and library.The Solution:Limelite plaster from the Heritage range was used torestore and protect the internal walls throughoutthe Institute. Limelite Renovating Plaster was appliedto control and minimise dampness that can occur inolder properties. High Impact Finishing Plaster was thenapplied, creating a BBA approved plaster system allowingthe walls to breathe while protecting them from damage,maintaining a heritage-style appearance.The Outcome:The Limelite plaster system was the perfect solutionfor The Beaney Institute. Important pieces of art andmuseum artefacts are protected from condensationand salt transfer from the walls.This modern solution works sympathetically with thefabric of the building providing the aesthetic finishexpected of a building of its character whilst also beingdurable enough to withstand the high footfall of thevisiting public.

University Coventry Hospital is situated in the Walsgrave on Sowe area of Coventry and is part of the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. The hospital opened in 2006, replacing Walsgrave Hospital the original hospital at the site.Twinfix was approached by Principal Contractors William Gough to design, manufacture and install a walkway from the helipad on the first-floor deck to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency department. The requirement was for a robust walkway that was structurally sufficient to withstand the usual weather forces and the down draught from a helicopter in close proximity.Liaising closely with William Gough and designer Pinnegar Hayward Design, the expert team at Twinfix designed, manufactured and installed a 240 sqm free-standing mono-pitch canopy with vertical perforated side panels. This impressive canopy design included lockable double leaf gates to secure the area.The roof comprises of our Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) system powder coated to RAL 5010 – gentian blue and glazed with 16mm multiwall polycarbonate, and the vertical panels were powder-coated to RAL 7037 – dusty grey. As this metal does not rust in use, the walkway will keep its good looks throughout its long life.

Shower and changing facilities bind practicality and design at this new-build office development in Smithfield. At The Haymarket Building, practicality meets excellent design, and Architects Reddy Architecture + Urbanism have created a sophisticated space that the tenants can be proud of. The building is accessed via an impressive double-height lobby, and this grandeur is maintained throughout the entire building, including the washrooms.Split over two floors, the basement houses a gym and self-contained male and female changing rooms with a separate toilet block on the upper basement level. Venesta’s Unity Full Height cubicle range was the product of choice for the designers of this project, due to its versatility.Model Z Active 400mm Bench Lockers were specified for both the male and female changing rooms. The unique Z-shaped locker provides space for storing bags and hanging clothes and has the benches integrated into the locker units saving on floor space for a minimalist room layout. The Model Z Active Lockers come readily constructed for quick, easy installation and are finished in SGL making them hardwearing, impact and scratch resistant.  Read the full case study for more details.

Ashton Old Baths is a Grade II listed building which Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council has transformed into a business hub and data centre; an idea for heritage sites which could be transferred to many other ‘at risk’ buildings.The primary concern for the project was to create a sympathetic dialogue between the historic and the modern.Lang+Fulton were approached by the architect to provide an appropriate solution for a compound to surround and screen the unsightly sub-station, data centre generators, and cooling plant that were required to service the new complex. Their Corten louvre, made from weathering steel was selected to match the tonal qualities of the original red brick façade of the Victorian bath house and preserve the sensitive context of the site. The Italia-Corten panels sit between an expressed steel framework, which was hot-dip galvanized before polyester powder coating in a dark grey to reference the regeneration of the site to the area’s industrial past. The continuous structure creates 80% visual screening and the robust steel louvres provide excellent security.The compound was supplied with double-leaf and tri-fold gates to provide the required access.

Yeoman Shield’s new Guardian Twin Handrail was installed as part of the ward refurbishment project recently undertaken at Barnsley Hospital, South Yorkshire.A 350+ bed hospital built in the 1970’s and serving a quarter of a million people in the Barnsley area, the hospital demands a constant regime of maintenance throughout its premises.Maintaining its high standards, Barnsley Hospital have improved the surroundings and facilities in 6 of the hospital wards, including the discharge unit, female trauma and elective orthopaedic unit.As part of the refurbishment project Yeoman Shield were employed to remove the old bump rail and handrails and replace them with the dual purpose Guardian Twin Handrail to corridors and waiting areas throughout the 6 wards.The twin handrail was supplied with a 50mm dia. PVCu upper handrail for support to those who need it and a lower 125mm deep protection rail which, standing slightly forward of the handrail, offers protection to both the wall décor and the handrail itself, minimising on repair and replacement.Supplied in a Pastel Blue colour with contrasting accessories in Pebble Grey the Guardian Twin Handrail from Yeoman Shield was complemented with matching 200mm protection strip and corner protection angles.A member of the nursing staff on the discharge unit commented: “Previously down the corridors in this ward we just had a protection rail but now it has been replaced with a system that offers a handrail as well and we have found it a great help to our clients who attend the unit.”Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust commented that they have worked with Yeoman Shield previously and have always found their products and workmanship to be of a high standard.For further details and options on the Yeoman Shield Guardian Twin handrail and the new Guardian 50mm dia. Handrail range go to www.yeomanshield.com/handrails or call 0113 279 5854.

Comfortable space created for parents and babies at university hospitalIssueLa Paz University Hospital in Madrid is a national centre of expertise in neonatal care. They wanted to transform the Neonatal Acute Unit, to allow families to stay together with their babies while they are receiving treatment and care. In total, 24 units were created to accommodate and make this visit more comfortable.ApproachA homely, family-friendly space was needed that was also hygienic and reduced the transfer of noise. Víctor de las Casas, Architect at EACSN studio, said: “We wanted to modernise the neonatology area: not only in terms of materials, but in the very “neonatal concept” of La Paz, which wants to encourage parents to be with their children in the most normal and welcoming way possible”.SolutionSandra Fuentes, Maintenance and Works Technician at La Paz said: “The professional high standards of the medical team had not been reflected in the quality of the neonatal unit, and that was frustrating.” The flooring needed to be able to cope with foot traffic, hospital beds, trolleys and wheelchairs. It also needed good looks and design flexibility. The hospital team opted for robust Altro Operetta flooring, which provides 4dB impact sound reduction, comfort underfoot and ease of cleaning.Altro Operetta is a robust floor perfect for medium to high traffic areas and is easy to clean and maintain. Designed in line with the Bauhaus ethos that style is as important as function, it has multiple attractive, natural colours and finishes to fit in your interior design scheme."Altro Operetta gives the same warm feeling that carpet does, but also provides safety to both staff and patients." Sandra Fuentes Maintenance and Works Technician, La Paz University Hospital"Basically, all the technical issues have been resolved and the floor has provided more comfort for families staying in the unit." Víctor de las Casas Architect, EACSN Studio

To design with people at the heart, acoustics and aesthetics played a key role in the system specification for this project. Helping to achieve the forward-thinking brief, Komfort’s Polar 54 slimline double glazed partitioning, acoustic Sonik doors and bespoke pivot doors were installed.Polar 54 was specified as part of the design due it to its slimline frame and acoustic ratings of up to 47dB (Rw); providing a flexible design solution that doesn’t compromise on performance. The minimal trackwork helps to create the impression of space and a seamless and high-end finish.To complement the design and performance of the Polar 54 system, Komfort’s Sonik doors were installed. The Sonik door range has been designed for ease of installation and integration with all of Komfort’s partitioning systems. This system also ensures high acoustic insulation is maintained through the use of an automatic drop-down seal.Aligning to the design brief of creating an innovative and memorable space, Komfort designed and installed an oversized pivot door. When the pivot door is pushed to, it creates the appearance of a glass wall dividing the dedicated space. This statement feature demonstrates Komfort’s capabilities for purpose-built systems which are tailored to meet design and performance requirements.

Installation of 3 number MG100 Semi Electric Movable Acoustic Walls for a large company in London. This design has allowed our client to have 4 separate rooms or 1 larger flexible working space. With a flick of a switch there is no need to manually lock each panel off with the automatic top and bottom seals locking off the system. One of the closed spaces did not have an internal access door so we included an inset door panel within one of the standard panels to allow for access in-between the rooms once the panels are in their closed position. Our client wanted as much clear workable room space as possible and using the double point stacking tracks the panels foldaway into a recessed pocket. Grey laminate panel finish chose to give a clean design and match other furniture within the room. An element of flexibility is suddenly added to your space. And the environment can quickly be manipulated to cater for any of your flexible space needs, whether that be for meetings or a little bit of privacy. At ModernGlide, we have sourced an excellent range of panel finishes, ranging from our standard melamine to veneers to personalised digital images, to give you complete design flexibility.

In 2015, we delivered our largest ever install of two-tier cycle parking in the UK at the prestigious Cambridge University, the world’s fourth-oldest surviving university.Working with principal contractor Morgan Sindall, we installed 678 two-tier bicycle racks to provide effective and secure cycle parking for over 150 departments, faculties, schools, syndicates and other institutions. This was phase one as part of the overall requirement of 2,000 cycle parking spaces in the university which has been planned over a period of two years.Cyclehoop is the official UK supplier of Jan Kuipers two-tier bicycle racks. This Dutch company are the first in Europe to develop this unique system that uses gas-assisted moveable upper sections. Its space-saving, robust design doubles the amount of cycle parking compared with traditional cycle racks and its gas-assisted mechanism increases its usability.The Dutch Two-Tier Rack is ideal for high-density areas and can be installed at train stations, offices, schools and shopping centres and major transport hubs. Today their two-tier racks have been installed in over 180,000 places at a wide variety of locations throughout Europe.

In a small town just outside Stirling in Scotland is this beautiful, traditional property built from Scottish sandstone. The new owners have extended and completely refurbished the house, originally built in 1870. Although modernised and featuring some contemporary features the original charm has been kept.In order to maximize natural light, a total of 10 Clement Conservation Rooflights were installed. These not only look beautiful in the traditional Welsh slate roof but also improve thermal efficiency and are low maintenance.The homeowner said: “We are delighted with our Clement Conservation Rooflights. We have now fitted ten into our period house renovation and they look great.“Quality wise they are solid and well built, no problems with manual winders, and the double glazing, sound proofing and heat retention is brilliant. We searched around and Clement seemed a good price for the quality. Dealing with them as a company has been a pleasure, always helpful with sound advice and never a delay in delivery dates.“We have been lucky enough to work with very talented and courteous craftsmen and suppliers - like Clement, who went the extra mile to make sure that we fully understood the options available and helped us create the perfect home.”

Armourcoat’s modular panel system ArmourFX has been specified to stunning effect at the new G-Shock store on London’s Carnaby Street by Double Retail. The new flagshop concept store was designed to physically interpret the core values of the brand and clearly segment G-Shock’s extensive product range.Through the careful use of lighting and materials, such as slate flooring, hot rolled steel surfaces and concrete wall panels from ArmourFX,the environment is an embodiment of G-Shock toughness.The store has elevated this premium offering and created a versatile future-proof space adaptable for specific collections and product launches.ArmourFX concrete effect panels are ideal for a deconstructed urban look for contemporary projects. The panels offer a wealth of design options to achieve a distinctive industrial style including distressed effects or recessed ‘shutter’ markings. Off-site construction is fast becoming the method of choice for both contractors and their clients with projects under tight deadlines for completion, or where it is impractical to work with ‘wet’ plastering trades on site. ArmourFX modular solutions can be highly customized to suit the client, sent directly to site and installed in a few hours. Photography: © Max McClure

Lincoln bowl has recently undergone a major washroom refurbishment to give their bowling alley a much-needed makeover. The renovation consisted of a whole washroom revamp from flooring to washbasins, taps, urinals and even the less-abled washroom facilities. The main aim of the project was to make their washrooms stand out as much as the bowling alley itself. Franke Water Systems provided over 20 washroom products for the revamp, including a range of Dart Valley branded taps, WCs, flush valves, hand dryers and a range of Miranit composite wash troughs for the male and female toilets.The full range of products provided were:2 x WC03-002 - WC flush valve kits 1 x WC03-002 - WC flush valve kit 2 x WC02-011 - Concealed plastic cistern kits 1 x WC02-011 - Concealed Plastic Cistern Kit 3 x UC07-010 - Urinal control systems 3 x UC00-001 - Backflow Preventers 3 x AT03-011 - Aquarius deck mounted A45 taps 1 x AT00-004 - Three station mains Kit 1 x ANMW411 - Single Quadro Miranit wash basin 1 x ANMW421 - Double Quadro Miranit wash basin 1 x DRYX500N - Hands in hand dryer 1 x F1390 - Airblast Hand Dryer

The development district now known as London Docklands is an area alongside the River Thames to the East and South East of London. The Harbour Central project involves the construction of a large single storey reinforced concrete basement, high-rise reinforced concrete cores and frames varying in height from 24 to 41 storeys, plus two low-rise reinforced concrete cores and frames.The product used to prevent punching failure throughout the Harbour Central development is the Schöck Bole® reinforcement system. This widely used and trusted Schöck Bole® solution consists of double-headed studs and anchors, with spacing bars, which enable installation after the bottom reinforcement and before the top layer. The two-spacer rods, which are welded to the vertical studs, ensure the correct distance between uprights and the size of the stud heads guarantee a perfect finishing bond with the concrete. As result, when compared with a typical stirrup reinforcement system, an increased shear force resistance of around 70% is achieved. It is cost-effective and timesaving solution and as the Modebest Senior Engineer on site, Sean Togher commented: “The Schöck Bole® product was easy to understand from a reference point of view and we found it really straightforward to install”.

Emmett Russell Architects has designed social housing on several infill sites on the Northern fringes of Bristol to Passivhaus standard, achieving thermal comfort solely by post-heating or post-cooling of the fresh air mass. The projects address the demand for smaller housing units.The key architectural challenge was to make efficient use of tight site limitations without overlooking neighbouring properties. The metal screened balconies allow light into the first floor flats whilst minimising views into adjacent gardens. The balcony screens step down at the sides to open up and allow longer oblique views.DeltaWing-70 was chosen to fulfil this requirement. The louvred panels were inverted to provide a privacy screen which combined the maximum screening effect in a downwards direction with minimum restriction of natural daylight.Lang+Fulton also supplied panels of PL-66×11/30×2 to form a heel-proof decking for the balconies.In addition, DeltaWing-100 was used to create secure, visually obscured storage for two bikes at each property which was integrated within the entrance canopies. Some of the properties had 2000mm wide stores with double doors, others were 900mm wide with single swing doors for vertically hung bikes.

The Links ELC – CoventryCoventry ELC is a Pupil Referral Unit for Key Stage 3 & 4 pupils who have struggled to access mainstream school education due to Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) issues.They have recently increased security around the whole facility. Heightened door and window security was delivered thanks to our E37 electric shutters.THE CHALLENGEThe client was looking for increased security for their facility, to cover windows and doors.We worked with their contractor the Darwin Group to work out the best solution and completed the installation of 31 E37 shutters of varying sizes to the external doors and windows.THE SOLUTIONThe E37 is made from an strong extruded double skinned aluminium slat which can be powder coated any RAL colour. With a narrow 37mm slat it is capable of rolling tightly with a 2m high shutter capable of rolling into a 180mm box. It is widely used for domestic and light commercial applications for securing windows and doors up to 4m wide. It is very popular with schools, offices and modular building companies.The E37 comes with numerous control options including manual, key switch or remote control, including group control options.

THE PROJECTOswestry Golf Club is an award winning golf club situated on the picturesque North Shropshire/North Wales border. Home to a James Braid designed golf course, state of the art clubhouse, and two former Ryder Cup heroes.They have recently increased security for their dedicated Greenkeepers compound. Heightened security included newly installed perimeter fencing, lighting and an insulated T77 double skinned aluminium roller shutter, with electric motor and safety brake.THE CHALLENGEThe client was looking for increased security for their main shed, with the added need for insulation to improve working conditions for ongoing maintenance work through the winter months.THE SOLUTIONThe T77 is a versatile aluminium roller shutter which is suitable for a wide range of domestic, commercial and retail applications. Its 77mm insulated slat rolls into a box as small as 250mm, and a maximum area of 16m² makes this shutter suitable for windows, doors and many other openings. ‘The aim was to give us increased peace of mind for our newest equipment and also a more usable space for the team throughout the year. The install was carried out in a timely and professional manner, and I am delighted with the finished project.’ Gary Barnfield – Head Greenkeeper

Preserving History and Enhancing Architecture at South London Gallery Fire StationIn the heart of South London, the transformation of a former Victorian fire station into the captivating South London Gallery (SLG) Fire Station has rekindled the area's artistic spirit. This renowned contemporary art gallery, a beloved cultural institution, has expanded its footprint through a thoughtful restoration that highlights the heritage of the building and introduces inviting spaces for creative exploration.A Glimpse into the RestorationThe South London Gallery Fire Station, located just steps away from the main SLG building on Peckham Road, has emerged as a remarkable annex. This visionary project, undertaken by 6a architects, has effectively doubled the gallery's size, presenting an additional 425m² of public space. Through this transformation, the gallery's facilities have been expanded to include an archive gallery, exhibition spaces, community facilities, education spaces, and even an artists’ studio, all thoughtfully designed to elevate visitors' experiences.Reviving Victorian EleganceThis project's significance lies not only in its architectural prowess but also in its historical roots. The original fire station, dating back to 1867, served as a testament to Victorian Gothic architecture. Originally designed by Edward Cresy Jr, the building housed fire brigade officers and their families alongside operational spaces.Over time, the building transitioned from a fire station to various uses, even serving as a butchery factory. However, in 2014, the SLG was given the building to revitalise it into a hub for artistic and cultural enrichment. This endeavour was made possible through funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, and the Mayor’s London Regeneration Fund.Architectural Symphony: The Restoration Process6a architects undertook the restoration with utmost respect for the building's historical character. Though structurally sound, the building required extensive restoration due to water damage and dry rot. The design aimed to retain the original layout and scale while introducing brighter and more inviting spaces.A new light-filled atrium was a central addition to the design, bringing a sense of openness to the interior. An iconic feature of the restoration is the gault brick façade on Peckham Road, meticulously repaired to its former glory. The main entrance, a striking aspect of the restoration, was reinstated with splendid double doors, custom-crafted by Gowercroft Joinery, known for their exquisite work on heritage projects.Timber Heritage Doors: A Testament to CraftsmanshipCentral to the restoration's success are the timber heritage doors that stand as a testament to both history and innovation. Gowercroft Joinery's skillful craftsmanship brought these doors to life, harmonising the heritage aesthetics with modern functionality. Weighing approximately 250kgs each, these solid timber double doors were engineered with precision to maintain their authenticity while offering optimal performance.These timber heritage doors, made from sustainable Accoya® timber, embody energy efficiency and durability. The exterior's timeless black finish, coupled with energy-efficient glazing, seamlessly contrasts with the interior's clean white aesthetics. These doors have not only restored the building's original entrance but have also breathed new life into the spaces within.Celebrating Heritage, Fostering ArtSince its opening in September 2018, the South London Gallery Fire Station has garnered acclaim for its sensitive restoration and architectural brilliance. This restoration has successfully achieved a delicate balance between historical preservation and modern innovation, resulting in a space that exudes elegance and charm.As a hub for artistic expression, education, and community engagement, the gallery continues to build on its legacy. By embracing the past and embracing the future, the South London Gallery Fire Station has become not just an architectural marvel but a beacon of culture and creativity for London and beyond.Margot Heller, the Director of South London Gallery, aptly summarises the project's essence: “Gowercroft Joinery’s recreation of the original Victorian fire station doors have helped to bring this distinctive and historic building back to life. Our expansion into this Fire Station has been truly transformative for the South London Gallery, enabling us to undertake a major step change in the scope and impact of our artistic and education programmes, championing the importance of art and culture in a new public space that is free to all at a time of rapid change in the local area.”Experience Art and History Unite at the South London Gallery Fire Station. Explore the Heritage Timber Doors that Bridge Time and Craftsmanship.